How to Start a Stunt Design Business

Part 1 - How to start a Stunt Design business - Background

If you turn on the television or attend a movie, chances are you will be entertained by explosions, fight scenes, and fast car chases. Many of us walk out of the theater excited by what we’ve seen but never giving a second thought as to what it took to make all those scenes happen. The truth is there’s an entire stunt team putting great thought and care into ensuring these action scenes are both safe and entertaining. A stunt designer uses their knowledge of mathematics and physics to create a set design that ensures each scene is carried out safely and successfully the first time and every time after, keeping both costs and injuries to a minimum.

Our guide is in 3 parts:

• Part 1 - How to start a Stunt Design business - Background
• Part 2 - Our planner tool to see if this idea is the right fit for you
• Part 3 - Action plan to get started

What are the costs involved in opening a stunt design business?

The most significant asset for a stunt design business owner is experience. As mentioned, most individuals entering this industry have up to ten years of experience under their belt. They have put in the work as a stuntman and/or design staff and are ready to move on to the next stage of their career.

Stunt designers should meet with a professional to ensure they have proper insurance coverage should an incident occur. Travel expenses for the entire design staff should be budgeted for, and designers are encouraged to consider the travel budget when determining their fees.

Many designers have a dedicated staff that travels with them from job to job. While this significantly increases startup costs, it often proves invaluable to most as each team member knows their role and are able to communicate amongst the team with ease. To mitigate costs, consider hiring team members on a freelance basis.

What are the ongoing expenses for a stunt design business?

Regardless of your role within the industry, leaders encourage everyone involved to commit to learning new methods through continuing their education. Workshops at the Los Angeles Stunts Training Center typically last three days and cost an average of $975, while tuition to an International Stunt School course can set you back upwards of $4,500.

In addition to investing in continuing education, stunt designers will need to budget for travel expenses, insurance, and payroll/employee-related expenses.

Who is the target market?

If you are considering launching a stunt designer business, you have likely spent many years in the industry. Where have you built your reputation? What producers and directors have you developed a solid foundation with? What sets and/or genres most align with your passion and experience? Where could your knowledge and skills best be put to work? While your ultimate goal is to work on set with a television or movie crew, you may have to work your way back up the ladder in this new position.

How does a stunt design business make money?

Hired by television or movie production teams, stunt designers are paid for each project they complete. Designers rely on past successes and the relationships built on set to gain additional work and build a professional portfolio.

How much can you charge customers?

Fees collected vary depending upon the scope and length of the project and budget. The average rate is $980 a day or $3,655 a week.

How much profit can a stunt design business make?

If you earn an average of $3,655 per week and work 30 weeks per year, your gross annual income will exceed $109,000.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Stunt designers looking to increase annual profits are encouraged to branch out and think outside the box. Commercial skate parks, theme parks, community parks, and video game developers could also benefit from your expertise. Opening a stunt school or teaching workshops are also effective ways to supplement your income and build a name for yourself within the community.

Day-to-Day and Growth

What happens during a typical day at a stunt design business?

It is the stunt designer’s responsibility to ensure the director’s vision transfers to the big screen and appear as realistic as possible. They must take into account all constraints, including safety, budget, and aesthetics, while considering all potential environmental, cultural, and social impacts. Designers carry a great deal of responsibility with every day’s work looking a little bit different.

On any given day, the stunt designer can be found:

• Meeting with the movie/television director to ensure all stunt-related production needs are being met

• Collaborate with production and stunt staff

• Collaborate with prop masters, wardrobe, and makeup artists

• Planning and choreographing scenes

• Assessing all risks and implementing safety measures

• Working with stunt actors to ensure all scenes are practiced and carefully mapped out and that all potential risks are identified

• Assisting in the building of stunt sets

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful stunt design business?

Stunt designers must possess a wide range of skills. Due to the nature of this business, most have seven to ten years of stunt experience and have worked on a variety of sets. They have put a great deal of sweat into their passion and have learned to maneuver the myriad of subtle nuances present on set. Stunt designers must work well under pressure, communicate well with others, and be excellent problem solvers. Above all, a collaborative personality and team spirit are essential for long-term success.

What is the growth potential for a stunt design business?

The media and entertainment industry has maintained an average growth rate of 2.1% annually and is expected to be worth $43 billion by 2025. This suggests there is a significant opportunity for the stunt designer industry to grow.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a stunt design business?

While this can be an exciting and profitable business, it takes the right balance to achieve long-term success. Industry leaders offer the following advice:

• Become a SAGA member and keep yourself active in the community

• From the day you step foot on your first set, network and hustle. Be patient and willing to learn – one wrong move could result in serious, even deadly, consequences.

• Pulling off a successful stunt requires more than just careful set design. Learn everything you can about the entire filmmaking process.

• Keep in mind that there are ups and downs in this business. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a call for several months. Just keep working on bettering yourself and networking.

How and when to build a team

Most of the top stunt designers have a proven team they work with. They are all SAGA members, and most have worked with each other on various sets. This not only ensures your company is properly represented, but an established team reduces the potential for accidents and/or injuries.

Part 2 - Is a Stunt Design business the right fit for you?

Part 3 - Action plan to launch your Stunt Design business in 90 days