What Stunt Coordinators Expect On Set

Stunt performers and actors attended the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Conservatory panel, What Do Stunt Coordinators Expect of Stunt Performers and of Actors On Set?, on March 23.

During this conversation, which featured noted stunt coordinators, attendees learned not only what is expected of them on set, but also what can be done outside of work to enhance their performance. 

Featured panelists included five-time SAG Awards® nominee Thom Williams, best known for his work on Avengers: End Game (2019); three-time SAG Awards nominee Freddy Bouciegues, who is currently working on Rebel Moon — Part 2: Scargiver (2024); and Travis Wong, best known for his SAG Awards-nominated work on Furious 7 (2015). The event was moderated by SAG Awards winner Banzai Vitale, a 40-year veteran stunt performer. 

Here were three key takeaways from the panel:

Training 
Given the physicality of the profession and the development of new techniques, each panelist emphasized that it is crucial stunt performers consistently train — even when they are not working. They encouraged stunt performers to diversify their skills across different aspects of the field because specificity for a role is important, but being a well-rounded performer is just as beneficial. 

This training extends to actors as well. The panelists suggested that, if possible, performers should undergo training in film fighting to have a general understanding of the work. 

Professionalism
On-set professionalism was also a significant topic of conversation among the panelists. They recommended that stunt performers watch their cell phone usage, listen to stunt coordinators and other staff, and be attentive to how they represent the stunt community.

For actors, Wong recommended performers have a “willing-to-learn attitude, be moldable and take notes,” and Bouciegues emphasized that listening to stunt coordinators is not only for the best performance, but a matter of safety. The trio agreed that when actors have these attributes, they can make any stunt happen with time. 

Working Together 
Stunt performers and actors train in different ways but for the same purpose — to bring a character to life.

In speaking about the beauty of these relationships, including those between stunt performers and their doubles, Williams said, “Your double is the other half of your character. Take your ego out of it and think about how you want [the] character to be portrayed. 

Williams concluded the panel by saying, “[Stunt coordinators] are your allies. We are literally there to make you look good; we are there to make you look as badass as possible.” 

The panel ended with the stunt coordinators answering questions from the audience and the panelists engaging directly with members after the event. 

The full panel is available on the SAG-AFTRA YouTube channel.

To learn more about the SAG-AFTRA Los Angeles Conservatory and to enroll, visit the Los Angeles Conservatory page on sagaftra.org. To find more information about stunt work and safety protocols, visit the Stunts & Safety webpage.

Note: SAG Awards winner Shauna Duggins was set to attend and discuss the impacts and complexities of being a female stunt performer in the industry. However, due to a prior work commitment, she was unable to attend.

Photo: From left, Los Angeles Local Board member and L.A. Local Stunt & Safety Committee Vice Chair Marie Fink, and stunt coordinators Banzai Vitale, Thom Williams, Mike Ryan and Freddy Bouciegues at the L.A. Conservatory panel, What Do Stunt Coordinators Expect of Stunt Performers and of Actors On Set?, on March 23.