Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Leva.
Hi Scott, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started out wanting to be an Actor. Moved to New York in the late 70’s. Tried the Theatre route. Did some Off Broadway, quite a bit of Off, Off Broadway. Never got to Broadway. Close. Lot of Soap opera work.
Met stunt people that worked out at the Gymnastic Gym I frequented. Started working as a stunt man. Thought it was more of a side job, still expecting that big acting break.
Move ahead a few years. I move to Los Angeles. Still hung onto that acting dream. Came close to being cast as Spider-Man / Peter Parker in the Cannon film. I actually have a long history of working with Marvel comics in the mid 70’s to the early 1990s.) Film was shelved. Dove (no pun intended back into full time stunt work.
Grew in my career. Due to mishaps with high falls that caused severe injuries and even deaths including my closest friend, I re-invented the Air Bag in 1998. It would catch performers even if they hit off center.
There are over 32 people alive today, that had they hit a standard bag, would no longer be with us.
Received the 2006 Scientific Technical Achievement Oscar for this innovation.
Have built a steady business, designing and selling Top of the Line stunt equipment. Air Bags being my main claim to fame. I have had clients for the past 25 years that include, Universal Studios, Disney and Cirque Du Soleil.
In my long illustrious 40+ years, I have worked with some of the Top Directors, Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola, and Clint Eastwood. Along with top actors. Robin Williams, Ray Liotta, and Jack Nicholson.
Recently wrote a book, I Am/Was Spider-Man that tells many of these stories in more detail The book will be released in Bookstores and online May 25th.
Yet, even with all these accomplishments. I am most famous for being on the Photo Cover in 1985 of The Amazing Spider-Man # 265.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. The industry has a habit of leaving casualties along the road to success. Lost close friends. Rethought my career choices many times. Slow periods have caused major financial stress ,on both me and my family. But, we have persevered. The quote “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”, I can fully attest to. Out of all the losses I have had, losing my dog of 12 1/2 years was one of the hardest.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As I grew in the business, I was lucky to work with incredible people that gave me creative carte blanche on many projects. I got to create unique and incredible action sequences that actually helped make the project more exciting. Films like The Toxic Avenger. Every action sequence has my distinct stamp on it. So much so, that I still have a wonderful relationship with these directors, actors and producers.
I am told I have a wonderful sense of humour that helps at times when things on a movie or TV set can be tense. During filming of the First X-Men movie I dressed up as Spider-Man and joined in on a scene. It is still a popular video on YouTube that is talked about.
What I understand by those I work with that makes me stand apart, is my creativity. My being an integral part of the project by adding something that enhances the what we are doing.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I have always loved the Quote by John Lennon. “Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans”.
I have learned through the years, that life is what you make it. Good times or bad. We all have a purpose. I enjoy what I do. I am still creative.
When I decided to write my memoir, I realized that there were things I accomplished that actually inspired people. This was exciting and humbling to hear.
I am hoping for many more fulfilling and creative years to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.precisionstunts.com
- Instagram: levascott@instagram
- Facebook: Scott Leva
- LinkedIn: Scott Leva
Image Credits
Name of each photo is actually on the images
