Are you confused about the roles of a production manager and a stunt coordinator? While both positions are crucial in the entertainment industry, they have distinct responsibilities. In this article, we will explore the key differences between a production manager and a stunt coordinator, shedding light on their unique roles and contributions. Whether you’re aspiring to work behind the scenes or curious about the inner workings of film and television production, this article will provide valuable insights into these important roles.
40 Differences between a Production Manager and a Stunt Coordinator:
- Role: A production manager oversees the overall production process, ensuring that everything runs smoothly, while a stunt coordinator is responsible for planning and executing stunts safely.
- Responsibilities: A production manager handles budgeting, scheduling, hiring crew members, and coordinating logistics, while a stunt coordinator designs and choreographs action sequences and ensures the safety of performers.
- Pre-production: A production manager works on pre-production tasks such as securing locations and permits, while a stunt coordinator focuses on planning and rehearsing stunts.
- Budgeting: A production manager manages the budget for the entire production, including allocating funds for stunts, while a stunt coordinator works within the allocated budget for stunts.
- Crew Management: A production manager hires and manages the crew members involved in various departments, while a stunt coordinator works closely with stunt performers and coordinates their training and safety.
- Risk Assessment: A production manager assesses risks associated with the production as a whole, while a stunt coordinator assesses risks specific to stunts and takes necessary precautions.
- Insurance: A production manager ensures that the production has appropriate insurance coverage, including liability insurance for stunts, while a stunt coordinator works with insurance providers to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Communication: A production manager serves as a liaison between different departments and communicates production updates to the crew, while a stunt coordinator communicates with performers, directors, and other relevant personnel regarding stunts.
- Legal Compliance: A production manager ensures that the production follows all legal requirements and regulations, while a stunt coordinator ensures compliance with safety guidelines and regulations specific to stunts.
- Casting: A production manager may assist in casting decisions for non-stunt roles, while a stunt coordinator may be involved in casting decisions for stunt performers.
- Equipment: A production manager oversees the procurement and maintenance of production equipment, while a stunt coordinator may require specialized equipment for stunts and ensures its availability and safety.
- Location Scouting: A production manager scouts and secures suitable locations for filming, while a stunt coordinator assesses locations for stunt feasibility and safety.
- Rehearsals: A production manager may oversee general rehearsals for scenes, while a stunt coordinator conducts specific rehearsals for stunts.
- Safety Protocols: A production manager ensures that safety protocols are followed throughout the production, while a stunt coordinator develops and enforces safety protocols for stunts.
- Permits: A production manager obtains necessary permits for filming, while a stunt coordinator may require additional permits for specific stunts.
- Continuity: A production manager ensures continuity in terms of props, costumes, and set design, while a stunt coordinator ensures continuity in action sequences and stunts.
- Post-production: A production manager oversees post-production processes such as editing and sound design, while a stunt coordinator may provide input on the editing of stunt sequences.
- Collaboration: A production manager collaborates with various departments to ensure a cohesive production, while a stunt coordinator collaborates with directors and other relevant personnel to achieve desired stunt sequences.
- Time Management: A production manager manages the production schedule and ensures that deadlines are met, while a stunt coordinator plans stunts within the given production timeline.
- Problem-solving: A production manager troubleshoots production-related issues and finds solutions, while a stunt coordinator anticipates and addresses potential safety issues during stunts.
- Union Regulations: A production manager ensures compliance with union regulations for crew members, while a stunt coordinator may be a member of a stunt performers’ union and ensures compliance with its regulations.
- Special Effects: A production manager coordinates with special effects teams for non-stunt-related effects, while a stunt coordinator may collaborate with special effects teams for stunts involving pyrotechnics or other effects.
- Training: A production manager does not require specialized training in stunts, while a stunt coordinator has extensive training and experience in stunt work.
- Creativity: A production manager focuses on logistical aspects of production, while a stunt coordinator brings creativity and innovation to action sequences.
- Collaboration with Directors: A production manager collaborates with directors on overall production vision, while a stunt coordinator collaborates with directors on specific stunt sequences.
- Documentation: A production manager maintains production-related documentation, while a stunt coordinator may document stunt choreography and safety protocols.
- First Aid and Emergency Preparedness: A production manager ensures that first aid and emergency preparedness measures are in place, while a stunt coordinator may have specialized training in first aid and emergency response for stunts.
- Insurance Claims: A production manager handles insurance claims related to production incidents, while a stunt coordinator may assist in documenting and filing insurance claims specific to stunts.
- Stunt Rigging: A production manager does not typically handle stunt rigging, while a stunt coordinator oversees the rigging of stunts and ensures their safety.
- Stunt Doubles: A production manager may coordinate the use of stunt doubles for non-stunt-related scenes, while a stunt coordinator selects and coordinates stunt doubles for specific action sequences.
- Specialized Knowledge: A production manager has a broad understanding of the overall production process, while a stunt coordinator has specialized knowledge of stunts and their execution.
- On-set Presence: A production manager is present on set to oversee the production as a whole, while a stunt coordinator is present on set to oversee and coordinate stunts.
- Communication with Cast: A production manager communicates with the entire cast, including non-stunt performers, while a stunt coordinator primarily communicates with stunt performers.
- Production Design: A production manager collaborates with the production designer on overall visual design, while a stunt coordinator may provide input on set design for stunts.
- Post-production Effects: A production manager coordinates with post-production teams for visual effects and CGI, while a stunt coordinator may collaborate with post-production teams for enhancing stunt sequences.
- Script Analysis: A production manager analyzes the script for logistical considerations, while a stunt coordinator analyzes the script for stunt requirements and feasibility.
- Safety Meetings: A production manager conducts safety meetings for the entire production, while a stunt coordinator conducts specialized safety meetings for stunt performers.
- Stunt Equipment Maintenance: A production manager does not typically handle the maintenance of stunt equipment, while a stunt coordinator ensures that stunt equipment is properly maintained and in working condition.
- Stunt Rehearsal Spaces: A production manager does not typically arrange specific rehearsal spaces for stunts, while a stunt coordinator may secure specialized rehearsal spaces for stunt training.
- Post-production Evaluation: A production manager evaluates the overall production process and identifies areas for improvement, while a stunt coordinator evaluates the execution
What is the role of a production manager?
A production manager is responsible for overseeing the logistics, budget, schedule, and day-to-day operations of a film, TV, or commercial production. They ensure that the production stays on time and on budget while meeting creative goals.
Key responsibilities include creating budgets and schedules, hiring crew members, renting equipment, securing locations and permits, managing vendor relationships, coordinating transportation, and solving problems as they arise during production. They work closely with directors and producers to translate the creative vision into a feasible production plan.
What is the role of a stunt coordinator?
A stunt coordinator is in charge of designing and coordinating stunts for film and TV productions. They oversee all aspects of stunt performance, including casting stunt performers, planning and choreographing stunts, executing stunts safely, and collaborating with directors on the creative vision for action sequences.
Responsibilities include assessing scripts, finding locations, hiring and training stunt performers, choreographing stunts, planning rigging and special effects, coordinating rehearsals, being present for stunts to ensure safety, and collaborating with production managers on schedules and budgets.
What are the responsibilities of a production manager?
- Developing production budgets and schedules
- Breaking down scripts and creating shooting schedules
- Hiring crew members and negotiating rates/contracts
- Procuring equipment rentals and vendor services
- Securing locations, permits, and insurance
- Coordinating transportation, catering, and other logistics
- Managing day-to-day operations and crew during production
- Enforcing budgets, deadlines, union rules, and safety guidelines
- Collaborating with department heads to execute the production plan
- Troubleshooting problems and overseeing changes as needed
- Ensuring legal compliance and risk management
What are the responsibilities of a stunt coordinator?
- Analyzing scripts for stunt requirements
- Determining stunt personnel, equipment, and location needs
- Casting and hiring qualified stunt performers
- Scheduling and budgeting for stunts with the production manager
- Designing, planning, and choreographing stunt sequences
- Overseeing and directing rehearsals and stunt performance
- Rigging stunt equipment, props and sets
- Coordinating special effects, wind, fire etc for stunts
- Ensuring stunts meet the director’s creative vision
- Enforcing safety regulations and conducting safety meetings
- Being present for stunts to supervise execution and safety
- Troubleshooting stunt issues as they arise
- Collaborating with crew on the filming of stunt sequences
What is the difference between a production manager and a stunt coordinator?
The main difference is that a production manager oversees the entire production, while a stunt coordinator specializes in the stunts. The production manager manages the budget, schedule, hiring, logistics, and daily operations for the overall film. The stunt coordinator specifically designs, choreographs, and executes stunts safely and effectively.
They have expertise in rigging, safety, staging, and training for complex stunt work. While the production manager facilitates stunts within the broader production, the stunt coordinator is focused on the specialized stunt requirements. They collaborate to schedule and budget the stunts appropriately.
What are the key differences between a production manager and a stunt coordinator?
- Scope – production managers oversee the entire production, and stunt coordinators specifically handle stunts
- Expertise – production managers have logistics/budgeting skills, and stunt coordinators have stunt performance skills
- Responsibilities – production managers manage hiring and crewing, and stunt coordinators choreograph and direct stunts
- Focus – production managers facilitate broader production needs, stunt coordinators ensure stunt safety and execution
- Budgeting – production managers develop master budgets, stunt coordinators budget their department
- Scheduling – production managers develop master schedules, stunt coordinators schedule rehearsals and shooting
- Risks – production managers assess overall risks, stunt coordinators assess risks specific to stunts
- Collaboration – production managers collaborate with all department heads, stunt coordinators collaborate specifically on stunt execution
What does a production manager do that a stunt coordinator does not?
- Develop overall production schedule and budget
- Create shooting schedule breakdowns
- Hire all crew members and department heads
- Scout and secure all locations/permits needed
- Coordinate all production logistics and transportation
- Manage vendor relations and equipment rentals
- Ensure compliance with union rules and regulations
- Facilitate script breakdown and departmental planning
- Mediate crew conflicts and personnel issues
- Troubleshoot issues unrelated to stunts
What does a stunt coordinator do that a production manager does not?
- Cast and hire stunt performers
- Scout locations specifically for stunt potential
- Design, choreograph, and plan stunts
- Break down stunt sequences shot by shot
- Rig stunts, procure specialized gear/vehicles
- Conduct extensive stunt rehearsals
- Oversee and direct actual stunt performance
- Set up safety procedures and medical protocol
- Operate specialized camera and rigging for stunts
- Ensure stunts meet necessary safety guidelines
- Fine-tune stunts to fulfill director’s vision
How does a production manager contribute to the film production process?
The production manager is integral to executing the logistics required to actually produce the film. They translate the creative vision into a feasible schedule and budget. The PM creates the overall timeline, hires crew, and manages daily operations so that filming stays organized and on track.
They troubleshoot issues so that filming flows smoothly. They interface with all departments to make sure the script is being brought to life on time and on budget. Their oversight keeps the entire production machine running efficiently.
How does a stunt coordinator contribute to the film production process?
The stunt coordinator ensures that all required stunts are performed both safely and effectively to meet the director’s vision. They allow the director and producer to get the shots and action sequences they want by making them feasible and executing them seamlessly. Their expertise in rigging, choreographing, and directing stunts saves time and prevents injury.
They also use specialized gear and operators to capture stunning footage of car chases, explosions, and intricate fight sequences. Their contribution is essential for films with significant stunt requirements.
What are the pre-production tasks of a production manager?
- Creating preliminary budget based on script
- Developing production schedule with shooting timeline
- Securing production office space and equipment
- Hiring production staff and crew members
- Working with locations department to find ideal shooting sites
- Securing permits for locations, parking, fire/police, airspace
- Renting production vehicles, equipment, and stages
- Negotiating vendor contracts for gear and services
- Creating call sheets and production paperwork
- Establishing local payroll services and insurance
- Developing risk management procedures and contingency plans
What are the pre-production tasks of a stunt coordinator?
- Analyzing script to identify required stunts
- Estimating stunt personnel, gear, prep time, and costs
- Scout locations that can facilitate required sequences
- Hiring experienced stunt performers needed for stunts
- Meeting with relevant department heads to plan stunts
- Creating storyboards and detailed stunt plans
- Rigging sets, props and special equipment for stunts
- Scheduling adequate stunt rehearsals prior to shoot
- Conducting test runs and safety meetings with stunt crew
- Coordinating builds and special effects that enable stuntwork
- Finalizing shooting schedule for stunt sequences with director
How does a production manager handle budgeting?
The production manager creates the overall budget based on the script requirements and the director’s vision. They break down and estimate costs for all departments, including staff and crew salaries, equipment rentals, locations, sets, props, travel, and other production expenses.
They build in contingency amounts and are responsible for value engineering if costs need to be reduced. During production, they monitor spending and adjust individual budgets as needed. They provide cost reports and implement changes to keep everything on budget.
How does a stunt coordinator handle budgeting?
The stunt coordinator provides input on the costs for their stunt department during the production manager’s budgeting process. They factor in costs for stunt performers, rehearsals, equipment rentals, specialty props, consumables, vehicles, insurance, medical, and other stunt expenses.
They work within their allotted budget during production while making adjustments for any unforeseen costs related to changes in stunts. They collaborate with the production manager regularly to ensure their stunts stay on budget.
What is the difference in crew management between a production manager and a stunt coordinator?
The production manager handles hiring, contracts, onboarding, and management for the entire film crew. The stunt coordinator specifically casts and manages the stunt performers and more specialized support crew including riggers, drivers, and operators.
The production manager deals with high level departmental staffing and crewing needs. The stunt coordinator focuses on specialized crew necessary to safely execute planned stunts. Both collaborate on scheduling and call times for stunt-related crew.
How does a production manager assess risks associated with the production?
The production manager looks at all production components to identify areas of risk, such as stunts, locations, special effects, animals, minors, water scenes, etc. They implement risk management procedures whether that involves safety meetings, contingency plans, insurance, waivers, or risk reduction strategies.
The goal is to anticipate issues and prevent problems related to equipment, sets, weather, accidents, or unplanned events that could compromise safety or add costs.
How does a stunt coordinator assess risks associated with stunts?
The stunt coordinator thoroughly evaluates each stunt sequence to identify potential risks to stunt performers. This involves assessing locations, props, weather, equipment safety, rigging, and variables that could impact the stunt.
They implement meticulous protocols whether it be safety harnesses, air bags, foam pits, vehicle roll cages, controlled environments, or strict rehearsals. The goal is to prepare for anything that could endanger stunt performers and to have emergency procedures in place.
What is the difference in communication between a production manager and a stunt coordinator?
As production manager communicates high-level updates and changes to the entire crew and production team. They disseminate information that affects schedules, call times, locations, and departmental plans. Their communication is general and focused on the overall production workflow.
The stunt coordinator communicates very specifically with their own team to discuss stunt plans, safety protocols, equipment, rehearsals, and shooting schedules. Their communication is focused just on executing the stunts safely.
How does a production manager ensure legal compliance?
The production manager ensures all necessary permits, insurance coverage, business licenses, and legal paperwork are secured. They adhere to local, state and federal laws related to filming, safety regulations, building codes, union rules, FAA regulations, etc.
They confirm tax compliance, payroll protocols, and incorporated status to avoid legal liability. The PM acts as the primary liaison with legal counsel to guarantee contractual agreements and regulatory compliance.
How does a stunt coordinator ensure compliance with safety guidelines and regulations specific to stunts?
The stunt coordinator thoroughly understands the industry safety regulations, union guidelines, and insurance requirements relevant to stunts.
They ensure their performers are properly classified, stunts adhere to relevant safety practices, equipment is properly certified, sets & vehicles are appropriately rigged and prepared, and all the necessary waivers, permits, and safety plans are in place. Their role is to guarantee stunts meet all applicable safety regulations.
What is the difference in casting between a production manager and a stunt coordinator?
The production manager oversees the general casting process done by the casting director for all the speaking roles and background performers.
The stunt coordinator handles specialized casting of stunt performers who have the necessary skills, training, and experience to safely execute the specific stunts required of them. Stunt casting involves extensive vetting and often requires very particular physical skills and attributes.
How does a production manager handle equipment procurement and maintenance?
The production manager first assesses script requirements to determine what production equipment must be rented or procured. They obtain cost estimates and rent equipment within budgetary constraints.
During production, they ensure proper storage, prevent misuse/damage, coordinate maintenance or replacement as needed, and safely return all rented items. They are responsible for all non-stunt equipment used on the project.
How does a stunt coordinator handle specialized equipment for stunts?
The stunt coordinator assesses the script to determine specialized gear needed for rigs, stunt vehicles, scene builds, safety, and specific stunt gags. They rent or procure specific cars, harnesses, trussing, drones, mats, air bags, and costumes tailored to stuntwork.
They maintain and test equipment throughout production and bring in specialists as needed. Their focus is the build, maintenance and safe operation of customized stunt gear.
What is the difference in location scouting between a production manager and a stunt coordinator?
The production manager scouts a wide range of options for each shooting location needed, assessing general feasibility, permitting, availability and cost.
The stunt coordinator scouts with a more narrow focus – evaluating locations specifically for stunt potential, safety, access issues, and ability to facilitate the intricate stunt action required. Their locations must enable often dangerous and technically challenging stunts to be performed safely.
How does a production manager ensure continuity in props, costumes, and set design?
The production manager reviews scripts and shot lists to provide notes on continuity needs like multiples of key props and wardrobe items.
They work closely with wardrobe, props, art, construction, and ADs to implement protocols like photos, labeling systems, continuity logs, assigned crew to maintain consistency on set for all scenes and sequences being filmed out of order.
How does a stunt coordinator ensure continuity in action sequences and stunts?
For stunts, continuity involves ensuring consistency in specialized gear, props, costumes, vehicles, and environments where stunt sequences will be filmed across multiple takes over different days.
The stunt coordinator works closely with assistants and relevant departments to guarantee items are replaced exactly, settings precisely recreated, and that extensive notes/reference materials exist to maintain cohesive action.
What is the difference in post-production responsibilities between a production manager and a stunt coordinator?
The production manager handles business affairs like delivering materials to post houses, negotiating editor and VFX rates, budgeting for post, and scheduling final mixing, color, VFX, and music scoring dates.
The stunt coordinator has minimal post-production tasks, but may be consulted to review stunt footage during editing and VFX processes to comment on safety issues or continuity of sequences.
How does a production manager collaborate with various departments?
The production manager consistently collaborates with all department heads – locations, camera, lighting, props, wardrobe, art, stunts, etc. They facilitate inter-departmental planning, scheduling, budgeting, problem solving and information sharing.
Their job is to foster collaboration between departments so the production machine runs cohesively. They act as a hub connecting all spokes.
How does a stunt coordinator collaborate with directors and other relevant personnel?
The stunt coordinator works hand-in-hand with the director and producer to understand the creative vision and make it possible safely. They collaborate with 1st ADs to schedule appropriate rehearsals, shoots, and crew.
They coordinate with locations onbuilds, rigging, and prep. They work with wardrobe on specialty stunt attire and padding. They collaborate with camera teams on best stunt coverage. They confer with VFX when needed. Their focus is collaborating with those integral to executing stunts.
What is the difference in time management between a production manager and a stunt coordinator?
The production manager creates the master schedule, manages the intricate timing of the full shoot and all departments, and deals with delays or changes that affect the overall timeline.
The stunt coordinator focuses more narrowly on timing rehearsals, coordinating builds, allocating time for prep, safety meetings, and shooting specific stunt sequences within the production’s broader schedule.
How does a production manager troubleshoot production-related issues?
The production manager is constantly anticipating and solving problems – whether it’s location issues, weather delays, equipment failures, crew conflicts, schedule changes, safety concerns, or budget overages.
They tap their experience and judgment to quickly troubleshoot via solutions like rescheduling, value engineering, insurance claims, conflict mediation, finding alternatives, negotiating exceptions, or reshuffling resources.
How does a stunt coordinator anticipate and address potential safety issues during stunts?
The stunt coordinator uses their expertise to identify risks – assessing environments, weather, equipment, performers, rigging, variables and contingencies that could jeopardize safety.
With experience, they can troubleshoot effectively whether that means changing a process, modifying gear, postponing, altering the stunt, having emergency personnel on standby, or aborting entirely if conditions are unsafe. Safety troubleshooting is paramount.
What are the union regulations that a production manager ensures compliance with?
A production manager ensures compliance with rules set by unions like SAG-AFTRA, DGA, Teamsters, IATSE, etc. This includes proper classification of employees, adherence to rates and work hours, rules for breaks and overtime, required contributions/benefits, safety guidelines, and allowances like mileage and per diems. Following union regs avoids potential strikes or penalties.
What are the union regulations that a stunt coordinator ensures compliance with?
The stunt coordinator specifically follows guidelines set by the stunt performer unions like SAG-AFTRA, the Stuntmen’s Association of Motion Pictures, and United Stuntmen’s Association.
They ensure proper classification, stunt rates, overtime, safety practices per union standards, and that stunt coordinator duties are correctly assigned per union rules. Their goal is to guarantee adherence to regulations applicable to stunt crew and stunt work.
What is the difference in special effects between a production manager and stunt coordinator?
The production manager assesses scripted FX and facilitates requests and budgeting for them, but an FX coordinator handles the actual integration.
The stunt coordinator specifically requests FX items that enable execution of planned stunts – whether fire, wind, rain, explosions, air rams, debris, prosthetics etc. They also directly collaborate with FX teams on integration into stunts, whereas the PM coordinates at a high level.
How does a production manager analyze the script for logistical considerations?
The production manager thoroughly analyzes the script to identify and assess all key factors that will impact scheduling, budgeting, staffing, and resource planning.
This includes number and type of locations, builds/sets required, mood, time period, crowd scenes, stunts, VFX, equipment needs, and other production components that will shape required time, costs, personnel, rentals, and related logistics.
How does a stunt coordinator analyze the script for stunt requirements and feasibility?
The stunt coordinator analyzes the action sequences in the script that involve stunts to determine the specific requirements in order to evaluate feasibility and start planning.
This involves assessing number of performers needed, skills required, specialty gear/vehicles,locations, prep time, safety considerations, and other factors unique to staging the stunts successfully.
Their analysis focuses on the intricacies of only the stunts, whereas the PM analyzes the entire scope of the production.
What is the difference in safety meetings between a production manager and a stunt coordinator?
The production manager may hold general safety meetings to review protocols and address broader safety issues for the entire production, touching on stunts, locations, effects, vehicles, weapons, minors, etc.
The stunt coordinator stages very detailed safety meetings solely focused on the stunt crew to intricately review the specifics of each planned stunt sequence and all associated safety procedures in place.
How does a production manager evaluate the overall production process?
After production wraps, the production manager analyzes how the project performed compared to initial plans and goals. They look at schedule efficiency, budget adherence, contract issues, crewing problems, equipment effectiveness, location problems, safety issues, and communication flow. The goal is to identify what worked, what didn’t, and key lessons learned to improve their future productions.
How does a stunt coordinator evaluate the execution of stunts?
The stunt coordinator critiques all aspects of the stunts once production finishes – what training methods were effective, which gear functioned optimally, what safety protocols were excessive or inadequate, how the shoot days compared to rehearsals, if performers were properly prepared, how the collaboration with director and crew functioned, and what can be improved. The evaluation focuses solely on the stunt execution.
What qualifications are required for a production manager vs. a stunt coordinator?
A production manager requires strong budgeting and scheduling skills, leadership abilities, negotiation tactics, logistics expertise, vendor relationships, and extensive production experience.
There are no set educational requirements, but related degrees and film production programs can be helpful. Many start as assistants before moving up to coordinator and manager roles.
In contrast, a stunt coordinator requires specific performance skills and stunt training. Extensive experience as a stunt performer is critical. Most begin by specializing in a stunt skill like high falls, precision driving, or fight choreography before coordinating full stunt sequences.
Formal instruction in stunt work, gymnastics, martial arts, and acting lays a strong foundation. Stunt coordinators must thoroughly understand equipment, rigging, safety practices, and filming action.
What is the difference in hierarchy on set between production managers and stunt coordinators?
The production manager occupies a senior level leadership position as head of the production department. They answer directly to the producers and collaborate as peers with other department heads like the director and cinematographer.
The stunt coordinator is considered one of the department heads who reports to the production manager regarding budgets, scheduling, and broader decision making. Their direct collaboration is mainly with the director for creative stunt input.
How does a production manager support a stunt coordinator throughout the production process?
The production manager enables stunts by securing locations that facilitate intricate sequences, budgeting for personnel/gear/builds, building in ample rehearsal time, scheduling appropriately around stunts, streamlining communication between departments, being flexible to stunt needs, having contingencies for overruns, and problem solving issues related to stunt logistics. They give the stunt coordinator latitude to fulfill their highly specialized role.
What process do a stunt coordinator and production manager use to plan action sequences?
First the stunt coordinator thoroughly reviews the script and meets with the director to discuss action sequence concepts. Next the coordinator creates storyboards and extensive stunt plans.
The coordinator and manager break down required elements – performers, locations, builds, vehicles, rehearsals, equipment, etc. – and associated schedule and costs. With collaboration and compromise, they build out detailed action sequence prep, shoot schedules, and budgets tailored to the director’s vision.
Why is it beneficial for a production manager and stunt coordinator to have open communication?
Because stunts often involve the most scheduling uncertainties, safety concerns, budget overages, and logistical demands of any production department, constant open communication between the PM and coordinator is essential.
This allows the PM to stay abreast of evolving stunt needs and the coordinator to understand how production realities may necessitate flexibility and compromise. Open communication enables better collaboration and ultimately a safer, more efficient stunt execution.
How should a production manager and stunt coordinator collaborate during pre-production?
They should have frequent discussions during prep as stunt plans evolve regarding the intricacies of gear, rigging, performers, locations, rehearsals, builds, and changes that impact schedules and costs.
The PM provides feedback on feasibility as the coordinator vets ideas with the director. There should be openness to rework and compromise. Ongoing collaboration allows the coordinator to have the necessary resources in place come shooting while keeping stunts aligned to the overall production plan.
Why should a stunt coordinator thoroughly understand a production manager’s responsibilities?
It enables them to grasp the broader production pieces the PM must balance and how budgets, schedules, and departmental collaboration fit together. This fosters understanding if the PM needs to rein in ideas or alter stunt plans.
It prevents stunts from occurring in a silo and encourages a birds-eye perspective of how stunts integrate into overall production flow. This ultimately allows the coordinator to ensure stunts happen in a way that best serves the production.
What types of shots does a stunt coordinator need to provide for the director vs. the production manager?
The stunt coordinator collaborates closely with the director, cinematographer, and camera department to design and capture the most effective stunt footage. This includes providing shots like wide masters of intricate sequences as well as intense closeups of fights, crashes, explosions, free falls, and other stunt “gags.” Their shots focus on highlighting dangerous moments.
Comparatively, the production manager is not directly involved in shooting specifics. However, they enable complex stunt shots by securing locations that allow extensive rigging, camera vehicles, cranes, drones or helicopters needed to get unique angles during stunt sequences. Their job is facilitating the logistics so such elaborate shots are possible.
How are call times and workload different for production managers vs. stunt coordinators during shooting?
The production manager typically arrives on set before the crew to ensure the stage or location is prepped and secure any last minute needs. They remain on set through “wrap” to oversee breakdown. Their workload is consistent across the entire shoot day.
In contrast, the stunt coordinator has very concentrated high intensity periods on set when the stunt sequences are being filmed. Otherwise they are planning, training, rehearsing, building, rigging or testing – so their hours are more erratic. Call times revolve solely around when stunts are scheduled. Their on-set workload is intense but sporadic.
Why is being on set essential for a stunt coordinator but not always for a production manager?
The stunt coordinator must be physically present on set to directly supervise stunt rehearsals and shooting in order to guarantee safety and provide guidance. They are “calling action” and involved in every facet of execution.
The production manager is frequently off set putting out fires, scouting, or handling issues as their role is more oversight of the whole. They have a team on set and only get involved directly if major problems arise that demand their presence.
What happens after a major stunt injury or accident? How do the production manager and stunt coordinator respond?
Immediately after a serious stunt injury, the stunt coordinator secures emergency care, aids the injured performer, notifies the family, and begins evaluating how to prevent such accidents in the future.
The production manager oversees rescheduling, handles press, coordinates with insurance and legal counsel, provides crew support, and implements any revised safety procedures. They work closely together on next steps while focusing on their realms of expertise in the aftermath.
Why is the relationship between the director and stunt coordinator particularly important?
Because the stunt coordinator is translating the director’s vision for action sequences into feasible reality. The director provides the concepts, aesthetics and tone. The coordinator suggests possibilities, limitations, and safety considerations.
Close collaboration allows them to marry creativity and practicality and ensure the director’s vision manifests within the realities of stunt work. They must trust each other fully to capture stunning action footage.
What happens when a production manager and stunt coordinator have conflicting ideas on shooting a sequence?
If a conflict emerges because the production manager wants to alter a stunt sequence for cost or schedule reasons versus the coordinator’s vision for quality and safety factors, they should discuss frankly to find a solution that satisfies both big picture limitations and stunt integrity.
If no compromise surfaces, usually the director has final say on what is most important for their creative goals and the team works from there. Open communication is key.
Why might a stunt coordinator keep some minor stunt injuries or issues from the production manager early on?
The stunt coordinator may choose not to immediately inform the production manager about minor stunt mishaps or potential risks if they feel they have it under control and that it will overly concern the PM or cause overreactions like pulling the stunt altogether.
This is misguided, as transparency allows the PM to be proactive and support the stunt department. The ideal is open communication, not filtering out minor issues.
How can a stunt sequence go perfectly in rehearsals but still create problems once shooting?
Stunts can vary radically between rehearsals and filming due to different environments, the pressure of getting the shot, technical issues, equipment failures, communication breakdowns, performer mistakes, distractions, fatigue, and overconfidence leading to lapses in safety.
The stunt coordinator must be ready to adapt and maintain vigilance regardless of prior smooth rehearsals. Collaboration with the entire crew is key.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, the roles of a production manager and a stunt coordinator are both crucial in the entertainment industry, but they have distinct responsibilities. While a production manager oversees the overall production process, ensuring that everything runs smoothly, a stunt coordinator is responsible for planning and executing stunts safely.
The production manager handles budgeting, scheduling, hiring crew members, and coordinating logistics, while the stunt coordinator designs and choreographs action sequences and ensures the safety of performers. The production manager and stunt coordinator work together with other departments to ensure the success of the production.
The production coordinator, boom operator, and post-production coordinator are other important roles in the film crew hierarchy that work closely with the production manager and stunt coordinator. Overall, each role in the film crew hierarchy plays a vital part in bringing a film or television production to life. Consider reading >>>>>> Difference Between a Production Manager and a Costume Designer to learn more.
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