In any movie, television program or commercial, there could be a myriad of stunts that are being asked of the actors and stunt crews to preform. Any activity that could potentially cause harm to a living being can be classified as a stunt. Something as simple as tumbling down a flight of stairs can be called a stunt, all the way to an extreme gun shooting, car chasing fight scene that is played out over multiple surfaces and including multiple personnel. Yet, each situation requires an adequate amount of stunt safety to be accomplished successfully and without injury.
Over time, the governing bodies over labor standards and safety requirements within the entertainment industry have devised several important standards that should be followed in insure safety for all actors and crew personnel during a stunt sequence. However, there are many other steps that can be taken to ensure safety on the job site. Before an actor or stunt crew is hired, each party must be fully informed regarding the stunts that will be required of him and properly trained, if need be. The training should be complete in each stunt area. Many practice runs should be done so each player understands his full role and duty during the stunt. Each stunt should be choreographed for safety and not include any unnecessary people involved. Each person involved is a potential risk, and must be evaluated. No children should be permitted within a stunt.
Preparing for Stunts to Prevent Injury
Another important aspect of any stunt choreography is preparing for the worst. A special emergency medical crew should be available at a moments notice to handle any accident or stunt gone wrong. Permits must also be obtained for those stunts including explosions and fire to ensure stunt safety. Planning and coordinating efforts with the appropriate medical personal is key to saving lives and keeping actors and other staff safe during these stunt exercises.
The ultimate preparation that any film, television or commercial crew can do to prevent accidents or fatalities as they result from stunts should begin with research, planning and preparations. Each stunt act should be evaluated, assessed for risk and only proceeded under extreme caution and care to help keep all personnel safe.