What is Specialty Crewing in Adventure Sports

Crewing on a movie set is good money. Specialty skills such as rigging at exposed edges and high angles, swiftwater safety, and choreographing and protecting stuntwork can easily bring in 300 to 400 dollars per day or more plus expenses. Sometimes the expert is incorporated into the cast, often as a stunt person or with a minor speaking role. Typically these jobs last less than a week but ocassionally more than a month and possibly, in the case of a successful series, months or years.

Getting a foot in the door is not easy. The first jobs are usually the result of a production company being referred by others who know the skills and reputation of the expert. In this business, reputation is supremely important and one of the best marketing tools.

Another way to get started is to register with the State and local film commissions. This puts the expert on a list for production companies to refer to, and the commission will often send out announcements for jobs and training opportunities. Experts can also use these lists to make contact with other experts who need assistants. Finally, there are a number of commercial websites that provide listings of opportunities and contact information.

Specialty crewing is often needed by other types of employers. Individuals with high-angle and rope skills are often recruited in high-rise and tower construction or maintenance. Getting one of these jobs again is often a result of the expert’s reputation, but some employers will list opportunities at the local State job offices and on websites like Craig’s List.

Specialty crewing is enjoyable but intense. On a movie project 7-day work weeks and 12 or 14-hour days are common.