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Stunts
Producer's Responsibilities

In order to ensure the safety of any stunt the Producer must ensure that:
  • The Production appoint a competent member of the production team (such as a Production Manager) to oversee those stunts involving high risk activities such as planes, vehicles, explosives etc
  • All stunt performers are drawn from the BBC Vetted Contractor List and that their experience and competence is suitable for the work in question

The Producer must ensure that a programme risk assessment is conducted taking account of the stunt/fight assessment and ensure that the following points are addressed:

  • Consider the action sequence timing and compatibility of each activity on all those involved in the production
  • Make all involved aware of the main risks in producing the programme
  • Consider whether new risks arise as a result of the combined method statements and systems of work
  • Comply with the relevant Regulations (e.g. MHSW).
Competency of Stunt Performers
Care should be taken when choosing a stunt performer that they have the experience and knowledge required for the particular stunts you require (i.e. a stuntman with skills in horse riding and sword fights is not going to be suitable for a stunt involving parachutes).
 
The knowledge and experience needed to be "competent" will vary for different activities. A person may be competent for simple action sequences but not for more complicated tasks without supervision from a more experienced and competent person.
 
Competence should be assessed in relation to the experience, training and the work to be undertaken by the performer.
 
A stunt should normally only be undertaken by a stunt artiste who is competent in the particular stunt discipline or in exceptional circumstances by the artist or some other specialist operating within their accepted area of expertise and competence.
 
Level of Complexity
Simple stunts may be performed by a stunt artist (full or intermediate) without the need for a stunt co-ordinator.
 
More complex stunts will require the services of a stunt co-ordinator. Stunt coordinators must not participate in a stunt where this may interfere with their ability to co-ordinate and manage the stunt effectively.
 
Fight Scenes
Fights must be under the control and supervision of a competent fight arranger or suitably experienced stunt professional who should ensure all risks are assessed and adequately controlled.
 
Members of the public, actors, presenters etc. may only participate in staged fights if the fight arranger is satisfied the risks are suitably low and that they have received adequate training or coaching beforehand.
 
When arranging fight scenes Producers must ensure that:
  • A full risk assessment is gained from the stunt artist/coordinator (or fight arranger) in advance of any filming. The main findings of this assessment should then be clearly communicated to all those involved with the Production, typically through briefings and the Programme Risk Assessment form
  • Sufficient resources are allowed for the stunt/fight, including adequate time to allow for changes of plan, re-shoots etc
  • Any artists involved in the stunt/fight are suitable in terms of their fitness etc. and willing to participate without undue pressure. This may require consultation with relevant specialists including the stunt co-ordinator
  • The stunt arranger is invited to a "recce" well in advance of filming
  • There is adequate communication and control during all such stunts/fights
Communication
All involved should be thoroughly briefed about the risks arising out of the sequence and required controls prior to any rehearsal.
 
There should be effective means to warn and exclude people from any danger area.
 
The producer, in consultation with the stunt co-ordinator or fight arranger, is responsible for ensuring adequate arrangements for managing and policing any exclusion zone. The risk assessment should clearly identify these arrangements and also those responsible for enforcing and monitoring the exclusion zone. Any persons so nominated should have adequate authority to ensure full compliance and should be dedicated to the task for the duration of the action sequence.
 
There may be a need to involve the local police.
 
There should be agreed systems or code words to immediately stop the action.
 
Before commencing any stunt or fight action checks should be made by the Producer and the stunt co-ordinator or fight arranger to ensure exclusion zones and emergency plans are in place and that all requisite protective equipment is worn.
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