In The Pipeline: Falling For Hollywood

In The Pipeline is a new feature strand exploring projects not yet in production that are looking for partners. If you would like to feature, email Richard.Middleton@broadcastnow.co.uk

Stunts remain one of the most vital aspects of the movie business, yet the mechanics behind the action on screen – and the risks facing those who make the jump – remain little understood.

Falling For Hollywood looks to change that, with the 1 x 52-minute film delving into the science that keeps stunt performers safe in one of the grittiest jobs in cinema.

Working with industry experts, the show aims to unpack the art and science behind blockbuster movie stunts, not only exploring the chemistry, engineering and technology that make the stunts thrilling – but also how teams ensure nobody gets hurt.

Canadian broadcaster CBC is already attached to the project, which hails from Toronto-based White Pine Pictures and 519 Films, and UK-based Orange Smarty is handling distribution, with worldwide rights outside of English-speaking Canada available.

The project emerged thanks to a friendship between director Andy Hourahine, Blair Johannes, a renowned stunt co-ordinator, and producer Stephen Paniccia, who all had an affinity for the adrenaline-fuelled scenes in their favourite movies.

“They all love stunts but the producer wanted to focus on Blair and showcase these unsung heroes of the film industry, with an inside look at what it takes to put on an amazing stunt,” says Orange Smarty chief executive Karen Young.

The film takes the audience behind the scenes to uncover the mechanics of the on-screen action, entertaining viewers but also leaving them with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the skill behind some of the most iconic stunts in cinema history.

We don’t simply show viewers what happens, but reveal how and why these stunts work

Karen Young, Orange Smarty

Filming has started, with Peter Raymont attached as executive producer, alongside Paniccia and writing duo Hourahine and Anthony Morgan, and Johannes overseeing stunt co-ordination.

Young says the doc takes a more action-led narrative approach than some others in the genre, creating a dynamic blend of factual storytelling and fiction.

“At its heart is an original short film embedded within the documentary, used to illustrate the thought process, technical preparation and final execution of major practical stunts in a real working environment,” she adds.

Alongside this, the film attempts to provide an in-depth look at how each stunt is conceived, prepared and executed, supplemented by a deep dive into the science, engineering and practical skills required to make these seemingly impossible moments possible.

“This is a show that doesn’t simply show viewers what happens, but reveals how and why these stunts work,” says Young.

With its budget of almost C$700,000 (£370,000) nearly full, the show is now looking for pre-sales to complete the shortfall, with buyers across both broadcast and streaming being sought.