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How AI Is Changing Stunt Work in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New Mexico. The conversation about AI in the film industry has been happening for years. In 2026, it stopped being a conversation and started being a job requirement. Digital doubles, AI-generated stunt sequences, studio body scan demands, and a SAG-AFTRA contract negotiation with AI at the center of everything: if you work as a stunt performer or stunt coordinator in Los Angeles, Atlanta, or New Mexico, this is the environment you are operating in right now. Here is what is actually happening in each of these three markets, and what it means for the people doing the work. Los Angeles: Ground Zero for the Digital Double Debate Los Angeles is where this fight is being fought most visibly. Studios there have been requiring stunt and background performers to submit to high-tech 3D body scans on set, often with minimal explanation of how and when those scans will be used downstream. AI advancements mean a single scan can generate a digital replica capable of performing any action the studio needs, indefinitely, without residuals. The technology is not hypothetical. Companies like Digital Domain and ILM have built AI-enhanced digital human pipelines capable of producing highly realistic stunt sequences without a human performer on set. Synthetic performers are already taking over the work that is easiest to replicate: background action, stock-style sequences, and scenes that would otherwise require a stunt double in a controlled environment. SAG-AFTRA has moved to close some of these gaps. The Interactive Media Agreement ratified in July 2025 requires informed consent and disclosure before a studio can create or reuse a digital replica of a performer. But the leverage is uneven. For stunt performers working in the middle tier of television and commercial production, the protections are present on paper, but enforcement is the harder problem. Looking toward the fall 2026 contract negotiations, SAG-AFTRA has proposed what is internally being called the "Tilly Tax": a royalty that studios would pay the guild any time they use an AI-generated performer in place of a real human being. The intent is to create a financial disincentive for wholesale replacement and generate a revenue stream that flows back to working performers. Whether that gets into the final contract is still an open question. What stunt performers in LA need right now is an understanding of what they are consenting to on set and what their rights are under current SAG agreements. That is not optional knowledge anymore. It is professional self-defense. Atlanta: Georgia's Legislature Is Already in the Room Atlanta's film industry has been paying close attention to what is happening in Los Angeles, and the Georgia state legislature has been in those conversations. Studio executives briefed Georgia lawmakers on AI's potential role in film production, including the use of synthetic or digital doubles as stand-ins for stunt performers in scenes that carry injury risk. The argument studios are making is efficiency and safety: AI doubles do not get hurt. The counterargument from the stunt community is that safety on a physical film set is not a solved problem just because one performer's digital likeness is substituted in post-production. Practical set safety, coordination of physical action, and the judgment calls that happen in real time on a stunt set still require a human coordinator who knows what they're doing. Georgia has been considering legislation that would require productions using synthetic or digital doubles in place of real performers to license those likenesses through a formal process that keeps revenue in-state. That framing is specifically designed to balance the studios' interest in efficiency with the state's interest in protecting its film workforce, which has become one of the most significant economic engines in Georgia. Atlanta alone accounts for a substantial share of that, driven by productions at Tyler Perry Studios, Trilith, and the surrounding infrastructure that has made Georgia the third-largest film production market in the United States. For stunt coordinators working in Atlanta, the immediate practical reality is that the volume of production has not dropped. The demand for experienced coordinators who can plan and execute complex physical action sequences is still there. What is changing is the expectation around documentation, digital asset releases, and the paper trail that follows a stunt performer through a production. Understanding what you are signing matters more than it did five years ago. New Mexico: Netflix ABQ and the Quiet Arrival of AI Tools New Mexico's film market is mature in a way that does not always get the credit it deserves. Netflix Studios Albuquerque has continued expanding its footprint with multiple soundstages and the infrastructure to support large-scale series and feature productions. The state's competitive incentive program keeps major productions coming back. Albuquerque has become a genuine second home for the kind of projects that require diverse terrain, experienced local crew, and the logistical capacity to handle extended shoots. AI has arrived here too, but more quietly. The primary pressure right now is not studios replacing stunt performers with digital doubles on Albuquerque sets. It is the gradual integration of AI-assisted planning, previsualization, and virtual production tools into the prep process. What that means practically is that some of the pre-production work that used to be done by a full team of coordinators and second unit directors is being compressed, with AI tools running scenario planning and sequence visualization that used to require more hours and more personnel. This is not a crisis, but it is a shift worth understanding. The stunt coordinators in New Mexico who are building familiarity with these pre-production tools, understanding how previz integrates with practical stunt planning, and staying current on what productions are expecting from their department leads are the ones who will have more leverage going into 2026 and beyond. The New Mexico film labor market is also watching what happens in Los Angeles closely. Whatever SAG-AFTRA negotiates into the fall 2026 contract regarding digital replicas and AI-generated performers will set the floor for what productions operating in New Mexico are required to follow. How to Stay Ahead of This The stunt performers and coordinators who are going to come out of this period in the best position are not the ones waiting to see how it shakes out. They are the ones who understand what is being asked of them, know their contract rights, and are building the skills that AI cannot replicate. A digital double can perform a scripted sequence. It cannot read a set, adapt in real time when a rigging system fails, or make the judgment calls that keep a cast and crew safe when a live-action sequence goes sideways. That expertise, built through years of practical experience, is not going away. The question is whether the people who have it are also current on the business and contractual landscape around AI. A few things worth doing right now, regardless of which market you work in: Know what you are signing. Any body scan release, digital likeness agreement, or consent form on a production set is a legal document. Read it. If you are SAG-AFTRA, understand the consent and disclosure requirements the union has already negotiated. If something on set does not match those requirements, that is a conversation worth having before you step in front of the scanner. Stay connected to your market. Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New Mexico all have active professional communities working through these questions in real time. Those conversations are happening whether you are in them or not. Keep building the skills AI cannot replace. Fight choreography, wire work, precision driving, fire effects, and the safety planning that sits underneath all of it: that is the foundation. The coordinators who know how to do all of it, and can articulate that clearly to a production that is weighing options, will stay in demand. Bryan McCoy is a stunt coordinator and stuntman available across Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New Mexico. Reach out at realmccoystunts.com.

Some of the most jaw-dropping moments in film a superhero flying through the air, a character falling from a skyscraper, a performer being launched across a room are made possible by stunt rigging. It's one of the most technical disciplines in the stunt world, and one of the most critical to get right. What Is Stunt Rigging? Stunt rigging refers to the systems of wires, cables, harnesses, and mechanical devices used to safely perform aerial and high-impact stunts. This includes wire work for flying and suspension sequences, ratchets for explosive knockback effects, descenders for controlled falls, and winch systems for high-speed pulls. Every element of a rigging system is engineered to specific load tolerances and tested thoroughly before any performer is attached. The Pre-Production Process Rigging sequences require significant planning before the shoot day. The rigging coordinator often the stunt coordinator or a specialist they bring in assesses the location, determines anchor points, calculates load requirements, and designs the system. For complex sequences involving truss grids, ceiling-mounted eye beams, or large-scale aerial work, this process involves collaboration with structural engineers to ensure the building or set can support the required loads. Equipment is selected based on the specific requirements of the stunt. Wire gauges, rigging hardware, harness types, and control systems are all specified in advance and inspected before use. On Set: Testing and Execution Before any performer is attached to a rigging system, it goes through a thorough testing process. Load tests verify that every component can handle the required forces. The system is run through its full range of motion without a performer to identify any issues. Only when the rigging coordinator is fully satisfied does a performer enter the system and even then, all rehearsals begin at slow speed before progressing to full execution. Safety Standards Stunt rigging is governed by strict safety standards developed over decades of industry experience. SAG-AFTRA has specific guidelines for rigging work, and any coordinator working on a union production is expected to adhere to them. Beyond union requirements, experienced riggers apply additional layers of redundancy backup systems, secondary attachment points, and multiple crew members assigned to monitor different aspects of the system during execution. Real McCoy Stunts and Rigging Bryan McCoy has extensive experience in stunt rigging, including large-scale work on major studio productions. His rigging credits span feature films and television series, and include complex sequences requiring engineering consultation and precision execution. If your production requires rigging work from simple wire assists to full aerial sequences Real McCoy Stunts has the experience to plan and execute it safely. Ready to Work With a Proven Stunt Professional? Real McCoy Stunts is available for film, TV, and commercial productions nationwide. Bryan McCoy brings major studio experience including credits on Captain America: Brave New World, The Matrix Resurrections, and Renfield to every project. Visit realmccoystunts.com/hire-a-stunt-coordinator or contact Bryan directly at bryan@realmccoystunts.com to discuss your production.

The terms are often used interchangeably by people outside the industry, but a stunt coordinator and a stunt performer are two distinct roles with very different responsibilities. Understanding the difference matters when you're budgeting, scheduling, and staffing a production. The Stunt Performer A stunt performer is the person who physically executes a stunt on camera. They may be doubling for a principal actor matching their appearance and movements so the cut is seamless or they may appear as a background character in a fight, explosion, or chase sequence. Stunt performers are skilled athletes with specialized training in areas like driving, falls, fight work, fire, water, and more. Stunt performers are hired by the stunt coordinator for specific jobs. They are paid for their work on set and bring their physical skills to execute the coordinator's plan. The Stunt Coordinator The stunt coordinator is the department head. They are responsible for everything that happens in the stunt department from designing the sequences to hiring the performers to supervising every rehearsal and execution on set. They are the person the director and first AD go to for all things action-related. The coordinator is also responsible for safety. No stunt happens without their approval. They inspect equipment, brief the crew, and give the final green light before every take. Can One Person Do Both? Yes and on smaller productions, it's common. A stunt coordinator often also performs on the productions they coordinate, particularly when the stunt requires a specific skill set they personally possess. Bryan McCoy of Real McCoy Stunts has both coordinated and performed on major studio productions, giving him a unique perspective on how both roles serve the production. Why the Distinction Matters for Your Budget When budgeting a production, it's important to understand that the coordinator and the performers are separate line items. The coordinator fee covers the design, planning, supervision, and management of the entire stunt department. Performer fees are separate and depend on the nature of the stunt, the number of performers needed, and the shoot days involved. Conflating the two is a common budgeting mistake that leads to underfunded stunt departments. What to Ask When Hiring When you hire a stunt coordinator, ask whether they will also be performing on your production or purely coordinating. Ask how they structure their team and how many performers they anticipate needing. A transparent coordinator will give you a clear picture of what the stunt department will require before a single day is scheduled. Ready to Work With a Proven Stunt Professional? Real McCoy Stunts is available for film, TV, and commercial productions nationwide. Bryan McCoy brings major studio experience including credits on Captain America: Brave New World, The Matrix Resurrections, and Renfield to every project. Visit realmccoystunts.com/hire-a-stunt-coordinator or contact Bryan directly at bryan@realmccoystunts.com to discuss your production.

Atlanta has cemented itself as one of the premier film and television production markets in the United States. With a robust studio infrastructure, aggressive tax incentives, and a deep talent pool, Georgia attracts major studio productions year-round. For stunt coordination specifically, having a coordinator with deep roots in the Atlanta market is a significant advantage. Why Atlanta Is a Major Film Market Georgia's film tax credit one of the most generous in the country has turned Atlanta into a destination for major studio productions. Films and television series from Marvel, Netflix, Amazon, Warner Bros., and virtually every major studio have shot in Georgia. The result is a mature production ecosystem with experienced crews, world-class facilities, and a strong local stunt community. What Atlanta Productions Look for in a Stunt Coordinator Productions shooting in Atlanta want a coordinator who knows the local infrastructure which facilities are available, which vendors are reliable, and which locations present unique logistical challenges. Familiarity with studios like Assembly Studios and other major Atlanta facilities is essential for efficient pre-production planning. They also want someone with union set experience. The majority of major productions shooting in Atlanta are SAG-AFTRA signatory projects, which means the stunt coordinator needs to be fluent in union protocols, safety requirements, and performer agreements. Real McCoy Stunts: Atlanta's Stunt Coordinator Bryan McCoy of Real McCoy Stunts is based in the Atlanta metro area and has worked extensively on productions throughout Georgia. His experience at Assembly Studios and across the Atlanta film market gives him the local knowledge that productions need to run efficiently. Combined with his major studio credits Captain America: Brave New World, The Matrix Resurrections, Renfield, Outer Banks, and more — Bryan brings a level of experience that is rare in any market. Georgia Beyond Atlanta Productions shooting outside Atlanta proper in Savannah, Columbus, Augusta, or elsewhere in Georgia can also rely on Real McCoy Stunts. Bryan is available for travel throughout the state and brings the same level of preparation and professionalism to every location. Planning Your Atlanta Production If you're planning a production in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia and need a stunt coordinator, the time to reach out is during pre-production not the week before your action sequence shoots. Early engagement allows for proper planning, accurate budgeting, and seamless integration with your production schedule. Ready to Work With a Proven Stunt Professional? Real McCoy Stunts is available for film, TV, and commercial productions nationwide. Bryan McCoy brings major studio experience including credits on Captain America: Brave New World, The Matrix Resurrections, and Renfield to every project. Visit realmccoystunts.com/hire-a-stunt-coordinator or contact Bryan directly at bryan@realmccoystunts.com to discuss your production.

Los Angeles remains the center of the global film and television industry. Despite the rise of runaway production to states like Georgia and New Mexico, LA still handles an enormous volume of studio projects, streaming originals, commercials, and second unit work. If your production is based in Los Angeles, here's what you need to know about working with a stunt coordinator in 2026. California's Production Comeback: Program 4.0 California's Film & TV Tax Credit Program 4.0 allocates $750 million per year to incentivize productions to stay in-state. The program prioritizes diverse hiring, visual effects work, and productions that would otherwise leave California, and it's working. Productions that qualify can receive substantial credits on below-the-line spending, which directly impacts stunt budgets. The renewed investment is bringing work back to LA stages and locations that had started drifting to other states. The LA Stunt World: Why Experience Here Matters Los Angeles is where the stunt industry was built, and working here requires a coordinator with real Hollywood experience. The talent pool is deep but competitive, knowing which performers are right for which sequences, and who can deliver under the pressure of a major studio production, comes from years working in the LA market. Relationships with stunt guilds, local rental houses, and industry safety organizations like the Stunt Coordinators and Directors Committee matter in ways that newcomers to the market don't fully appreciate. Precision Driving in Los Angeles: A Special Challenge Car work in Los Angeles presents a unique set of logistics. Streets and freeways that look great on screen require extensive permitting, coordination with the LAPD Film Unit, and a coordinator who knows which locations can realistically accommodate high-speed sequences versus which are better left to a closed course or second unit. Ramp work, precision spins, and J-turns all require both technical skill and intimate knowledge of LA's permitting process. A precision driver with Hollywood credits understands all of this before prep even begins. What to Expect When Hiring a Stunt Coordinator in LA In LA, the best stunt coordinators are booked early, often before production officially greenlit. When evaluating candidates, review their credits carefully for scale and type of work similar to yours. Ask about their stunt performer roster, their safety record, and how they handle last-minute script changes to action sequences (which happen constantly). Budget transparency matters too: a good coordinator will give you a realistic breakdown before day one, not surprises mid-production. Real McCoy Stunts: Hollywood Experience, Ready to Work Bryan McCoy is a Los Angeles-based stunt coordinator and precision driver with Hollywood credits across features, television, and high-end commercials. Real McCoy Stunts works with productions of all sizes in Los Angeles and travels to Atlanta, Albuquerque, and beyond. If you're starting prep on an LA project and need an experienced stunt coordinator who brings both creative vision and airtight safety protocols, let's talk. Reach out at realmccoystunts.com .

New Mexico has transformed into one of the most film-friendly states in the country, and Albuquerque sits at the heart of that transformation. If you're producing in the Land of Enchantment, here's what you need to know about working with a stunt coordinator in 2026. New Mexico's Film Incentive: Up to 40% New Mexico offers one of the highest film tax credit rates in the nation, up to 40% on qualifying production expenditures. The program is structured to reward productions that hire local crew and use New Mexico-based vendors, which means bringing in an experienced coordinator who knows the local talent pool delivers both creative and financial value. The state has invested heavily in production infrastructure, and it shows: studios and streamers keep coming back. What's Filming in Albuquerque and New Mexico Right Now Albuquerque Studios and the surrounding region have hosted a remarkable range of productions. Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul put the city on the map for prestige television, and that momentum has never let up. In 2026, New Mexico continues to attract major action and drama productions drawn by the state's diverse landscapes, sweeping desert, mountain terrain, and urban backdrops that double for locations worldwide. The infrastructure is mature: local rental houses, experienced below-the-line crew, and a growing pool of New Mexico-based stunt performers. Why New Mexico's Terrain Makes Stunt Work Unique Filming in New Mexico presents stunt coordinators with a distinct set of challenges and opportunities. High-altitude locations around Santa Fe and Taos require adjusted physical performance planning, reduced oxygen affects stunt performers differently than it does actors. Desert locations outside Albuquerque offer miles of open road ideal for vehicle work, but extreme heat in summer months demands careful scheduling and hydration protocols. A coordinator who has worked the New Mexico circuit understands these conditions and builds them into prep from day one. What Productions Should Look for in an Albuquerque Stunt Coordinator Prioritize coordinators with real New Mexico location experience, a proven ability to manage outdoor and remote shoots, and a network that includes qualified local stunt performers, reducing costly travel days. Precision driving credentials are essential given how much vehicle work New Mexico productions require on open desert highways. Budget management skills matter here too: productions shooting outside of Albuquerque face logistics costs that a well-organized coordinator can significantly reduce. Bring Real McCoy Stunts to Your New Mexico Production Bryan McCoy is a Hollywood stunt coordinator and precision driver available for productions in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and across New Mexico. With deep experience in vehicle work, fight choreography, and large-scale action sequences, Real McCoy Stunts brings the preparation and professionalism that demanding productions require. Whether you're shooting in the high desert or on Albuquerque city streets, we're ready to make your action sequences safe, cinematic, and on budget. Contact us at realmccoystunts.com .

Georgia has quietly become one of the most important film production hubs in the world, and Atlanta is at the center of it all. If you're producing a feature film, TV series, or commercial in the Peach State, here's what you need to know about hiring a stunt coordinator in 2026. Why Georgia? The Tax Credit That Changed Everything Georgia's uncapped 30% film tax credit remains one of the most aggressive incentive programs in the country. Unlike states that cap annual allocations, Georgia places no ceiling on qualifying production spend, meaning a $200 million blockbuster gets the same rate as a $2 million indie. That's a massive draw for studios, and it explains why Atlanta's production calendar stays packed year-round. What's Filming in Atlanta Right Now Atlanta's production slate in 2026 is stacked. Superman: Legacy wrapped principal photography with extensive stunt work around the metro area. A new Scooby-Doo live-action series for Netflix brought multiple action units through the region. Meanwhile, Trilith Studios in Fayetteville, just 20 miles south of Atlanta, continues to operate as one of the largest purpose-built film campuses in North America, regularly hosting Marvel, DC, and major streaming productions simultaneously. American High has also established a strong Southern hub, producing coming-of-age films that frequently require car work, fight choreography, and high-energy practical gags. The volume and variety of work in Atlanta means stunt coordinators here need to be versatile, equally comfortable with car work, wire rigging, fight choreography, and fire effects. What a Stunt Coordinator Actually Does on a Georgia Production A stunt coordinator is responsible for designing, budgeting, and safely executing every physical action sequence in a production. That means reading scripts during pre-production to identify all stunt work, hiring and coordinating a stunt team, sourcing specialized equipment, and working directly with the director to make sure every gag looks cinematic while keeping everyone on set safe. In Georgia specifically, productions also need to navigate local permitting for road closures, high-speed driving sequences, and pyrotechnics, all areas where an experienced stunt coordinator with Georgia credits saves the production time and money. What to Look for When Hiring a Stunt Coordinator in Atlanta Not all stunt coordinators are built the same. When staffing an Atlanta production, look for someone with verified credits on similar-scale projects, a deep local network of qualified stunt performers, hands-on precision driving experience (essential for car-heavy sequences on Georgia roads and highways), and a track record of working within tight budget windows without compromising safety. SAG-AFTRA jurisdiction knowledge for Georgia productions is also important, the rules differ from what LA-based coordinators are accustomed to. Work With Bryan McCoy on Your Atlanta Production Bryan McCoy is a Hollywood stunt coordinator and precision driver with credits spanning features, television, and commercials. He brings LA-level expertise with the flexibility to work across Georgia, the Southeast, and beyond. Whether you're shooting a high-speed car chase through downtown Atlanta or coordinating a complex fight sequence at Trilith, Real McCoy Stunts delivers the professionalism and creativity your production demands. Reach out at realmccoystunts.com to discuss your project.

Most people understand that stunt coordinators make the dangerous stuff happen on screen. But thefull scope of the job goes far deeper than that. A stunt coordinator is part safety officer, part creative collaborator, part logistician, and part performer all at once. Pre-Production: Where the Work Really Starts Long before cameras roll, the stunt coordinator is breaking down the script. Every scene that involves a physical risk a fight, a fall, a car chase, a fire sequence needs to be planned in detail. The coordinator works with the director to understand the creative intent, then engineers a safe way to achieve it on camera. This includes location scouting, equipment sourcing, hiring stunt performers, and budgeting. The pre-production phase is where most of the real problem-solving happens. A good coordinator identifies risks before they become emergencies and finds creative solutions that protect the cast and crew while delivering exactly what the director needs. On Set: Supervision and Execution On shoot days, the stunt coordinator oversees every aspect of stunt execution. They run rehearsals, brief the performers and crew, inspect equipment, and give the final go-ahead before any stunt is performed. They also communicate directly with the director and DP to make sure the camera is in the right position to capture the action. Safety is always the first priority. A stunt coordinator's most important job is making sure everyone goes home at the end of the day. That means no stunt happens until the coordinator is satisfied that every variable is controlled and every risk is mitigated. Fight Choreography and Action Design For productions involving fight sequences, stunt coordinators often serve as the fight choreographer as well. They design sequences that look real and dangerous on screen while being carefully controlled off screen. Every punch, kick, and throw is rehearsed until it can be executed safely at speed with full camera coverage. The Coordinator vs. The Performers The stunt coordinator is not always the person doing the stunt though they often perform as well. They are responsible for the entire stunt department, including the performers they hire. Think of them as the head coach: setting the game plan, managing the team, and making sure everyone executes safely and effectively. Why Experience Matters Not all stunt coordinators are equal. The difference between someone who has coordinated on major studio productions and someone who has not is significant. Studio productions move fast, budgets are tight, and the margin for error is zero. Bryan McCoy of Real McCoy Stunts has coordinated and performed on productions at the highest level of the industry, bringing that experience to every project he takes on. Ready to Work With a Proven Stunt Professional? Real McCoy Stunts is available for film, TV, and commercial productions nationwide. Bryan McCoy brings major studio experience including credits on Captain America: Brave New World, The Matrix Resurrections, and Renfield to every project. Visit realmccoystunts.com/hire-a-stunt-coordinator or contact Bryan directly at bryan@realmccoystunts.com to discuss your production.

Absolutely! Here's your original blog text with the relevant links added—ready to copy and paste: Stunt Performers Finally Get Their Spotlight: Oscars Introduce Best Stunt Design Category In a groundbreaking move, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the addition of a new competitive category: Achievement in Stunt Design . This accolade will debut at the 100th Academy Awards in 2028, honoring stunt work in films released in 2027. EW.com – Academy Reveals New Stunt Category A Long-Awaited Recognition For decades, stunt professionals have been the unsung heroes of cinema, executing complex and hazardous sequences that elevate storytelling and captivate audiences. Despite their pivotal role, these artists have historically been overlooked during awards season. The introduction of the Best Stunt Design category marks a significant shift, acknowledging the creativity, precision, and risk inherent in stunt work. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang emphasized the importance of this inclusion, stating, "Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been an integral part of filmmaking. We are proud to honor the innovative work of these technical and creative artists." The Verge – Oscars Add Stunt Category The Road to Recognition The journey to this acknowledgment has been long and arduous. Industry professionals, including renowned filmmaker and former stuntman David Leitch, have been vocal advocates for the cause. Leitch, known for directing action-packed films like Deadpool 2 and The Fall Guy , along with stunt coordinator Chris O’Hara, made multiple presentations to the Academy, highlighting the artistry and technical prowess involved in stunt coordination. Their persistent efforts have culminated in this historic decision. EW.com – How The Fall Guy Helped Push for Stunt Oscar The Screen Actors Guild Awards have recognized stunt ensembles since 2007, underscoring the growing acknowledgment within the industry of the vital role stunt performers play. People – Oscars Add Best Stunt Design Category Implications for the Film Industry The establishment of the Best Stunt Design Oscar is expected to have far-reaching effects on the film industry: Elevated Standards : Studios may invest more resources into developing innovative and safe stunt sequences, knowing there's potential for prestigious recognition. Enhanced Safety Protocols : With increased visibility comes a heightened focus on the well-being of stunt professionals, promoting stricter safety measures on set. Broader Appreciation : Audiences and industry insiders alike will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complexities involved in stunt work. Looking Ahead While the specifics regarding eligibility and voting procedures for the new category will be unveiled in 2027, the announcement has already generated enthusiasm among filmmakers and stunt professionals. This development not only honors the legacy of past stunt artists but also paves the way for future innovations in action filmmaking. As we anticipate the 100th Academy Awards, the inclusion of the Best Stunt Design category stands as a testament to the evolving nature of cinematic arts and the industry's commitment to recognizing all facets of filmmaking excellence. The Guardian – Academy Adds Best Stunt Design Oscar

You’ve seen it a hundred times, a hero launches 30 feet through the air, spins mid-flight, and lands like a badass. But how does that actually happen? Spoiler: It’s not CGI. It’s stunt rigging the quiet powerhouse behind some of the most jaw-dropping moments in film, TV, and video games. Whether it's a clean wire pull, a high fall, or a gravity-defying camera move, rigging is where engineering meets performance . And when it's done right, the audience never even knows it was there. 🔧 What Is Stunt Rigging? At its core, stunt rigging is the art and science of safely moving people or objects in ways that seem impossible. Think of it as the invisible hand behind the action. We use ropes, pulleys, winches, harnesses, truss, and specialty gear to control movement, speed, direction and most importantly safety. It’s how we “fly” actors, yank them off their feet, simulate an explosion impact, or create zero-gravity motion for sci-fi scenes. 🧠 Why Rigging Is More Than Just Setup A good rig isn’t just about gear it’s about design, physics, and trust . Here’s what goes into it: Pre-vis & Planning: Every gag (stunt setup) starts with a concept and safety breakdown. What’s the action? What’s the camera angle? Where’s the danger? Anchor Points & Load Calculations: Everything has to be calculated, from how much force is generated during a wire pull to how much weight your rigging point can safely support. Failsafes & Redundancy: We’re not in the business of “just good enough.” Every rig has backups. Every knot is double-checked. Every crew member is on the same page. Performer Comfort & Control: If the rig’s uncomfortable, restrictive, or unsafe, it doesn’t fly literally or figuratively. 🎬 How Rigging Enhances the Scene Stunt rigging doesn’t just protect people, it amplifies storytelling : A clean lift makes a hero look superhuman. A rapid ratchet pull can sell a devastating punch or explosion. A floating camera rig can simulate impossible tracking shots. When rigging blends seamlessly into the visual world, it elevates the action and immerses the viewer. 🧰 Essential Rigging Gear Here are a few staples we use in the field: Harnesses: Full-body or hip-mounted depending on the action. Ropes & Webbing: Rated climbing lines, static rope, lift slings. Pulleys & Blocks: For redirection and mechanical advantage. Carabiners & Shackles: High-load connectors, every one must be rated and inspected. Truss & Grid Systems: Especially for studio or volume shoots. Ratchets & Winches: Used for fast pulls and controlled movement. Soft Goods: Padding, crash mats, pads. Nothing glamorous, but lifesaving. 🤝 The Trust Factor As a rigger, your job is to earn the trust of every performer who steps into your setup. They need to know you’ve triple-checked the rig, calculated every force, and are ready to make adjustments on the fly. One bad rig can end a career — or worse. One great rig? It can turn a simple stunt into something iconic. 💭 Final Thoughts Rigging is an art form that hides in plain sight. It’s technical. It’s physical. And when it’s working, nobody notices, because it feels real. Behind every superhero leap, brutal wire yank, or aerial glide… is a rigger in black, quietly making movie magic.That’s the beauty of the job.

When audiences watch an action scene, they see speed, impact, explosions, fire, crashes, and gravity defying moments. What they do not see is the planning, engineering, teamwork, and safety systems behind every single move. Stunts are not just spectacle. They are storytelling tools. A fall, a fight, a car roll, or a fire burn is never just action. It is emotion in motion. It shows danger, stakes, courage, fear, and survival. Stunts make stories feel real. Realism only works when it is done right. High Risk Does Not Mean Careless Yes, we perform high risk stunts.No , we do not take high risks lightly. Every stunt you see on screen is the result of detailed pre planning, risk assessments, safety meetings, rehearsals, specialized equipment, highly trained professionals, and clear communication between all departments. Before cameras roll, we have already asked one key question: How do we make this as safe as humanly possible? Because the goal is always the sameCreate the illusion of danger without unnecessary real danger. Standing on the Shoulders of Legends The safety standards we follow today did not appear overnight. They were built by generations of stunt performers who pushed limits so the industry could learn, improve, and protect its people. We owe huge respect to pioneers like Yakima Canutt, who helped design early stunt rigging, safer falls, and innovative action techniques still used today. Hal Needham, one of the driving forces behind improving stunt coordination and professional safety practices.And Jackie Chan, famous for performing his own stunts and constantly evolving safety methods after learning from injuries. These men and women put their bodies on the line in an era with fewer protections. Their experiences, sometimes paid for in pain, led to better harness systems, improved airbags and decelerators, fire safety advancements, vehicle rigging systems, protective wardrobe technology, and standardized stunt protocols. Because of them, today’s stunt community is safer, smarter, and more prepared. Safety Is an Ongoing Evolution Safety in stunts is not a box we check. It is a process that never stops. Technology and methods are constantly advancing. New materials absorb impact better. Rigging systems are smarter. Fire gels and burn protection have improved. Wire work is more precise. Communication systems on set are stronger. Collaboration between departments continues to grow. We are always learning. Always refining. Always adapting. The Real Mission Our job is to make the impossible look effortless.Our responsibility is to make the dangerous look safe. The audience should feel their heart race, while we know every possible measure has been taken behind the scenes. That balance between thrill and control is the art of stunt work. To the pioneers, we say thank you.To our team, we say stay sharp.To production, we say we have you covered. Because no shot is worth a life, and great stunts are built on great safety.

Hiring the right stunt coordinator can be the difference between a safe, visually spectacular production and a costly, dangerous one. Whether it's a feature film, a television series, or a commercial shoot, the stunt coordinator is one of the most important hires a production can make. Here's what every producer, director, and first AD needs to know. What Is a Stunt Coordinator? A stunt coordinator is a trained professional responsible for designing, planning, and safely executing all stunt work on a production. They work closely with the director to understand the creative vision, then engineer each stunt sequence so it can be performed safely while delivering maximum on-screen impact. They also hire, supervise, and ensure the safety of all stunt performers on set. When Should You Bring One On? The earlier, the better. Ideally a stunt coordinator is brought in during pre-production, before locations are locked and schedules are set. This allows them to assess logistical requirements, budget for equipment and personnel, and flag potential safety concerns before they become on-set problems. Waiting until the last minute is one of the most common and costly mistakes productions make. What to Look for When Hiring Film credits matter. A stunt coordinator with verified credits on major studio productions has demonstrated the ability to perform under the pressure of a professional set. Ask to see an IMDb profile, a stunt reel, and references from past productions. SAG-AFTRA experience is also important coordinators with union set experience understand protocols, safety standards, and how to work within a professional crew structure. Beyond credits, look for a coordinator whose specialties match your project's needs. A coordinator known for vehicle work may not be the best fit for a production requiring heavy wirework and rigging, and vice versa. The best coordinators have broad skill sets covering multiple disciplines. Questions to Ask Before You Book Ask about their experience with productions of your scale and budget. Ask how they approach safety planning and what their process is for pre-production stunt design. Ask whether they carry their own equipment or require the production to source it. And ask for a breakdown of how they bill day rates, weekly rates, and whether prep days are included. Why Bryan McCoy and Real McCoy Stunts Real McCoy Stunts, founded by Hollywood stuntman and stunt coordinator Bryan McCoy, brings major studio experience to productions of every scale. With credits including Captain America: Brave New World, The Matrix Resurrections, and Renfield, Bryan has proven himself on some of the biggest productions in the industry. Based in Atlanta with an active presence in Los Angeles, Real McCoy Stunts serves productions across Georgia, the Southeast, LA, New Mexico, and nationwide. Ready to Work With a Proven Stunt Professional? Real McCoy Stunts is available for film, TV, and commercial productions nationwide. Bryan McCoy brings major studio experience including credits on Captain America: Brave New World, The Matrix Resurrections, and Renfield to every project. Visit realmccoystunts.com/hire-a-stunt-coordinator or contact Bryan directly at bryan@realmccoystunts.com to discuss your production.