A stunt day on a film or TV set is unpredictable by design. Some days you arrive ready for a full action sequence and end up waiting for hours; other days you expect a light schedule and suddenly production needs complex choreography, rig work, or high-energy movement. Stunt performers must be prepared for nothing, prepared for everything.No matter what the call sheet suggests, every stunt day relies on readiness, communication, safety, and the ability to adapt under pressure.<h3 id="673e7c6e-5f24-4b2f-bec8-3da676a4fb05" data-toc-id="673e7c6e-5f24-4b2f-bec8-3da676a4fb05" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">The Call Sheet: Preparing for Anything</h3>Your day begins the night before when the call sheet arrives. It outlines the stunt beats, timings, wardrobe requirements, locations, and any safety notes from production.Stunt performers prepare by:<ul><li>Reviewing the action for risks and requirements</li><li>Packing gear for multiple possible outcomes</li><li>Anticipating weather, terrain, and costume challenges</li><li>Staying physically and mentally ready for falls, fights, wire work, or movement-heavy scenes</li></ul>Even a small brief can grow into something bigger or change completely on the day.<h3 id="a9f31c62-dd3a-45fb-b075-72fbb20c5cdf" data-toc-id="a9f31c62-dd3a-45fb-b075-72fbb20c5cdf" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Arriving on Set: Warm-Up, Wardrobe &amp; Holding</h3>Call time starts with check-in and any overnight updates from the coordinator or stunt department.Many productions operate with a unit base separate from the shooting location, so after sign-in, breakfast, and wardrobe checks, you may need to travel to set via shuttle. Travel time can vary depending on distance, terrain, and weather.Wardrobe is also where performers discreetly position their pads under the costume (hips, ribs, back, knees). Everything must fit cleanly before heading to camera.If the day involves prosthetics, armouring, or creature suits, the makeup process can take hours, even if the final scene lasts only a few minutes.Warm-up begins as soon as performers reach set, with mobility, activation, and discipline-specific drills. Starting warm is one of the most effective safety controls.After that, performers move to holding or the green room. Much of stunt work involves waiting as lighting is adjusted, actors finish dialogue scenes, or the schedule shifts unexpectedly.<h3 id="b97ef1c7-db3b-42b9-8bf1-aa7ee3343638" data-toc-id="b97ef1c7-db3b-42b9-8bf1-aa7ee3343638" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Rehearsals: Building Safe, Clean Action</h3>Rehearsals usually take place a few scenes before yours is due to shoot, giving the coordinator and team time to lock in spacing, timing, and safety. When your moment comes up, the coordinator brings performers, riggers, props, and camera together to walk through the action slowly and clearly.Rehearsals often include:<ul><li>Walking through movement and spacing</li><li>Testing timing and reactions</li><li>Adjusting choreography for camera angles</li><li>Reviewing mats, rigs, pads, weapons, and props</li><li>Ensuring every performer feels confident and safe</li></ul>Choreography often evolves on set as creative notes come through.<h3 id="e7809b39-842a-4da7-8817-9d96354836b6" data-toc-id="e7809b39-842a-4da7-8817-9d96354836b6" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">On Set: Precision Under Pressure</h3>Once the director and crew are ready, the stunt shifts into full performance. Scenes are filmed in deliberate, controlled beats to protect performers and keep continuity clean.Between takes, the team:<ul><li>Resets continuity</li><li>Rechecks mats, rigs, and equipment</li><li>Reviews playback</li><li>Makes timing or spacing adjustments</li><li>Monitors fatigue, hydration, and temperature</li></ul>Managing fatigue is crucial, especially when wearing heavy costumes, working in extreme heat or cold, or repeating high-output movement.<h4 id="3beb2ee2-f9c5-4723-9702-576ad52a64a4" data-toc-id="3beb2ee2-f9c5-4723-9702-576ad52a64a4" style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Marks and Precision</h4>Hitting marks accurately is essential; being a few centimetres off can affect framing, continuity, or safety. Stunts often include invisible marks on the floor, props, or set pieces to keep spacing exact.<h4 id="6c699311-6b40-49df-b1c5-10aa19e7ee8b" data-toc-id="6c699311-6b40-49df-b1c5-10aa19e7ee8b" style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Lining Up With the Actor</h4>When an actor is involved, performers match speed, eyelines, and energy to support the actor’s performance while keeping them protected. If the actor steps in for a close shot, the stunt performer adjusts timing and movement so the transition looks seamless on screen.<h4 id="e5c444fc-ba7d-468b-b095-423f6d022d38" data-toc-id="e5c444fc-ba7d-468b-b095-423f6d022d38" style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Multiple Angles = Multiple Repetitions</h4>Even a simple hit, trip, or fall may need to be filmed from:<ul><li>a wide</li><li>a mid</li><li>a close-up</li><li>a reverse</li><li>an insert</li><li>a safety take</li><li>an emergency “clean plate”</li></ul>This is how a single moment can take hours to capture.<h4 id="dca47009-9491-4b2b-82e9-6d395dbe7c26" data-toc-id="dca47009-9491-4b2b-82e9-6d395dbe7c26" style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Nailing It in One vs. Endless Repetition</h4>Some stunts land perfectly on Take 1. Others require dozens—or even 50+—repetitions due to camera resets, timing changes, wardrobe adjustments, performance notes, or prop resets. Both outcomes are completely normal.<h3 id="e7ac6d40-7c1a-413b-9db2-162f66e7c671" data-toc-id="e7ac6d40-7c1a-413b-9db2-162f66e7c671" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Some of the Unspoken Realities</h3>Behind the polished action on screen are many unseen challenges:<ul><li>Travel to set can take time, especially in remote locations.</li><li>Pads under wardrobe must be positioned early so costume sits correctly.</li><li>Creature suits and heavy costumes limit mobility—you may need help to eat, drink, or adjust anything.</li><li>Bathroom logistics can be slow or impossible without assistance.</li><li>Extreme temperatures affect performance and safety.</li><li>Hours in makeup are common for prosthetics or creature work.</li><li>Scenes can be cut for creative or pacing reasons.</li><li>Directors may use the actor instead, even if you’re prepped and ready.</li><li>Stunts are often modified on the day for the actor’s comfort or ability.</li><li>You might not get used at all, even on long days.</li><li>Helping the team is expected—spotting, resets, costume help, gear carrying.</li><li>Fatigue is managed together—hydration, shade, warmth, and recovery.</li><li>Repetition ranges from one take to 100+ depending on the shot.</li></ul>These are the real parts of stunt life that are rarely told in behind-the-scenes reels.<h3 id="a0ef8d4b-8f24-46cf-ba12-51aaad32353d" data-toc-id="a0ef8d4b-8f24-46cf-ba12-51aaad32353d" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Post-Action: Cool Down &amp; Review</h3>After the final take, performers cool down to prevent tightening from impact work or repeated movement. Riggers strike equipment, props reset, and wardrobe checks costumes for damage.The coordinator then leads a short debrief:<ul><li>Performance notes</li><li>Safety confirmations</li><li>Incident reporting (if required)</li><li>Plans for the next stunt day</li></ul>Wrap call for the stunt team is always given by the stunt coordinator, not general production. No one signs out until the coordinator confirms the job is safely finished.<h3 id="e5da7624-01ec-4bb8-8762-4f3f5565551a" data-toc-id="e5da7624-01ec-4bb8-8762-4f3f5565551a" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Conclusion</h3>A stunt day blends discipline, readiness, and adaptability. Whether the call sheet lists a small movement beat or a full action sequence, the expectation remains the same: arrive prepared, stay flexible, and work safely under the coordinator’s direction.Consistency, teamwork, and professionalism are what keep stunt performers top of mind for future opportunities.If there’s another part of stunt life you’d like us to explore next, leave a comment; we’re always keen to shape the next article around your questions.

A clear, behind-the-scenes look at how a stunt day actually run on film and TV sets—from call sheets and warm-up to rehearsals, shooting, travel, safety, unspoken realities, and wrap

What a Stunt Day Really Looks Like on Set – NZ Stunt School

What a Stunt Day Really Looks Like on Set

Arriving on Set: Warm-Up, Wardrobe & Holding

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 Day Really Looks Like on Set

What a Stunt Day Really Looks Like on Set

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