Audiences want action that feels dangerous. Crews want action that isn't. Stunt safety protocols bridge that gap — they're not bureaucracy, they're the reason you get three clean takes before lunch instead of one trip to the hospital.
Pre-action safety meetings
Before any complex gag, the stunt coordinator runs a safety meeting with performers, rigging, special effects, camera, medic, and key production leadership. Everyone leaves knowing:
- Exact sequence of beats and who moves when
- Rigging loads, anchor points, and clearance
- Emergency signals and abort language
- Medical plan and nearest trauma-capable facility
Written risk assessment
Document hazards: heights, fire, vehicles, water, weapons, weather, and crowd proximity. Assign controls — guard rails, fire blankets, extinguisher placement, closed sets, and minimum rehearsal counts. Productions that skip paperwork still carry liability; paperwork forces clarity.
Rehearsal minimums
Rehearsal is not optional for high falls, fire, or vehicle work. Performers need muscle memory for the plan. Camera needs to know where bodies travel. Never trade rehearsal for schedule unless the coordinator explicitly re-blocks the gag to a simpler version.
Communication hierarchy on action days
When cameras roll on stunts, the coordinator's voice leads the floor. Competing directions from multiple departments create hesitation — hesitation creates injury. Establish callouts: ready, set, action, cut, medic.
Culture beats checklists
The best sets normalize stopping when something feels wrong. Performers must be empowered to call abort without penalty. Producers who reward "pushing through" pay in insurance, morale, and reshoots.
Hiring experienced leadership is the first protocol. See how to hire a stunt coordinator who runs safety as a default, not an afterthought.