3 minute read
Stunt Crew Remain Strong during Lockdown
Fire Base - All images courtesy of SASA
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The South African Stunt Association shares a brief overview of the body and gives us the lowdown on what is happening to stunt performers during the national lockdown.
The South African Stunt Association was conceptualised in 2015 and launched in 2016, to represent the stunt crew within South Africa and to promote professionalism within the industry. SASA is not an agent but rather a group of professionals who came together for one purpose: the greater good.
Over the past four years, SASA has grown from strength to strength, and with access to various professionals in law, health and insurance, etc SASA has been able to consult with, as well as assist members in many areas. These include crew contracts, insurance, health care policies, set protocol, training and much more. Callsheet caught up with them to find out more.
What does one have to do to become a member of SASA?
In order to become a SASA member, you will need to meet the joining criteria for new members. To find out what this entails, you can email admin@sastuntcrew.co.za, state which role(s) you consider yourself as, e.g. stunt performer, stunt coordinator, stunt rigger, precision driver, etc.
You will then be sent the necessary information and joining criteria. Once your application is in, you will have your application considered by the SASA Board and the SASA Advisory Committee.
In general, in order to be accepted as a stunt performer, you need to meet the relevant joining criteria, plus submit a competency video. If you wish to be recognised as a stunt rigger then you would need to submit proof of relevant qualification(s), experience and references.
How is SASA and its members coping with the COVID-19 lockdown?
The COVID-19 pandemic been a shock to the world, never mind the film and television
industry. Productions were in pre-production, production and post-production. We had members all over the world who had to stop working immediately and be under lockdown in their own homes in South Africa. In order to keep the creative action juices flowing, a challenge was put forward to SA stunt crew to make a short film where they had to set up a one person fight – basically a fight with yourself. No other person was allowed to be involved apart from someone to operate the camera for you. The results were awesome and there were many unique and
entertaining submissions.
Ultimately, all our members will adapt fast and make the most of this unknown situation. This is commonplace on film sets now, and many will use the time off to upskill themselves in regard to camera work, editing, weapons handling and much more.
SASA has also been researching ways in which to best support its members during this time. We’ve done so by garnering advice from various other international organisations and engaging with similar local organisations that find themselves in the same situation.
Fear Factor
What is the next step for SASA?
With regards to returning to work, in early May we were informed that the South African government – in particular the Department of Arts and Culture – has approved the film industry as an essential service during Level 4 COVID-19 Restrictions. Hopefully this means
that we will be returning to set as soon as possible.
However, SASA will keep on helping its members as much as possible and is still working behind closed doors (lockdown!) to better the industry and ensure professionalism. With such diverse and highly motivated members, this virus will not hold us down for long and we will be back shooting action bigger and better than before.
