Quality Stunt Training from Working Professionals
Special guest instructor, Mykkel Hexum (right), of www.operators-unlimited.com, poured out his expertie with firearms not only from his extensive experience in film as an actor, stuntman, technical advisor, licensed pyro technician, and weapons wrangler but also his real-life experience in the military as well as personal protection.
Joe and Mykkel started the first day talking about gun safety on and off the set. They continued with explaining all about the pieces of a pistol and how it works. The class then learned how to draw their weapon, fire, and holster their weapon again. The class fired airsoft bb’s into target dummies from different positions (left).
This stunt clinic was focused entirely on firearms in show business.
Techniques on moving with your weapon and with a partner were taught. Each student practiced advancing and then retreating down our imaginary hall while being covered by their partner and then covering their partner (right).
We then moved on to aiming your weapon from various positions such as crouched or prone (left). While prone, they had to keep aim on the instructor as he moved around the room.
Students practiced standard siting rappel, Aussie style, and tactical face down rappel using various methods of decent, with and without weapons (left).
Special effects with weapons were taught and practiced later in the day. Instructor, Joe Perez, (above) instructs actress, Q’Orianka Kilcher of “The New World” on holding an automatic rifle while running for cover from being fired upon. Another student demonstrates the exercise (below). Small dust cannons shoot dirt into the air to simulate rounds hitting the ground. Acting plays as big a part as performing the stunt itself. Air ram with weapons and mortar, high falls, blank firing, and reactions were also some of the many techniques taught at this stunt clinic.
Watch the video at the top of the page for more on the IMPACT Stunts - Firearm Stunt Clinic. Read some testimonials from participants of this stunt clinic below.
Instructors:
Mykkel Hexum - www.operators-unlimited.com
Joe Perez - Ninjoe Productions/IMPACT Stunts
Eric Chen - Founder, IMPACT Stunts
IMPACT Stunts
1150 S. La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, Ca 90019
P: 323.932.8869
F: 323.932.9319
Testimonials
“I recently took the stunt clinic offered by Impact Stunts, and I simply can't say enough about how fantastic it was. I primarily attended in order to prepare for a short film I want to shoot that involves firearms, although I have done some small amount of stunt work in the past as well. In short, I was absolutely amazed by the quality of instruction and the fun that I had.
Not only did the extremely knowledgeable instructors Mykkel Hexum and Joe Perez answer my questions regarding weapons in films, I received a lot more than I had imagined in terms of stunt instruction, hands on practice, and just plain fun. Combined, Michael and Joe represent a few lifetimes' of experience in stunt and firearms. You could not ask to be in better hands.
Each day was so full of new information and exercises, I think you could probably take that course 5 or 6 times and still be getting good stuff each time. Whether you're a filmmaker looking to understand how that soldier is going to get launched in the air by a "mine" he stepped on, or an actor that wants to avoid looking like an idiot when holding a gun, or a stunt person looking to hone your skills under the guidance of a couple of true masters in the stunt business, this course is for you.
I was totally exhausted after those two days of training, but here I am a week later and I still find myself suddenly smiling as I recall the adrenalin-rush experiences I had in the course and the great people that I met. There's nothing like flying in the air from an air ram, dropping off a 20 foot ledge into an air bag, or practicing tactical weapons bounding exercises to make you feel like a kid again.
But wait- there's more! Not only did these guys have a ton of knowledge and experience to offer, they also have great senses of humor. I mean, you kind of want someone to keep you laughing as you're about to do your fifth jump off the 2nd story.
My advice- take the course, and pretty soon you'll be "Falling!" for stunts like me.”
-James Huang
“The Stunt Clinic had more adrenaline, fun, and thrills than a day at Magic Mountain; and none of the nasty side effects from eating too much funnel cake.
One of the most educational, hands on, entertaining, and useful classes I have ever taken in Los Angeles. The clinic is great for stunt actors of all levels; allowing each person to perform stunts to the best of their ability. High falls, Air Ram, Rappelling, fire arms, and other techniques were explained and executed with the best in the industry as instructors.
The staff went up and beyond to make sure everyone got the maximum out of the weekend workshop and everyone left feeling like a cross between James Bond and Rambo; especially after an adventure with dust hits and air rams. Incredible amounts of fun all around.”
-Michelle Lang
“I would like to thank you for the work and preparation you did for the IMPACT Stunts stunt clinic. As an actor looking to expand my abilities, taking a reputable stunt course from a solid school was a must. The name of IMPACT Stunts was held in high esteem and strongly recommended. I was nervous and excited when I signed up. The cost was reasonable. The instructors were of the highest caliber and provided not only the know how and knowledge of dealing with firearms and stunts on set, but how to apply that knowledge in real exercises and tactical situations. In no time at all, I was comfortable with rappelling with a firearm, being launched by an air ram in an explosion of dust and launching myself backwards onto an airbag from the upper rafters of your training center. What a rush!
Being that I had no previous stunt experience, only firearms training, I felt that I adjusted well and was able to perform all the stunts that were presented in the two days I attended your course. I feel this course helped boost my confidence immensely. I look forward to pursuing roles in my future career with a little more physicality and firearms involved, thanks to you, Joe, Hex and the other instructors who taught the firearm and tactical stunt training sessions at your establishment. I look forward to attending another training course in the future.
Sincerely,
Daniel Beck
SAG/AFTRA”
“IMPACT Stunts Firearm Stunt Clinic was so much more than advertised. DAY 1 was amazing; Joe Perez and Mykkel Hexum provided me with an unbelievable amount of information about handling a gun on set and looking like you’ve been doing it your whole life. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better…DAY 2 was packed with high falls, an air ram, dust hits, and firing off a whole round of blanks. I had a crazy amount of fun and felt like I was in good and safe hands from start to finish.”
-Malia Ho
“The Impact Stunts Firearms Clinic was a blast! Upon the first day of the clinic we were greeted by stunt, rigging, pyro and firearms expert, Joe Perez, along side of firearms and weapons handling/training expert Mykkel Hexum. Immediately we were blasted into an introduction of the dangers of "safe" weapons on the set and that they indeed are as dangerous as actual firearms when mishandled, used inappropriately by inexperienced individuals or those unwilling to respect the likely dangers that neglect can easily provide.
With this new found respect we were then instructed on parts description/identification, proper handling, and responsibility for not only our weapons but the necessity of understanding every aspect of our prop. Who knew there are specific protocols to take in the case of a misfire, gun-jam, etc. while in mid-scene and that these scenarios change by control of the stunt coordinator?
By mid-day we were soon learning in-field disarming techniques used on the set, repelling with intent to use a firearm, how to roll..fall..maneuver..Sul technique (my personal favorite), and how to sell a hit while keeping ourselves and our prop safe. There was so much to learn, Joe and Mykkel were extremely informative and negated from making this an average hum-drum clinic.
Day 2 emphasized in AirRam, HighFalls, and carrying weapons in action/scene. This portion was such a good time. Everyone was pushed to their limits, some beyond! With so much support, the positive and informative atmosphere, and our experienced instructors providing such an open forum of education the Firearms Stunt Clinic met all of my expectations. I can't wait to bring what I've learned to my next stunt job and even to the next IMPACT Stunt Clinic!”
-Ken Arata
Firearm Stunt Clinic - August 2009
323.932.8869 - stuntclinic@impactstunts.com
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February 2011:
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Take a look at a couple of our past stunt clinics by clicking here.