Stunt Ranch

Stunt Ranch

Written by Darcie Duttweiler Friday, 13 June 2008

For someone who claims to have hated science growing up, it is ironic that Steve Wolf uses it every day.

 

As the president of Wolf Stuntworks Inc., and founder of both Stunt Ranch and Science in the Movies—a traveling education program that teaches physics and chemistry by demonstrating movie stunts—Wolf uses different components of mechanics, kinetics, chemistry and electronics in all he does, which includes handling fireworks, lighting himself (and others) on fire and even creating snow.

“I thought that if I could teach kids my kind of science they would enjoy it more,” Wolf said.

Wolf bought the 12-acre facility more than two years ago, and Stunt Ranch opened with the beginning of Stunt Camp last summer. After traveling the country as the stunt coordinator for multiple feature films, such as “The Firm” and “Cast Away,” Wolf wanted to find a location where his team could have room to produce their own stunts as well as a space to teach youngsters (and the young at heart) about the science that goes into movie stunts. The idea of teaching children in a camp setting came largely from his desire to have more time with his own three children.

“I missed a lot of my sons’ growing up, and I didn’t want to miss out on my last one’s life,” Wolf said. “I wanted to have a place where I could foster and nurture certain characteristics—optimism, resourcefulness, knowledge—in specific situations and experiences.”

The Stunt Ranch compound houses much more than Wolf’s stunt team. In addition to a challenging ropes course and zip line, the property has a pool and a small gazebo, along with the World War II-style trenches and bunkers called Hill-13, built for paintball.

The gazebo, and eventually a much larger building now in construction, overlook a small pond and are used for weddings. The large yellow home situated on the property holds a spacious bridal suite for the special day. Wolf tops off these events with fireworks.

“A lot of people who work here have never seen a fireworks show except for underneath,” Wolf joked about the high number of fireworks they produce each year.

Stunt Ranch also hosts several support groups, including the Central Texas Alopecia Support Group, a disease Wolf developed when he was 22, as well as the Kids with Dyslexia Support Group. Wolf also runs a Pre-K program for kids with special capabilities.

“That is one of the most important programs we do,” Wolf said. “After we discovered our son had dyslexia, I thought, ‘There must be other parents who can’t find the help their children need.’”

Summer camp is already under way at Stunt Ranch, with one week, 40-hour sessions through the month of July for ages six and up. Last year, Wolf had a 36-year-old attend camp.

“Kids are fascinated by how movies are made, and they really do love to learn,” said Wolf. “They’re just not designed to sit in school for eight hours a day.”

Wolf, who trained under an Academy Award-winning special effects coordinator, still coordinates stunts for movies shot locally, such as Heather Graham’s latest, “The Exterminator.”

Fun at the Ranch

Help Stunt Ranch celebrate the 100-year anniversary of its original building June 28. The event will showcase live music, fireworks, paintball and foam and snow demonstrations. Enjoy complimentary food with fun for the whole family. Call 653-9653 for more details.

Stunt Ranch, 13317 Fitzhugh Road, 653-9653