Real-Life Communication
Much of stunt work involves teamwork. You and the director have
to give the producers and writers what they want. But the producers, writers
and directors must also be flexible with respect to what you can achieve without
endangering yourself and the rest of the film crew.
If there is something
too difficult or dangerous to pull off, you will have to work with the director
to find a new way to shoot the scene and do the stunt. This involves good
verbal communication between you and the director.
Directors have an
artistic vision that they don't want to compromise. But you know your
limitations. When suggesting alternatives to directors, you have to be sensitive
to their preferences.
You have arrived on set to shoot a scene where
you are trapped in a burning house. The only exit is the front door, which
will be engulfed in flames during the shot. A fireman, played by another stunt
performer, is supposed to run in and rescue you from the flames.
The
problem is that you don't like the idea of standing in a burning house
that only has one exit. You have to tell the director it's too dangerous
and that you think it would be better if they built an emergency exit out
the back in case there's a problem.
The angles the director wants
to shoot from don't really allow for this, so you're going to have
to suggest that her camera work be changed. The director doesn't like
compromising her work, so you're going to have to be diplomatic and sensitive
about this.
Write down what you would say to the director. Be sure
to show that you appreciate the director's vision, but also be firm about
your concerns.