Stunt rehearsals are one of the most important stages of any action sequence. Before the cameras roll, the stunt team works through every moment of the scene to make it safe, believable, and ready for filming. Whether it’s a simple reaction, a complex fight, a horse pass, or a precision fall, nothing happens on set without careful planning.Each scene is carefully choreographed, designed, and communicated to production to meet the balance of creativity, safety, and action. Rehearsals give the coordinator time to test ideas, adjust choreography, involve the right departments, and ensure performers understand spacing, timing, and camera angles.<h3 id="3d4c4058-4a62-4889-a4f0-dd19f8f8c0ef" data-toc-id="3d4c4058-4a62-4889-a4f0-dd19f8f8c0ef" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">This is where creativity meets safety, and where great stunt work is built.</h3><h2 id="d408fdea-048d-4dd7-bd1b-ba366a78a9ff" data-toc-id="d408fdea-048d-4dd7-bd1b-ba366a78a9ff" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;"> Assessing the Scene</h2>Before rehearsing anything, the stunt coordinator reviews what the script requires:<ul><li>Type of action (fight, fall, vehicle, horse, wire, fire, etc.)</li><li>Risks involved and safety considerations</li><li>Skill levels of the performers involved</li><li>Space limitations, props, set design, wardrobe, and footwear</li><li>Time available for prep and shoot day conditions</li></ul>This initial assessment guides every decision that follows.<h2 id="15515fc2-8e72-4112-abc8-2b30b97abdaa" data-toc-id="15515fc2-8e72-4112-abc8-2b30b97abdaa" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Building the Action &amp; Choreography</h2>Once the scene has been assessed, the coordinator and stunt team begin shaping the action:<ul><li>Mapping out the beats step-by-step</li><li>Adjusting movement for camera angles and storytelling</li><li>Testing timing, distance, pacing, and reactions</li><li>Simplifying or increasing complexity depending on performer abilities</li><li>Adding character intention or emotional beats when needed</li></ul>Every movement is purposeful — built for camera, safety, and story.<h2 id="722fb09d-60ec-408a-98af-66168b42dbd7" data-toc-id="722fb09d-60ec-408a-98af-66168b42dbd7" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Coordinating with Other Departments</h2>A stunt rehearsal is never just the stunt team. Multiple departments are involved to ensure the scene runs smoothly:<ul><li>Director / 1st AD: overall vision and timing</li><li>Camera Team: framing, lens choice, speed, movement</li><li>Wardrobe: safe padding, footwear, costumes that allow movement</li><li>Hair &amp; Makeup: continuity, wigs, facial appliances that won’t interfere</li><li>Props: stunt-safe weapons, breakaway items, environmental pieces</li><li>Safety / Medic: fall zones, weather conditions, surfaces</li><li>VFX / Motion Capture: tracking requirements or adjustments</li></ul>This collaboration ensures the action is approved, safe, and camera-ready.<h2 id="18f8bd25-8324-4736-8672-03bd9bc1d100" data-toc-id="18f8bd25-8324-4736-8672-03bd9bc1d100" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Dress Rehearsal &amp; Final Adjustments</h2>Closer to filming, the team moves into dress rehearsal mode:<ul><li>Using partial or full costume</li><li>Working with props and breakaways</li><li>Marking camera positions and distances</li><li>Running full sequences with timing</li><li>Making last adjustments to speed, reactions, or spacing</li></ul>Once the coordinator signs off, the stunt is ready to shoot.<h2 id="a352da6f-2df5-47ac-899d-368f2a1a5fbf" data-toc-id="a352da6f-2df5-47ac-899d-368f2a1a5fbf" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Training in Real On-Set Conditions — It Matters</h2>Rehearsals are where coordinators confirm that performers are the right fit for the action. Skills, timing, attitude, and professionalism all become very visible in this environment — and if something doesn’t meet the requirements of the scene, changes can be made. This is a normal part of the process and helps maintain safety and quality on set.Training in real on-set conditions helps you understand how to behave professionally and fit smoothly into the team during rehearsals. The more prepared you are, the more confidently you’ll perform when it counts.<a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nzstuntschool.com/nzss-courses-events/">To stay in mind for future opportunities, keep training, keep improving, and stay connected with key people in the industry.</a>If you’ve got more questions, feel free to leave a comment — we’re happy to put together a new article to answer it.

A practical breakdown of how stunt rehearsals work, from scene assessment to dress rehearsal, giving students a real look into professional stunt prep.

How Stunt Rehearsals Work in Film & TV: Behind the Scenes

How Stunt Rehearsals Work on a Professional Film Set

This is where creativity meets safety, and where great stunt work is built.

Training in Real On-Set Conditions — It Matters

Discover acting and stunt training insights from NZSS. Blog articles and practical tips to help you start and grow a career in film and television.

Action Acting & Stunt Training Resources | NZSS Blog

Articles and insights on stunt training, acting, and performance from NZSS. Learn, prepare, and progress toward screen work.

How Stunt Rehearsals Work on a Professional Film Set

How Stunt Rehearsals Work on a Professional Film Set

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