Roles · role
Stunt Coordinator
Also known as Stunt Department Coordinator.
A Stunt Coordinator designs, plans, staffs, rehearses, and supervises action that presents unusual physical risk to performers or crew. They translate the Director’s story needs into controlled methods, select qualified stunt professionals, coordinate with safety-critical departments, lead briefings and rehearsals, assess changing conditions, and stop or revise work when it cannot be performed responsibly.
The coordinator is the department head for stunt work and a primary safety communicator, but every production remains responsible for its broader workplace and contractual obligations.
Stunt Coordinator connects a defined craft or decision area to the wider production plan. A strong brief clarifies authority, deliverables, schedule, safety expectations, and the handoffs this role owns.
Common questions
What is the main responsibility of a Stunt Coordinator?
A Stunt Coordinator designs, plans, staffs, rehearses, and supervises action that presents unusual physical risk to performers or crew. They translate the Director’s story needs into controlled methods, select qualified stunt professionals, coordinate with safety-critical departments, lead briefings and rehearsals, assess changing conditions, and stop or revise work when it cannot be performed responsibly.
What does a Stunt Coordinator do day to day?
Day to day, Stunt Coordinator work commonly includes Break down scripts and identify action, hazards, performers, equipment, and preparation needs., Design methods, staffing, rehearsals, camera considerations, and emergency planning., and Coordinate with performers, ADs, camera, grip, effects, props, vehicles, locations, and medical support.. The exact balance changes with the production schedule, crew size, and the point at which the role joins the project.
What skills matter most for a Stunt Coordinator?
The most useful skills are Stunt coordination, Hazard assessment, Performance direction, and Decisive safety leadership. Together, they help the role make dependable decisions, communicate a clear handoff, and respond to notes or changing conditions.
Which tools and documents does a Stunt Coordinator use?
Common tools include Previsualization and rehearsal recording, Department-specific protective and rigging equipment, Radios and safety communication systems, and Inspection and planning resources. The role also relies on Stunt breakdown, Risk assessment, Rehearsal and safety plan, and Performer and equipment records so decisions, approvals, continuity, and delivery requirements remain traceable.
How does someone build experience for a Stunt Coordinator?
Stunt Coordinators are highly experienced stunt performers or specialists with extensive supervised action, leadership, and cross-department safety knowledge.
How does a Stunt Coordinator vary by production?
The scope changes with format, budget, location, crew structure, and the production's technical method. The role works in rehearsals, scouts, stages, locations, vehicles, water, heights, crowds, and other controlled action environments.
Union and local practice notes
- Qualifications, hiring, contractual duties, permits, and safety requirements vary by jurisdiction and production.
Sources
- Standards and Practices for Stunt Coordinators
- Standards and Protocols for the Use of Intimacy Coordinators
- Motion picture industry craft groups
Educational reference only. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, employer, venue, and production context.