Stunts Canada

1) WHAT IS STUNTS CANADA?

Stunts Canada is a group of professional Stunt Performers who work to support each other and the film community as a whole. It is made up of individuals who work as full time stunt persons. We are not a union or a school.

2) WHAT DOES STUNTS CANADA DO?

Stunts Canada supplies films in Canada with the best Stunt Coordinators and Performers available.

3) HOW CAN I BECOME A MEMBER?

We do not accept applications for membership. New members are chosen based on their history as a Stunt Performer, their work ethics, their willingness to work as a team player and their passion for the film industry.

4) HOW DO I GET INVOLVED IN STUNT WORK?

Learn ON SET etiquette. Listen and learn from the seasoned professionals. Train to expand and further develop relevant skills. Be patient, be safe, and be focused.

5) HOW CAN I GET ON SET EXPERIENCE?

On set experience is easily obtained by performing extra work. Obtain a list of extras' casting agents of current productions from A.C.T.R.A. and/or UBCP.

6) WHERE CAN I RECEIVE THE NECESSARY TRAINING TO BECOME A STUNT PERFORMER?

The basic training to become a stunt performer can be found at martial arts classes, gymnastics, rock climbing courses, any sport you can think of, motorcycle riding, driving courses etc. In other words, just about anything that will expand your horizons will help your pursuit of a career in stunts.

7) WHERE CAN I LEARN TO DO AIR RAMS, RATCHETS, AND HIGH FALLS?

Stunt specific training such as Air Rams, Ratchets, and High Falls will come from professionals within the industry after you have established yourself as someone who has the potential to become a Stunt Performer.

8) HOW DO I OFFER MY SERVICES?

If you are not working on a set or invited by someone to be there, it is not appropriate to just show up and offer your services. It is a good idea to put in your cover letter to the Stunt Coordinator that you are willing to help out with stunts in any capacity.

9) SHOULD I SEND A RESUME OR STUNT REEL TO STUNTS CANADA?

There is little to be gained sending resumes to Stunts Canada. Instead send them to production offices attention the Stunt Coordinator. A film list is available through your local film commission office.

10) WHO HIRES STUNT PERFORMERS?

Stunt Performers are hired by Stunt Coordinators based on their experience and their ability to double an actor.

11) WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO APPROACH A COORDINATOR?

The best way to introduce yourself to a Coordinator is when you are on set working as an extra or some other capacity. Have your resume ready.

12) WHAT UNION DO STUNT PERFORMERS BELONG TO?

Stunt Performers belong to UBCP and/or A.C.T.R.A.

13) HOW DO I APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP WITH THE UNION?

Best answered by the Union.

14) HOW MANY STUNT PERFORMERS ARE THERE IN THE UNION?

In B.C. and Alberta there are just over 300 union Stunt Performers.

15) HOW DO I GO FROM BEING AN EXTRA TO A SPECIAL SKILLS EXTRA?

Special skills extra work is the next step towards stunt work. Extras that have shown promise to Stunt Coordinators will be called for this.

16) HOW SHOULD I SEND MY RESUME TO THE STUNT COORDINATOR?

Resumes and pictures that are hand delivered to production offices receive the most attention.

17) DO I NEED TO HAVE A DEMO REEL?

If you have a demo reel that shows your skills forward it to the Stunt Coordinators as well.

18) SHOULD I CALL THE COORDINATORS TO FOLLOW UP ON MY RESUME DELIVERY?

Do not call Coordinators directly. Leave a message at the production office.

19) SHOULD I INCLUDE A COVER LETTER WITH MY RESUME?

If there is anything you would like a Coordinator to know about you that is not already on your resume, include it in a cover letter.

20) WHAT TYPES OF THINGS SHOULD I HIGHLIGHT ON MY RESUME?

You should highlight in your resume anything that you are exceptionally skilled at or a skill that is unusual. Ex: Unicycling, Hangliding, Tightrope, etc.

21) SHOULD I INCLUDE A HEAD SHOT?

A head shot is mandatory.

22) IS THERE A DEMAND FOR NEW STUNT PERFORMERS?

The film industry is not crying out for new Stunt Performers. If you are very talented and everything goes your way you probably have a 5-10 year wait to make a living as a Stunt Performer.

23) IS THERE AGENCIES FOR STUNT PERFORMERS?

There are no casting agencies that deal specificly with Stunt Performers. However, belonging to an Agent may help you get extra and acting work that will help you to become a Stunt Performer.

24) IS THERE MENTORSHIP OR JOB SHADOW PROGRAMS FOR NEW STUNT PERFORMERS?

There are no job shadowing or mentorship programs available.

25) DO I STAND OUT AMONGST ASPIRING PERFORMERS IF I HAVE A UNIQUE SKILL OR PERFORM AN EXTREME SPORT?

Having a unique skill or performing extreme sports may help you get your first break, highlight it in your resume. Remember, stunt people need to be well rounded and one skill is not going to make you a stunt person.

26) IS THERE A LIST THAT I CAN BE ON TO ACHIEVE PART TIME WORK PERFORMING STUNTS IN MY SPECIALTY IF I AM A NATIONAL/WORLD CHAMPION OR PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE/DRIVER?

If you have an exceptional skill or are a professional athlete certainly highlight that in your resume. It may help you get that first break after you have learned the basics with extra work and special skills work. Do not expect to be hired on the basis of one skill. Stunt Performers are expected to perform a wide variety of stunts.

27) MAY I COME TO THE STUNTS CANADA OFFICE FOR AN AUDITION?

The Stunts Canada office is not a place to meet Stunt Coordinators, show off your skills, or to learn stunts.

28) HOW DO I ACHIEVE MY FIRST STUNT CREDIT IF I AM NOT A UNION MEMBER?

Your first stunt credit will come as a result of a lot of extra work, promoting yourself by sending resumes to Coordinators at production offices, training hard, getting to know the Stunt Performers on set when doing extra work, being patient, and waiting for that first lucky break.

29) SUMMARY

Stunt performing is its own unique craft, no skill you have will make you a good Stunt Performer, yet every skill you have will be useful in performing stunts. Just as rock climbing does not make you a good motocrosser, gymnastics does not make you a good stunt performer. Strive to learn everything you can, listen more than you talk, be very patient, and if you follow the basics; (learn the language of film doing extra work, be diligent in your physical training, promote yourself as a Stunt Performer), and if you have a true passion for film, you can be successful as a stunt performer. It's the greatest job in the world.