Help me live my dream

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been interested in racing and stunt driving. When I finally got to ‘the age’, I learned to drive really quick. When I got my own car, I became a pro at jumping, trick braking and e-brake turns. When I finally got a stick, I became a pro at burn-outs, shifts, and speed shifting. Now that I have a fast car, and found straight, unpatrolled stretches, I know how to handle a vehicle at high speeds.

It’s been my dream for a long time to be a stunt driver. It’s become kind of an obsession lately.

I crave speed, I need the adrenaline, and I die for the perfect trick shift, e-brake spin, or to bump the nose right before I launch through the air. The way I drop into the seat, the slight anticipation before I crank the engine… tap the gas, rev the engine. Slide into first, slight rev, drop the clutch, and watch the tire particles fill the air behind me. God I love this.

I have no idea how to break into the field of hollywood stunt driving.

Please. I eat, sleep, and breathe fast cars, adrenaline rush, and near death experiences.

I want this so bad I can taste it.

Does anyone know what kind of training, certification, experience, or connections I need to do this? I need this. I want this. I have to do this.

Help!

–Tim

2

A drivers licence would be a good starting point I suppose.

3

Yeah. Got that, thanks.

Anyone else got any ideas?

–Tim

4

Try finding out what the stunt performer’s union in Hollywood is, then get their address and WRITE THEM! Tell them about your obsession/ambition. At the very least they can tell you how to get additional training, how to find an agent (or possibly how to be your own?) and how to do what you do now more safely (at least, reducing the odds you’ll injure someone else, and maybe yourself).

Remember the saying: “Don’t try this at home, kids!” There’s a reason for it. Professional stunt performers plan every aspect of their stunts to the last microsecond/inch/other fine measurement. They use the latest safety gear and the vehicles they use are rigged to do the stunts they perform in the safest, most efficient, and spectacular way possible. They also (important note here) have lots of safety crew standing by to assist them after the stunt or if (G-d forbid!) the stunt goes wrong. Off-camera, there’s a team of paramedics, and usually an ambulance standing by. Sometimes an injury takes place even if the stunt goes perfectly!

Keep in mind that no sane insurance rep will insure you against accidental injury or death (that’s one reason stunt performers have a union in the first place – they look after one another).

Good luck in your chosen profession, and (figuratively, of course) break a leg!

~~Baloo

5

Some quick internet searching seems to indicate that stunt drivers are part of SAG (Screen Actors Guild).

There central number is 1-323-954-1600. They could probably get you into contact with the correct person.

SAG does not have an office in Missouri, but the AFTRA handles SAG business there. There phone number is: 314-231-8412.

You can get more information at www.sag.org.

You might also call a stunt driving company like Performance Two and ask to do some informational interviews.

6

Thanks, guys. I guess it’s up to me now.

–Tim