Pros And Cons Of Working As A Stuntperson

Posted on: 13 December 2019

Share

One of the more unique types of jobs that you can attain is that of a stuntperson — someone who performs daring driving and fight scenes in movies and TV shows, typically in the place of an actor or actress. If you're thinking about training to be a stuntperson and you believe that you have the aptitude to succeed in this role, there are some pros and cons to consider before you take the leap.

Pro: Daily Excitement

One of the major advantages of working as a stuntperson is that you'll get to experience excitement every day that you show up to work. This certainly isn't a career in which you'll kill time in a cubicle. Whenever you're working, there's a good chance that your adrenaline will be pumping — which is something that is appealing to lots of people. Whether you're steering a car through a specific course at a high rate of speed or fighting with another stuntperson on a rooftop, you'll be thankful to have a job that is never dull.

Con: Risk Of Injuries

TV and movie studios use stuntpersons to perform risky moves because they don't want the stars getting hurt. This means that each time you work, there's a chance that you will hurt yourself. While you might be able to shrug off the bumps and bruises that come from falls and fight scenes, there's also a risk of a serious injury — one that could keep you from working for a period of time. While any scrupulous studio will go to considerable effort to make your work environment safe, this isn't a career that is devoid of risk.

Pro: Time In The Spotlight

While you might not get jobs on high-budget shows and movies early in your career, this is something to which you can aspire. It can be a big thrill to eventually get to work on TV shows and movies that your family members and friends can watch. Going to the movies with a group of friends and pointing out the action sequences that you performed — even if your face isn't visible in the final product — will be exciting.

Con: Roles Might Not Be Steady

There are a lot of jobs at which you show up daily and do your work — week after week and month after month. With stunt roles, this isn't always the case. While you might work full-time hours on a certain project, you may also go weeks or even months between the end of that job and the start of your next one. Of course, as you build your skills and network with TV and movie professionals, you can ideally jump from one project to another with minimal time off.