<h2 id="a3c33936-b9d5-4e83-89ea-e5edf7e17e83" data-toc-id="a3c33936-b9d5-4e83-89ea-e5edf7e17e83" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">What does a stunt coordinator do?</h2>A stunt coordinator like Dayna Grant (also known as Dayna Pomare), our NZSS Director is the department head responsible for designing, planning, and safely executing all stunt action in a film or TV production — from pre-production planning through to final execution on set.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="text-align: left; font-size: 32px; 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.Selecting the right doubles and performers is critical to a production's success — coordinators often work directly with talent agencies like <a target="_blank" class="underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current" href="https://www.nzstuntschool.com/nz-action-talent-agency">NZ Action Talent Agency (NZAT)</a> to source stunt performers, action extras, and skilled athletes suited to the specific requirements of each stunt sequence.<h1 id="7359715f-ddf3-4574-b03a-30db9c426833" data-toc-id="7359715f-ddf3-4574-b03a-30db9c426833" style="text-align: left; font-size: 32px; 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="text-align: left; font-size: 32px; 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="text-align: left; font-size: 32px; 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="0f0cd580-847e-4ce9-bd1a-b61c33ac9c5d" data-toc-id="0f0cd580-847e-4ce9-bd1a-b61c33ac9c5d" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">How do you become a stunt coordinator?</h2>Becoming a stunt coordinator takes years of hands-on experience and training within the stunt industry — there's no shortcut. Most coordinators start out as stunt performers, working their way up through senior performer roles and often an assistant coordinator position before stepping into full coordination. It's a career built on a strong track record across productions, proven reliability, and industry relationships. In New Zealand, the <a target="_blank" href="https://stuntguildnz.com/stunt-professionals/dayna-pomare-grant">NZ Stunt Guild</a> lists recognized stunt coordinators, and gaining that recognition typically reflects years of experience at this level.<h2 id="94e5d2d2-f90f-4d83-aa7c-fe84bd03ca1f" data-toc-id="94e5d2d2-f90f-4d83-aa7c-fe84bd03ca1f" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">What's the difference between a stunt coordinator and a stunt performer?</h2>A stunt performer executes the physical action on screen — falls, fights, car hits, fire burns, and other stunts as directed. A stunt coordinator is the department head who designs, plans, and oversees that action from pre-production through to final execution, managing safety, choreography, performer selection, and communication across departments. In short: performers do the stunts, coordinators design and run the entire stunt department.<h2 id="070d53c0-c494-4c70-bb29-c2a3327336de" data-toc-id="070d53c0-c494-4c70-bb29-c2a3327336de" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; 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 (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.<h2 id="5ae75294-b799-45f7-afd1-5d105a8922de" data-toc-id="5ae75294-b799-45f7-afd1-5d105a8922de" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Meet Dayna Grant and the NZ Stunt School Team</h2>Behind every stunt department is a team of experienced coordinators, performers, and specialists.At NZ Stunt School, our training is led by working professionals with real on-set experience in film and television.<h3 id="cd4844db-e06a-415c-8a74-a00d0663bf8e" data-toc-id="cd4844db-e06a-415c-8a74-a00d0663bf8e" style="text-align: left; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.2;"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.nzstuntschool.com/about-us">👉 Discover our background and experience</a> </h3><h2 id="9ab6bf8a-56a3-4a47-b8f2-dcbbe3daf407" data-toc-id="9ab6bf8a-56a3-4a47-b8f2-dcbbe3daf407" style="text-align: left; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2;">Want to train under working stunt professionals?</h2>NZ Stunt School's programs are led by Dayna Grant and a team with real on-set experience — from entry-level workshops like Fight for Camera through to specialised stunt training.<h3 id="038281a7-0a03-4528-86f1-5547fed403b2" data-toc-id="038281a7-0a03-4528-86f1-5547fed403b2" style="text-align: left; font-size: 20px; line-height: 1.2;"><a target="_blank" class="underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current" href="https://www.nzstuntschool.com/nzss-training-pathway">👉 Explore Our Training Pathway</a> </h3>

Learn what stunt coordinators do in TV and film — from planning action to leading safety on set. Insight from NZ Stunt School's founder and working stunt coordinator, Dayna Grant.

What Does a Stunt Coordinator Do? | NZ Stunt School

On Set: Safety, Communication & Execution

What's the difference between a stunt coordinator and a stunt performer?

Meet Dayna Grant and the NZ Stunt School Team

👉 Discover our background and experience

Want to train under working stunt professionals?

Explore stunt training tips, behind-the-scenes insights, and advice for aspiring stunt performers | NZ Stunt School

What Does a Stunt Coordinator Do? | NZ Stunt School

What Does a Stunt Coordinator Do? | NZ Stunt School

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