Tell about yourself and your background! *
I started doing Stunts professionally 28 years ago, Teaching Stunts 10 years ago & Stunt Rigging the past 6 years. Now I'm teaching Stunt Rigging & am the Entertainment Safety Manager at Universal Studios in Japan. I love Martial Arts, especially the Brazilian Art of Capoeira, which I've trained for 29 years & obtained the level of Master, which was defiantly a bug highlight in my life. I'm also qualified in Gymnastics (29years), Sports / Personal Training (25years), Rope Access, Pyro & Special Effects, Explosives, Firearms, Special Weapons & other more stunt rigging related qualifications.
What inspired you to become a stunt performer?
At the age of 6 I saw a stunt documentary series on TV, then decided that I would some how, one day become a Stuntman.
What is your greatest skill as a stunt performer, is there a stunt behind it?
I enjoy all types of stunts, especially fighting with aero elements but love stunt rigging the best. Teaching my Stunt team a new stunt for the first time is always a thrill & keeps the passion for me alive.
What is the best part about being a stunt performer?
I love performing live, the reactions from the crowd is an amazing feeling, very satisfying for all the hard training that goes into this art form.
What advice would you give other stunt performers?
If you ever find your way to the top of your game, find a new game. As stunt performers we need to be surrounded by talent greater than ours. We need to be constantly striving to stay at our best. The day you stop learning is the day you'll quit.
Anything else you'd like to tell the community about?
I have a Stunt Team in Japan and members in other countries with similar goals. We plan to start a Training Gym / Movie Production Studio in the near future. A place we can hangout, train & teach (earn money) between jobs / contracts. Also a place we can have fun whilst practicing all elements of movie production. If this sounds like fun to you, hit me up. If your passing through Japan, come join us.
Please share your social media handles and how we can follow you!
https://www.instagram.com/simonmestreespeto/
