"Stunt men and women are responsible for the physically dangerous and visually exciting sequences that are deemed too difficult, or simply too dangerous, for the actual actors to take part in. And it's them who make sure our favourite film idols don't get hurt! To become a professional stunt performer is not easy. A budding stunt would have to enlist on the legendary Equity Stunt Register to become eligible to perform in TV or films. But to join the register you need to be proficient in eight of ten disciplines, including Martial Arts, Horse riding, Sword work and Sky diving, amongst others. You also need to be physically fit and technically aware enough to follow a director and stunt co-ordinator's instructions one lapse in concentration could result in serious injury, probably your own! A major drawback to stunt training is that you must fund it yourself, and it costs in the region of £3000 to become proficient in one discipline. You also have to prove to equity that you have at least sixty hours of television or film experience. This can include either extra work or leading roles. All the requirements may sound excessive, but this system is vital to ensure that all applicants have the knowledge and discipline to work in such a perilous career. The stringent application process may explain why there are only around four hundred stunt performers on the register and why they can guarantee a high level of safety and professionalism. A professional stuntman can, with the right jobs, make a very good living, but the industry is not without it’s pitfalls. A probationary stuntman or woman may earn 10K a year or less, as there are always more senior performers looking for work. Obviously this will increase with experience and time." | 
