So I said I would write about stunts: so let me do that and give everyone a production update.

Stunts:

If you have never done stunt work – the first rule is safety, and on that score – a stunt is not done to entertain the crew, it is too look good on camera. So if it plays through the lens – it is a good stunt.
This means when you off to one side – a stunt can almost look silly- unless your the guy risking their neck.

As safety is the name of the game – if you can think of a way of cutting the shot – or tricking the effect – then you do. There are no points for filming a jump from a moving car – if you can shoot up at the sky and film it from a stationary car and make it “look” like the car was travelling at speed.

If the stunt is to involve real risk – then the way to do it safely is to work it up. This means a complex fight is first blocked in slow motion, then at half speed, then at speed, then in costume at half speed, then in costume at full speed, then in costume in the wet at half speed etc etc … and it never varies – or if it does – you go back and work it up again. All of which can take time – but if your the guy who is risking their neck… you don’t care.

Stunt guys cant get normal insurance, Stunt guys hurt just as much as you or I, stunt guys sadly from time to time are hurt. I have often visited friends the day or so after a stunt and been seriously concerned by the black and blue bruises these gives have, yes they are trained but don’t kid yourself being hit by a car, falling out of a tree or being thrown from a train doesn’t hurt ! Stunts take time and it is time well spent. If you allow for this then OK – it is fine – but don’t rush a stunt sequence.

On lookers can be dangerous to themselves and others, flash photograph – breaking the safety barrier – etc are all stupid and dangerous. Controlling the set and the environment is everything.

Wires are easy to remove, you get no extra points, ratings or box office for doing a stunt safely with safety wires and removing them later. There is no ego these days in stunts. In the late 70s there was a breed of stunt guys trying to out do each other – but with the advent of effects – this has left the industry – there is no point on doing the highest free-fall jump anymore – not with modern visual effects.. and for the record – some of those guys who used to push the limits – are now sadly dead.

Stunt guys do know how to fall to aid in reducing risk, so if your in a sequence – listen to them – trust me it hurts less if you do 🙂

Finally – never forget Stunt guys are actors – they actor – they sell an effect or stunt and add human performance.

Now on other production:

The first ep of fxguide tv (after the pilot) has been shot and should be out early this week.
John is in LA filming at VES – more on this very soon !
Mike is in Sydney shooting for bkd and next term setups.

Mike