Stunts 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.
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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.

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.

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.

Welcome, intrepid students of The International Stunt Academy! As future stunt Performers and Stunt Actors, you are no strangers to risks, excitement, and pushing boundaries.

However, one of the most essential aspects of your training lies not in perfecting your acrobatics, parkour, or high-speed chases, but in embracing the power of failure.

​In this article, we'll explore why sometimes, "to become a great student, we have to go be a bad student, but in a good way." We'll discuss the importance of seeing failure as a stepping stone to success and how becoming comfortable with it can help you learn and grow in your craft.

Welcome to The International Stunt Academy's guide to saying something without speaking... Today, we're diving into the world of non-verbal communication and exploring how stunt actors can leverage body movement, mechanics, and non-verbal cues to create distinctive, authentic, and interesting characters in film and television roles, without relying on voice or dialogue. By mastering these techniques, stunt performers can elevate their craft, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and filmmakers alike.

Humour—it’s what gets us through the day, right? We joke around to break the ice, to make others feel comfortable, and, sometimes, we use it as a shield to cover up our own insecurities. In acting classes, this tendency can show up more often than you think. And while a good laugh can lighten the mood, it can also become a subtle escape route from the deeper work we need to do as actors.
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Think about it—how many times have you cracked a joke in class to cover up the nerves or dodged a vulnerable moment by getting others to laugh? We’ve all been there. But at what cost? Let’s dive into why we turn to humour to hide our insecurities and how embracing vulnerability could be your true superpower as an actor.

The Ghillie suit is a type of camouflage clothing that is designed to help military snipers blend into their environment. However, it has become popular among hunters, paintball enthusiasts, and even Stunt & Action Actors who need to remain hidden while performing stunts and action scenes. In this article, we will explore the history and uses of the Ghillie suit and provide a guide for Stunt & Action Actors to create their own suit. Let's get started...

We have all seen a movie where an actor breaks the moment and the magic is gone. Even the pro's get it wrong. Sometimes it is subtle, a fascial expression didn't match the moment, the body language was wrong for the emotions portrayed, or perhaps you just couldn't see it in their eyes and 'believe'.  A common issue we often see is that talented people initially struggle to blend both the physicality of an Action performance with the ability to really 'act' the character and what they would actually be experiencing and expressing.   Don't worry stunt family, we've got you! Here's a short guide and some activities anyone can try to  aid greater authenticity in their actions and reactions.  Read on for tips...

One of the most common questions people ask when we meet them is how they can get into Stunt Performance and Action Acting?  The answer is to do it properly and ensure you train with a leading stunt school, gain your certificates or a formal qualification, and learn all you can about the industry before you try to make your name. In this article we share some good tips and advice that should help you start a career in Stunts and Action Acting.