How to become a stuntman without risking your life?

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

The profession of a stuntman is surrounded by many myths and legends. People used to consider this field of activity extremely romantic, interesting and dangerous. In a way, they are right. But somewhere they are still wrong. To understand how one becomes a stuntman, who does it and in what professional schools one can master this legendary profession, one must turn to the origins.

How it all began

The word "stuntman" comes from the French cascadeur, which in one of the meanings translates as "risk lover", and in the other - an artist who performs tricks. We can say that the profession of a stuntman appeared simultaneously with such professions as an actor, producer and director. Now, however, stunts need to be performed not only in the film industry. Quite often, stuntmen are involved in the creation of commercials or series.

Details

Of course, when they pick up a stuntman, they tryso that he is as similar as possible to the actor who will be replaced when performing a dangerous stunt. Also, stuntmen are not shot close-up. Those who would like to become a representative of this profession must learn that they are unlikely to be popular. Jackie Chan is perhaps the exception to the rule. But still, the average stuntmen remain, so to speak, behind the scenes.

However, it is safe to say that the profession of a stuntman will remain in demand for many years to come. No special effects can replace the efforts of true stuntmen. To understand the intricacies of the profession, you need to know that there are two main types of stuntmen: universal and specialized. It's not hard to guess what the differences are. Specialized stuntmen are highly respected, because they are considered to have reached the highest level in their field. You can't learn tricks in a burning wheel in one month. This takes time.

Various insurances are indispensable in the profession of a stuntman. But even with them, the risk remains very high. It is not surprising that so few people choose this profession: only a hundred representatives of the profession throughout Russia call themselves stuntmen.

What does it take to be a stuntman?

First, of course, courage. Without excellent physical fitness, you should not choose this path either. The stuntman must be hardy, reckless and decisive. For his own safety, he must quickly respond to external and internal factors,calculate risks and emerge from critical situations as a winner. Otherwise, how to become a stuntman? Nobody wants accidents on the set. This, by the way, is the main reason why stuntmen are still in demand.

Question - how to become a stuntman? The answer is easy

There are quite a few special educational institutions where stuntmen are taught. But in the vast majority of cases, stuntmen are people who have devoted their lives to sports or acting. Also, a beginner can turn to a professional and ask him to take him as a student. But there is another option: the Stunt Guild of Russia. If a person is physically strong, ambitious and active, then there he will be accepted with open arms.

However, the Empire of Cinema stunt school is very popular in Russia. Many beginners come there knowing practically nothing, but come out as true professionals in their field. The school has several branches. For example, acrobatics, fencing, tricks performed under water and at height, various types of martial arts.

Salary

It is quite possible to become a stuntman in Russia. But will this profession allow you to live comfortably? Answer: yes, without a doubt. A stuntman who has already reached a certain length of service can earn more than one hundred thousand rubles in Moscow, his income will be slightly less in St. Petersburg. And that's just the average salary. There are no restrictions. For only one trick, the stuntman receives about ten thousand rubles. The newcomer, of course, is much smaller, but it's wonderfulan incentive to move forward and develop.

Where to work

Answering the question of how to become a stuntman, it is necessary to explain exactly where stuntmen work. Firstly, these are various film sites, advertising, the same notorious schools for stuntmen. Given that the stuntman must be in good physical shape, he can also work in the Ministry of Emergency Situations or in the police.

Conclusion

The profession of a stuntman is extremely interesting. Many people dreamed of doing stunts as children. Not all of them made their dreams come true. But those who can and become a stunt performer contribute to the film industry and live a fantastic life full of dangers and adventures.