If you're serious about becoming a stuntman, there’s one lesson you’ll hear from every professional in the business:80% of stunt gigs rely on solid, repeatable fundamentals.That means clean fight reactions, controlled falls, precise timing, and staying safe under pressure. These are the foundation of every job—from feature films and streaming series to commercials and live shows.Yet many newcomers chase the flash: big flips, trending tricking combos, or fast-paced choreography. While those moves have their place, they won’t get you booked unless your fundamentals are rock-solid.<h3 id="b8ee0dbf-3f01-4676-9c5a-8db66f42d089" data-toc-id="b8ee0dbf-3f01-4676-9c5a-8db66f42d089">The Reality of On-Set Stunt Work</h3>Most of the work in the stunt industry isn’t explosions or superhero landings—it’s grounded, real, and repeatable.<ul><li>A punch that looks real every time.</li><li>A fall that’s safe and sells from every angle.</li><li>Clean reactions that hold up across multiple takes.</li></ul>These core skills are what stunt coordinators look for. When the pressure is on, they need performers who are reliable, consistent, and safe.<h3 id="1cd3cd7b-a691-4a1f-b506-04d7fb03331e" data-toc-id="1cd3cd7b-a691-4a1f-b506-04d7fb03331e">Control the Basics—Then Build Up</h3>If you’re learning how to become a stunt performer, the most important thing is to control your basics, over and over again.Before you start stacking advanced skills on top—like wire gags or high falls—you need a foundation that holds up under stress. That includes:<ul><li>Breakfalls and rolls</li><li>Reaction timing</li><li>Fight rhythms</li><li>Set awareness</li><li>Camera precision</li></ul>When you can hit those marks cleanly, then you’re ready to build.<h3 id="d6e6b133-123a-4b03-aa96-151895a6210d" data-toc-id="d6e6b133-123a-4b03-aa96-151895a6210d">Cross-Training Helps—but It’s Not the Core</h3>Disciplines like tricking, parkour, martial arts, gymnastics, and dance are all great additions to your toolkit. They help you develop:<ul><li>Explosive movement</li><li>Spatial awareness</li><li>Flow and body control</li><li>Timing and rhythm</li></ul>But these disciplines are tools—not the core.Your stunt foundation is what allows you to apply those skills safely and effectively on set. Without strong basics, advanced movement loses its value.<h3 id="6066ec7a-ecdc-4cd1-a6f5-033c7577fe31" data-toc-id="6066ec7a-ecdc-4cd1-a6f5-033c7577fe31">Why Fundamentals Matter in Stunt Training</h3>NZ Stunt School instructors emphasize the basics for a reason: they’re what get you hired.As a stunt performer you’ll be expected to perform in unpredictable conditions—on concrete, in the rain, over multiple takes. Flashy tricks won’t help you if you can’t fall safely or take a hit convincingly.It’s the basics that sell the moment. It’s the basics that keep you working.<h3 id="be7a1771-f7d0-4311-a91b-88acf9034c3b" data-toc-id="be7a1771-f7d0-4311-a91b-88acf9034c3b">Final Word: Never Skip the Fundamentals</h3>Whether you're training solo, taking a stunt course, or shadowing on set, make sure your foundation is always your focus.<h3 id="b4122409-e63c-424a-8fcb-8ed0be711c30" data-toc-id="b4122409-e63c-424a-8fcb-8ed0be711c30" style="text-align: center;">Control your basics. Then build up. That’s how you stay job-ready. That’s how you stay safe. That’s how you become a stunt professional.</h3>

Most stunt gigs rely on clean fundamentals, not flashy moves. Learn why mastering the basics is key to becoming a stuntman and how to train for long-term stunt success.

Why 80% of Stunt Work Is Mastering the Basics 

Cross-Training Helps—but It’s Not the Core

Why Fundamentals Matter in Stunt Training

Control your basics. Then build up.That’s how you stay job-ready.That’s how you stay safe.That’s how you become a stunt professional.

Discover acting and stunt training insights from NZSS. Blog articles and practical tips to help you start and grow a career in film and television.

Action Acting & Stunt Training Resources | NZSS Blog

Articles and insights on stunt training, acting, and performance from NZSS. Learn, prepare, and progress toward screen work.

Why 80% of Stunt Work Is Mastering the Basics

Why 80% of Stunt Work Is Mastering the Basics

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