The script says "he falls down the stairs." For the audience it lasts two seconds. For the stunt coordinator it means choosing a stunt double who matches the actor, padding the steps, rehearsing the fall a dozen times, agreeing camera positions so the double's face is never seen, and having a medic ready. The stunt coordinator is the person responsible for any action on screen where someone could get hurt.

What a stunt coordinator does

The stunt coordinator works for the director and the producer. They join in pre-production and go through the script to find every moment of physical risk. Fights, falls, car work, fire, water and heights all count, and so do smaller things like a slap or a run across a wet street. For each one they propose how it can be done, whether the actor can do it or a stunt performer is needed, and how many rehearsal days it takes.

During the shoot they rehearse and supervise each stunt and can stop it at any moment if conditions change. They work with the first assistant director on scheduling and set safety, with the special effects supervisor on rigs, explosions and breakaway glass, and with the camera operator on angles that make a stunt look dangerous while keeping it controlled.

Responsibilities

  • Break down the script for stunts and other physical action
  • Design each stunt and decide who performs it
  • Cast and hire stunt performers and doubles
  • Write risk assessments together with the health and safety advisor
  • Plan rehearsals and train actors for fights and action
  • Arrange rigs, pads, wires and safety equipment
  • Supervise stunts on the day and stop them when it is not safe

How the role touches the budget

The stunt coordinator prepares the stunt budget, which covers stunt performers' fees, rehearsal days, equipment and rigging. Stunt performers are often paid extra per stunt on top of a day rate, depending on the risk, so the number and type of stunts in the script drive the cost directly. A big action sequence can also cost time, because stunts are slow to reset. That is why the line producer and the coordinator often look for a cheaper way to tell the same moment.

How people become stunt coordinators

Almost all start as stunt performers. Many come from a sport or physical discipline such as martial arts, gymnastics, climbing, riding, diving or driving. In some countries there is a formal stunt register with its own qualifications. After years of performing, they move on to assisting a coordinator and then coordinating smaller productions.

In TV and commercials

TV series often have a regular stunt coordinator who works across episodes on a tighter schedule. In commercials stunts are short but can be complex, such as precision driving for a car advert, where a specialist driving team usually works with the coordinator.