Wire work is one of the most essential and in-demand skills in the stunt industry. Whether it's for superhero flights, high-impact action sequences, or gravity-defying falls, wire stunt training is now a core part of most professional stunt careers.<h3 id="95a09a21-d5f4-4616-9e61-1a9762d272bf" data-toc-id="95a09a21-d5f4-4616-9e61-1a9762d272bf">What Is Wire Work in Stunts?</h3>Wire work (also called "wire rigging") involves using a harness and cable system to lift, suspend, or move a stunt performer through space. These setups are managed by professional riggers to create safe and controlled movement for film and television.Wire work is used in:<ul><li>Fight choreography (slow-motion flips, sidekicks, etc.)</li><li>Fall and impact gags (like dead men or high falls)</li><li>Creature work and unnatural movements</li><li>Superhero scenes (flying, launching, landing)</li></ul><h3 id="820b558d-e4fd-4bc8-830f-c6be879fc425" data-toc-id="820b558d-e4fd-4bc8-830f-c6be879fc425">Famous Films That Use Wire Stunt Training</h3>You’ve probably seen wire work in action without realizing it. Here are a few examples:<ul><li>The Matrix – Bullet-time kung fu scenes</li><li>Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon – Aerial sword fighting</li><li>Avengers series – Flight, combat, and destruction scenes</li><li>John Wick 4 – Realistic wire-assisted backward/side falls</li></ul>Watch these examples:<ul><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ae7E1DQdyk">Matrix Behind the Scenes</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sWMXChwW4A">Crouching Tiger Fight Scene</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUb5soKqpVw">Avengers Wire Stunt Reel</a></li></ul><h3 id="15d06734-5018-4a11-b073-20ad6af15fc1" data-toc-id="15d06734-5018-4a11-b073-20ad6af15fc1">Why Every Stunt Performer Needs Wire Work Skills</h3>Wire work is now standard in the stunt industry. Coordinators expect performers to be wire-ready for:<ul><li>Fight scenes</li><li>Supernatural movements</li><li>Emergency safety gags (e.g. jerk backs, descenders)</li></ul>Learning wire work means:<ul><li>You become safer and more versatile</li><li>You can add high-level footage to your stunt reel</li><li>You build trust with rigging teams</li><li>You open doors to more bookings on major productions</li></ul><h3 id="c9c0dfb6-8571-4dc8-85b2-3de389d0ea83" data-toc-id="c9c0dfb6-8571-4dc8-85b2-3de389d0ea83">What You’ll Learn at NZ Stunt School</h3>Once your Fight for Camera is completed and you are a member, you can access to specialized workshop like Wires work. We offer structured wire training in NZ for beginners to advanced performers:Level 1: Wire Fundamentals<ul><li>Deadman (static vertical fall)</li><li>Standing and traveling jumps</li><li>Assisted flips (front, back, side)</li><li>Basic rigging awareness</li></ul>Level 2: Advanced Wire Training<ul><li>Descender gags and wall wraps</li><li>Choreographed sequences with flips and landings</li><li>Adding props and weapons to wires work</li><li>High-speed wire launches</li><li>Combined stunt and wire performance</li></ul>All workshops include hands-on training with professional stunt coordinator, performer and riggers.<h3 id="637ca740-29d9-4500-aa44-b57679fbd395" data-toc-id="637ca740-29d9-4500-aa44-b57679fbd395">When Should You Start?</h3>Now. Wire stunt skills take time to build. Starting with the fundamentals gives you a strong base for more advanced gags. If you're serious about stunt work, don't wait to add this to your skill set. Wire work is one of the most technical, respected, and camera-friendly stunt skills you can learn. Start now – fly later.Any questions or inquiries about NZ Stunt School, NZ Action Talent Agency or NZ Horse Team, <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nzstuntschool.com/contact/">contact us.</a>Feel free to share your thoughts or ask questions — respectful discussion is welcome!

Wire stunt training is essential for today’s stunt performers. Discover how wire work is used in films, what you’ll learn at NZ Stunt School, and why it’s a must-have skill for your stunt career.

Wire Work in Stunts – Why Every Performer Should Learn It

Wire Work for Stunt Performers – Why You Need to Learn It Now

Famous Films That Use Wire Stunt Training

Why Every Stunt Performer Needs Wire Work Skills

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.

Wire Work for Stunt Performers – Why You Need to Learn It Now

Wire Work for Stunt Performers – Why You Need to Learn It Now

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