Can you be both an actor and a stuntman? Yes, according to professional stuntman Andrew Butcher. Andrew’s dad, Randy Butcher, is a legendary stunt coordinator and got his whole family into the industry, so Andrew grew up on set. Today Andrew is still working in stunts and is expanding into other creative pursuits such as writing, with a few exciting projects on the horizon.

Andrew and I explore the world of stunt performing, and Andrew gives a step-by-step guide on how to get into doing stunt work. He talks about what stunts can do for your acting career, as he passionately believes that adding stunts to your resumé can open doors and bring you new opportunities. Listen out for Andrew’s advice on networking to get your foot in the door with a stunt coordinator, and for the two essential qualities that you need to be successful.

Andrew also shares a memorable story of an on set f*ck up and what he learnt from the incident.

If you liked this episode of Second Act Actors, please share it with someone you know who would like to get into working in stunts or who needs a push to get their acting and stunts career off the ground.

Timestamps

[1:23] Andrew’s story of growing up as the son of a stunt guy and wanting to be an actor and a comedian

[4:27] What’s it like having a stunt man as a dad? You spend a lot of your life watching movies in slo-mo, apparently

[6:13] The roots of Andrew’s career and what his talented family is up to now

[7:26] Can you do acting and stunts?

[10:20] “Being a stunt performer and being an actor is exactly the same thing. You're pursuing a particular skill, and you're learning to be the best at it”

[13:27] Learning stunts can give you more control over your career

[16:41] Andrew’s advice for auditions: Think about it from the director’s point of view

[19:38] Don’t get offended if you’re not the person

[20:50] What Andrew thinks about the industry after having been in it for so long

[23:14] Andrew’s complete guide to getting into stunts

[27:48] The human side of networking

[31:07] A lot of stunt opportunities come up through making positive connections with people on set

[32:52] Andrew’s memorable on set moment: A f*ck up on set with a car and bags full of fake blood

[41:15] There’s a lot more to being in stunts than it seems to the audience

[42:30] Writing, creative projects and exciting future prospects: What Andrew’s looking forward to for 2022

[44:32] Growing up with a creative mindset

[45:36] Andrew’s words of wisdom to people looking to break into the industry: Persistence and passion are key

Links

Andrew Butcher on Instagram

Top Leaf Pictures website

Top Leaf Pictures on Instagram

Top Leaf Pictures on Facebook

Top Leaf Pictures on YouTube

Second Act Actors website

Second Act Actors on Instagram

Second Act Actors on Facebook

Second Act Actors on YouTube

Janet McMordie website

Janet McMordie on Instagram

Janet McMordie on LinkedIn

Janet McMordie on Twitter

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