Stunts, Danger, And Insurance: America's Got Talent's Tricky Business

America's Got Talent has become known for its death-defying stunts, but with great risk comes the potential for life-threatening accidents. Over the years, the show has seen its fair share of dangerous stunts gone wrong, from a trapeze artist falling to a sword-swallower being shot in the throat with a flaming arrow. These incidents raise questions about the insurance and safety protocols in place for such high-risk performances. While some performers have walked away unscathed, others have not been so fortunate, leading to concerns about the potential consequences of these stunts.

Stunt performers' insurance policies

Stunt Performers Insurance Policies

Stunt performers are not considered employees, partners, or agents of the production company. They are independent contractors who perform dangerous and unpredictable tasks. As such, they are required to have their own insurance policies in place to cover any injuries or liabilities that may occur during their stunts.

Insurance Coverage:

• The stunt performer is responsible for carrying any and all injury and liability insurance for themselves.
• This includes coverage for any other personnel on the set, as well as equipment and property.
• The producer has the right to inspect the stunt performer's insurance coverage before any stunts are performed.
• The insurance should cover a variety of activities, including but not limited to: aerial scenes, falls, fight scenes, vehicle use, water scenes, weapons, precision driving, and animals.
• Additional coverage may be needed for aircraft use, depending on the specifics of the stunt.
• Stunt performers should also be aware of exclusions in their policies. For example, the Film Production Insurance policy excludes coverage for a person injured when taking part in a hazardous stunt or special effect without the prior consent of the insurance company.

Obtaining Insurance:

• Stunt performers can obtain insurance through independent filmmaker contracts, which offer insurance packages specifically for stunts.
• These packages are designed to cover unpredictable stunts that may not be included in traditional film insurance.
• When obtaining insurance, stunt performers may need to provide information such as a synopsis of the scenes being filmed, a list of stunts, protective measures in place, and the experience of the stunt coordinator.

Insurance for Producers:

• In some cases, the producer may choose to purchase insurance for the stunt performer.
• This is a separate agreement from the one in which the stunt performer purchases their own insurance.
• Producers should be aware of exclusions in their policies and ensure they have the necessary coverage for any stunts being performed.

• Stunt performers and producers should carefully review their insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage for any stunts being performed.
• By obtaining the necessary insurance, stunt performers can protect themselves and others from financial liabilities in the event of an accident.
• It is crucial to disclose all stunt activities to insurance brokers to ensure proper coverage and avoid potential issues.

Safety measures for life-threatening stunts

Life-threatening stunts can be thrilling to watch, but they also come with significant risks. To ensure the safety of performers and prevent serious injuries or fatalities, it is crucial to implement strict safety measures. Here are some detailed instructions and precautions to be considered:

Risk Assessment and Planning:

• Before attempting any stunt, a thorough risk assessment is essential. Identify all potential hazards and develop a comprehensive plan to mitigate those risks. Consider the specific skills, equipment, and environment required for the stunt.
• Ensure that the performers are adequately skilled, trained, and physically fit to execute the stunt safely. Rehearse the stunt multiple times in controlled conditions to refine techniques and identify potential issues.
• Have emergency response plans in place. This includes having medical personnel and equipment on standby, ready to respond to any injuries or accidents that may occur.

Equipment and Environment:

• Use only well-maintained, high-quality equipment specifically designed for the stunt. Regularly inspect and test all equipment, including safety gear, to ensure it meets industry standards and safety regulations.
• Ensure that the performance area is carefully set up and secured. Check for any potential hazards in the environment, such as slippery surfaces caused by sweat or rain, unstable structures, or flammable materials, and take measures to eliminate or control these risks.
• Utilise safety mats, nets, or other impact-absorbing materials to cushion potential falls or collisions. These can significantly reduce the risk of severe injuries.

Communication and Coordination:

• Establish clear and consistent communication between the performers, crew, and support staff. Ensure that everyone involved understands the stunt's timing, cues, and potential risks.
• Implement a system of signals or cues between the performers to ensure precise timing and coordination during the stunt. This is especially important for complex stunts involving multiple participants.

Monitoring and Emergency Response:

• Have trained personnel monitor the stunt closely during its execution. They should be able to identify any deviations from the plan and be prepared to intervene or stop the stunt if necessary.
• Ensure that emergency response procedures are well-rehearsed and that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities in the event of an accident. This includes providing immediate first aid, evacuating the area if needed, and contacting emergency services.

It is important to remember that even with these safety measures in place, life-threatening stunts always carry an inherent risk. The goal of these precautions is to minimise the chances of injury or death, but performers, organisers, and audiences should always be aware of the potential dangers involved.

Accidents during performances

One notable incident involved a married trapeze duo, Mary and Tyce, who performed under the name Duo Transcend. During their live act, they performed daring acrobatics while suspended on a bar high above the stage, with fire lighting up the stage below them and the ends of their suspension bar. Their final trick involved Tyce blindfolding himself and hanging upside down while attempting to catch Mary as she fell backward. Unfortunately, Mary slipped through his grip and fell to the stage, crashing with a heavy thud. Luckily, she fell onto a safety mat and suffered only minor injuries, including a bruise on her back. The couple's young son was in the audience, adding to the stress of the situation. Despite the accident, they were allowed to advance to the next round.

Another incident involved a sword swallower, Ryan Stock, who was accidentally hit by a flaming arrow shot by his fiancée, AmberLynn Walker, during a crossbow routine. Stock assured the terrified audience that he was unharmed, but the incident left the judges and viewers shocked.

In another season, Ivan the Urban Action Figure dove head-first into a pile of metal folding chairs during his acrobatic dancing routine and lay motionless on the floor for several minutes. He received medical attention and was said to be fine, but he could not continue in the competition.

These incidents highlight the risks and dangers inherent in live performances, especially those involving dangerous stunts and life-threatening situations. While "America's Got Talent" showcases incredible talent, it also underscores the importance of safety measures and quick response in the event of accidents.

Judges' reactions to dangerous stunts

Judges on America's Got Talent have witnessed a plethora of dangerous stunts over the years, and their reactions have been a mix of awe, shock, and praise.

In one instance, a married trapeze duo, Mary and Tyce, performed a series of death-defying acrobatics while suspended high above a stage engulfed in flames. The judges were likely impressed by the couple's bravery and skill, but the act took a terrifying turn when Mary slipped through Tyce's grip and fell to the stage. The judges were undoubtedly shocked and concerned for Mary's well-being. Fortunately, she stood up and showed that she was unharmed, and the judges praised their talent and sent them to the next round.

Another dangerous stunt involved Nick and Lindsay Williams, a husband and wife duo who combined opera, violin, and knife throwing in their act. Lindsay threw knives at Nick while he stood against a giant dartboard, even blindfolding herself at one point. Simon Cowell, one of the judges, was so intrigued that he went on stage and volunteered to be a target for Lindsay's knife-throwing skills.

The Bir Khalsa Group also left the judges awestruck with their unique and dangerous act. It involved a blindfolded man, Kawaljit, smashing fruits with a mallet placed around the body of Jagdeep, the world's tallest policeman. For 90 spine-chilling seconds, Kawaljit destroyed every fruit without losing his balance or harming Jagdeep, leaving the judges impressed and amazed.

While these stunts ended without major injuries, some acts on America's Got Talent have gone horribly wrong. In one such incident, a contestant named Ryan Stock, a sword swallower, was shot in the throat by a flaming arrow when his fiancée, AmberLynn Walker, missed the target during their performance. The judges were left in shock as Ryan grabbed his neck in pain, but he eventually assured the terrified crowd that he was okay.

These reactions from the judges on America's Got Talent showcase their admiration for the talent and bravery of the contestants, along with their concern for the performers' safety and well-being.

Contestants' experiences with extreme acts

Contestants on America's Got Talent: Extreme have performed a variety of extreme and dangerous acts, pushing the limits of what is possible and entertaining. One such contestant was Bruce Cook, a motocross rider who, eight years after becoming paralysed, got back on his dirt bike and performed a vertical backflip, earning a unanimous "yes" from the judges. Another contestant, Aaron Evans, performed extreme parkour and freerunning, flipping over three moving cars driving at him at 30 mph.

Some contestants have had close calls with their stunts. In one instance, a married trapeze duo, Mary and Tyce, performed a series of death-defying acrobatics while suspended on a bar several feet above a stage on fire. During their final trick, Mary slipped through Tyce's grip and fell to the stage, fortunately landing on a safety mat. In another instance, Canadian stuntman and sword swallower Ryan Stock was shot in the neck with a flaming arrow by his fiancée, AmberLynn Walker, when she missed the target. Thankfully, he was okay, and he assured the terrified crowd, "I’m okay, it got my shirt, I’m okay".

Other extreme acts have included a human cannonball, David 'The Bullet' Smith, who was shot out of a cannon at 74 mph into a 90-foot-tall ring of fire, and Alfredo Silva's Cage Riders, who performed dangerous cage-riding and motorcycle stunts, wowing the judges and earning a Golden Buzzer from host Terry Crews.

Contestants on America's Got Talent: Extreme have certainly lived up to the show's name, showcasing unique and jaw-dropping talents that have kept audiences on the edge of their seats.

Frequently asked questions