Safety Zone

(Screen Actor / Summer '07) Some actors like the physical demands and excitement of stunt work and have the conditioning, skills and training to execute these stunts safely. But what if you’re an actor who embraces character arcs rather than bruises and Band-Aids? More and more actors are being asked to perform their own stunts, especially when it comes to low budget films. What should you know when it comes to stunts and safety on the set?

1. The stunt coordinator and the 1st AD are responsible for safety on the set. Although the stunt coordinator oversees safety on the set, the First Assistant Director is actually the first person in charge of safety. If you feel unsafe over something you are being asked to do, and the stunt coordinator is busy, you should approach the 1st AD with your concerns.
2. Actors have the right to ask for a stunt double. If you are asked to do a stunt not previously discussed or agreed upon, you can request a stunt double. Pushing yourself to perform a stunt you don’t feel qualified to do only increases the risk of getting injured.
3. Actors have the right to request a stunt coordinator. When required to perform a stunt or stunt-related activity and there is no stunt coordinator present, you can ask for one. A stunt coordinator can take care of getting you a stunt double, or find a way to adapt the action into something you can do safely.

(Screen Actor / Winter '07) Can you imagine watching a concert and seeing one of the back up dancers jump out front to do an un-choreographed solo number? It wouldn't happen. Yet there are times that choreographed action stunt sequences are spontaneously changed once the cameras are rolling, and those changes can have dangerous consequences Whether it's a stunt fight or just standing on your mark delivering dialogue as a car comes sliding up to you, you must stick to the action that was rehearsed. Never assume that the other person will be able to adjust to your changes, no matter how great a stunt person she/he may be. It's also important to note that when you are asked to do action while acting, there is a tendency to get in the moment and amp things up. However, by doing so you are putting everyone in the scene at risk. You say you're a ‘by-the-numbers, Simon Says' kind of person and that you should have nothing to worry about, right? Wrong. Just as important as knowing and performing your choreography is knowing everyone else's moves. That way you can protect yourself if you see someone deviating from what was rehearsed. Scenes with stunts can be exciting as long as you keep it safe. So remember, when you hear “rolling”, keep your eyes open and your mind on the action that was set. If for any reason you feel unsafe with the person you are performing the stunt with, make sure to let your stunt coordinator know. Preferably before you get taken out by an overzealous performer.