Stunts
Film Crew Position: Assistant Stunt Coordinator
What does a Assistant Stunt Coordinator do?
What Is an Assistant Stunt Coordinator?
The assistant stunt coordinator is the second-in-command of the stunt department on a film or television production. Working directly beneath the stunt coordinator, this professional bridges the gap between high-level stunt design and the on-the-ground execution that keeps cast and crew safe during physically demanding action sequences.
Unlike a pure administrative role, the assistant stunt coordinator is an active stunt performer who regularly doubles principal actors and performs their own stunt work on set. The position demands equal parts physical ability, logistical management, and interpersonal communication — making it one of the most demanding and rewarding roles in the industry.
Where the Role Fits in the Stunt Department Hierarchy
The stunt department operates within a clear chain of command:
Stunt Coordinator — leads the department, liaises with the director, and takes final responsibility for all stunt design and safety
Assistant Stunt Coordinator — directly supports the coordinator, manages stunt performers on set, and often performs as a stunt double
Stunt Performers — execute individual gags, including high falls, fights, vehicle work, fire, and wire sequences
Stunt Doubles — stand in specifically for named cast members during dangerous sequences
The assistant stunt coordinator occupies a critical leadership position that makes full-scale action productions possible. On smaller productions, the coordinator and assistant may be the same person. On large studio films, the assistant stunt coordinator may oversee dozens of stunt performers simultaneously across multiple second-unit shooting days.
The Role Across Production Phases
The assistant stunt coordinator is involved at every stage of production. During pre-production, they help break down the script for action sequences, assist in hiring stunt performers, and participate in location scouts to identify safety considerations. During principal photography, they manage daily stunt operations, brief performers, coordinate with the assistant director, and often perform stunts themselves. In post-production, they may be consulted on visual effects requirements for action sequences or called back to set for pickup shots.
Production Management and the Stunt Budget
Every stunt has a cost — performer fees, rigging, specialty vehicles, safety equipment, and extra shooting time all add up quickly. Assistant stunt coordinators play a direct role in helping the stunt coordinator manage the department's budget and schedule. Accurate production planning at this level requires tracking stunt performer days, equipment rentals, and safety officer coverage.
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Key Distinctions from the Stunt Coordinator Role
While the stunt coordinator holds ultimate creative and safety authority over the department, the assistant stunt coordinator focuses on operational execution. The coordinator designs the stunt and approves the approach; the assistant ensures that approach is rehearsed correctly, the equipment is rigged properly, and the performers are prepared. On set, the assistant stunt coordinator is often closer to the action — literally — while the coordinator watches from a wider vantage point alongside the director.
What role does a Assistant Stunt Coordinator play?
Core Responsibilities of an Assistant Stunt Coordinator
The assistant stunt coordinator role encompasses a wide range of duties that span the full arc of production. The exact scope varies by production size, but these core responsibilities appear consistently across union and non-union projects.
Assisting in Stunt Sequence Planning
Before a single camera rolls, the assistant stunt coordinator works alongside the stunt coordinator to plan every action sequence in the script. This planning process includes:
Breaking down the script page by page to identify all stunt requirements — fights, falls, vehicle gags, fire work, wire sequences, and any practical effects requiring performer involvement
Attending technical scouts with the director, director of photography, and first assistant director to evaluate locations for safety, camera angle opportunities, and rigging feasibility
Contributing to stunt budgets and scheduling estimates, helping the coordinator provide accurate cost projections to the line producer
Coordinating with the art department, special effects team, and VFX supervisor when stunts involve practical effects or planned compositing
Assisting in the selection and casting of stunt performers with the specific skills required for each gag
Training Principal Actors
One of the most visible responsibilities of the assistant stunt coordinator is working directly with principal cast members. Actors who perform portions of their own action sequences require specialized training tailored to the specific demands of each scene. The assistant stunt coordinator:
Designs and leads actor training programs covering fight choreography, wire harness familiarization, vehicle handling basics, and stunt double coordination
Assesses actor capability honestly and advises the director on what the performer can safely accomplish versus what requires a stunt double
Runs rehearsals that allow actors to feel confident without exposing them to undue risk before cameras roll
Ensures all actor-performed action is reviewed by the stunt coordinator before being approved for filming
Managing Stunt Performers on Set
During principal photography, the assistant stunt coordinator functions as the operational manager of the stunt crew. This includes:
Conducting daily safety briefings with all stunt performers before any action is attempted
Overseeing the proper installation and inspection of safety rigging, crash mats, wire rigs, and protective equipment
Confirming performer readiness — physically, mentally, and from an equipment standpoint — before any take
Liaising with the first assistant director to integrate stunt sequences into the shooting schedule and flag any safety concerns that require additional time or setup
Communicating with the camera department to ensure coverage plans don't require performers to take unnecessary risks for a shot
Monitoring set conditions including weather, surface conditions, lighting, and any environmental hazards that might affect stunt safety
Stunt Doubling Principal Actors
In addition to their managerial duties, many assistant stunt coordinators serve as stunt doubles for named cast members. This dual function requires maintaining physical similarity to the actor being doubled — including body type, hair color, and movement style — while also managing the operational responsibilities of the assistant coordinator role. When performing as a double, the assistant stunt coordinator:
Wears the actor's costume and replicates their physicality for continuity
Executes high-risk action that the actor cannot safely perform, including high falls, fight sequences at full force, fire work, or vehicle gags at speed
Works closely with the camera department and director to ensure the double's performance is visually convincing
Coordinates with makeup and hair to minimize visible differences between performer and double in post-production
Rigging Safety Equipment
The assistant stunt coordinator plays an active role in verifying that all safety equipment is installed and inspected correctly. This includes wire rigs for high work, crash pads and air bags for falls, fire protective gel and flame-retardant garments for burn gags, and vehicle safety equipment for driving sequences. The assistant often works alongside the stunt rigger — a specialized role focused exclusively on equipment installation — to ensure every rig meets safety standards before performers use them.
Completing Paperwork and Safety Documentation
The stunt department generates significant paperwork on union productions. The assistant stunt coordinator frequently takes responsibility for ensuring this documentation is completed accurately and on time. Key documents include:
Stunt safety reports — required by SAG-AFTRA on union productions, documenting each stunt, the performers involved, safety measures taken, and any incidents
Performer deal memos — recording agreed rates, adjustment bumps for specific gags, and contract terms for each stunt performer
Equipment inspection logs — documenting that rigging and safety gear has been inspected and certified before use
Stunt schedules — coordinating with the AD department to plan shooting days that include stunt sequences and identifying prep time requirements
Coordinating with Adjacent Departments
Stunts do not happen in isolation. The assistant stunt coordinator serves as the stunt department's primary liaison to several other departments, including:
Special Effects (SFX) — pyrotechnics, explosions, and mechanical effects often accompany stunt sequences and require close coordination to keep performers safe
Visual Effects (VFX) — wire removal, background replacement, and CG enhancements to practical stunt work require performer markers, tracking dots, and pre-planned coverage
Camera — action coverage requires close collaboration to achieve dynamic shots without compromising performer safety
Wardrobe — stunt doubles require duplicate costumes, and certain garments must be modified to accommodate harnesses or protective padding underneath
Medical / Safety Officer — a licensed set medic or safety officer must be present during all significant stunt work, and the assistant coordinator ensures this coverage is in place
Second Unit Stunt Work
On large productions, action sequences are frequently handed off to a second unit directed by a second unit director. The assistant stunt coordinator often takes primary operational responsibility for second unit stunt work while the stunt coordinator remains with the main unit. This includes directing stunt performers, collaborating with the second unit DP on camera coverage, and ensuring the second unit's action sequences match the look and continuity established by the main unit.
Do you need to go to college to be a Assistant Stunt Coordinator?
How to Become an Assistant Stunt Coordinator
There is no formal academic degree that leads directly to the assistant stunt coordinator role. The path to this position is built on years of hands-on stunt performance experience, disciplined physical training across multiple disciplines, and a track record of safe, professional work on set. Aspiring assistant stunt coordinators must treat their career as a long-term investment requiring patience, persistence, and constant skill development.
Building a Foundation: Physical Discipline Training
The stunt profession demands exceptional physical capability across a broad range of disciplines. Aspiring stunt performers — the first step on the path to any coordinator role — typically develop expertise in several of the following areas:
Martial arts — training in disciplines such as boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, or traditional martial arts provides the foundation for choreographed fight sequences. A minimum of two to five years of consistent training is typically expected before attempting to break into the industry as a fight stunt performer.
Gymnastics and acrobatics — tumbling, trampoline, parkour, and aerial acrobatics are highly valued and open doors to wire work and high-fall opportunities
High fall training — learning to execute controlled falls from height onto crash pads, air bags, and ratchet rigs requires specialized instruction from experienced stunt performers
Precision driving — high-speed driving, reverse 180s, J-turns, vehicle jumps, and other specialized vehicle maneuvers are required for driving gags
Equestrian skills — horseback riding, including falls and riding at speed, remains relevant for period productions and Western-genre projects
Swimming and underwater work — swimming ability and comfort with underwater filming equipment is valuable for aquatic sequences
Rock climbing and rappelling — used for vertical work and location shoots involving difficult terrain
Fire work — full-burn and partial-burn stunt work requires specialized training and is typically not undertaken without mentorship from experienced fire stunt performers
Breaking into the Industry as a Stunt Performer
The path to the assistant stunt coordinator role begins with establishing a career as a working stunt performer. Building this career involves:
Building a showreel — a professionally produced video reel demonstrating your abilities across multiple stunt disciplines is essential for getting noticed by working coordinators
Networking on set — most stunt work is secured through personal relationships with working stunt coordinators and performers. Set etiquette, professionalism, and reliability matter enormously in this industry
Working low-budget and student projects — early in a career, gaining credits and on-set experience often means accepting lower-budget work while building a track record
Assisting experienced coordinators — learning by working closely with established stunt coordinators is the primary apprenticeship path in the stunt industry
SAG-AFTRA Membership and the 500-Day Requirement
For stunt performers working on SAG-AFTRA union productions in the United States, union membership is a prerequisite for meaningful career advancement. The SAG-AFTRA stunt coordinator eligibility process establishes a clear benchmark:
500 eligible work days — once a stunt performer or coordinator has completed 500 verified eligible work days, SAG-AFTRA considers this the minimum general standard to present oneself as a stunt coordinator
Eligible days must be verified by the SAG-AFTRA Stunt and Safety Department
The 500-day requirement applies to both performers moving into the coordinator role and existing coordinators seeking to demonstrate their eligibility
Days must be earned on SAG-AFTRA covered productions and must involve stunt performance or coordination work
The assistant stunt coordinator role represents a natural career waypoint for performers approaching this 500-day milestone, allowing them to develop coordination skills while continuing to perform. Many assistant coordinators have 150 to 350+ days of stunt performance experience before stepping into the assistant coordinator function formally.
Formal Training Programs and Stunt Schools
While no academic credential is required, several formal training programs provide structured environments for aspiring stunt performers to develop multiple disciplines simultaneously:
Dedicated stunt schools — programs like those offered by the United Stuntmen's Association (USA) provide foundational training in multiple disciplines alongside industry mentorship
Martial arts academies — long-term training at a reputable academy in one or more fighting disciplines remains one of the most valuable investments for an aspiring stunt performer
Gymnastics and acrobatics programs — youth gymnastics programs, adult recreational programs, or competitive gymnastics tracks all provide the foundational body awareness essential to stunt work
Driving schools — professional-grade precision driving instruction is available through licensed facilities and is often required before attempting vehicle stunt work
On-set mentorship — working directly under established coordinators remains the most effective learning environment in the stunt industry, and assistant coordinator roles are frequently earned through this informal apprenticeship path
Building Coordination Skills
Transitioning from performer to assistant coordinator requires developing a different skill set beyond physical ability. Aspiring assistant coordinators typically build these capabilities by:
Volunteering to assist with stunt scheduling and performer coordination on productions where they are already working as performers
Learning basic rigging inspection and safety check procedures from experienced riggers and coordinators
Developing an understanding of SAG-AFTRA contract terms, adjustment rates, and performer documentation requirements
Studying fight choreography, stunt sequencing, and shot design by observing experienced coordinators at work
Taking on increased responsibility progressively — coordinating small-scale sequences independently before moving to larger, more complex action
What skills do you need to be a Assistant Stunt Coordinator?
Essential Skills for an Assistant Stunt Coordinator
The assistant stunt coordinator must combine elite physical ability with the organizational and interpersonal skills of a department manager. The following skill areas define the most effective professionals in this role.
Multi-Discipline Stunt Performance Capability
The most successful assistant stunt coordinators bring broad physical versatility to their work. While many performers specialize in one or two disciplines early in their careers, coordinators are expected to have working knowledge of a wide range of stunt types:
Fighting and fight choreography — the ability to design, teach, and execute choreographed fights across multiple styles (boxing, MMA, weapons-based) is among the most in-demand stunt skills
High falls and controlled falling — safely executing falls from significant heights onto purpose-built landing surfaces requires years of progressive training
Wire work and harness operations — flying rigs, wire-assisted falls, and suspension rigs require both performer comfort and an understanding of rigging systems
Precision and stunt driving — car chases, vehicle hits, and precision driving sequences require specialized licensure and experience with purpose-built or modified vehicles
Fire stunts — full burns and partial burns require fire-protective gel, specialized protective garments, and close coordination with fire safety officers
Water work — comfort with underwater filming, pool sequences, and open-water stunts expands the range of productions an assistant coordinator can support
Risk Assessment and Safety Management
The most critical non-physical skill an assistant stunt coordinator must possess is the ability to accurately assess risk and make clear-eyed decisions under pressure. This includes:
Evaluating a planned stunt sequence for realistic danger potential — not just the designed scenario, but foreseeable failure modes and contingencies
Identifying when safety conditions on set have degraded — surface conditions, fatigue, equipment wear, time pressure — and advocating for pauses or adjustments without hesitation
Conducting formal pre-stunt safety briefings that cover all participants, not just the principal performer
Documenting all safety decisions and near-misses accurately to support continuous improvement and provide protection in the event of an injury claim
Understanding OSHA general industry safety requirements and how they apply to stunt performance environments
Actor Training and Coaching
Working with principal cast members requires a specific skill set distinct from working with trained stunt performers. The assistant stunt coordinator must be able to:
Quickly assess an actor's physical ability, coordination, and comfort level with physical demands
Design progressive training programs that build actor confidence and capability safely — without overexposing them to risk before they are ready
Communicate clearly and non-technically with actors who have no stunt training background, making complex physical choreography feel approachable and manageable
Earn the trust of performers who are understandably concerned about physical sequences — creating a safe psychological environment is as important as creating a safe physical one
Know when to recommend that a stunt double take over, and communicate that recommendation diplomatically to both the actor and the director
On-Set Adaptability
Production is unpredictable. The assistant stunt coordinator must be ready to adapt planned sequences in real time when circumstances change. This means:
Redesigning stunt sequences on the fly when location conditions, lighting, or scheduling constraints change the original plan
Finding alternative approaches when planned equipment is unavailable or fails inspection
Adjusting performer assignments when a booked stunt performer is unable to work due to injury, weather, or scheduling issues
Communicating changes clearly and quickly to all affected departments — particularly camera, AD, and special effects — to maintain shooting momentum
Communication and Department Liaison
The assistant stunt coordinator operates at the intersection of the stunt department and nearly every other crew department. Effective communication skills are non-negotiable:
Written communication — clear safety reports, performer memos, and stunt schedule documents are essential to union compliance and professional operation
Verbal communication — clear safety briefings, director consultations, and inter-departmental coordination all require the ability to communicate precisely under time pressure
Assertiveness without aggression — the assistant stunt coordinator must be willing to push back on unsafe directives from producers, directors, or ADs while maintaining productive working relationships
Listening — understanding what the director is trying to achieve visually, what the camera department needs technically, and what the AD needs logistically requires active listening, not just instruction-following
Physical Fitness and Injury Prevention
Maintaining peak physical fitness is not optional for an assistant stunt coordinator — it is a job requirement. Professionals in this role invest significantly in:
Strength and conditioning training to support the physical demands of stunt performance across a full production schedule
Flexibility and mobility work to reduce injury risk during high-impact sequences
Active injury management — knowing when to perform through minor discomfort versus when an injury requires rest, and communicating honestly about physical limitations
Recovery practices between heavy stunt days, particularly on productions with extended action sequences shot across multiple weeks
Knowledge of Stunt Contracts and Union Terms
On union productions, the assistant stunt coordinator must have a working understanding of SAG-AFTRA contract terms that govern stunt performer employment. This includes adjustment rates for specific gag types, daily and weekly minimums, turnaround requirements, and the documentation required for stunt safety reports. This knowledge enables the assistant coordinator to protect performer rights, support accurate deal memo preparation, and avoid costly contractual errors.
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