Author: Max Anderson
Photo Courtesy of: The ReAction Lab
The film industry has never been more connected. Streaming services, international co- productions, and the rise of global talent hubs have redefined the way movies are made. A project may begin in Hollywood, be filmed in the UK, Canada, or Europe, and rely on post-production teams in India. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in specialized fields like stunts. As productions stretch across continents, the need for a more organized, accessible, and collaborative stunt community has never been greater. Veterans Dan Rizzuto and Tiger Rudge see this as an opportunity to contribute, offering resources that can help support and connect stunt professionals worldwide.
Rizzuto, a member of multiple industry unions including the Directors Guild of America (DGA), Directors Guild of Canada (DGC), Screen Actors Guild (SAG), Union of British Columbia Performers (UBCP), and Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA), has spent over two decades in the industry, working as a stunt coordinator, fight choreographer, second unit director, and now writer, director. Having already sold scripts to top names in the industry. His career has taken him from Hollywood blockbusters to international productions, giving him firsthand experience with the challenges and advantages of a global stunt industry.
Recognizing the increasing need for a shared space where stunt professionals could gain knowledge, Rizzuto and his partners launched The ReAction Lab, an online platform that serves as an innovation hub. It offers paid masterclass-style video tutorials that are continuously expanding, along with free resources such as a global stunt events listing, a listing center of stunt training facilities worldwide, and a blog covering topics ranging from film financing to personal financial growth, new technology, mental health, and education for stunt performers and action specialists. Anyone can submit their event to be featured on the platform, ensuring that the stunt community stays informed about opportunities worldwide. Additionally, The ReAction Lab provides regular email send-outs with upcoming events, industry news, and updates on topics affecting stunt professionals, keeping the global community connected as the industry continues to evolve.
Tiger Rudge, winner of two global awards in 2024, a member of Equity, SAG, and the PGA, took a different approach, but with the same belief in global collaboration. While many stunt directories exist, they tend to focus on their country of origin, making it difficult for international productions to find and hire talent beyond their immediate network. Rudge saw an opportunity to create a more globally connected stunt industry. Her new platform, Global Pro Stunts, is a directory and multipurpose site that bridges the gap between stunt professionals, agencies and productions. This is a first for both the UK and Europe, reinforcing the idea that the action community is strongest when it collaborates.
Rizzuto and Rudge both believe that no single person or platform can change the industry alone. True progress comes from the collective effort of the global stunt community. With that in mind, they have expanded their efforts beyond digital platforms, organizing live, in-person events that bring together stunt professionals from different corners of the world. These gatherings, taking place in key locations like Canada, the U.S, U.K, Europe and Southeast Asia, aim to foster collaboration, share techniques, and create lasting industry connections. More than just training sessions, these events serve as opportunities for professionals to support one another, ensuring that stunt work remains safe, innovative, and respected worldwide.
As the film industry continues to expand beyond borders, it is clear that the stunt profession must evolve with it. Productions are more fluid, talent is more mobile, and collaboration has never been more important. Rizzuto and Rudge are not trying to redefine the industry on their own, they are simply creating the tools and opportunities that allow stunt professionals to elevate one another. Their work reflects a shared belief that only together can the global stunt community be strong and safe. Through The ReAction Lab, the Global Pro Stunt Directory, as well as their international events, they are helping to ensure that every stunt professional, no matter where they are, has access to the resources and opportunities they need to not only survive but thrive.
For more on Rizzuto and Rudge, check this out!
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