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Discover the secret to mastering change with the Change Cycle—a powerful, step-by-step approach that helps stunt performers, actors, and anyone seeking growth make lasting improvements, one small shift at a time.
In the world of stunts, there’s a bond unlike any other. Stunt Family are the best Family. We're a community built on trust, hard work, professionalism, grit, and a shared thrill for making the impossible possible. From breathtaking falls to perfectly-timed punches and flying on wires. Together stunt performers, coordinators, and crew work to create a controlled chaos that feels real, raw, and larger-than-life. It’s a very unique art form, and one that thrives on an almost unspoken understanding between the people who live for the same passion, the ones who push each other to do the extraordinary, and who laugh through the odd bump and bruise. Step inside this world, and you’ll find that it’s not just about taking risks; it’s about creating magic with people who wouldn’t have it any other way. Come on in...
10/19/2024
Stunts Without Storytelling? own your performance skills by Mastering the Craft of filmmakingStunts are often seen as raw displays of physicality—jumps, falls, punches, and fire. While the spectacle is undoubtedly thrilling, stunts without context are hollow. What many performers overlook is that stunts are not simply about executing a well-rehearsed physical routine; they are an integral part of the storytelling process in filmmaking. Without a deeper understanding of how films are crafted, a stunt performer’s work risks being disconnected from the narrative.
In truth, mastering stunts requires more than physical skill. It demands an understanding of filmmaking fundamentals: how scenes are shot, how cameras move, and, crucially, how performances—both verbal and non-verbal—drive the emotional heartbeat of a film. In short, to truly excel in stunt work, one must learn how to make action work for the camera and for the story. Delivering high-quality work under pressure is essential. But how do you balance creative ambition with the practical demands of creativity, production constraints, tight deadlines, team dynamics, and the stress these can bring?
In this article, we explore actionable strategies for mastering that balance—so you can stay calm under pressure, collaborate effectively, and consistently deliver standout work without burning out. Ready to take your career to the next level? Dive in. In stunts, safety isn’t just about the gear you wear—it’s a culture. Explore how trust, communication, and respect form the invisible net that keeps everyone safe.
Unlock your full potential as an action actor by addressing internal doubts, past memories, and emotional conflicts. Learn how coaching chats, self-reflection, and actionable techniques can help you break free from mental barriers and propel your progress in training and performance.
Feeling overwhelmed by pressure or fear of judgment in your acting or stunt training or in your action performances? Learn how to overcome self-imposed limitations, embrace discipline, and navigate the journey from beginner to greatness. With patience and the right mindset, you’ll discover that mastery is a result of consistent effort and overcoming inner obstacles.
In this article, we explore the myth that high-end gear is essential for success in the creative industries. Whether you’re a filmmaker, editor, or performer, discover why mastering the craft and learning to adapt with accessible tools is key to long-term creative success. Learn from real-world experiences and gain inspiration to push your work further, regardless of budget.
In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of life, and within that our goal to be great performers, mastering your craft is essential. BUT, there is one aspect too often overlooked .... sleep. It is everything, and in many ways defines who you are as sleep create the you that you experience and also show to others all day long. The better the relationship you have with sleep, the better your relationship with yourself and that is the fuel that promotes better the relationships with your work and with others who will want to work with you. This comprehensive guide explores the science and strategy behind optimising sleep for peak performance, from building better habits and understanding circadian rhythms to unlocking the neurochemistry of deep rest. Discover how mastering the art of sleep can transform not just your recovery, but your entire life.
10/12/2024
A Guide to Film Credits: Who Does What?When the credits roll at the end of a film or TV show, we see a long list of names and job titles. Every one of these roles contributes to the final product. For actors and stunt performers, understanding what these roles entail can improve how we interact with the crew, communicate on set, and contribute to a seamless production. Whether it’s the Director or the Assistant Director, knowing who does what allows you to integrate more fully into the creative process, enhancing both your craft and professionalism.
Fire stunts and pyrotechnics create some of the most breathtaking moments in film, TV, and live performances. Whether it’s a full-body burn in a movie or a grand finale on stage, fire stunts grab attention like no other. However, working with fire carries significant risks, and managing those risks requires meticulous preparation, professional collaboration, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Fire stunts are among the most visually dramatic in the stunt world, and done right, they are designed to be very safe. With the correct preparation, performers shouldn’t even feel the heat or flames. However, this level of safety relies on the quality of the protective gear worn and strict adherence to safety protocols. Whether you're a performer or part of the crew, it’s essential to understand the key factors that make fire-resistant clothing effective and how to choose the best gear for your fire stunt kit.
By default most will think of films as a visual medium, but sound plays just as crucial a role, especially in moments where we wish to shape or steer the views emotion, interpretation of what they see (or can't see), and in action-heavy sequences. The way punches land, explosions erupt, or even how a quiet room hums with tension can all be transformed through sound. Well-designed sound effects (SFX) are the key to making stunts feel more visceral and action scenes more immersive, drawing the audience into the story on a deeper level.
In this article, we’ll break down how sound can elevate action sequences and stunts, give you some useful tips for creating your own sound effects, and explore advanced techniques like sound bridges and non-verbal storytelling that enhance your film’s emotional impact. 9/1/2024
Training the Autonomic Nervous System: How to improve Your Rehearsals and Stunt performancesThe Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is a powerful yet often overlooked part of our body that is vital in action acting and stunt work. This system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and reflexes, is critical to performing scenes with speed, precision, and safety.
While many performers focus on physical conditioning, training your ANS can be the key to unlocking your full potential. In this article, we’ll explore how conditioning the ANS through targeted training methods, including effective rehearsal techniques, can enhance your screen fighting skills and ensure you’re always ready for action. 8/27/2024
Navigating The Dark Side: help to Understand and Identify Negative Behaviours in the IndustryRemember, in every industry you will find good and bad people and practices. For this reason, understanding and discussing the darker aspects of the industry shouldn’t be seen to be discouraging or negative - it’s just a smart conversation to have when preparing to enter this field of work.
In this article, and in the training and advice we provide, The ISA's goal is to raise your awareness, equip you with useful skills and knowledge, and help you to own and navigate your career which avoiding problems before they become serious obstacles, rather than leaving you to learn these lessons the hard way, as many experienced professionals have in their early careers. The things we're discussing here are often conversations that happen behind closed doors, where stories are shared of being held back, attacked online, or facing prejudice simply for being young, talented, or advancing quickly - things that can be perceived as a threat by others and cause them to act negatively or in manipulative and harmful ways. By bringing these issues into the open, we hope to inform and empower young and emerging talent, better equipping people recognise and respond to these situations effectively and professionally. This article aims to provide you with an in-depth exploration of some of the realities performers face or encounter, offering the insights and strategies you need to build a successful and sustainable career in the industry, all while maintaining your confidence, safety and integrity. 8/23/2024
Embracing the Challenge: Why Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone Unlocks Your True PotentialStarting anything new, especially something that involves intense physical activity or training, can be intimidating. Whether it's a personal milestone or a new chapter in a stunt performer’s journey, the early hurdles can feel a bit overwhelming or make us question ourselves. The nerves, a fear of not being able to keep up, or the anxiety of feeling like you might not performa as well as others or meet expectations (your own or other people's) are not unusual and actually quite normal (we all have doubts sometimes). However, these challenges aren't just barriers, they are opportunities for growth, both mentally and physically. Come with us and let's explore how to make facing challenges a little easier and also why doing this builds incredible levels of self confidence and belief. Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone!
8/22/2024
Unlocking the Protein Puzzle: Essential Nutrition for Action Actors, Stunt Performers And AthletesAt The International Stunt Academy, our students undergo rigorous training, transforming into elite athletes who aim for peak physical conditioning. Unlike the average person, this requires more focus on diet and nutrition and its important to understand that when training a specialised diet is key to fuelling you, building muscle, and sustaining energy levels. Protein is a critical component of this diet. Let’s demystify protein and make it easy to understand and apply to your daily routine.
8/22/2024
Balanced Nutrition for Stunt Performers: Harnessing Healthy Fats for Sustained Energy and FocusIn a role where maintaining peak physical endurance and mental sharpness are vital, nutrition plays a huge role. Whether you're learning complex choreography, training hard, or enduring long hours on set, what you eat directly impacts your performance. With so much conflicting advice, trendy diets, flashy supplements, and misleading advertising, it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what truly works.
This article aims to cut through the noise, offering a simple, balanced approach to nutrition that focuses on harnessing the power of healthy fats. We’ll also explore misinformation created by the food industry and media, which has often led people down the wrong path. By understanding how to properly fuel your body and mind, you can maintain sustained energy, sharpen your focus, and ultimately perform at your best without the need for restrictive diets or ultra-processed 'energy' products. 8/20/2024
Problem-Minded vs. Solution-Minded: Shaping a Mindset for Success in Life and Your CareerIn the high-pressure world of stunts and action performance, adaptability, quick thinking, and resilience are not just valuable traits—they're essential. On any given day, a performer might face unexpected challenges, from a sudden change in choreography to unforeseen weather conditions that complicate a shoot. How one reacts to these challenges often distinguishes the good from the great. At the heart of this distinction lies the mindset of the individual: Are they problem-minded or solution-minded?
As you begin to explore video editing, you’ll quickly see there's a new technical language, which is essential to your understanding of the 'post-production' process. Knowing the terminology isn’t just about being able to navigate editing software like Premiere Pro; it’s about becoming a more valuable and knowledgeable contributor on set and in the editing room. In this article, we’ll break down some essential editing terms, their historical origins, and explain why understanding this language will fast-track your learning journey. Click here and let's 'cut to the chase'...
8/19/2024
Getting Started with Film Editing: A Beginner’s Guide to Compositing and FX for Action SequencesHow to start with compositing and Visual Effects (VFX) to create a realistic muzzle flash. In this article we’re diving into the basics of making your action scenes pop with realistic gunfire, sound effects, and cinematic grading. Don’t worry if you're new to these things, by the end of the article you’ll have a good understanding of what to do and how to start using these effects in your film projects.
Whether you’re an actor or a stunt performer, understanding the editing process is a game-changer. Why? Because knowing how to edit not only gives you a deeper insight into the filmmaking process but also empowers you to create your own content. In an time where social media and the ability to be boosted by algorithms really can make or break careers, your ability to craft great video content can be a superpower. Plus, by learning to edit, you can produce your own films and clips, building an impressive showreel without having to wait for someone else to hire you and hoping you appear in the final cut!
Embarking on a career as an action actor or stunt performer is a thrilling step, a successful career is going to be filled with excitement, challenges, adrenaline-pumping moments and the opportunity to be part of bringing action scenes and sequences to life. However, as with any career, it's essential to consider the financial landscape before diving in. So, what can you expect to earn as a stuntman or stuntwoman? The answer varies a lot based on many factors, including your location, the type of stunt or action you're performing, and the specific project. Working as a freelancer / independent performer you are also a business, and there's also your costs to consider. Let's start to break it down.
Feeling stressed? Lots to manage. Big Decisions to make? Unsure where to start? Relax, we've got you.
As an actor or stunt performer, you are more than just a creative artist; you are also a business entity. The unique challenges you face - irregular work, extensive travel, financial uncertainty, managing your life, balancing many priorities - all necessitate a strategic approach to managing your career and personal life. This can be very challenging but there are powerful tools available to help you. One very useful framework that can help you to navigate the challenges you face is 'Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs'. This psychological theory, proposed by Abraham Maslow in 1943, can be instrumental in guiding your personal and professional development. Have a read and let Maslow help you find your path and ease your journey :) 5/24/2024
Unleashing Your Inner HeroIn the history of storytelling, few characters captivate us more than the hero... From ancient legends to modern movies, the hero archetype has stood the test of time, embodying a quality all aspire to possess.
But what if I told you that the hero isn’t just a figure on a screen or a page? What if the hero resides within you. Waiting. And that there is one in each of us, just waiting to be discovered, nurtured and unleashed? If you want to know where yours is, click the article and I'll tell you :) |
AuthorThis blog os co-authored by The ISA Team Archives
November 2024
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11/12/2024