ESCAC Stunt Academy – Action Specialist

• Perform action scenes in line with a script’s dramatic requirements.
• Design fight choreography and movement sequences adapted to the cinematic language.
• Integrate acting into the performance of physical actions.
• Understand how framing, editing and the camera shape the perception of an action.
• Take part in creating and previsualising action sequences.

• Perform stage combat techniques, falls and spatial control through progressions adapted to film work.
• Apply safety procedures in physical actions and controlled-risk scenes.
• Use prop-weapon handling techniques in film choreography.
• Work with physical special-effects machinery, understanding how it works, its applications and safety protocols.
• Adapt performance and the execution of physical actions to the technical requirements of the camera and filming.

• Analyse the risks and technical requirements of an action scene.
• Interpret scripts and breakdowns of audiovisual sequences.
• Plan training progressions to prepare for specific actions.
• Understand pre-production processes and the organisation of a shoot.
• Assess footage to identify technical, performance and safety improvements.

• Work in coordination with stunt performers, actors and production teams.
• Understand and follow instructions from the stunt coordinator.
• Communicate technical requirements and limitations while preparing a scene.
• Take part in group rehearsals and action choreography.
• Communicate effectively in situations involving intense physical demands.

• Develop discipline, perseverance and professional responsibility.
• Improve body control, physical fitness and adaptability.
• Manage pressure during rehearsals and filming.
• Recognise personal physical and technical limits.
• Develop independence in preparing and maintaining professional skills.

Stage combat for film, television and advertising: simulated strikes, reactions, safety distances and choreography. Includes unarmed combat and armed combat with prop weapons.

Falls, impacts and physical reactions developed through progressions adapted to students’ level, prioritising body protection, control and repeatability on camera.

Body control and movement across different environments. Includes parkour (jumps, landings and obstacles), acrobatics (rotations and inversions), tricking (kicks and spins) and working at height (progressions and safety).

Acting for stunt performers: credible reactions, dramatic situations, continuity between takes, direction and audition preparation.

Developing strength, endurance, mobility and coordination, and preventing injuries to meet the demands of professional work.

How physical-effects devices and techniques work and are applied: flying systems and rigging, machinery for action and falls, impacts, blood effects, props and firearms, with supervised practice and safety protocols.

Design, planning, rehearsals, filming and editing of action sequences. A group project combining choreography, performance, camera work and editing.

• Unarmed combat
• Stunt falls
• Parkour (spatial control)
• Acting
• Physical training
• Action scene previsualisation (second year, mandatory from the start)

• Rigging and effects
• Acrobatics (spatial awareness)
• Armed combat (screen fighting)
• Tricking (spatial awareness)
• Firearms (rigging and effects)
• Heights (spatial awareness)

Precision driving for film, scuba diving and certain seminars are offered separately.

Practical learning, technical progression and supervised training through physical preparation, spatial awareness, workshops, rehearsals and on-camera practice. Performances are filmed and analysed to support correction and understanding of cinematic language. Collaborative work is central to previsualisation. Students work with active stunt performers and coordinators in specialised facilities.

• Technical training: physical preparation, body control and progressions.
• Specialist workshops: screen fighting, falls, spatial awareness, rigging and effects, and performance.
• Audiovisual practice: filming and analysing action in front of the camera.
• Previsualisation projects: planning, rehearsals, filming and editing.

Ongoing assessment of technical progress, performance, safety and participation. To pass the subjects, students must attend more than 80% of sessions, submit and pass assignments, and receive a pass mark in practical work and assessments. In the second year, the showreel and previsualisation project are also assessed.