Three level Grading Structure

Level 1 – Probationary Stunt Performers

Probationary Stunt Performers will be required to serve a probationary period of not less than 3 years from the date of acceptance into the Stunt Guild. During this period Probationary Stunt Performer may work as a stunt performer. In the interests of their own safety and that of the crew, they can only work under the supervision of a Stunt Co-Ordinator from the Stunt Guild. Probationary Stunt Performer cannot undertake stunt work on their own and should only seek stunt work from a Stunt Co-Ordinator who is a member of the Stunt Guild. If a Probationary Stunt Performer is approached directly by an employer/production, he/she should first confirm the name of the Stunt Co-Ordinator. If there is no Stunt Co-Ordinator on the production the Probationary Stunt Performer should contact either the Secretary of the Stunt Guild or the relevant organizer who will make appropriate inquiries. Probationary Stunt Performers should continue to keep up their skills and training. All members of the Stunt Guild are strongly encouraged to have personal accident insurance cover.

Level 2 – Stunt Performers

After successful completion of the probationary period Probationary Stunt Performers may apply to become a Stunt Performers of the Stunt Guild. A Probationary Stunt Performer who is applying for Stunt Performer’s membership must have completed not less than 60 days work, which must be in front of camera and include at least 36 identifiable stunts. Applicants must also have completed a film & TV specific Health and Safety course. An identifiable stunt must include an accurate description of what was required by the Stunt Co-Ordinator. The Stunt Co-Ordinator must indicate whether or not the work in their view was an identifiable stunt that can therefore qualify towards the applicants upgrade application. An identifiable stunt is a stunt that attracts a stunt adjustment or an enhancement of the daily fee. It is appreciated that there are circumstances where an adjustment although appropriate is not negotiated or paid. Such stunts will be taken into consideration. All this must be noted by the Probationary Stunt Performers on the Call Sheets and Payslips. Examples of stunt work that are considered to be identifiable are: fire burns, near explosions, car rolls, T-bone crashes, high falls, stair falls, horse falls, lead fights, flying rigs, air rams, ratchet rigs etc. Where an adjustment is claimed the appropriate written confirmation from the Stunt Co-Ordinator or producer may be required. The stunt work should show that the stunts performed were in as many different areas of work as possible. If an applicant is successful he/she will become a Stunt Performer and will be required to work as such for at least 2 years. A Stunt Performer is eligible to take work performing and arranging his/her own stunts without supervision but may not arrange stunts for another stunt performer(s) or artist(s).

Level 3 – Stunt Co-Ordinators / Stunt Performers

Stunt Co-Ordinators will have completed both Level 1 and Level 2 stages of the Stunt Guild and will be considered under the rules as experienced Stunt Performers who may act as Stunt Co-Ordinators. A Stunt Performer may only apply for Stunt Co-Ordinator’s membership when not less than 2 years as a Stunt Performer have been completed. A Stunt Performer applying for Stunt Co-Ordinator’s membership must have completed 36 days work as Stunt Performer of which 24 days will have been completed when he/she was working as an assistant to the Co-Ordinator from the Stunt Guild, or working on their own. Because of the importance of Stunt Co-Ordinator being responsible for other personnel, actors and stunt performers rather than just themselves, it is vital that a Stunt Performer demonstrates that they have undertaken sufficient recent work to be able to show that they are capable of taking on such a heavy responsibility. For all work that a Stunt Performer carries out as an assistant or on his or her own, the appropriate written confirmation from the Stunt Co-Ordinator or producer may be required. A Stunt Co-Ordinator will be eligible to undertake work performing and arranging stunt action sequences without restriction, but in doing so has a duty of care to all personnel on the set when stunts are being rehearsed and performed.

Appeals Procedure

If an applicant is not satisfied with the outcome of his/her application for Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 membership, the applicant has the right of appeal to the Guild Council. Advice on the appeal procedure is available from the Secretary to the Stunt Council at: stuntguildireland@yahoo.com