Leaps, falls, and film magic, a Q&A with stunt veteran Grant Powell

In an industry built on precision, courage, and storytelling through physicality, few careers are as dynamic as stunt performance. We spoke to veteran stunt performer and coordinator Grant Powell to discuss his journey, from theme park stunt shows to international film sets. In this Q&A, he reflects on his early beginnings, the evolution of the South African stunt industry, and what it takes to succeed in one of cinema’s most demanding professions. 

Q. How did you first get into stunt work? Was it something you always wanted to do, or did you discover it later in life 

I started my stunt career at the Ratanga Junction theme park in 1999. I was part of a live stunt show that was performed 5 days a week, twice a day, up until 2002. I was then discovered by a movie stunt coordinator that recognised me from the show and offered me the opportunity to stunt double an actor for a film 

Q. What kind of physical or performance background did you come from before entering the stunt industry (martial arts, gymnastics, parkour, etc.)? 

I always enjoyed the performing arts in school so entertainment was always part of my DNA and having been part of the entertainment department so young and   exposed to so many artists skilled in puppetry, dance, acting, circus, gymnastics and stunts so it was here (ratanga junction) where I honed my skills and started my martial arts training. 

Q. Who or what inspired you to pursue stunts professionally 

I always loved the old action films from  Jackie Chan to the Stallone films. I never knew how I would get there, but Ratanga certainly set me on that path as the senior stunt performers on the show had already been working on the TV show Sinbad so their on-set stories also inspired me. 

Q. What does proper stunt training look like for someone entering the industry today. 

It would start with entry level “bread and butter” skills, learning how to take reactions, bullet hits, break falls, basic fight choreography and weapons handling. That’s a good start.  

Q. Which specific skill sets (fighting, driving, wire work, falls, etc.) were the hardest for you to master? 

I would say precision driving is probably the hardest and most expensive of the skills to master, as it requires track and skid pan time. So time behind the wheel requires many hours. 

Q. What has changed the most in the South African stunt industry, especially in Cape Town, over the years? 

The demand for stunts has increased in the last couple of years with more and more shows requiring diverse stunt crew including women especially women of color. 

Q. How does working on South African productions differ from working on international films that shoot in Cape Town? 

The only difference really is budget, on a local show it’s hard to crew a full stunt department, where as international films can sustain the crews and different skill sets required within the stunt department, example Key riggers Fight choreographers all need assistants but on a local show one man may need to wear two hats of course it compromises safety then this won’t be possible. 

Q. What do you think about the current push for stunts to be recognised at awards shows? 

I welcome the idea, for years we have been in the shadows, the smoke and mirrors if you will. Our job is to make the actors look good, keep them safe, and take the hits for them. Stunts rarely see the ‘red carpet’ so it would be nice for the industry to finally get the recognition they deserve. 

Q. Are there any emerging technologies or equipment that excite you in terms of the future of stunt work? 

The emergence of AI for previsualising fight/ action scenes has been a game changer, meaning faster turn around.

Q. What advice do you have for young performers in Cape Town or abroad wanting to get into stunts? 

For young performers coming up in the game, learn multiple skills so you can be an asset to any stunt coordinator, for example learn how to shoot, learn how to edit, this is a very important aspect of the game. Every stunt needs to be pre-rehearsed, filmed, and edited. Rigging skills are in high demand. martials arts are an absolute must if you want to be part of any fight team, most action films need stunt fighters more than any other skill set.  

Q. Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you knew when you first started? 

The stunt industry has really become lucrative in recent years as the demand for the next binge series in the action genre has increased, however it is a rollercoaster industry, and it takes time before a performer can settle into doing it full time. Hence the above advice, in short make yourself indispensable  

Q. What’s next for you, any upcoming projects or goals you’re excited about? 

Stunteam, my company that provides stunt action services to the commercial, film and tv industry has two projects lined up for 2026, unfortunately under NDA so cannot share more details but one of them films abroad so I am very excited to start the season. 

For more on the Stunteam click here