(Just in case anybody doesn't realize this is a joke - DON'T do anything on this list! - Peter Hassall)
1. Never take “No” for an answer. If a Stunt Coordinator
says not to hustle his set, by all means hustle that set anyway! It shows
that you have grit, determination and perseverance!
2. Get the Stunt Coordinator’s home phone number and
call them at home just to touch base. The later in the evening the better,
since you will have a better chance of finding them home after a long day's
shoot.
3. A call on the cell phone during the day is even better,
since it is more “personal” and you may even get them while
they working are on set!
4. A great way to get through the studio gate is to use
the Coordinator’s name and tell the guards that they are a friend (Or relative)
and are expecting you!
5. Always try to hustle a set around lunchtime and invite
yourself to stay and eat. You may not get a gig, but if you do this several
days a week you will never go hungry!
6. When hustling on the studio lot, wait until the red
light is blinking and turning before entering the stage door (This will
ensure that you are not wasting your time and there is something really
shooting in there).
7. Hustling one at a time is good, but showing up with
five or more buddies is even better (There is strength in numbers).
8. Go to as many SAG stunt meetings as possible and hand
out as many headshots, stunt composites and tapes as you can. These are
wonderful opportunities to network. Also great places to network: Stunt
charity events, holiday parties and funerals.
9. Just show up on set and tell the Coordinator that
you got their call from your answering service and you are reporting for
work. The Coordinator may be embarrassed by the error and actually give
you a days work!
10. Offer to give the Stunt Coordinator 10 or 15 percent
of your gross pay check for hiring you. After all, they are kind of acting
like an agent anyway!
11. The casting couch isn't just for casting anymore!
12. If you ever run your first show, call as many “name”
Stunt performers & Coordinators as possible and book them for work
on your show on days you know they can't possibly work! It will show that
you kept them in mind for work and maybe they will reciprocate and hire
you back in the near future!
13. Good gifts go a long way! (The operative word being
“Good”).
14. Pad that resume and lie about those skills! After
all, it's getting the gig that is paramount. Do whatever it takes! Actors
do it all the time!
15. Call yourself a Stunt Coordinator and go right for
that top position! Avoid the middleman and years of struggle and have stunt
performers come hustling you!