Hi, this is for my own education as a first-time feature Director in the UK. The script has a few action sequences in it and I'm wondering what qualities, qualifications and experience I should be looking for in a Stunt Coordinator. (There is one chase and two fight sequences). This is to help my confidence in knowing that we've employed the right person, who'll look after my actors! Thanks for any help you can give.
Filmmaking / Directing : Stunt Coordinators by Geoff Hall
Write, Director, Producer at International Imaginists Ltd ♦ Screenwriter, Director, Producer
11 years ago
Stunt Coordinators
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I am in the US not UK... but.. here, every co-ordinator is a union / guild member and a member of one of two stuntmen's fraternal organizations. They are all versed in the ILLUSION of stunt work for camera, with safety of cast and crew the priority. Be wary of newbie athletic types claiming to be stunt people from outside the industry... see also, SAFETY. Also, some coordinators have specialties... a good friend is known for car and large truck stunts in many major movies and TV series over a 40 year span... and yet his " day job" is keeping the cat fights and basic trips and falls safe on the two remaining original US soap operas. Some coordinators do high falls. Others specialize in aquatic work or man-on-fire. They all have big egos and personalities but have never met one who claims to be able to do it all. That might be a warning sign. I would suggest you see what they have to say about stunt planning and safety. You may also find in your country certain qualifications or certifications are required for an insurer to underwrite stunt work. I'd also make sure director and DoP respect the coordinators input on camera placements... they know best how to "sell" stunts to the lens ( I learned to shoot fights from the coordinator of ROCKY and RAGING BULL. His understanding of lens placement and camera movement was amazing... and absolutely correct. He could tell if I got the shot by looking at me and the talent, without a monitor).
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Hey Geoff, I'm in New York and I recently had to hire a stunt coordinator. My criteria was to look the guy up on IMDB - once I see he's done it before several times on other films, I figure that's a good sign. Secondly when I spoke to him, he mentioned he was very careful about safety, ranking it the #1 thing. Seemed good to me so I hired him
Hi Royce, thanks for your advice. Yes, I've noticed the kind of 'stunt' people you were talking about, who 'will try anything'. I take it that that means try it once, as they may not be around to do it a second time!! Within the context of our film, there is a 'high fall' and two martial arts sequences. I will check out the things you've mentioned such as UK qualifications and union membership. And yes, totally right, insurance won't cover amateurs in the pursuit of daredevil stunts. I'd hate to think of the fallout for investor's money. Thanks again for connecting. Best Wishes, Geoff
Hi Dave, Yes, it seems to be about credentials and not just a fearless disposition! And yes to your view of safety being paramount. I don't want to put our actors into dangerous situations and be covered with regrets for the rest of my life. Nor do I want my first feature length film to be my last. Here's to creative longevity to us both. Best Wishes, Geoff