A stunt coordinator oversees all aspects of entertainment venue stunts, from casting to choreography, and ensures that they are performed safely and realistically. They require an intimate understanding of stunts and often have previous experience as stuntmen or stuntwomen.
A stunt coordinator is responsible for overseeing all aspects of entertainment venue stunts, from casting to choreography. These individuals may be employed by companies that produce television programs or films or by theater companies or other organizations that put on live entertainment presentations. The coordinator may work closely with actors, directors or other professionals to design and implement action scenes. They routinely tackle highly specialized skills, including diving, martial arts, gymnastics, rock climbing, and fire wielding.
Acrobatics are parts of a filmed or live performance that usually carry some element of risk or danger. This often includes action sequences in movies or television shows that require the use of special equipment and replacing actors with stuntmen or doubles. Such stunt sequences are performed with safety in mind.
One of the stunt coordinator’s primary duties is to bring the vision of an action scene to life. People are usually involved in acrobatics, so it is of great importance to ensure qualified performers. In casting, the coordinator can review headshots and view rolls, which are steps that help narrow the field of candidates. The coordinator can then conduct interviews with the final candidates and subject the contestants to demonstrations of physical skills.
After the casting is finalized, the coordinator is involved in helping the performers properly execute specific maneuvers. The stunt coordinator can have a hand in choreographing fight sequences, for example. Whether the stunts involve falling, swimming or other action-oriented activities, the coordinator helps ensure that these moves are performed safely and realistically simulated.
Many stunts require specific equipment like cars or weapons. Therefore, stunt coordinators’ requirements often include responsibility for determining what tools are needed and how those tools will be used during the stunt. For example, a scene involving an exploding car might require the coordinator to calculate the logistics of safely destroying the car and what specific objects will be used to accomplish this task. Other tasks that the coordinator must orchestrate in a scene might include driving or crashing. These individuals are also responsible for determining the location of a stunt sequence.
During the filming or actual execution of a stunt, the stunt coordinator is usually on hand to provide feedback and troubleshoot any unforeseen issues. He or she can review the routine with the performers. Directors and film crew may also need feedback from the stunt coordinator on desired camera angles or required filming equipment.
Preparing for a stunt coordinator job is unconventional. Perhaps the most crucial talent a stunt coordinator must possess is an intimate understanding of the techniques and physical conditioning required to perform stunts. As such, stunt coordinators are usually individuals who have previous direct experience as stuntmen or stuntmen. Individuals can gain experience in this area by performing at extreme sports venues or attending a stunt school where specific techniques are taught. These prospects also join organizations that offer networking opportunities, which are important contacts when an individual begins to focus on stunt coordinator jobs.
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