This document has been designed to assist the Production Company in stunt planning. It is to be used in conjunction with the written stunt plan. It is the responsibility of the Producer or other person, as designated by the Producer, to ensure the items set out in this guideline are completed to ensure the safety of all persons involved in the stunt.

Stunt prep procedures

  1. Review the completed stunt diagram from the stunt plan.
  2. Send a copy of the complete stunt plan to the insurance company. Where required, a copy should also be sent to the applicable local film and television office.
  3. Notify all personnel involved in creating the stunt and organize a meeting to detail a step-by-step plan of the stunt(s) with all personnel involved. Discussion should include the hazards involved, measures to reduce hazards, emergency procedures and the location of emergency medical facilities. Conduct further meetings as necessary to ensure any changes are communicated to personnel.
  4. Ensure cast and crew understand the details of the stunt and emergency plans and that all questions have been responded to completely.
  5. Schedule to allow for adequate training, set-up, rehearsal and filming time.
  6. Make sure a back-up shooting plan is scheduled where necessary (e.g. change in weather conditions etc.).
  7. Make sure an alternate ambulance has been arranged in the event an injured party must be transported.
  8. In a complicated stunt, a dry run or a smaller version of the stunt should be performed prior to the day of the actual shoot to identify problems which might affect the successful execution of the stunt. As an example, if the stunt involves a flipped van skidding along a paved road, the contact between metal roof of the van and the pavement could create unwanted noise that affects communication between the stunt persons inside the flipped van and the director.

Shoot day procedures

  1. Oversee a final briefing and dry run to ensure everyone understands the details of the stunt
  2. If there are any changes to the stunt plan, ensure the entire plan is reviewed.
  3. Allow for a safe holding location for all personnel during the stunt.
  4. Make sure that communications including cues are absolutely clear between everyone involved especially after last minute changes.
  5. Ensure adequate time is allotted to inspect and reset prior to each take.

Address all of the following questions

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of questions and does not relieve the workplace parties of their obligations under the OHSA.

Is personal protective equipment or any other equipment required? If yes, has the equipment maintainance and use been logged (e.g. cranes, rigging equipment, fire suppression equipment, etc.)

Have Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) been obtained for any hazardous substance to be used?

Have you planned procedures for:

  • human error
  • mechanical error
  • outside interference
  • the unexpected
  • natural acts (i.e weather changes)?

Have stunt personnel been allowed adequate time to inspect the set/location, the equipment, wardrobe, personal safety equipment and props?

Have the following personnel been briefed on the specifics of the stunts? For example:

  • cast
  • medic/first aid
  • key crew personnel
  • fire
  • police
  • stunt performers
  • security officers
  • assistant directors
  • special effects

When changes have been made and are within the scope of the plan, have all parties been notified and are they comfortable with the changes?

When animals are involved, have the Animal Handling Guidelines (Guideline No.40) been reviewed?

Have proper arrangements been made for emergency medical services as outlined in the stunt plan?

  • Is a doctor/nurse/ medic needed on the set?
  • Is a stand-by ambulance or helicopter needed?
  • Has the nearest emergency medical facility been identified?

Have appropriate fire suppression methods been put in place?

Has the local Fire Department been consulted?

Date:

Production Company:

Producer:

(Print Name):

(Signature):