Nevada Film Office: Stunt coordinators are responsible for overseeing all aspects of performances that require highly specialized skills like diving, auto racing, martial arts, and more. They must assist in creating a budget, choreographing stunt sequences, selecting appropriate tools and equipment that need to be used during stunts, casting the right stunt actors who possess the physical capacity and skill level to perform different types of stunts, and ensuring that all precautions are taken to keep cast and crew safe.
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Stunts in film always fascinate me - the danger involved to do them is immense, the people who do them are incredibly daring and athletic, the choreography needed to execute them perfectly is astonishing, and the shear breadth of what could be needed that falls under the category of stunts is insane. Anything from flips to a fall scene to swimming to a car chase (like in the video) could be considered a stunt, and the Stunt Coordinator has to manage all of those things while maintaining the safety of the actors AND helping to continue the storyline in the movie. While the piece shown is from Jason Bourne, it reminds me of how the movie Mad Max: Fury Road used all real stunts in the films. Watching what those people can do and how the coordination between stunts and things like pyrotechnics, actors, and scenery has to be so precise, I'm always amazed by the skill with which these feats are performed off and on the screen.
The video attached to the article was fascinating. I didn't even realize so many cars were smashed in the movie. No wonder the production cost is so high. Putting that initial reaction to the video aside, the stunt coordinators in the film industry has established much bigger presence than the equivalent in the theater. They have their own budget to plan (because they smash multiple cars) and even have some casting powers, according to the article. I believe this is a great model for fight choreographers in theater. Right now the scale of action in theater and film is so different that it may not be an issue. But as film stunts are getting more realistic and complicated, it as great possibility of eventually trickling down to the theater. More audience members may want realistic, complex but safe actions on stage. When the time comes, fight choreographers should be given bigger responsibilities and presence in the industry. It may be wise to plan for it in advance.
When I was little I was always so intrigued by the stunts produced in television and film, and still am. The steps that are necessary to take in order to ensure that people stay safe are incredible. I had a family member who was a stunt driver at DisneyWorld in Orlando for years and it was so interesting to hear her talk about the precision and planning that went into the stunts way before anything ever was set up. The complexness of creating a realistic performance that can shock an audience is so incredible and just adds to the film in so many different ways. I can only imagine what it would be like to be a stunt coordinator and meticulously plan how each action would be held out in order to ensure the safety of stuntmen and women, because ultimately the lives of everyone involved is in their hands.
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