Stunt Performer

Career Guide

A Stunt Performer plans and safely executes physical action scenes for film, television, live events, and commercials. The role combines athletic ability, acting awareness, and strict safety discipline, often working closely with stunt coordinators, directors, and camera crews.

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Key Responsibilities

Perform planned stunts such as falls, fights, vehicle work, and high-impact movement
Rehearse action sequences and hit required timing and camera marks
Follow safety procedures and use protective equipment correctly
Coordinate with the stunt coordinator and other performers to maintain safe spacing and pacing
Learn and repeat choreography consistently across multiple takes
Assess personal readiness for a stunt and speak up about safety concerns
Maintain physical conditioning, flexibility, and injury prevention routines
Support rigging and harness work under supervision when required
Adapt performance to wardrobe, props, weather, and set constraints
Complete required paperwork such as availability, call sheets, and safety notes

Top Skills for Success

Physical Conditioning

Flexibility

Strength Training

Injury Prevention

Situational Awareness

Calm Under Pressure

Teamwork

Communication

Reliability

Fight Choreography

Falls Technique

High Falls Technique

Wire Work

Harness Safety

Vehicle Stunts

Precision Driving

Motorcycle Riding

Fire Safety Awareness

Water Safety

Weapons Safety

Camera Awareness

Set Etiquette

Safety Briefing Participation

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Stunt Coordinator

Stunt Double Specialist

Action Choreographer

Second Unit Assistant

Safety Supervisor

Transition Opportunities

Movement Coach

Fight Trainer

Rigging Technician

Precision Driver Instructor

Production Safety Consultant

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Professional Demo Reel CreationOn-Set CommunicationCamera AwarenessFight Choreography ConsistencyWire Work ReadinessVehicle Stunt FundamentalsPersonal BrandingNetworking DisciplineContract LiteracySafety Documentation Habits

Development SuggestionsBuild skills through reputable stunt training programs, accumulate credits through smaller productions, and get feedback from experienced stunt coordinators. Prioritize safety education, repeatable technique, and a clear demo reel that shows control more than risk.

Market Intelligence Report

Stunt Performer is part of the Performing Arts category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

See the market intelligence report

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 200 to 600 per day

Mid LevelUSD 600 to 1,500 per day

Senior LevelUSD 1,500 to 5,000 per day

Growth Trend

Demand is steady and project-based. Hiring rises with increases in streaming content, action-heavy genres, and live stunt shows. Competition is high, and consistent work depends on reputation, reliability, and specialized skills.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

NetflixDisneyWarner BrosUniversal PicturesParamountAmazon MGM StudiosApple TVHBONBCUniversalLive Nation

Industry Sectors

Film ProductionTelevision ProductionStreaming ProductionCommercial ProductionLive EventsTheme ParksStunt ShowsTraining GymsMotion Capture Production

Recommended Next Steps

Join a reputable stunt training program focused on safe fundamentals

Develop a conditioning plan that supports strength, mobility, and recovery

Choose one specialization to build early credibility such as precision driving or fight choreography

Create a concise demo reel showing clean technique and safe execution

Assemble a professional resume with credits, training, and certifications

Network with stunt coordinators and second unit teams through workshops and industry events

Learn basic set workflow, call sheet reading, and professional communication standards

Track availability and maintain a reliable reputation for punctuality and preparedness

Invest in safety-first practice time rather than high-risk self-filmed stunts

Consider union eligibility requirements where applicable and plan a path to qualify