Get ready to ride shotgun through Hollywood’s wild side! In this electrifying episode of Documentary First, host Christian Taylor sits down with Greg Fitzpatrick—a stuntman who’s doubled for Ben Stiller and even put his skills to the test for Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man. Greg’s no-nonsense journey from ditching law school to becoming an award-winning daredevil in Tinseltown is full of raw, behind-the-scenes stories that every aspiring actor, stunt performer, or director will want to hear.

In this candid, high-octane conversation, Greg dives into the gritty realities of stunt work—the epic risks, hilarious mishaps, and relentless hustle that shape a career in film. He reveals how networking, preparation, and a dash of bold risk-taking have propelled him from theater stages to the big screen. Whether you’re dreaming of your own Hollywood breakthrough or just curious about what really goes on behind the camera, this interview packs plenty of inspiration, practical advice, and jaw-dropping tales from the stunt world.

Tune in for a deep dive into the adrenaline-fueled world of stunts where every fall is a step toward success!

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Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa, 2023, 95 mins, Watch on Netflix, IMDB Link: Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa (2023) ⭐ 7.6 | Documentary

Timecodes

00:00 Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking and Guest Introduction
02:59 The Life of a Stuntman: Behind the Scenes
06:05 The Journey to Acting: From Law School to Hollywood
09:02 Theater and Acting: Building a Foundation
12:02 The Struggles of an Actor: Finding a Footing in LA
15:06 Networking and Community in the Film Industry
17:59 The Breakthrough: Becoming a Stunt Performer
20:51 Transitioning from Stunts to Acting
23:55 The Hustle: Balancing Jobs and Passion
27:09 Preparing for the Role: Doubling for Ben Stiller
27:43 The Journey Begins: From Awareness to Opportunity
30:09 Seizing the Moment: The Importance of Preparation
32:52 The Humbling Experience of Stunt Work
35:44 The Duality of Stunt Work: Gift and Challenge
39:09 Behind the Scenes: The Reality of Stunt Work
42:34 Directing: Bringing Vision to Life
46:55 Documentary Insights: Learning from Experience
48:25 DocuView Déjà Vu