Monte Thompson(II)

Monte Thompson is a licensed industrial mechanic, machinist and welder, and presently works in the movie industry as a stunt rigger, stunt performer and manufacturer of specialized stunt equipment. His early exposure to trade skills and extreme sports gave him his deep-rooted love of things that move. That, linked with his effervescent energy and enthusiasm has brought him to places around the world and into situations that require his brand of quick and creative energy. At the age of eight, Monte was already in his father's metal working shop, where he refined his skills in machining, mechanics, welding and fabrication. At thirteen, he became the youngest certified welder in Canada. While attending college for manufacturing engineering, Monte was offered a mechanical technician apprenticeship at Ontario Hydro's Bruce Nuclear Power Station. Upon completion of his training, Monte left with a millwright license and several high level nuclear welding certificates. With these qualifications, Monte moved to Whistler and worked with the Whistler Mountain Ski Corporation. There he designed and built components for ski lifts, and worked as a ski lift mechanic. An athlete in his own right, Monte has enjoyed motocross, paragliding, barefoot water skiing, extreme skiing and mountain biking. After three years in Whistler Monte was introduced to Vancouver's film industry, becoming particularly intrigued with the world of stunts and special effects. As a result of his mechanical and sports background, Monte attained a position in the movies which led to his original designs for stunt equipment specializing in the area of rigging. The unique combination of structural engineering in mechanical design and fabrication, extreme sports, and an in-depth understanding of the film industry allowed him to build a career designing wire stunts, rigging coordination and as a stunt performer.