Strict Rules Stunt Performers Have To Follow On Set

It requires significant bravery to perform daring actions like jumping from a high building, even when equipped with protective gear and safety measures, or setting yourself on fire, despite using fire-resistant gel and having firefighters ready with extinguishers, because the element of risk is always present. Similarly, driving a car at high speed through a crowded mall and crashing through a window for what seems like freedom also requires a great deal of courage, as the potential for harm to oneself or others cannot be entirely eliminated.

Stunt artists frequently carry out such daring feats regularly in order to receive payment. Some of the most extraordinary stunts you witness on screen are genuine, although it’s often not the actors but their professional stand-ins who execute them. Despite the ever-present risk they encounter, stunt performers have only recently started receiving acknowledgement and professional praise for their work: The Academy Awards will formally acknowledge stunt design as a worthy and honorable profession during its 2027 ceremony.

In the realm of stunts, there’s been an improvement in perks for many, thanks to their association with SAG-AFTRA and their involvement in the 2023 strikes advocating for fair compensation. Notably, stunt coordinators have reaped significant benefits from this, securing fixed residuals for shows and films on streaming platforms. Yet, despite gaining more attention, stunt performers are bound by a specific set of rules to ensure safety on set. Here’s what every stunt person must comply with when working in a Hollywood production.

Stunt performers must adhere to SAG-AFTRA rules

Following the resolution of the 2023 Hollywood strikes, a set of shared guidelines and protocols for stunt performers was made available on the SAG-AFTRA website. This document stresses that they are bound by union regulations: Any rules the actors’ union has negotiated also apply to stunt performers during filming. If any violations occur, it is recommended that they be reported to the union. The site further explains: “If a violation is found to be substantiated, instead of resorting to procedures under Article XIV of the Constitution, the staff, in consultation with committee leaders as necessary, will reach out to the stunt coordinator to educate them about the standards and practices, and help the coordinator decide how to handle the specific issue at hand.

The daring stunt artists fully backed their colleagues during the strikes. Notably, Mike Massa, who has executed stunts for Harrison Ford, took things up a notch by setting himself on fire in one demonstration which quickly gained widespread attention. Despite receiving an increase in pay and some royalties linked to work for streaming platforms (such as Netflix’s original films, which feature numerous captivating stunts you should watch at least once), not everyone was content with the agreement. Some performers pointed out that it lacks provisions to safeguard against the digital replication of their images, enabling studios to potentially generate countless digital stunt performers instead of employing real workers. Heidi Pascoe, a member of the Stuntwomen’s Association of Motion Pictures, expressed her concern to the New York Post that this contract could devastate the stunt industry. She added, “The stunt community — which is quite small — is really getting taken advantage of. We don’t have the numbers to prevent this from being implemented. We just don’t.

Everyone has to be on the same page

Regardless of their opinions towards SAG-AFTRA’s actions, members from unions like The Stuntmen’s Association of Motion Pictures and The Stuntwomen’s Association of Motion Pictures share a common belief: adhering to every safety rule is paramount when coordinating or performing stunts. Their aim is to minimize injuries and property damage as much as possible since stunt work involves pushing the human body to its limits without causing harm. To ensure everyone stays safe and knows what to expect during each scene, it’s crucial that everyone involved understands the plan thoroughly.

Performing their own stunts, like Tom Cruise’s thrilling feats for the “Mission: Impossible” films, can make situations even more precarious. Insurance complications might arise, and directors could potentially injure or permanently impair their stars in pursuit of realism. Regardless of fame, actors must adhere to union safety regulations. It’s advantageous when the director has experience in the stunt industry, a realm that David Leitch is particularly well-versed in.

For many years, Leitch worked behind the camera as a professional stuntman, standing in for actors like Brad Pitt, and the evidence of his work is visible in the scars he bears. Now that he’s moved on to directing, he acknowledges that the burden of responsibility has become much heavier. As he put it in an interview with NPR, “It’s tougher because you have friends who are performing these stunts and you’re the one designing them. You’re responsible for their safety. It feels like your heart is racing every time.” His latest film, “The Fall Guy,” pays a lengthy tribute in the credits to the men and women who carried out the stunts featured within it.

They have to attend safety meetings

It’s not unusual to find out that stunt performers participate in safety meetings, often led by the stunt coordinator and the first assistant director. In these sessions, the team and the safety group come together to discuss guidelines and protocols for each stunt, ensuring everyone understands their role and responsibilities. They are also informed about emergency response locations. However, even with all these meetings, there can still be unexpected incidents like the one that occurred on the set of “Rust,” where Alec Baldwin was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter (the charges were later dropped following the discovery of withheld evidence from the defense).

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) could potentially intervene, similar to their role in the “Midnight Rider” incident where director Randall Miller and other production members faced charges for involuntary manslaughter and criminal trespassing following the death of assistant camerawoman Sarah Jones who was hit by a train during filming. It’s worth noting that it’s not uncommon for stunt performers to lose their lives on set, with tragic incidents occurring in movies such as “Top Gun” from the ’80s, “Troy” starring Brad Pitt, and more recently, “Deadpool 2.” Unfortunately, accidents can happen even to the most skilled and dedicated stunt professionals.

They have to work under a stunt coordinator

According to SAG-AFTRA rules, if a production involves stunts or stunt-related activities for performers, it’s mandatory to hire a competent professional to ensure safety and manage all stunt personnel and stunts. In simple terms, the union’s website explains that when a producer needs a performer to perform scripted or non-scripted stunts, someone with relevant training and experience in organizing and executing such stunts should be present on set.

The role of a stunt coordinator extends beyond just organizing stunts; they also maintain communication with various production departments involved in any stunt-related activities, such as wardrobe and props. This may involve managing numerous individuals, collaborating with storyboards, ensuring continuity, and guaranteeing that necessary authorities are on set when required. Coordinating multiple aspects of a production can be challenging, but experienced stunt coordinators know how to handle the pressure – often under high-stress conditions – to complete the task within the given timeframe.

For those who specialize in organizing stunts, their work can be considered as a creative craft. As James O’Donnell, an industry expert who designed action sequences for the Oscar-nominated film “Belfast,” told Variety: “While I am officially credited as a stunt coordinator, my actual role is that of an action designer. My task is to translate the script and the director’s vision, whether it involves creating large-scale action scenes with explosions or working on more subtle productions like this one.

Preparation is paramount

The crucial aspect of being a stunt person lies in maintaining a keen awareness, quick thinking, and unwavering focus. Whether you’re leaping from an airplane, engaging in a mock battle against a furious tide of adversaries, or getting simulated crushed by a falling tree, if your senses aren’t sharp, accidents can easily occur, potentially causing harm to yourself or others. Arriving on set when fatigued, unwell, or under the influence can lead to catastrophic outcomes. This is why many aspiring stunt performers often attend stunt training academies before they become Hollywood professionals.

In simpler terms, mastering stunts is more about precision and planning than reckless behavior for many stunt professionals. It takes meticulous planning to design a stunt, and even though it might appear daring on set, every move is carefully thought out and planned in detail. As Logan Holladay, who has worked as a stuntman on shows like “The Fall Guy,” explained to Men’s Health, good stunt work requires extensive preparation and breaking down the stunt into manageable steps. He knows exactly where he needs to be at each point during the stunt and focuses on executing each step precisely. Contrary to popular belief, Holladay is not a daredevil; rather, his work is calculated and carefully planned.

Protective gear is a must

It’s quite straightforward: Any performer engaging in stunts that involve blows, falls from height, or impacts must wear safety gear such as helmets, padding, and gloves. Some performers carry their own protective equipment bag, often referred to as a stunt bag, which contains all the necessary items for their protection during filming on movie or TV sets.

A standard protective gear (PPE) bag usually contains safety equipment such as mouth and face protecting helmets, designed to prevent stunt performers from injuring their tongues or teeth; along with wrist, elbow, and knee pads. Additionally, a back protector, padding for shorts and vests may also be included. The specific protective gear a stunt person brings to a shoot can change based on the stunt they’ve agreed to perform, but they always have equipment handy to minimize their discomfort during work.

Real firefighters must be present for fire stunts

On film sets where fires are intended, extensive planning is essential. A pyrotechnician, specialized in fire scenes, should be present, along with real firefighters who hold motion picture and television safety officer certifications. Additionally, a stunt coordinator is necessary. The city of Los Angeles offers a training program to help firefighters acquire additional certifications, allowing them to work on film productions. As Cindy Moore, former deputy state fire marshal, explained to the LA Times, “We aim to educate the local fire service about the unique methods used in the movie industry. We want to make them feel at ease with situations they don’t often encounter, so when things go awry, they can ensure a safe environment.

It’s interesting to point out that at one point in time, the relationship between the fire department and stunt coordinators wasn’t always smooth. In fact, many within the stunt community preferred to keep them out of the loop. As stunt coordinator Joe Ordaz shared with the Los Angeles Times, “When I first started out, we were taught to stay away from the fire marshal – they were seen as the villains.” However, things have changed over time, and today, firefighters and stuntmen are good friends. From my point of view, having more people watching on set ensures everyone is on the same page. This closer relationship between the stunt and firefighting community is beneficial for Hollywood, especially the performers who put themselves in potentially dangerous situations to entertain us.

Rigging must be used for fall stunts

When it comes to choreographing a character’s dramatic fall in a scene, meticulous rigging becomes crucial in the stunt design. It is imperative that on set, all safety measures are adhered to when someone falls – this means securely fastening actors and stunt performers with harnesses and wires to prevent any potential harm or injury. Skilled stunt wire riggers should be hired to smoothly navigate the actors across a soundstage, ensuring that the harnesses are adjusted according to each stunt performer’s weight for a safe and convincing fall.

Working at heights and facing harsh weather are integral aspects of wire rigging jobs. But how do these professionals prepare for such demanding conditions? By engaging in physically challenging activities that immerse them in the elements, as revealed by Keir Beck, a former tree surgeon. “As an arborist in my past life,” Beck shared with Men’s Health, “I still climb trees whenever I can. Additionally, I do strength training, swimming, trail running, sea kayaking, and mountain biking. I refer to this regimen as ‘adversity training,’ emulating Marcus Aurelius. So, whether it’s scorching hot, freezing cold, pouring rain, windy, or rough seas, I am ready for the challenge. This kind of preparation enables me to work long hours in any conditions without being daunted.

Never ignore the fight coordinator

To make sure that on-screen fights appear genuine and safe for actors, it’s essential to hire a fight choreographer. These professionals design and orchestrate the movements of both actors and stunt people, ensuring conflicts are prearranged but look spontaneous. Occasionally, actors might choose to perform their own punches, while other challenging parts may be handled by stunt performers. The process of choreographing a fight scene typically includes preliminary visual planning (like storyboards or computer models) and rehearsals with the cast, stand-ins, or cameras, so everyone is in the right position. It can be beneficial for the fight coordinator to have experience as a stunt performer themselves, like Hiro Koda.

Koda emphasized to The Motion Picture Association’s The Credits that his job is risky, so he meticulously checks for safety four times over. With three decades of experience, he knows the optimal way to perform stunts and anticipates how they will feel. As a proponent of previs, Koda often shoots live-action rehearsals during preparation, using stunt doubles to practice actions and film the results. If access to the actual set is unavailable, he constructs a similar setup. Therefore, as a stunt performer participating in a fight scene, it’s essential to strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the fight coordinator, or you may find yourself with (or inflict) a black eye.

They have to stay in peak physical condition

It’s no secret that to become a successful stunt performer, one must maintain exceptional physical fitness. Strength, agility, and stamina are crucial traits they should possess. Many organizations focused on aiding stunt performers stress the significance of being well-conditioned for the profession, not only in Hollywood but elsewhere too. As the Australian Stunts Organisation, a non-profit association, puts it, “To excel in stunts, you need to maintain peak physical condition.” This entails regular cardio workouts to boost endurance, strength training to develop the required muscle power, and flexibility exercises to expand your mobility range. Consequently, stunt performers must follow rigorous workout regimens. While actors who get muscular for a role often grab headlines, it’s equally important that the individuals standing in for them are equally fit. So, how do they manage it?

In contrast to one stunt professional to another, the workout routines vary significantly. For instance, Kortel Autrey, a motorcycle stunt specialist, focuses heavily on core strength with a daily 12-minute Foundation Training routine that emphasizes glute and core exercises as well as back stretches.

On the other hand, Troy Brown, known for taking falls, prioritizes flexibility through daily 15-minute stretching sessions. He incorporates strength training and trampoline work on weekdays, and engages in motocross for cardio during weekends. On the trampoline, he practices maneuvering his body into unusual positions midair, learning to land safely on his back while rotating at different speeds.

Regardless of your specific field, all stunt professionals adhere to a common principle — never neglect your gym workouts.

2025-05-11 18:05