So You Want to Be a Stuntman

After working in the industry as a professional stunt performer and teaching stage combat classes in LA for almost 30 years, I'm frequently asked how to get started in Hollywood as a stuntman. Thanks to the contributions of many amazing stunt performers and professionals in the industry, the following is a list of tips to get you started, as well as a few words of advice to keep the gig once you get it. Even seasoned stunt performers will learn a trick or two when it comes to the latest tech. The second edition covers the latest advancements and info relating to the stunt industry. Topics such as "Motion Capture / Visual Effects" covers the ever changing role of CG in stunts, and expanded topics include the latest in gear, stunt training, marketing, what to do if you're injured, and what to expect on your first day on set. And by popular demand, more pictures of equipment, rigging, stunts, and life on set. "Bob is one of the most caring people you will ever meet. He's always there to give advice to stunt performers and help direct them in furthering their career. The information he presents comes from years of practical experience and will be invaluable to the new stunt performer."- Banzai Vitale (The Revenant, True Blood, Red Dawn, The One, JAG, Buffy, Angel, Supah Ninjas, Crash Course) "Bob is the crème de la crème, without a doubt. He's masterful in all phases of the film business. His swords caught my eye until I saw him do highfalls, fights, air rams, Russian swings, etc. But the most impressive attribute was the way he helped people, teens, little kids, adults. He had the quality to break things down for the individual which is a gift. This is a must read book for everybody."- John Moio (Escape from New York, Rush Hour 2, Home Alone 4, Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Poseidon Adventure, Prisoner of Zenda, My Favorite Year) "Bob has the unique insight and perspective that only comes from experience gained doing pretty much every job on set on both sides of the camera. He knows whereof he speaks and thankfully he's taken the time to share useful and accurate information about all that he's learned about the business of becoming a professional stunt performer and action actor."- Anthony Delongis (Highlander, Fearless, Masters of the Universe, Queen of Swords, Warrior and the Sorceress, Road House) "I like it. Easy to read and educational."- Scott Leva (X-Men, SHIELD, Dexter, Sarah Conner Chronicles, Scream Queens, Rocketeer, Power Rangers, Flags of our Fathers) "I have known Bob Chapin for a long time and am very appreciative of his training and experience, which has achieved a high degree of credibilty. I have been in the business roughly forty years as an action actor and fight director and have worked with a myriad of stunt performers of all skill levels. It has been my perception that not a few entered the profession with inadequate training and, anxious to excel and advance, have often put themselves in extremely dangerous positions by overestimating their own level of skill sets. Forewarned is forearmed, and while it does take time to achieve the proper training and experience to market yourself as a competent stunt performer, to fully understand the breadth and depth of the profession, the potential dangers yet unseen by inexperience, a book such as this goes a long way to stress the need for proper, credible training and to point the novice on the proper path to a long and successful career." - Braun McAsh (Highlander: Endgame, Highlander TV series)