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Lynn's reply...

Dear Juan-Dre'. Firstly it is important to recognise that these are two entirely separate career areas requiring different skills. However, stunt professionals often work closely with special effects designers and set designers.

Stunt Professionals:

There isn't a lot of work in the South African film industry for stunt professionals, so the competition is fierce. People from a wide variety of film-oriented careers can find their way into the stunt arena if they have the right abilities, flexibility and safety consciousness. 

Some examples of career areas which may provide entry into the stunt world: acting, professional racing car or motorbike driving, professional extreme sports, gymnastics, professional martial arts, military skills (soldier), emergency services, occupational health and safety, horse riding, boating and rock climbing, to name but a few.

People interested in this field need to be prepared to start at the bottom and to work their way up slowly as their skills, knowledge and experience develop. They have to prove themselves safe and responsible performers, initially working under close supervision. To make a start, contact production companies and get any entry level job you can on a film set. Network on the set; find out the names of stunt companies and try to make contact with people already working in the profession. It will be a slow processes, but worth it. Use the following websites to find out more about the training offered and what past students are doing.

·  Zip-Zap Circus School

·  Dimensional Stunt School  dstuntschool@mweb.co.za

Building Film Sets: Make contact with production companies and try to get an entry level position in their art department on a film. Having a graphic design, carpentry, welding, electricity, electronics or arts qualification may be of assistance.

Learn more: Find out about the film industry in the Western Cape by exploring the following websites:

• Cape Film Commission
• National Film and Video Foundation
• Dimensional Stunt School (there are links from this website)