My name is Cheryl Wheeler Duncan and I have been a professional stunt-woman for over 22 years. I had the pleasure of working with Dean McCann recently on an action adventure film, The Ascent, and I cannot say enough good things about this highly professional and knowledgeable gentleman. Dean served as Weapons Master, Rappelling and Tactical Technical Adviser/Trainer and Safety Coordinator, as well as filling in at times for the Stunt Coordinator. His expertise comes as no surprise, after reviewing his formidable and impressive resume. His military background is extensive... he is a former United States Army Ranger. His background in law enforcement is extensive... see his resume for a full overview. But for all his amazing accomplishments in the military, in law enforcement, as a leader and as a teacher... what I know to be true, is that this man has an intuitive sense of what works in a movie and what doesn't... what looks real, verses what doesn't, and you can always trust that what will be captured on screen will look vividly believable and one hundred percent accurate and true to life. Dean strives to work with the director and crew to create excitement and action onscreen, yet safety is always first and foremost on his mind. Dean also has an uncanny ability to work with actors and actresses of all types and temperaments, and continuously brings out the best in everyone. His communications skills are unsurpassed and he is always respectful, professional and a team player. He is a natural born motivator and a tireless leader. He is one of the kindest and most helpful men I have ever met. Dean is a true asset to any movie company, large or small, and I for one, am spoiled forever after working with him. He is the best in the business. I've worked with them all, and no one compares to Mr. Dean McCann

- Cheryl Wheeler Duncan
Stunt Double for Josie Davis in The Ascent

"I had the pleasure of working with Dean on a film that I was a bit worried about because of lack of experience when playing one of the world's best mountaineers. Dean quickly set my mind at ease and he was obviously qualified to train me for the things that I had to do. He taught me the REAL way to do things, not just the "movie" way, which I'm NOT into at all. I wanted my performance to be real and he let me know each time if it was or not. I trusted him because he was honest with me. He taught me how to tie ropes in many different knots etc and he didn't complicate it. He made it a snap! I was shocked! And the man has the best attitude of anyone I've ever worked with. If that doesn't help everyone around, I don't know what does! I was so happy to do a testimonial for Dean because of the pleasure he was to work with, his honesty, his straight forwardness, the way he taught me, and the ease in which he taught (which made MY job easy!) He's an absolute professional and would be the bright light on any set that he were to work on."

Josie Davis
Lead Actress - The Ascent

"Hello, my name is Donny Boaz. I am an actor that had the privilege of working with Dean on "The Ascent." One of the biggest reasons that I love to be an actor is that I love doing and learning new things, from skydiving, to fencing, to rock climbing, you name it, something new, I want to learn how to do it and then do it well. This is why it was a pleasure to work with Dean McCann. This man is a wealth of knowledge. After I met him and he started educating me on how to tie 10 different kinds of knots, I was hooked. I felt like everyday I saw him after that I was curious to learn more. Everyday, I would ask him, Dean, teach me something new. Pleasure to work with you Dean, hope we get to work together again someday. Take care man."

Sincerely, Donny Boaz
Supporting Actor - The Ascent

"I worked with Dean McCann on "The Ascent" and can honestly say that from the first meeting we had to the last he was never anything more than polite, knowledgeable and professional. We had a great time on that shoot which included a host of fight sequences, gun play and vertical stunts, including hanging two of our actors off an 150 ft cliff. Dean was always there with a helpful attitude and a serious demeanor about his work. He was prepared, efficient and a benefit to everything we were doing out there. His years of experience and words of wisdom lent a confidence to the production and to the people around him. A genuine gentleman and a real hard working, focused and reliable member of the crew. I appreciate all he did for us and can honestly say it would have been a hell of a lot harder to accomplish with out him. Thanks again and keep in touch."

- Joe Ciccarella
1st Assistant Director - The Ascent

Over the last three months, I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Dean McCann on my film, "THE ASCENT." Dean was our weapons master, and was involved in many of our fight and stunt scenes. I must say that Dean was extremely proficient, professional, and just the best guy to have around on the set. And he brought an ease to the set that is normally lacking on film sets. I look forward to working with Dean again very soon.

Sincerely, Steven James Creazzo
Director - The Ascent

I have worked on several movies where stunts have been performed and Dean is among those stunt and safety guys that are nothing but a pro at what he does and making the set not only safe for the actors but the crew as well. I hope to work with you again in the future.

Ann M. Doria
Script Supervisor