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HIGH FALL STUNT MANIKINS FOR FILM & TV HIRE

HIGH FALL GALLERY

High Falls with Stunt Manikins

When a shot calls for a body to fall from height, it still needs to look human throughout the descent and on impact.

 

Our High Fall Stunt Action Manikins are fully articulated, robust human forms prepared for controlled falls in film and television production.

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They offer a realistic alternative to a traditional rigid or foam-and-wire stunt dummy, while reducing the need to expose a performer to the fall itself. The joints can be left free-flowing to create natural movement through the air or locked into selected positions when the production needs greater control over the body shape.

 

Height, proportions, head position and weight configuration can also be adjusted according to the requirements of the shot.

Foam Dummies for High Falls??

A convincing high-fall shot is not simply a matter of dropping a dummy. The position at release, weight distribution, movement of the limbs, fall trajectory and landing all affect how believable the result looks on camera. 

 

Our High Fall Manikins are built more robustly than a standard generic stunt dummy and can be prepared for the particular action being planned. Their full articulation allows the body to bend, rotate and react more naturally during the descent and on impact. 

 

Limbs may be locked when a particular pose needs to be maintained or left free-flowing where uncontrolled human-like movement is required. The neck and head can also be positioned to help preserve a convincing silhouette during the shot.

High Fall Manikin Uses

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  • Falls from buildings, windows and rooftops

  • Drops from scaffolding or raised structure​

  • Falls from cliffs, bridges and embankment

  • Stairwell and internal building falls.  

  • Falls onto prepared ground or crash surface​

  • Bodies falling onto vehicles or set pieces


Falls involving water, fire, vehicles or other specialist conditions must be discussed in advance. We may recommend a different body configuration or one of our other purpose-prepared manikin options.

Planning the High fall

No two high falls are identical. Before recommending a manikin, we will need to understand:

  • ​The proposed height and location

  • How the manikin will be released

  • The intended fall trajectory and body position

  • The landing surface

  • Any rigging or wire involvement

  • Whether the manikin must strike another object

  • The number of anticipated takes

  • Camera distance and level of visible detail


All falls remain subject to the production’s own risk assessment and the supervision of the appointed stunt coordinator and relevant departments.

Appearance and Body Options

Male, female and child configurations are available, subject to the requirements of the scene and current availability. Productions can choose from different heads, bodies and weight options.

 

Realistic interchangeable heads, armatured silicone hands and forearms, wigs, costume and prosthetic detailing can be used where the manikin will be seen more closely.

An exact likeness may not be necessary for a fast or distant shot. Where a closer match is required, we can discuss the performer’s height, build, costume, hair and other visible characteristics.

Preparation and On-Set Support

Once the action has been discussed, we will select and configure the most suitable manikin or combination of components. 

Preparation may include adjusting height, body proportions, weight, joint movement, head position and overall appearance.

 

The objective is to give the production the movement and visual result needed for the shot while protecting the manikin as far as the action allows.

Working with the Production Team

The appropriate level of technical and on-set support can be supplied for high-fall work. We can liaise with the stunt, rigging, special effects, costume, hair and make-up departments and assist with dressing, positioning, handling and resetting the manikin between takes. Our High Fall Manikins have been developed by Stunt Action Manikins (S.A.M.) Ltd using Jason White’s more than 40 years of professional stunt and action experience.

Hire a High Fall Stunt Manikin

Our professional High Fall Stunt Action Manikins are supplied primarily for hire and are not mass-produced retail products.
To check availability and receive an accurate quotation, please provide the production name, filming dates, location, stunt coordinator’s details and as much information as possible about the proposed fall.


Contact Stunt Action Manikins to discuss the most appropriate option for your production.

  • A storyboard, stunt plan, reference video or recce can help us prepare the most appropriate manikin and weight configuration.

  • Any water, fire, breakaway or special-effects involvement

  • Repeated takes requiring consistent performer replacement

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