The action designed, rehearsed, risk-assessed and supervised.

The job

You read the script for every moment of action and every risk to a performer. You design the action with the director so it tells the story, and plan with the 1st AD when and how it's shot.

You cast the stunt team, run rehearsals, write the risk assessments, and agree rigs and effects with SFX and riggers. On the day you supervise the action and decide if it's safe to go. You also advise on risk to actors: a slip on a wet floor, a run down stairs.

The HSE expects the coordinator to work closely with the director so the creative aim never compromises safety, and to monitor safety through rehearsal and execution (HSE ETIS17).

A typical day (in prep)

• Script breakdown for action, with notes for the director.
• Design a fight with the fight team and film a rehearsal for the director.
• Recce a location with the 1st AD, SFX supervisor and location manager.
• Write the risk assessment and method statement for a high fall.
• Cast and fit doubles with costume and hair and make-up.
• Budget and schedule meeting with the production manager.

On the day: the safety briefing, rehearsals, the go or no-go call, and resets between takes.

Skills

• Years of stunt performance, across many disciplines.
• Action design that serves the story and the camera.
• Risk assessment and safety leadership.
• Managing a team, a budget and a rehearsal schedule.
• The authority to stop the action when it isn't safe.

Reporting lines

You report to the producers and production manager, and work to the director and 1st AD. Stunt performers, riggers, fight choreographers and assistant coordinators report to you.

How people get in

There is no direct entry. Coordinators are experienced stunt performers who have moved up the British Stunt Register grades. Under the BSR's current scheme, full members can conceive, coordinate and supervise action; key stunt performers assist experienced coordinators on the way there. No law requires registration, but the HSE expects producers to use people competent for the action, and productions use the BSR to check.

Next step up

Stunt coordinator is the head of department. Some become second unit directors or action directors.

Find out more

• British Stunt Register
• HSE: stunts, fights and other hazardous activities (ETIS17)
• Equity: the union for stunt coordinators. There is no Bectu stunt card.