Rolling With The Punches – 20 years in the stunt business
Justin Pearson is one of the UK’s most in-demand stunt performers and coordinators.
From huge franchises such as Star Wars, James Bond, Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean to cult TV shows like Game of Thrones, his CV is a sparkling list of the world’s biggest and best productions.
In this frank, amusing and revealing autobiography, Justin lifts the lid on 20 years in the stunt industry, from his early days as a prizewinning horseman to his brushes with danger, doubling for some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Author: Justin Pearson
Page Count: 180 pages
Release Date: 1st December 2021
Ever wondered what it’s like being a stunt performer? Imagine if your first role was in a Star Wars film – how cool would that be?
Shropshire-born Justin Pearson grew up on a farm and became a more than competent horserider. His horsemanship afforded him a lengthy stint performing at shows up and down the land, jousting and battling with swords.
But, as soon as he had his equity card, Justin’s life went down an exciting path, commencing his 20 plus year career as a stunt performer.
His first blockbuster role was as an alien jedi in Attack of the Clones. It was here he first came under the wing of stunt coordinator Nick Gillard, and it was Nick’s tutorlage and association that opened the doors to James Bond, Harry Potter, Marvel, DC and so many other massive franchises.
Justin has now made the move to become a stunt coordinator, because as he admits – he doesn’t heal so quick these days. One memorable injury occured during the filming of the Kray brothers movie, Legend. Tom Hardy swung a punch that wasn’t meant to connect – but connect it did, breaking Justin’s nose. Ouch!
I was introduced to Justin by my good friend Carl Jones. I’d worked with Carl in regional press for a number of years. We both left a Shropshire-based newspaper within a few years of each other, setting up our own media businesses. Having collaborated on a number of projects, I was intrigued when the designing of Justin’s book was first mooted.
It was a project that saw both Carl and myself jetting off to LA for a photoshoot, but more than that, getting inside the head of a stuntman.
It’s a great read, and a wonderful insight to an industry that isn’t perhaps as glamorous as you’d expect, but often intriguing.
You can order the book at www.awaywithmedia.com/buy-books/Justin-Pearson