Frequently Asked Questions
Stunt Training & Courses
What is a stunt performer?
A stunt performer or stuntman is a trained professional who carries out physical action sequences for film and television, including falls, fights, chases, reactions, and other controlled movements designed to look realistic on camera.
Stunt performers work under a stunt coordinator and follow strict safety protocols. They are assessed on how their movement reads on screen, including timing, distance, control, and repeatability.
Becoming a stunt performer requires structured training, safety knowledge, and on-set experience. Entry-level stunt training courses teach the fundamental stunt skills needed before progressing into advanced training, in-person stunt work.
Check our 2 options to start your training journey
Upcoming In-person FFC (use search bar)
Online FFC
What age can you start stunt training?
Stunt training can begin at different ages depending on the training format and safety requirements.
At NZ Stunt School, in-person training is available from age 12, where sessions are adapted for young performers and focus on safe movement, coordination, and basic stunt foundations.
Online stunt training is available from age 16, as it requires independent practice, physical awareness, and the ability to follow safety instructions without direct supervision.
Starting stunt training at the appropriate age allows skills to be developed progressively and safely, building a strong foundation for future in-person and professional stunt training.
Do I need prior experience?
No prior stunt experience is required to start stunt training.
Beginner stunt training courses are designed to teach foundational movement, safety awareness, and camera-ready skills from the ground up.
However, stunt training is physically demanding. A background in sport, dance, martial arts, gymnastics, or regular physical activity is beneficial, as good general fitness and body awareness make training safer and more effective.
Stunt training can also be used to progressively build physical strength, coordination, confidence, and mental focus over time, as long as training is approached responsibly and within personal limits.
Check our Pathway Training to learn more
What skills do I need for stunt work?
Stunt work requires a combination of physical ability, mental discipline, and professional attitude.
From a physical perspective, stunt performers need:
Good overall fitness and body awareness
Strength, mobility, balance, and coordination
The ability to repeat movements consistently and safely
Stamina to work long hours and perform under fatigue
Equally important are professional and personal skills, including:
The ability to listen carefully and follow instructions from the stunt coordinator
A strong work ethic and willingness to train consistently
Reliability, punctuality, and availability for long shooting days
Mental focus, patience, and the ability to stay calm under pressure
Stunt work is physically demanding, but it is also technical and discipline-driven. Safety, teamwork, and professionalism are just as important as physical skill.
How long does it take to become a professional stunt performer?
There is no fixed timeline to become a professional stunt performer.
Most performers take several years of consistent training before working regularly in the film and television industry.
Progress depends on:
Physical ability and athletic background
Quality and consistency of stunt training
Safety awareness and professionalism on set
Availability, reliability, and reputation
Opportunities for on-set experience
Attitude and behaviour during training and on-set
Stunt performers do not train once and “qualify.”
They build skills progressively through ongoing in-person training, specialised workshops, and real production experience.
Entry-level courses provide the foundations, but becoming a professional stunt performer is a long-term commitment, not a fast or guaranteed process.
Should I train online or in person?
Both online and in-person stunt training play an important role. The best option depends on where you are in your training journey.
Online stunt training is ideal for:
Learning fundamental stunt skills safely
Building body awareness, control, and camera understanding
Training consistently without travel
Being assessed on how movement reads on screen
Preparing before committing to in-person training
At NZ Stunt School, we actively support online training through coaching, structured feedback, and training video reviews. This allows instructors to identify technical issues, track progress, and help students improve safely and efficiently over time.
In-person stunt training is essential for:
Advanced or higher-risk stunt skills
Partnered work, choreography, and group timing
Technical disciplines such as wires, vehicles, fire, or horse stunts
Real on-set style rehearsals and team-based coordination
In professional stunt pathways, online training is often used first to build strong foundations, while in-person training follows for advanced and specialised skills.
The most effective approach is not choosing one over the other, but using online training and coaching to progress steadily, then moving into in-person stunt training when ready.
Do I get a certificate after the course?
Yes. After successfully completing Fight for Camera (FFC), you receive a certificate of completion confirming that you have completed foundational stunt training, including video-assessed skills.
This certificate:
Confirms completion of entry-level stunt fundamentals
Demonstrates structured training and assessment
Is not a professional stunt qualification
In addition, NZ Stunt School can provide a reference letter on request.
This may be used to support:
Guild or association applications
Skill assessments
Further training or coaching pathways
Any reference is based on observed performance, safety awareness, and training engagement, in line with industry expectations.
What safety measures are in place during training?
Safety is a core part of all stunt training and is built into how skills are taught, assessed, and progressed.
At NZ Stunt School, safety measures include:
Progressive training structure
Skills are taught step by step, starting with low-risk fundamentals before progressing to more complex movements.Chapter-locked progression and assessments
Students must demonstrate safe technique through video assessments before moving on to the next level.Clear safety instruction and breakdowns
Each skill includes safety guidance, warm-ups, and movement breakdowns to reduce injury risk.Professional review and feedback
Instructors review training videos to identify unsafe habits, technical issues, or areas needing correction.Training within personal limits
Students are instructed to work within their physical ability and stop if fatigued or uncomfortable.Appropriate environment requirements
Training must be done in a safe space with suitable flooring and enough room to move freely.
Advanced or higher-risk stunt skills are only taught in person, under direct professional supervision, with appropriate equipment, protocol and crew.
These measures reflect how stunt training is approached in the film and television industry, where safety, control, and consistency are essential.
Can I work internationally after training with NZSS?
Training with NZ Stunt School (NZSS) can support your development as a stunt performer, but working internationally depends on several factors beyond training alone.
Stunt work is governed by:
Local industry practices
Work visas and immigration requirements
Union or guild rules (which vary by country)
Local hiring preferences and safety standards
Completing training with NZSS:
Builds recognised stunt foundations and safety awareness
Provides structured, professional training aligned with film and TV standards
Helps prepare you for further in-person training and on-set work
However, no stunt school can guarantee international employment.
Most stunt performers begin working locally, build experience and credits, and then expand internationally as their skills, reputation, and eligibility grow.
NZSS training can be part of an international pathway, but working overseas requires ongoing training, professional experience, and compliance with each country’s industry and legal requirements.
Can I record videos during the training?
Yes. Recording your training is encouraged as part of the learning process.
In stunt training, improvement is strongly linked to watching how movement reads on screen. Instructors regularly review video submissions to assess control, timing, distance, safety, and overall screen performance — the same way stunt work is evaluated in film and television.
Videos can be used to:
Review and improve your own technique
Receive professional instructor feedback
Track progress over time
Understand how your movement reads on camera
Training videos may also be used for learning and development purposes, and selected clips can later contribute to a showreel, once skills are performed safely and consistently.
Recording is a standard and valuable part of professional stunt training, helping performers develop both technical skill and screen awareness.
How do I get private stunt coaching online?
Private stunt coaching is available both in person and online, depending on your training needs and location.
At NZ Stunt School, private coaching can be arranged:
In person, at our training hub, with access to appropriate equipment and facilities for specialised stunt work
Online, through one-on-one coaching sessions focused on specific skills, movement issues, or screen performance
Private coaching is tailored to individual goals and may include:
Technical skill development
Safety and movement correction
Video review and performance feedback
Preparation for auditions, assessments, or advanced training
Online coaching allows instructors to review your training footage and provide targeted, professional feedback, while in-person coaching is used for higher-risk or equipment-based skills.
Private stunt coaching is suitable for beginners through to experienced performers and is arranged by enquiry, based on availability and training requirements.
How do I get stunt work after training?
After completing the Fight for Camera foundational workshop, you may become eligible to apply to NZ Action Talent (NZAT), our action and stunt agency.
Through the agency, suitable performers can be:
Put forward for action extra and background action roles to gain on-set experience
Recommended to stunt coordinators for specific stunt roles, based on skills, safety level, and production needs
Considered for inclusion in stunt teams, when appropriate
Most performers start with action extra work before progressing into stunt roles. This allows you to learn on-set protocols, timing, and safety expectations in a real production environment.
Ongoing training is essential. To work consistently as a stunt performer, you must continue developing a wide range of skills to remain versatile, reliable, and safe on set.
Stunt work requires time, hard work, and dedication. There is no fast track — progression depends on training quality, professionalism, availability, and reputation within the industry.
Do I need to bring my own gear for training or on set?
For training:
Most training equipment and practice weapons are provided by NZ Stunt School during workshops and sessions.
That said, it’s strongly recommended to bring your own basic protective gear, especially:
Knee pads
Elbow pads
These help protect your joints and allow you to train more comfortably and confidently.
Over time, as you continue training, you’ll naturally start investing in your own equipment — but you are not expected to own full stunt gear when starting out.
For on set:
When working on set, stunt performers operate as independent contractors. This means you are generally expected to have your own personal protective gear suitable for the job.
In some cases, productions or stunt teams may be able to lend or supply equipment, but you should not rely on this. Having your own protective gear is part of being prepared and professional on set.
In both training and professional environments, safety comes first. Building your personal kit happens progressively, alongside your experience and career development.
What are common injuries in stunt work, and how are they managed?
In the stunt industry, injury prevention and management are taken seriously and include:
Progressive training — skills are built gradually, avoiding unnecessary risk
Thorough warm-ups and conditioning to prepare the body
Correct technique and repetition to reduce impact and strain
Protective equipment where appropriate
Listening to your body and stopping if something feels wrong
On set, additional safety measures include:
Risk assessments and safety briefings
Clear communication with the stunt coordinator
Adjusting choreography, camera angles, or repetitions to reduce strain
Access to first aid and medical support when required
Performers are expected to manage their fitness, recovery, and readiness responsibly, just like professional athletes.
Important to understand
Stunt work is physical and demanding, but it is not reckless. Safety, preparation, and professionalism are central to how stunts are trained and performed.
Long-term success in stunt work comes from training smart, managing recovery, and maintaining physical health over time.
Where is the training held?
NZ Stunt School’s main training hub is based in Hunua, Auckland, where we have access to dedicated stunt training equipment, setups, and our horse training base.
Depending on the type of training, sessions may also be held at:
Gymnastics facilities in Hobsonville and other Auckland locations for Fight for Camera and Open Stunt Gym sessions
Specialised venues with high ceilings for wire and rigging workshops
This allows each type of stunt training to be delivered in the safest and most appropriate environment.
Stunt work often requires travelling between locations, and flexibility is an important part of the job. Training across different venues reflects real on-set conditions and prepares performers for the practical realities of working in film and television.
From time to time, NZ Stunt School also travels to other New Zealand cities to deliver training, depending on demand and instructor availability.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
You can contact us [email protected] for any questions or inquiries.
What’s the difference between stunt training and workshops?
Training and workshops serve different purposes in stunt development, and both are important.
Workshops focus on specific or specialised stunt skills.
They are usually run as:
First-time introductions to a particular discipline
Skill refreshers or intensives to learn or refine a technique
Examples include:
Car hits
Wires and rigging
Tactical or weapons work
Water stunts
Workshops are structured, instructor-led sessions designed to teach the correct foundations, safety protocols, and execution of a specific skill.
Training, on the other hand, is about repetition, consistency, and mastery.
Once you have learned a skill in a workshop, ongoing training allows you to:
Practise regularly
Improve control and confidence
Maintain safety standards
Develop consistency over time
Training sessions are often available at a lower cost, making it easier to return and continue developing the skills you’ve learned in workshops.
In simple terms
Workshop = learn or introduce a skill
Training = practise, refine, and maintain that skill
Both are essential for becoming a safe, versatile, and reliable stunt performer.
How do I become a stuntman or stunt performer?
Becoming a stunt performer starts with learning the fundamental skills and safety standards required for film and television work. There is no single qualification or fast track — progression is based on training, experience, and professionalism.
The first step is completing a foundational stunt course, such as Fight for Camera (FFC). This entry-level program teaches essential stunt fundamentals, including:
Safe movement and body control
Falls, hits, reactions, and camera awareness
On-set etiquette and safety language
Understanding how action is designed for camera
Fight for Camera is the required entry point before progressing into advanced stunt training.
What happens after foundational training?
After completing Fight for Camera, performers must continue with ongoing training and skill development. Stunt performers are expected to build a wide range of abilities to remain versatile and safe on set, including specialised disciplines learned through workshops and regular training.
Eligible performers may also apply to NZ Action Talent (NZAT), our action and stunt agency. Through NZAT, suitable performers can be:
Put forward for action extra and background action roles
Recommended to stunt coordinators based on skills and production needs
Considered for inclusion in stunt teams when appropriate
Most stunt performers begin with action extra work before progressing into stunt roles.
Important to understand
Becoming a professional stunt performer requires:
Consistent training over time
Strong safety awareness
Reliability and professionalism on set
Physical preparation and resilience
Stunt work is a long-term career path, not a quick outcome. Progress depends on dedication, skill development, and building trust within the industry.
In summary
Start with Fight for Camera (foundational stunt training)
Continue with regular training and specialised workshops
Apply to NZ Action Talent (NZAT) when eligible
Gain experience, build skills, and progress gradually
This structured pathway provides a safe and realistic route into stunt work in film and television.
What’s the difference between Online Action Acting and Online Fight for Camera Course?
The Action Acting course and Fight for Camera (FFC) serve different purposes and are designed for different goals.
Action Acting (Online Only)
Action Acting is designed for actors and performers who want to improve their physical performance on screen without entering full stunt training.
This course focuses on:
Light stunt skills suitable for actors
Screen movement, reactions, and timing
Camera awareness and physical storytelling
Building confidence in action-based scenes
Action Acting is not a stunt qualification and does not lead directly into stunt work. It is ideal for actors, extras, and beginners who want to feel more comfortable in action or physical roles.
Fight for Camera (FFC) — Entry-Level Stunt Training
Fight for Camera is the official entry-level course for anyone wanting to become a stunt performer.
FFC teaches:
Core stunt fundamentals and safety standards
Falls, hits, reactions, kicks, and movement control
On-set stunt etiquette and communication
How stunt action is designed and performed for camera
Completion of Fight for Camera is required before progressing into advanced stunt training, workshops, or agency consideration.
FFC can be completed online or in person, and both formats unlock the same stunt training pathway.
In simple terms
Action Acting = light action skills for actors
Fight for Camera = entry point to becoming a stunt performer
Is the Hub community really free?
Yes. It’s 100% free to join and participate.
A free space to share updates, articles forbeginners and aspiring stunt performers to ask questions, get training advice, and learn how the industry really works.
Talent Agency & Representation
What is NZ Action Talent (NZAT)?
NZAT is a specialist talent agency representing performers for film, television, and commercial productions.
NZAT was initially created to put trained stunt performers forward for professional work.
Over time, the agency has expanded to represent a wide range of talent, including:
Stunt performers, Stunt Doubles
Actors
Athletes
Extras and background performers
Action extras
Commercial and TVC talent
The agency works closely with stunt coordinators, casting directors, and production teams to submit suitable performers based on skills, safety level, and production requirements.
NZAT focuses on professionalism, training, and reliability, and represents talent across both action-based and non-action roles.
What is the process for joining and being submitted through the agency?
Once you are accepted and listed with NZ Action Talent (NZAT), you may be considered for roles when suitable jobs come up.
Here’s how the process works:
When a job becomes available and your profile matches the role requirements, we will send you an availability check with key details (role type, dates, location, and indicative rates).
If you confirm that you are available and interested, we will put you forward for the role.
If you are shortlisted, casting or production may review your profile.
If casting or the production team decides to book you, we will contact you with full booking details.
If you are not booked, you may not hear back — this is standard industry practice.
NZAT operates with clear communication. You will always know:
When you are being submitted
Which roles you are being put forward for
This transparency allows you to clearly understand your submissions, unlike some agencies where submissions are not always visible to the talent.
Important to understand
Being submitted does not guarantee a booking
Final casting decisions are made by casting directors and production
Availability, suitability, and production needs change constantly
This process reflects how professional film and television agencies operate and ensures submissions remain relevant, respectful, and efficient.
Do I have to be available all the time?
You are not required to be available at all times. As a talent, you remain in control of your own availability.
When a role comes up, you will receive an availability check. You can then decide whether you are:
Available or Not Available
Declining a job because of availability or personal commitments is completely acceptable and does not negatively affect your standing with the agency.
What matters most is that when you do confirm availability, you are reliable and able to commit fully to the booking if selected.
Is my profile visible on the NZ Action Talent website?
Your NZ Action Talent (NZAT) profile is not publicly visible on an open website.
Profiles are stored internally and are only shared directly with casting directors or production teams when you are submitted for a role. Access is provided via a private casting link.
These links allow casting to view relevant professional information only, including:
Photos
Skills and experience
Measurements
Personal details are not shared, including:
Home address
Phone number
Financial or tax information
This system protects your privacy while still allowing casting teams to review your profile efficiently and professionally.
Is there a fee to join the agency?
Yes.
There is a one-off joining fee of $50 to cover onboarding and administrative costs when joining NZ Action Talent.
This is a single payment only — there are no ongoing membership fees.
For performers under 16 years old:
There is no joining fee.
The fee helps cover profile setup, internal systems, and submission administration to ensure professional representation.
Do you guarantee work once I join?
No.
Joining NZ Action Talent does not guarantee work.
The agency’s role is to:
Submit suitable performers for roles
Recommend talent based on skills, training, and production needs
Final casting decisions are always made by casting directors and production teams.
Bookings depend on many factors, including:
Role requirements
Photos/Look
Availability
Experience and skill set
Production schedules and budgets
What the agency guarantees is professional representation, transparent submissions, and fair consideration when opportunities arise.
Will I be under contract with NZ Action Talent?
NZAT operates as a non-exclusive agency.
This means you have flexible representation options, including:
Full representation (stunt, acting, extras, and action roles)
Stunt-only representation (no acting or dialogue roles)
Split representation, if you are already represented by an acting agency. This may include finder or split commission arrangements, depending on the role
Even when you are listed with NZAT, you are not restricted.
If you are approached directly by a stunt coordinator, you are free to accept and manage that job independently.
Being non-exclusive allows performers to maintain professional freedom while still benefiting from NZAT’s submissions, industry connections, and support.
All representation arrangements are clearly outlined during onboarding, so you always understand how you are represented and for which types of work.
Horse Stunts & NZ Horse Team
What does the Horse Department do?
NZ Horse Team is a specialist team providing horse training, riding instruction, and professional horse services for both training and film & television productions.
The NZ Horse Team delivers:
Horse riding lessons for beginners to advanced riders
Stunt horse workshops and action preparation
Horse fall prevention and safety training
Riding preparation for actors and cast working on screen
In addition to training, the team supplies experienced professionals for on-set work, including:
Horse wranglers
Horse masters
Stunt riders
Trained horses prepared specifically for film and television environments
All work is delivered with a strong focus on safety, animal welfare, and professional screen standards. The team works closely with productions to ensure horses, riders, and action sequences are prepared and managed responsibly on set.
Do you run horse safety workshops?
Yes.
The NZ Horse Team runs horse stunt workshops that are open to the public.
These workshops are delivered several times a year and are listed on our Upcoming Events page. Sessions are typically held at our Hunua, Auckland training base.
Horse stunt workshops focus on:
Safe riding and horse handling for screen work
Understanding horse behaviour in action environments
Practical skills relevant to stunt and film productions
Workshops are suitable for riders, performers, and anyone interested in learning more about horse safety and action work for film and television.
Can actors learn to ride with you?
Yes.
Training actors to ride for film and television is a core part of our work.
The NZ Horse Team provides targeted riding lessons for actors, focusing on the skills needed to look confident and credible on screen without requiring years of riding experience.
Actor riding preparation focuses on:
Basic riding control and safety
Correct posture and screen presence
Understanding horse behaviour on set
Building confidence for camera
Actors are trained to ride safely and competently for the requirements of the scene. For more complex or high-risk action, experienced stunt riders or doubles are used to perform the remaining stunt work.
This approach ensures actor safety, animal welfare, and production efficiency, while achieving strong on-screen results.
What kind of horse lessons do you offer?
The NZ Horse Team offers a wide range of horse riding lessons, tailored for recreational riders, performers, and screen professionals.
Our lessons can include:
Trekking and general horseback riding
Flatwork and basic jumping
Stunt riding and action riding
Western and English riding styles
Rodeo-style riding fundamentals
Trick riding (introductory to advanced, depending on experience)
Carriage and driving skills
Lessons are adapted to the rider’s experience level, goals, and safety requirements. Whether you’re riding for enjoyment, skill development, or screen work, training is delivered with a strong focus on control, confidence, and horse welfare.
