Here are some examples of how stunt liabilities can impact:
Personal Injury:
Example: Tom Cruise broke his ankle while performing a rooftop jump stunt for the movie "Mission: Impossible – Fallout." See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjn3ELLcy2U
Production Delays:
Example: The filming of "The Matrix Reloaded" faced delays when Keanu Reeves sustained an injury during a wire stunt, pushing back the release date.
Insurance Issues:
Example: Production insurance costs for a film may increase if an A-list actor insists on performing risky stunts, potentially impacting the overall budget.
Reputation and Public Perception:
Example: After Jackie Chan suffered multiple injuries throughout his career, there was increased public admiration for his dedication to performing his own stunts, enhancing his reputation. Positive or Negative.
Legal Issues:
Example: An actor performing a stunt without proper safety measures may face legal repercussions if injuries occur, leading to potential lawsuits against the production. This can take down a production.
Expertise and Training:
Example: Chris Hemsworth underwent extensive physical training to perform his own stunts as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, showcasing expertise in combat scenes.
Impact on Other Crew Members:
Example: A poorly executed car stunt by an actor may endanger the safety of the stunt coordinator, camera operators, and other crew members involved in the scene.
Psychological Impact:
Example: After filming intense war scenes in "American Sniper," Bradley Cooper discussed the psychological impact of the role and the toll it took on his mental well-being.
The Armorer:
Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer who oversaw firearms on the set, were each charged with involuntary manslaughter in January 2023. It is the Armorer's job to check the weapon before handing it to the actor. When people decide to cut cost and use Non-Union people they can run a high risk. I believe during covid- 19 there was a lot of cost cutting and Union worker cutting in the name of cutting costs.
The armorer on a movie set is responsible for handling and overseeing all aspects related to firearms and weapons used during filming. Their role is crucial in maintaining safety on set while ensuring that the production achieves the desired authenticity for scenes involving firearms. Here are some key responsibilities of an armorer:
Weapon Selection
Weapon Preparation
Safety Briefings
Training Actors
Coordination with Stunt Coordinator
Supervision on Set
Ammunition Control
Compliance with Regulations
Emergency Response
Maintaining Records
Equipment Maintenance
A big responsibility...as you can see. This is why more and more people are doing gun stuff in post for safety.
Thanks for sharing, Mario Leone. It doesn't seem worth it for actors to do their own stunts.
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So much goes into making films and shows with stunts - it's really remarkable. I'm following how guns are being used - practical vs post - and it's a really interesting and important topic. I tip my hat every day to stunt choreographers, coordinators and actors.
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Sam Sokolow Prefer honestly, I prefer post.. I feel that it can be transparent to the audience if it’s done correctly.
Practical looks cool… but I think it’s costing more and more in terms of liability.
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This is so interesting!
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I know a lot of productions forbid actors to do their own stunts, or even prevent them from doing any dangerous activities like Travolta for example, is a pilot but he cannot fly his own plane while under contract. Tom Cruise clearly has a lot of pull to get what he wants, but I suspect as he ages, he will have to defer to the professionals. I personally have no desire to perform my own stunts. Stage combat is a bit different, but even that you take classes and everything is coreagraphed.