Jack Gill Breaks down an epic car stunt from Fast 5

February 19, 2019 lorenavedon

For 40 years Jack Gill has wowed the world with his epic stunts and literally broken his back for his craft. He has been an advocate for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to add “Best Stunt Co-ordinator” to the Oscars. There have been occasions where the Academy has give special Oscars to Stunt Professionals. However, without the stunts and stunt co-ordination, there literally and physically could not be a good action movie let alone any visual media where stunts, fights, car chases, crashes, explosions you name it could be done safely and repeatedly to make the movie, tv show or game not only realistic but sometimes larger than life without putting people in serious danger. Nobody wants to get hurt making a movie, tv show or video game but in actuality there is real danger, and risks that must be taken as safely as possible. The main stars in a movie simply can’t do the really dangerous stunts because if they get hurt… the movie, or the show is OVER. Jackie Chan for example was uninsurable and had to get financing for his films from Japan back in the day because he did a lot if not all of his own stunts. If he got hurt the film and all the money invested could be lost, the same is true on any production.

Paul Walker, Vin Diesel. Jack Gill Car Stunt

9000 lb vault stunt in Fast and Furious 5

In this incredible breakdown Jack Gill goes through the Fast and Furious 5 car chase where they use a real 9000 lb vault, and various other movie tricks to make the epic car chase scene come to life on film. He breaks down how hid did all the incredible stunts on this movie while keeping the crew, cast and stunt department safe. It ain’t easy, and I can tell you what goes by in a couple minutes takes weeks and sometimes months to put together.

I have an Emmy as a StuntMan from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for being a part of a stunt team. However it seems very unfair that designers and professionals can get an an “Oscar” aka an “Academy Award” for Costumes, Makeup and Editing for example but there is no Oscar for Stunts.

Watch this incredible video about how what seems like a simple car chase is created in a big budget action flick and you’ll see why this category of film making is long overdue for recognition by the Academy Awards. Break a Leg!

https://video.vanityfair.com/watch/fast-five-s-stunt-coordinator-breaks-down-the-vault-car-chase-scene