Arts & EntertainmentISCO 3435
Stunt performer
A stunt performer is a person who carries out the action in a film or a show that would be too dangerous for the actor, physically beyond them, or in need of a skill they do not have — fight scenes, falls from buildings, driving, fire, and specialist dance or movement.
Check yourself in a minute: stunt performer
Rate 5 of the 17 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
manage feedback
follow time cues
follow work schedule
perform stunts
work with the camera crew
About stunt performer
Much of the work is preparation. The performer reads the script to understand what the scene has to show, works out the action with the stunt team and the director, rehearses it in stages, and builds up to the full version only when each part of it is reliable. Body movements are synchronised with the other performers involved. Costume and make-up are agreed in advance.
Afterwards the performer reviews their own work on camera, takes the notes the director and stunt coordinator give, and adjusts the action for the next take.
A stunt actor needs physical training maintained year-round, exact control of their own body, and the discipline to refuse an action that has not been made safe. Published media is followed to see how the craft is changing. Requirements are set by each production.
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (17)
manage feedbackmanage feedbackProvide feedback to others. Evaluate and respond constructively and professionally to critical communication from colleagues and customers.follow time cuesfollow time cuesObserve the conductor, orchestra or director and follow text and vocal score to time cues accurately.follow work schedulefollow work scheduleManage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.perform stuntsperform stuntsExecute various physical movements concerning the technical realisation of difficult acting performances.work with the camera crewwork with the camera crewWork with the crew responsible for the camera operation and movement to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.study roles from scriptsstudy roles from scriptsStudy and rehearse roles from scripts. Interpret, learn and memorise lines, stunts, and cues as directed.harmonise body movementsharmonise body movementsHarmonise body movements in accordance to rhythm and melody, aestetic or dramatic concept, dramatic pace, etc.attend rehearsalsattend rehearsalsAttend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.express yourself physicallyexpress yourself physicallyExpress emotions and ideas through movements, gestures, and actions.adapt to type of mediaadapt to type of mediaAdapt to different types of media such as television, movies, commercials, and others. Adapt work to type of media, scale of production, budget, genres within type of media, and others.analyse own performanceanalyse own performanceUnderstand, analyse and describe your own performance. Contextualize your work in one or various styles, trends, evolution, etc. Self-evaluate your work in rehearsals and performances.follow directions of the artistic directorfollow directions of the artistic directorFollow the instructions of the director while understanding his creative vision.work with respect for own safetywork with respect for own safetyApply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.collaborate on costume and make-up for performancescollaborate on costume and make-up for performancesWork with the staff responsible for costumes and make up in line with their creative vision and obtain directions from them about how make-up and costumes should look.study media sourcesstudy media sourcesStudy various media sources such as broadcasts, print media, and online media in order to gather inspiration for the development of creative concepts.work with an artistic teamwork with an artistic teamWork closely with directors, fellow actors and playwrights to find the ideal interpretation to a role.work with the lighting crewwork with the lighting crewWork with the crew responsible for the lighting setup and operation to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.
Optional (28) — show
photographyphotographyArt and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.film production processfilm production processThe various development stages of making a film, such as scriptwriting, financing, shooting, editing, and distribution.acting techniquesacting techniquesThe different acting techniques for developing lifelike performances, such as method acting, classical acting, and Meisner technique.lighting techniqueslighting techniquesThe characteristics of techniques used to create atmospheres and effects on camera or on stage; the equipment required and appropriate setup to use.sword fightingsword fightingThe various techniques and rules to safely use swords to re-enact combat scenes.practise extreme sportspractise extreme sportsPractise action sports considered to have a high level of inherent danger and involving speed, height, a high level of physical exertion, and highly specialized gear.organise rehearsalsorganise rehearsalsManage, schedule and run rehearsals for the performance.use firearmsuse firearmsShoot one or several types of firearm being aware of safe handling techniques, aim of the firearm and the fire.practice martial artspractice martial artsPractice one or several codified combat systems or traditions. Use your martial arts techniques for self-defense, self-development, performance, health, or other purposes.perform risk analysisperform risk analysisIdentify and assess factors that may jeopardise the success of a project or threaten the organisation's functioning. Implement procedures to avoid or minimise their impact.communicate expectations of fight actionscommunicate expectations of fight actionsAgree with the director or choreographer on key ideas expected from the fight action and develop them. Convey the key ideas of the other collaborators, designers, etc. Explain choices in a broad persp...drive vehiclesdrive vehiclesBe able to drive vehicles; have the approapriate type of driving license according to the type of motor vehicle used.perform dancesperform dancesPerform in artistic productions of differents disciplines such as classical ballet, modern dance, contemporary dance, early dance, ethnic dance, folk dance, acrobatic dances and street dance.adapt fighting techniques for performanceadapt fighting techniques for performanceMake sure that fighting techniques used in a performance are adapted for the purpose. Ensure the safety of the performers and the audience. Adapt fighting techniques to fit the context and artistic vi...practice dance movespractice dance movesStudy and practice dance moves required in artistic productions.interact safely with animalsinteract safely with animalsEnsure a safe and humane interaction with the animal avoiding factors that will negatively affect their behaviours. This includes the use of humane training aids/equipment, as well as explaining their...perform improvisationperform improvisationPerform dialogues or actions spontaneously or without preparation.obtain relevant licensesobtain relevant licensesComply with specific legal regulations, e.g. install the necessary systems and provide the necessary documentation, in order to obtain the relevant license.perform with motion capture equipmentperform with motion capture equipmentWear motion capture equipment while performing in order to provide multimedia artists with live material so that their animated creations resemble real movements, facial expressions, dance movements, ...work with prop makerswork with prop makersConsult with prop makers about the props being used.self-promoteself-promotePromote yourself by joining networks and circulating promotional material such as demos, media reviews, website, or a biography. Form a promotion and management team. Propose your services to future e...prepare rehearsalsprepare rehearsalsDecide on the content of a rehearsal. Immerse yourself in the choreographic material and other components of the work. Assemble the necessary technical and material resources and help to set up the re...interact with fellow actorsinteract with fellow actorsPerform together with other actors. Anticipate their moves. React to their actions.search for a suitable filming locationsearch for a suitable filming locationSearch for locations suitable for film or photo shoots.ride horsesride horsesRide horses, and pay attention to ensuring the safety of the horse and rider, and applying proper horseback riding techniques.adapt to acting rolesadapt to acting rolesAdapt to different roles in a play, regarding the styles, ways of acting and aesthetics.analyse your fight discipline expertiseanalyse your fight discipline expertiseDescribe experience in your discipline and within an artistic environment. Identify relevant elements to define an approach of your fight discipline in the artistic field. Describe your training backg...learn the choreographic materiallearn the choreographic materialRehearse to learn the choreographic material, convey the choreographers intent and the nuances and details of the choreography, and develop your role in the piece, factoring the precision of movements...
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Frequently asked questions
What does a stunt performer do?
Stunt performers execute actions that are too dangerous for actors to perform, that they are not physically able to do or require specialised skills such as fight scenes, jumping from building, dancing and others.
What skills does a stunt performer need?
A stunt performer needs 17 essential skills, including manage feedback, follow time cues, follow work schedule, perform stunts, work with the camera crew.
Will AI replace stunt performer jobs?
The AI disruption score for stunt performer is 12/100 (very low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: follow work schedule, obtain relevant licenses, study media sources. Most resilient: practise extreme sports, perform stunts, ride horses.
AI Replacement Risk
12/ 100
Very Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
SectorArts & Entertainment
ISCO GroupLegal, social, cultural and related associate professionals
Essential Skills17
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