With computer-generated special effects all the rage, and disaster movie crowd scenes packed with virtual “synthespians” rather than real extras, you might think that the age of the heroic stuntman and woman is over, with actors and actresses not far behind. But a little known branch of science – “stuntology” – has come to the rescue.
Physicists, computer specialists and engineers create the techniques and equipment to make hitherto impossible stunts safe for real people, scoring one over virtual reality. In Australia this month there is even an applied physics workshop in Sydney for those who want to get a car airborne,…
