Headline image: The stunt rigging team at work on the film “I See You” starring Helen Hunt.
By Patrice Aylward
Rick Fike is standing at the edge of a cliff at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park, preparing to blind dive, flip and drop onto a 4-by-8-foot rock 30 feet below. To his left, a stand of trees. To his right, another 20-foot drop. In his hands, a pair of three-pronged martial arts weapons. On the director’s cue, Rick hits the ground running and launches off the cliff, landing seconds later on a two-foot cushion hidden beneath a pile of boxes. In three takes, the shot is complete — just another day’s work for the veteran stunt designer and coordinator. This time, he’s doubling for Nick Offerman on “The Kings of Summer,” a film produced by Chagrin Falls, Ohio, independent filmmaker Tyler Davidson and shot in Northeast Ohio.
Rick is the owner and operator of Stunt Predators in Madison, Ohio, the only stunt company between New York and Los Angeles dedicated to film productions across Ohio and the Midwest. Over the course of 130-plus movies, he has tackled fire burns, fight choreography, weapons handling and stunt driving. On more than 60 films, he has served as stunt designer or coordinator. Stunt Predators’ credits include such major titles as “The Avengers,” “Draft Day,” “Welcome to Collinwood,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “Take Shelter.” With a 40-person, highly trained team of men and women, Rick gives directors a deep bench of talent and action expertise.
“You have to learn to take hits, show a reaction, die and, most importantly, make the star look good,” Rick said. “We’re not daredevils. We’re professionals with backgrounds in athletics, martial arts, the military, even dance — all focused on taking calculated risks. The key is body control and the right attitude. Producers and directors rely on us to keep the cast and crew safe while selling the action.” A former military special ops officer and black belt martial artist, Rick brings a disciplined, methodical approach to every set.
“We appreciate it when a producer or director brings us into major studio films. Ohio has tremendous talent, and we look forward to the day when there’s no ceiling on budgets for local filmmakers. The tax incentives and film commissions are a real advantage for Ohio,” he added.
All photos courtesy of Rick Fike.
Don’t miss this stunt showcase: Catch Rick Fike and the Stunt Predators in action on July 7 at Atlas Cinemas Diamond Center 16 in Mentor, where they’ll perform live stunt demonstrations at the screening of “Air Force One.” The event is a free Ohio Goes to the Movies screening.
Did you know? The dramatic opening sequence for “Air Force One” was filmed right here in Cleveland at Severance Music Center, featuring stunt pros rappelling from helicopters onto the iconic rooftop.