A Stunt Coordinator is the department head responsible for designing, planning, supervising, and safely executing all stunt action in a production.The stunt coordinator plays a central role in bringing action to life on screen. From early script discussions to the final shot, they manage the creative, technical, and safety aspects of every stunt. Their job combines choreography, risk management, performer selection, cast assessment and preparation, communication with all departments, and leadership on set.A strong coordinator balances creativity with safety, ensuring the action fits the director’s vision while protecting performers, cast, and crew. This position requires experience, precision, and the ability to make decisions quickly under pressure.<h1 id="fc958d1d-be5d-440d-af03-167913c14ce0" data-toc-id="fc958d1d-be5d-440d-af03-167913c14ce0" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Pre-Production: Designing the Action</h1>Before filming begins, the stunt coordinator works closely with the director and production team to understand the vision of the action:<ul><li>Breaking down the script</li><li>Designing the action beats</li><li>Assessing high-risk moments</li><li>Planning rehearsals</li><li>Budgeting for stunt days, equipment, and performers</li><li>Selecting doubles and performers</li><li>Coordinating with VFX, camera, and wardrobe in advance</li></ul>This preparation ensures the action is achievable, safe, and aligned with the story.<h1 id="7359715f-ddf3-4574-b03a-30db9c426833" data-toc-id="7359715f-ddf3-4574-b03a-30db9c426833" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Rehearsals: Building the Sequence</h1>The coordinator leads all stunt rehearsals, shaping the movement and confirming the right performers are assigned to the right tasks.<ul><li>Testing stunt beats and reactions</li><li>Adjusting choreography for camera angles</li><li>Running timing and spacing drills</li><li>Confirming performer capability and professionalism</li><li>Communicating changes with production</li><li>Ensuring risk controls are in place</li></ul>Rehearsals are also where coordinators may make changes if a performer is not suited to the required skills or attitude. This ensures the team is solid before stepping on set.<h1 id="41c0af04-6545-45c8-96d6-e18f7da0c89f" data-toc-id="41c0af04-6545-45c8-96d6-e18f7da0c89f" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">On Set: Safety, Communication &amp; Execution</h1>On shoot days, the coordinator is responsible for the safe execution of all stunt action:<ul><li>Running safety meetings</li><li>Highlighting key risks and controls</li><li>Confirming cast and performers are ready</li><li>Coordinating with camera, AD team, lighting, and sound</li><li>Clearing the set for action</li><li>Giving “go” and “stop” cues</li><li>Adjusting choreography between takes</li><li>Ensuring safety gear, mats, props, and rigging are correct and secure</li></ul>The coordinator’s leadership keeps the set focused, efficient, and safe during high-risk scenes.<h1 id="88fd5bb7-7c80-4ca5-86f3-93ccde289916" data-toc-id="88fd5bb7-7c80-4ca5-86f3-93ccde289916" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Post-Action: Review &amp; Reset</h1>After each take or sequence, the coordinator:<ul><li>Reviews playback to check safety and performance</li><li>Adjusts timing, distance, or movement</li><li>Gives notes to performers</li><li>Organises resets for continuity</li><li>Reports any incidents</li><li>Confirms all safety protocols were followed</li></ul>Their job continues until the final stunt shot is captured safely and successfully.<h2 id="070d53c0-c494-4c70-bb29-c2a3327336de" data-toc-id="070d53c0-c494-4c70-bb29-c2a3327336de" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Conclusion</h2>The stunt coordinator is the backbone of every action sequence. They oversee design, preparation, performer selection, safety, communication, and execution; balancing creativity and risk management from start to finish.Training under a stunt coordinator’s guidance gives you a realistic overview of what to expect on set and provides genuine, practical feedback that helps you grow. The more you train in real conditions and understand how the department operates, the more confident and reliable you become.Consistency, good communication, and a strong work ethic are qualities highly valued by coordinators like Dayna Pomare Pai (Grant), our <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nzstuntschool.com/nzss-courses-events/">NZSS </a>Director.These qualities keep you in mind for rehearsals, future bookings, and bigger opportunities across TV and film.If you’ve got more questions, feel free to leave a comment — we’re happy to put together a new article to answer it.

Learn what stunt coordinators do in TV and film — from planning and rehearsing action to leading safety and directing performers on set.

What a Stunt Coordinator Does in TV & Film

On Set: Safety, Communication & Execution

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.

What a Stunt Coordinator Does in TV & Film

What a Stunt Coordinator Does in TV & Film

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