Tell about yourself, Sean!
I grew up in Los Angeles. Both of my parents are actors and my grandmother before my dad. I went to film school here and have pretty much wanted to be involved in the industry for as long as I can remember.
What inspired you to become a stunt person?
Growing up in LA exposes you to a high density of bullshit artists from the get go. People who talk to the talk but when it comes down to it can't walk the walk. The stunt industry isn't like that.
In my experience at least, people who try that in our industry get found out pretty quick, and most don't hang around very long. I've been really lucky to work with and for the 'real deal.' And they are men and woman that I would trust with my life.
What is your greatest skill as a stunt performer, is there a story behind it?
I think my fight work is probably my specialty though I've trained a bit in everything. I fought Muay Thai kick boxing for 12 years starting back as a junior in high school, so I think it was easier for me to make adjustments to what I already knew to make it work on camera. It's easier to break what's fixed than it is to fix what's broke!
What is the best part about being a stunt performer?
Traveling around to do make believe for real is some of the most fun I have ever had. If you think about your favorite action movie characters, most of the really cool stuff they do is the REAL work of the stuntmen and women who put their necks on the line for none of the glory.
There's a strong humility that comes with being a stunt person and I've always admired that. Also, in no other job I know of does your boss call you and ask, "hey, you're cool with being dropped down an elevator shaft right?" I always get a kick out of those calls. especially because the answer is, "hell yeah!"
What advice would you give other stunt people?
I'm not sure I'm really qualified to give anyone advice, but the best advice I ever received when I was starting out was:
Remember that it's about the work and the team effort that goes into EVERYTHING that we do. One person doesn't get much done in this industry. Do the job you got hired for, hit the ground hard, dust yourself off, and don't complain.
If you do it well you probably won't have to do it too much. Oh, and this goes without saying but carry the damn pads for your coordinator!
