Professional Stunt Training
Advance your stunt career with our intensive professional course designed for experienced stunt performers and action specialists. This advanced program focuses on complex fight choreography, high falls, vehicle work, aerial techniques, and the specialized knowledge required to work at the highest levels of UK and international film and television production.
Course Overview
The Professional Stunt Training course is designed for stunt performers with at least two years of industry experience who want to refine their skills, expand their capabilities, and progress toward coordinator positions. Led by established stunt coordinators and fight choreographers who work on major UK productions, this course provides comprehensive training in advanced techniques while emphasizing safety protocols aligned with British Stunt Register standards.
Training takes place at Pinewood Studios, utilizing professional-grade equipment, rigging systems, and facilities used for actual film productions. With a maximum of 10 participants per course, you’ll receive personalized coaching and have ample opportunity to practice complex sequences under expert supervision in a controlled environment.
What You’ll Learn
Advanced Fight Choreography
Professional fight choreography requires more than physical ability—it demands an understanding of camera angles, storytelling, character motivation, and the ability to work collaboratively with directors, actors, and other departments. This module develops your skills in designing, rehearsing, and executing complex fight sequences for film and television.
Key topics include:
- Analyzing scripts for action requirements and story beats
- Designing fight sequences that serve character and narrative
- Working with various fighting styles (martial arts, brawling, weapons)
- Camera awareness and choreographing for different shot sizes
- Selling impacts and reactions convincingly
- Safety considerations and risk assessment for fight work
- Rehearsal techniques and actor coaching
- Communicating with directors and cinematographers
High Falls and Aerial Work
High falls represent some of the most dramatic and dangerous work in stunt performance. This comprehensive module covers the physics, preparation, and execution of high falls, along with wire work and aerial techniques. Learn professional rigging systems, safety protocols, and the mental preparation required for high-risk stunts.
You’ll master:
- Fall techniques from various heights and surfaces
- Landing preparation and body positioning
- Working with airbags, crash mats, and safety equipment
- Wire harness work and wire removal choreography
- Flying rigs and aerial maneuvers
- Descenders and rappelling for camera
- Risk assessment and safety briefings
- Communication protocols for high-risk work
Vehicle Work and Driving Stunts
Vehicle stunts require specialized training and exceptional car control. This module introduces advanced driving techniques used in film production, including precision driving, handbrake turns, reverse spins, and vehicle-to-vehicle work. Learn to coordinate complex driving sequences and understand the safety systems used in modern action productions.
Coverage includes:
- Precision driving and vehicle control
- Handbrake turns, J-turns, and reverse spins
- Near-miss choreography and camera placement
- Working with camera cars and tracking vehicles
- Safety considerations for vehicle stunts
- Understanding production insurance requirements
- Communicating with special effects and camera departments
Wire Work and Rigging
Modern action productions rely heavily on wire work for everything from superhero flying to enhanced fight movements. Learn to work confidently with wire systems, understand basic rigging principles, and execute complex wire choreography. This module covers both performance and coordination aspects of wire work.
Topics include:
- Wire harness fitting and comfort
- Working with various wire systems (single point, multi-point)
- Flying choreography and body control in harness
- Understanding rigging loads and safety factors
- Basic rigging principles for coordinators
- Communicating with riggers and safety supervisors
- Rehearsal protocols for wire sequences
British Stunt Register and Industry Standards
The British Stunt Register provides the only formally recognized UK criteria for training, induction, and professional recognition for those pursuing stunt careers. The BSR operates a comprehensive grading scheme that recognizes experience and expertise, from Probationary Members through to Full Members who work as Action Coordinators.
Professional development is essential for career advancement in the stunt industry. The British Action Academy provides industry-recognized training, while organizations like BAFTA support professional development through awards and recognition programs. The BSR now requires mandatory Health & Safety training for all members, reflecting the increasing professionalization of the stunt industry.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for working stunt performers who want to expand their skill set and advance their careers. You should have at least two years of professional experience in stunt work, possess strong physical fitness and body awareness, and demonstrate commitment to safety and professional conduct.
Ideal candidates include:
- Probationary or Junior Stunt Performers seeking skill development
- Athletes or martial artists with some stunt experience
- Stunt performers specializing in one area who want to diversify
- International performers wanting to understand UK industry standards
- Experienced performers preparing for coordinator roles
Physical Requirements and Preparation
Stunt work is physically demanding and requires excellent fitness, flexibility, and body control. Prior to the course, participants should be:
- In excellent physical condition with good cardiovascular fitness
- Capable of performing basic gymnastic movements (forward rolls, backward rolls, cartwheels)
- Comfortable with heights and enclosed spaces
- Free from injuries that could be aggravated by physical training
- Able to provide evidence of recent medical clearance
We provide a pre-course fitness and skills assessment guide to help you prepare effectively. The more prepared you are physically, the more you’ll be able to focus on learning advanced techniques rather than building basic fitness.
Safety and Professional Conduct
Safety is paramount in all stunt work. Throughout the course, we emphasize professional safety protocols, risk assessment, and the responsibility each performer has to themselves, their colleagues, and the production. You’ll learn industry-standard safety briefing procedures, emergency protocols, and the importance of speaking up when something doesn’t feel right.
Professional conduct topics include:
- Pre-stunt safety briefings and risk assessment
- Understanding insurance and production requirements
- Working within your capabilities and knowing your limits
- Communication protocols on set
- Professional relationships with coordinators and production
- Industry ethics and reputation management
Building Your Stunt Career
Success in the stunt industry requires physical skill, professional relationships, and business acumen. We discuss the realities of building a stunt career, including:
- Creating effective action reels and portfolios
- Networking within the tight-knit stunt community
- Understanding UK production contracts and day rates
- Maintaining multiple income streams during quiet periods
- Continuing physical training and skill development
- Understanding the BSR grading system and career progression
Course Details
Duration: 7 intensive days
Class Size: Maximum 10 participants
Location: Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire
Prerequisites:
- Minimum 2 years professional stunt experience
- Evidence of current physical fitness
- Basic gymnastic abilities (rolls, falls, cartwheels)
- Medical clearance for physical activity
What’s Included:
- Professional instruction from working coordinators
- Access to professional rigging and safety equipment
- Comprehensive safety training and certification
- Action reel footage of selected sequences
- Industry networking opportunities
- Certificate of completion
- Ongoing alumni support and career guidance
Insurance and Medical Requirements
All participants must provide:
- Current medical certificate (within 6 months)
- Evidence of personal accident insurance or accept course coverage
- Signed liability waivers and risk acknowledgment forms
- Emergency contact information
We maintain comprehensive insurance for all training activities, and all instructors are certified in first aid and emergency response procedures.
Take Your Stunt Career Further
The UK film industry offers exceptional opportunities for skilled stunt performers who can deliver professional-quality work safely and reliably. From blockbuster franchises shooting at Pinewood to high-end television productions, there’s consistent demand for performers with advanced skills and professional attitudes.
This course provides focused, intensive training that accelerates your development and helps you stand out in a competitive field. With instruction from working coordinators, professional facilities, and emphasis on safety and professionalism, you’ll be prepared to take on more challenging work and advance toward coordinator positions.
Apply now to secure your place in our next Professional Stunt Training course. Spaces are limited to ensure individual attention and safe training ratios. Contact us for more information about upcoming dates, course fees, and medical requirements.
Creative Media Skills stunt training is taught by active British Stunt Register members and designed to meet the safety standards required by UK productions. All training follows BSR protocols and industry best practices for professional stunt performance.