Stunt performer
Stand in for actors when the script calls for anything dangerous or specialised to be done on a film or TV set.
Also known as: body double, stunt actor, stunt double, stuntman, stuntwoman
About the job
What it's like
Are you ready to jump into an exciting and unique career?
As a stunt performer, you'll stand in for actors when the script calls for anything dangerous or specialised to be done on a film or TV set.
To be able to carry out the stunts and make them look natural, you'll use highly-developed physical and sporting skills, such as:
gymnastics, high-diving or trampolining, for performing all types of falls
martial arts and fighting skills, possibly with weapons
swimming or diving
horse riding
advanced driving techniques, for performing car chases and crashes
Your main tasks might include:
planning stunts with production staff
setting up stunts, usually under the supervision of a stunt coordinator
rehearsing stunts for several weeks before filming starts
doing a full risk assessment for each stunt, including completing detailed paperwork
carrying out stunts as safely as possible
Every detail of the stunt would need to be planned carefully. This is so you could make sure that it is safe to perform and disrupts filming as little as possible.
You'll use protective equipment such as bodysuits, fire protection or wetsuits. Health and safety is very important as the work could be dangerous.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Creative and Cultural Skills – find resources for anyone who wants to work in a creative career
Creative Scotland – get information on working in the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland
How to become a stunt performer – check out Rick's story on BBC Bitesize
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Select qualification level(s)
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- self esteem
- risk taking
- attention to detail
- researching
- resilience
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Dance
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Drama
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Performance Arts
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PE (Physical education)
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Skills for Work: Creative Industries
You do not need formal qualifications, though it is usual to have some experience of working on a TV or film set as an extra or walk-on actor.
You'll need to be physically fit and keen to learn new skills.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. To learn more about the creative industry or develop your sporting techniques, you might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Discover Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Qualifications and experience that:
show physical and mental strength, such as Skills for Work: Uniformed and Emergency Services, National 4 (SCQF Level 4)
give you an understanding of the industry, such as Skills for Work: Creative Industries, National 5 (SCQF Level 5)
To get stunt work, you should join the British Stunt Register (BSR). You can join as a trainee on the BSR website.
To gain BSR accreditation you'll need to complete six disciplines from their six skills groups A to F. You'll pick from Group A: Fighting, but you can select other disciplines from any of the other groups. These might include:
horse riding
falling
water ability
trampolining
You'll also need the BSR's Level 1 Health and Safety qualification and to meet one of the three options for Performance Requirements.
Once you register with the BSR you'll have access to their Resources web page which has contact details and the latest information about skills and criteria.
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