Stunt Performers And Stunt Doubles

Describes the responsibilities of stunt performers and discusses the dangers that they face.

This biographical dictionary shines the spotlight on several hundred unheralded stunt performers who created some of the cinema's greatest action scenes without credit or recognition. The time period covered encompasses the silent comedy days of Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd, the early westerns of Tom Mix and John Wayne, the swashbucklers of Douglas Fairbanks, Errol Flynn, and Burt Lancaster, the costume epics of Charlton Heston and Kirk Douglas, and the action films of Steve McQueen, Clint Eastwood, and Charles Bronson. Without stuntmen and women working behind the scenes the films of these action superstars would not have been as successful. Now fantastic athletes and leading stunt creators such as Yakima Canutt, Richard Talmadge, Harvey Parry, Allen Pomeroy, Dave Sharpe, Jock Mahoney, Chuck Roberson, Polly Burson, Bob Morgan, Loren Janes, Dean Smith, Hal Needham, Martha Crawford, Ronnie Rondell, Terry Leonard, and Bob Minor are given their proper due. Each entry covers the performer's athletic background, military service, actors doubled, noteworthy stunts, and a rundown of his or her best known screen credits.

Explores the work done by stunt doubles, who are specially trained to take the place of actors and actresses during dangerous scenes in movies and television shows.

Explains the role that stunt performers play in the making of a movie, the skill required and the risk involved.

For the adrenaline junkie, what could be better than being paid to jump off buildings or to be lit on fire? Stuffed with stunt history and engaging trivia, while emphasizing safety, this daring volume examines numerous aspects of the wild and dangerous niche career of the stunt performer.

Stunt doubles are an essential part of some of the most exciting scenes in movies.

This title introduces readers to the job of stunt performer. A short history of the profession is included, and readers will learn about the different types of "gags" such as precision driving, high falls, fire stunts, crashing through glass, and taking a punch. Equipment needed to do the job right and to stay safe is discussed, such as helmets, harnesses, protective jackets, gloves, boots, PortaPits, gel and Nomex suits. The education and training needed to become a stunt performer is examined, such as the International Stunt School and membership in the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Xtreme facts provide additional information on this exciting job. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. A&D Xtreme is an imprint of Abdo Publishing Company, a division of ABDO.

Hollywood's stuntmen and stuntwomen willingly risk life and limb to bring excitement to the screen. They crash cars. They swing from helicopters. They dive off rocky cliffs into water far, far below.Yet as recently as the early 1980s, stunt performers rarely even received screen credit for their incredible feats.Here at last is a personal introduction to these professional daredevils. Biographical information, extensive film and television credits, and action photographs shine the spotlight on these highly skilled athletes who will stop at nothing to stop your heart.

Kids who dream of the action-filled life of stunt performers and doubles will be drawn to this book and its dynamic photos and at-level text. They'll build their vocabularies as they learn of the dangers and attractions of the job and how to prepare for a career in the field.

Stunt performers in movies and television use their athletic ability to bring pulse-racing action to the screen. This book introduces readers to the thrilling world of stunt work, revealing how these daring acts are safely carried out for the screen. Readers learn about the technical aspects of the work, such as the equipment performers use, as well as their workout regimens to stay in shape for their physically demanding jobs. Readers also learn about the precautions taken to keep everyone safe on the set. This book will thrill anyone interested in what goes on behind the action scenes.