How to Start a Career in Stunts - Even Without Experience or a Film Background

Have you ever watched an action scene and thought, “I wish I could do that”?

Maybe it’s been a childhood dream or maybe you’ve just discovered your love for movement, performance, or filmmaking. Whether you’re an athlete, dancer, actor, martial art expert, or just someone craving something physical and creative, stunt work can offer you an incredible path into the film industry.

The good news? You don’t need to be a pro to start.
You just need the right training and a safe and professional place to begin.

What Stunt Work Really Takes

Becoming a stunt performer is about more than throwing yourself into danger. It’s about technique, control, safety, and storytelling. You need to move with intention, react convincingly, and work in sync with both your scene partner and the camera. And most importantly, you need to train in a way that keeps you safe and employable.

When Should You Start?

You can begin stunt training as young as 12 years old.
This is the perfect age to build confidence, improve physical awareness, and start mastering the key fundamentals of screen action. Starting early gives you time to grow into the skills and progress toward professional opportunities with a strong foundation.

Where Most People Go Wrong

Many people try to jump straight into stunt work without proper training and end up hurt or unprepared when opportunities come. Others think they need to be a black belt or gymnast to even get started. That’s simply not true.

At NZ Stunt School, we’ve trained complete beginners who went on to land professional roles in film, TV, and live shows. It all starts with learning the foundations.

Your First Step: Beginner Stunt Workshop

Our Fight for Camera workshop is a 2-day stunt training course for beginners designed to give you the fundamental tools to safely and professionally perform on screen.

You’ll learn:

• How to fall safely

• How to sell hits and reactions

• Punches, kicks, and sword basics

• Camera angles and timing

• Professional set etiquette

• What to expect on a real film set

The course is taught by working stunt professionals and developed by International Stunt performer and Stunt Coordinator Dayna Pomare Pai, our founder.

This is where it starts.

Not sure if this is right for you?

We’ve also created a free online course:
“Intro to Stunt Training: How to Get Started in the Industry”
It gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how the industry works and how to prepare for your first training.

Click here to access the free course

Ready to Join the Next Fight for Camera?

Check it out

Fight for Camera Workshop

Whether you're chasing a career or just trying something new, your stunt journey starts here.