Filmclusive Role Encyclopedia
What Does a Stunt Driver Do?
A Stunt Driver performs planned vehicle action that requires specialized control, timing, precision, or risk management beyond ordinary picture driving. They evaluate the vehicle and route, rehearse marks and communication, coordinate camera and surrounding action, use the approved safety plan, report mechanical or surface changes, and execute repeatable maneuvers only within their demonstrated discipline and conditions.
- Department
- Stunts and Intimacy
- Also called
- Precision Stunt Driver, Action Driver
- Reports to
- Varies by production
- Supervises
- Varies by production
What is a Stunt Driver?
Stunt driving is distinct from routine cast or production transportation and should be coordinated as stunt work when the action demands specialized performance.
Stunt Driver 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.
What does a Stunt Driver do?
- Review route, vehicle, speed, marks, surfaces, obstacles, camera, and surrounding performers.
- Inspect the assigned vehicle and report mechanical or visibility concerns.
- Rehearse timing, signals, abort conditions, resets, and emergency response.
- Execute approved vehicle action consistently and communicate changing conditions.
Who does a Stunt Driver work with?
Role links follow Filmclusive’s canonical production-role taxonomy.
Tools a Stunt Driver uses
- Purpose-selected picture vehicles
- Radios and agreed communication signals
- Rehearsal markers and reference video
- Vehicle-specific protective systems
Documents and production materials
- Vehicle action plan
- Route and mark diagram
- Inspection notes
- Rehearsal and safety brief
Skills
- Precision driving
- Vehicle dynamics
- Timing
- Risk communication
Career path
Stunt Drivers develop advanced skills through qualified instruction, closed-course practice, competition or specialty experience, and supervised production work.
Work environment
The work occurs on controlled roads, tracks, stages, lots, or locations with coordinated closures, camera positions, and emergency support.
Union and guild context
Licensing, road closure, permitting, performer coverage, and stunt safety requirements vary and must be verified for each production.
Related Filmclusive roles
Common questions
6 practical questions about scope, collaboration, skills, and production context.
What is the main responsibility of a Stunt Driver?
A Stunt Driver performs planned vehicle action that requires specialized control, timing, precision, or risk management beyond ordinary picture driving. They evaluate the vehicle and route, rehearse marks and communication, coordinate camera and surrounding action, use the approved safety plan, report mechanical or surface changes, and execute repeatable maneuvers only within their demonstrated discipline and conditions.
What does a Stunt Driver do day to day?
Day to day, Stunt Driver work commonly includes Review route, vehicle, speed, marks, surfaces, obstacles, camera, and surrounding performers., Inspect the assigned vehicle and report mechanical or visibility concerns., and Rehearse timing, signals, abort conditions, resets, and emergency response.. 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 Driver?
The most useful skills are Precision driving, Vehicle dynamics, Timing, and Risk communication. 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 Driver use?
Common tools include Purpose-selected picture vehicles, Radios and agreed communication signals, Rehearsal markers and reference video, and Vehicle-specific protective systems. The role also relies on Vehicle action plan, Route and mark diagram, Inspection notes, and Rehearsal and safety brief so decisions, approvals, continuity, and delivery requirements remain traceable.
How does someone build experience for a Stunt Driver?
Stunt Drivers develop advanced skills through qualified instruction, closed-course practice, competition or specialty experience, and supervised production work.
How does a Stunt Driver vary by production?
The scope changes with format, budget, location, crew structure, and the production's technical method. The work occurs on controlled roads, tracks, stages, lots, or locations with coordinated closures, camera positions, and emergency support.
Sources
Sources support verification; wording is original.
- Standards and Practices for Stunt Coordinators — SAG-AFTRA
Union · Accessed 2026-08-27
- Standards and Protocols for the Use of Intimacy Coordinators — SAG-AFTRA
Union · Accessed 2026-08-27
- Motion picture industry craft groups — Contract Services
Professional organization · Accessed 2026-08-27
About this article
Reviewed by
Mas MoriyaView public profile- Who
- Written and reviewed by Mas Moriya. Mas Moriya is a filmmaker turned software builder and creative technologist based in Los Angeles.
- How
- Mas Moriya wrote and reviewed this article from hands-on film, product, and workflow experience. External claims were checked against the primary or institutional sources listed below. Analysis and recommendations are editorial judgment, not survey results.
- Why
- Filmclusive publishes these articles to help filmmakers and creative teams make practical workflow decisions, understand tradeoffs, and protect human judgment—not to manufacture search traffic.
Editorial review completed August 27, 2026. Read our editorial standards.