Introduction
Stunt doubles are an integral part of the film and television industry, providing the necessary physical action and stunts that bring movies and television shows to life. They are the unsung heroes of the entertainment world, often risking their own safety to make the final product look as realistic and exciting as possible. Despite their important role, stunt double salaries can still vary widely depending on a number of factors, including experience, skill, job title and union.
Salaries for Stunt Double
The average salaries for a stunt double is $50,000 to $100,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on the specific project and the level of experience of the individual.
This blog takes a closer look at stunt double pay, discusses the various factors that can affect their compensation, and average salaries for these professionals. We also explore the challenges of being a stuntman, including the physical demands and lack of job security, as well as strategies for raising wages and building a successful career in the industry. Ultimately, our goal is to shine a light on the often overlooked contribution of stunt doubles and advocate for greater support and inclusion in the entertainment world.
Factors affecting salaries for Stunt Doubles
A number of factors affect the salary of stunt doubles, including their experience and skill. Stunt couples who have been in the industry longer and have more experience often earn higher salaries than those who are just starting out. In addition, stunt couples with special skills, such as performing complex martial arts or aerial stunts, can command a higher salary level due to their unique expertise.
Another important factor that can affect stuntman salaries is the type of stunts they are expected to perform. Stunts considered more dangerous or difficult, such as car chases or high drops, usually result in a higher stunt double fee. The location of the job can also affect the salary, as the cost of living and prevailing wage levels vary from region to region. Additionally, joining a union such as the Screen Actors Guild-SAG-AFTRA can give stunt doubles more bargaining power and lead to higher salary income.
Finally, negotiation skills can also play a key role in determining dual wages. Those who can negotiate and can effectively communicate their value and skill level to manufacturing companies are more likely to receive higher salaries. By understanding these various factors, professional stunt doubles can better position themselves for success and higher salaries in the competitive entertainment industry.
Average salaries of Stunt Doubles
Salaries for stunt doubles can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, including the type of production, level of experience, and the complexity of the stunts required. According to industry sources, the average salary for a stunt double is $50,000 to $100,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on the specific project and the level of experience of the individual.
With these factors in mind, here are some rough salaries for stunt doubles:
Entry-level stunt doubles with little or no experience can earn between $500 and $1,000 a day.
An experienced stuntman who has worked on a number of projects can earn $1000 to $5000 per day.
Stunt Doubles with a lot of experience and high demand can earn $10,000 or more per day.
Strategies to increase salary
- Negotiate a higher salary: When starting a new project, it is important to negotiate a higher salary based on your experience, skills and the risks associated with the stunts you are doing. Research twice the salary in your industry and use that as a comparison when negotiating a higher salary.
- Expand Your Skills: Consider expanding your skills beyond stunt work. For example, you can train to be a fight choreographer, stunt coordinator or stunt performer. These skills can add value to production and lead to higher wages.
- Network with Industry Professionals: Attend industry events and connect with executives, manufacturers and other professionals in your field. Building relationships with these people can lead to more job opportunities and possibly a higher salary.
- Constantly Improve Your Physical Condition: As a Stunt Duplicate, your physical abilities are critical to your success. Constantly improving your form and honing your skills can make you more valuable to production, which can lead to a higher salary.
- Join a union: Joining a union like the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) gives you access to higher paying jobs and better working conditions. Unions also negotiate contracts and can help ensure fair wages for their members.
- Consider working on larger productions: Larger productions tend to have larger budgets, which can lead to higher fees for stunt doubles. Consider looking for opportunities for larger productions to increase your earning potential.
- Be Open to Travel: Being willing to travel for work can open up additional job opportunities and possibly a higher salary. Consider expanding your reach to other countries or regions where stunts are in high demand.
Conclusion
In summary, stunt wages can vary greatly depending on several factors such as experience, skill, type of stunts performed, and production budget. While not guaranteed a high salary like a double, there are strategies that can increase your chances of earning more, such as negotiating for a higher salary, expanding your skills, networking with industry professionals, improving your fitness, joining a union, considering larger productions and being open to travel. At the end of the day, it is important that stuntmen stand up for themselves and their value and constantly work to improve their skills to remain competitive in the industry.
Ultimately, the salaries of Stunt doubles reflect the important role they play in our entertainment industry and the value they provide by being the unsung hero in a movie production. Their efforts are often overlooked but without them the industry will not thrive.
