SAG-AFTRA’s Stunt Standards and Practices

The SAG-AFTRA National Board of Directors has adopted a set of standards for SAG-AFTRA stunt coordinators as proposed by the National Stunt Committee. These guidelines are designed to exemplify the best practices of the stunt coordinator craft as well as to encourage diversity and gender equality on sets.
The new guidelines, published on the SAG-AFTRA website March 16, were issued following the heartbreaking loss of life suffered by the stunt community last year and a growing demand from stunt performers to review safety standards. In addition, there are continuing concerns about the troubling practices of “wigging” stuntmen to double for female actors and “painting down” white stunt performers to double for performers of color. 
The standards direct stunt coordinators to report to the union all violations of SAG-AFTRA agreements committed by the production. The new code also explains that union staff will investigate any stunt coordinator who fails to adhere to the standards. If the violation is found to be valid, the staff, in consultation with committee leadership, will reach out to that stunt coordinator to educate him or her, and will assist with any issues. 
SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer and L.A. Local President Jane Austin, a stunt professional who serves as vice-chair of the National Stunt and Safety Committee, commented that, “These standards and practices will not only empower the stunt coordinators and our members to enforce the terms of our contracts but will also ensure safer sets.” 
Remember to report safety violations to the union’s 24/7 hotline, (844) SAFER SET. You are the eyes and ears of the union. You can review the standards and practices for SAG-AFTRA stunt coordinators on the SAG-AFTRA website at sagaftra.org.