To execute falls and free falls on the big screen, stunt performers must undergo rigorous training in all necessary techniques to ensure their safety while creating the most visually stunning films.
High-risk stunt scenes are an essential “spice” in action films, especially in major blockbusters. These scenes help make the movie more engaging and exciting, and sometimes even carry a weak or illogical script.
One of the most frequently used action scenes in many large film projects is the impressive falls and drops. These can be as simple as takedowns or falls during close combat, rolling down stairs after a surprise attack, or sometimes as spectacular as leaping from a skyscraper and landing safely.
Stunt performer Damien Walters jumping from a height of over 38 meters in the movie Assassin’s Creed (2016).
While some actors take on most of the dangerous stunts themselves, like Tom Cruise, the majority rely on a professional stunt team. These individuals are trained in action techniques to minimize injuries while maintaining visually appealing postures for cinematic purposes. Naturally, all falls and free falls on the big screen must be executed with extreme caution.
Below are insights from Stephen Koepfer, a stunt expert who has worked on major projects like John Wick 3 and Ray Donovan, regarding how stunt performers train for such scenes. All of these techniques are challenging, requiring persistence in practice and a resilient physique to achieve success. Of course, individuals without formal training should absolutely not attempt these stunts to ensure their safety.
This is how professional stunt performers train and apply techniques in free fall scenes.
