In Hollywood, female stunt performers, particularly drivers, have long faced significant challenges. To address these issues, a group of women has founded the Association of Women Drivers, the first-ever stunt group for professional female drivers. Olivia Summers, a veteran stunt performer with 20 years of experience and credits in films like “Bridesmaids” and “The Flight Attendant,” spearheaded the organization. Summers has been disheartened by the frequent casting of male stunt drivers to double for female actors, often with the simple addition of a wig. She recalls a particularly frustrating encounter with a commercial producer who was unaware of female stunt drivers, opting instead to use a man in a wig.
The issue extends beyond gender, with practices such as “paintdowns” where stunt performers are painted to match the skin color of the actor they are doubling for. Summers highlighted the experience of her business partner, Dee Bryant, a top African American female stunt driver, who still faces this discriminatory practice.
According to the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA), men comprise three-quarters of stunt performers, while women make up only one-quarter. Although guild rules stipulate that productions must cast female stunt performers for female roles, stunt coordinators can circumvent this requirement by claiming they were unable to find suitable female performers. SAG-AFTRA guidelines mandate that coordinators consult with the guild if they cannot find a matching stuntperson, but this is rarely enforced.
Naoki Kobayashi, owner of Drift 101, a training track for stunt performers, emphasized the need for change. “We need to respect and view everyone equally, based on their talent and not just their experience,” he stated. Training for stunts is costly, requiring performers to stay fit and maintain their driving skills. Summers equates the expense to college tuition, with her first year of training costing $18,000. “Our tires blow, engines need fixing; it’s like being an athlete,” she explained.
The pay inequality further exacerbates the issue, as stunt performer Ashlei Tave pointed out. Stunt performers receive an “adjustment” based on the stunt’s difficulty, their skill, and the number of repetitions required. Tave has observed that men often receive higher adjustments than women for the same stunts, despite having identical contracts. This disparity motivates her to work harder, train more, and build a reputation for excellence.
The Association of Women Drivers aims to combat these inequalities, advocating for equal opportunities and recognition for female stunt performers. By raising awareness and pushing for industry-wide changes, they hope to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all stunt professionals.
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