Key Highlights
- Pete Davidson and David Leitch collaborate on the Stunt Design Showdown.
- The competition lasts for 56 hours and serves as a launchpad for aspiring stunt performers.
- This year’s winner, Code 10-10, took home the grand prize of a one-year membership to the 87North Action Design facility.
- Davidson highlights the hard work behind stunts in films and hopes that the Stunt Design Showdown will raise awareness for stunt performers.
The Evolution of Stunt Design: A Look at the Stunt Design Showdown
In 2025, the film industry witnessed a significant event as 87North Productions, led by director David Leitch and Kelly McCormack, hosted its second annual Stunt Design Showdown. The competition is designed to challenge aspiring stunt performers with a rigorous, five-day production timeline where they must execute complex stunts while adhering to strict storytelling guidelines.
A Unique Competition for Stunt Performers
The Stunt Design Showdown stands as a unique platform that not only highlights the skills and creativity of up-and-coming stunt performers but also aims to bridge the gap between their talents and the broader film industry. Each participant receives identical scripts and production schedules, ensuring a fair competition where every team has equal opportunities to shine.
Pete Davidson, who previously worked with Leitch on his latest film “How to Rob a Bank,” expressed his excitement about the event, emphasizing the familial bond among stunt performers. “I was just amazed at how the stunts team are like a family, and they were so excited and precise about every single movement,” said Davidson.
The Process of Collaboration
Davidson’s collaboration with Leitch during the production of “How to Rob a Bank” offered him insight into the meticulous preparation required for stunt design. He highlighted how the stunts team meticulously adjusted their plans based on his personal physical attributes, ensuring that every action was both realistic and safe.
“They were very intentional about every small detail and adjusted certain things because of my height or weight or lack of skill,” Davidson explained. “There was a lot of love, grace, and support, and I felt really comfortable quickly.” This level of care and attention to detail reflects the dedication and professionalism of stunt performers in the film industry.
Awards and Recognition
This year’s competition saw Code 10-10 emerge victorious, securing a one-year membership at the 87North Action Design facility. The grand prize also included a professional post-production workshop with Narrator Inc., as well as a DJI camera package. This recognition underscores the importance of such competitions in providing aspiring stunt performers with valuable industry exposure and resources.
Davidson, reflecting on the event, stated, “People really don’t understand how hard these guys work.” His comments reflect a broader concern within the film community that more needs to be done to educate audiences about the intricate and often underappreciated role of stunt performers in filmmaking. The addition of a Best Stunt Design category at the Academy Awards in 2027 is seen as a step towards addressing this issue.
Future Prospects
Leitch expressed his hope that such competitions and recognitions will inspire a new generation of stunt performers to pursue their craft with greater recognition. “We are artists, and any department head like costume designers and production design designs the worlds we immerse ourselves into,” Leitch said. “The stunt department designs the action sequences and creates something to present to the director to curate, and it’s a very artistic process.”
The Stunt Design Showdown not only showcases the creativity and skill of stunt performers but also highlights their integral role in creating memorable cinematic moments. As the film industry continues to evolve, events like these play a crucial role in raising awareness and celebrating the often unsung heroes behind the scenes.
