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.
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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.

Starting 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!

​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'...

How 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.

The ISA believes that to provide world-class training you need a diverse range of talented instructors, and there are many benefits to training with a larger group of people, rather than under the guidance of one person. This is why our International network of Qualified and Experience Instructors have a broad range of age, experience and specialisms. We categorise them into two distinct groups, each offering unique benefits to our students. These groups are our 'Resident Instructors' and 'International Instructors'.

Now let's explore the difference and why we do things the way we do...

​When we think of fight scenes in movies, it’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of the moment — the clash of fists, the smashing of bodies over tables and bars, the narrow dodges, and the dramatic knockouts. Yet, at the heart of these electrifying moments is an art form that transcends physical combat. It’s an intricate dance, a meticulously planned performance where every move, every step, is designed to tell a story.

For Stunt Actors, conveying genuine emotion under physically demanding circumstances really is an art form. We have to be technical and perform stunts flawlessly. We have to be emotional and act as we perform the stunt, which changes so many things about our body movement, vocalisations and how the character would act in the situation. That's a lot for a brain to understand and get right, under pressure.  

​Among these emotions, Anger and Rage stand out. They are essential's for any action actor and for many they're the most challenging to portray authentically (or safely). This ISA masterclass article dives deep into the complexity of these intense emotions, exploring how stunt actors can effectively and safely express them on screen.

With Halloween around the corner, the spotlight is on horror films and the actors who bring terrifying creatures to life. Often Stunt Performers / Actors overlook the value of mastering their creature acting skills but consider how many times Zombies fall, hit or get killed ... its a whole genre and area of work that's perfect for Stunt People!

​Creature acting is an art form that goes beyond regular acting, requiring a unique set of skills to portray non-human entities convincingly. This article delves into the world of creature acting, offering tips and insights from renowned creature actors.

Mindfulness often seems like a buzzword now, but it is a science, and and art form, and its applications in high-pressure or high-risk activities like Acting and Stunts are invaluable. This article aims to be a standalone resource while also serving as a follow-up to our previous piece on the Psychology of Fear in Stunt Work.

Following the success of our previous article on Colour Grading, we're diving deeper into the practical aspects of Color Correction, Balancing and Grading.

This article aims to guide you through the process of utilising Colour Correction to balancing all the footage in your sequence before and adding a final grade to your film, with a focus on how different colours can really affect your faint film and impact audiences emotionally.