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In stunts, safety isn’t just about the gear you wear—it’s a culture. Explore how trust, communication, and respect form the invisible net that keeps everyone safe. At The ISA, we push Safety as a culture, because it’s about more than just wearing the right gear or filling out a risk assessment. These should be the basics, the bare minimum that every production demands. But true safety--real safety—is much deeper than that. It’s a mindset that shapes everything we do.
We need to elevate the conversation beyond pad, mats, harnesses, or warming up before we perform. Safety isn’t just about avoiding accidents—it’s about how we approach every decision, every interaction, and how each person in the team approaches the work that brings the creative vision to life. Overambitious on a tight budget? Trying to squeeze too much into a single shoot day? Tired or frustrated crew that hasn’t had enough rest? Or the delicate dynamic of veterans who’ve forgotten what it’s like to be green, now working with fresh talent eager to prove themselves? Whether it’s budget overruns, delays, or miscommunication—it’s all a safety matter. When we start to rethink safety this way, we realize that it’s woven into everything. It’s not just the PPE we strap to our bodies but the invisible foundations we build between each other. The truth is, every word we say, every look we give, every process we skip, or detail we overlook—these are all safety issues. And too often, people can be blind to that. So let’s unpack this idea. Let’s look at some key points, explore how communication, trust, and respect are at the heart of real safety, and then draw it all back together into something simple and actionable. This is about more than just stunts—it’s about how we live and work. It’s time to reconsider what safety really means. The Subtle Power of Communication When it comes to safety, communication is where it all starts. Not just the obvious “Action!” or “Cut!” but the thousands of subtle signals we send out every day on set. The truth is, safety can’t exist without clear, consistent communication—it’s the first and most essential tool we have. Think about it: every stunt, every fight sequence, every complex rig depends on flawless timing and coordination. But even when the technical elements are tested and ready for action, it’s the unspoken signals, the body language, and the eye contact that can make or break a safe performance. Miss a cue, misread someone’s hesitation or intention, or fail to speak up when something just 'feels' off, and suddenly, everything shifts from a planned concept to the unpredictable reality. Consider the scenario where a performer is gearing up for a stunt but feels unsure about some last-minute adjustments to the rigging. The veteran team around them has done this a hundred times before, and there’s a quiet pressure to “just get on with it.” The performer stays silent, trusting that their unease isn’t worth mentioning. This is where communication—or the lack of it—becomes a hidden risk. Likewise, how can the crew ensure safety if the performer isn't communicating or is masking what's really going on inside? We aren’t mindreaders; we trust in the signals and agreed methods, and if we can’t communicate honestly and openly, we’re inviting hidden risks and working on dangerous assumptions. In a safety-first culture, communication isn’t about hierarchy or ego. It’s about ensuring that everyone, from the stunt coordinator to the newest performer, feels empowered to speak up without hesitation or say, "Not set," and slow things down to ensure we're all truly ready. It’s about creating an environment where saying, “I’m not ready” is seen as smart, not weak or annoying. It’s about taking the time to listen when someone raises a concern, no matter how minor it seems. Safety isn’t just reactive; it’s proactive—and it starts with clear communication in every moment. It’s built into every interaction and thrives in the quiet moments when someone feels comfortable enough to speak their mind or call out something they see or sense. When we talk about safety, we often focus on the physical: the mats, the wires and harnesses, the crew. But all of these things are meaningless without the foundation of clear, open, and honest communication. Trust: The Invisible Safety Net If communication is the foundation of safety, then trust is the invisible net that catches everything we might otherwise miss. While we often think of trust as intangible, it’s something you can see and feel. You know when trust is solid—when the rig feels right, when you’ve done the checks, when everything aligns. Trust is there in every decision, every interaction, and every leap of faith we take. Trust goes beyond simply believing that the person operating the rig won’t let you down—though that’s part of it. It’s about knowing that every member of the team is as invested in safety as you are. Trusting that the equipment has been checked, that the gear is good, that the stunt has been rehearsed, and that the right crew is in place, following the processes that keep us all safe. But trust doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. It’s built—slowly and consistently—through action. Trust is built when a performer speaks up about something that feels off and the team listens, adjusting where necessary. It’s built when the crew double-checks the rigging, even though they’ve done it a thousand times before, just to be sure. It’s built when a director gives performers the time they need to prepare, rather than rushing through a take because the light is fading. And this trust isn’t just horizontal, between performer and crew—it’s vertical, too. Trust flows up and down the hierarchy. The most junior person on set needs to trust that they’ll be listened to just as much as veterans need the juniors to trust them and not overreact to perceived risks or become a distraction. The veterans, in turn, need to trust that the crew will flag concerns, no matter how minor. A safety-first culture is one where no voice is too small, and no concern is dismissed without being heard first. When we work this way, trust builds, voices calm, and confidence begins to shape how efficiently and safely we move. But here’s the thing: once trust is broken, it’s hard to recover. Push that too far, and it can fall apart—and so can the people involved. Maybe it’s a crew member rushing through setup because they feel pressured by time constraints, or a performer cutting corners out of overconfidence. These small moments of lost trust add up. And when trust is compromised, safety is compromised. We often talk about trusting the gear or trusting the process—but the truth is, we’re really talking about trusting each other. Trust is a living, breathing part of safety, and it’s built by showing up, being accountable, and communicating openly. Without trust, we’re not just risking the stunt—we’re risking each other, and the production which means a failure in one area can ripple out impacting the lives and work of everyone involved. Respect: The Foundation of Trust and Safety Respect seems obvious, or at least it should be. Too often, though, it’s treated as an abstract idea—something related more to professionalism than safety. But in reality, respect is one of the most fundamental aspects of a safe working environment and its culture. Respect is about more than just treating each other well or recognizing experience. It’s about understanding that respect for people, processes, and the craft itself is what holds everything together. First, there’s respect for the people. On set, respect isn’t just about acknowledging someone’s experience or seniority—it’s about recognizing that everyone has a role to play in ensuring safety. From the coordinator to the newest crew member, or the catering team providing fuel to keep everyone going, respect means valuing every person’s contribution. It’s about understanding how their efforts fit into the bigger picture, showing appreciation, and listening when concerns are raised. We shouldn’t respect bad work or dangerous practices, no matter who they come from. Respect for the working environment means contributing beyond your role to create and maintain a space where speaking up is encouraged, not dismissed. Consider how respect impacts trust: If a performer feels ignored the first few times they speak up, how likely are they to speak up a third time—especially when this time it really matters? If a crew member senses their input isn’t valued, or that their efforts to maintain high standards aren’t respected, will they raise concerns every time something falls below those standards? When respect breaks down, so does communication, and without communication, trust starts packing its bags and getting ready to exit, too. Then there’s respect for the process. We’ve all been in situations where corners are cut or processes rushed to save time or budget. But when we start disrespecting the systems that keep us safe, we’re inviting risk. Every step in a safety protocol exists for a reason, even if it seems tedious. Not reading the Risk Assessments or skipping Safety Briefings—even if we’ve heard it all before—disrespects the work that’s gone into keeping us safe. It also disrespects the hard lessons learned from those injured in the past, whose experiences led to the improved safety measures we have today. Skipping that final check on a rig, pushing when someone asks for a moment, or assuming everything’s fine because it worked last time—these are all signs of disrespect for the processes designed to protect us. Lastly, there’s respect for the craft. As our Principal says, “We are not in the danger business, we are in the Safety Business.” Action and stunts are complex and can be dangerous, but when done well, they create the illusion of risk through a remarkable blend of art and science. Respecting the craft means taking pride in every aspect of the work, from training and preparation to execution. It means understanding that the smallest detail—a missed rehearsal, a lack of focus, or an overlooked piece of gear—can be the difference between success and injury. But here’s the thing: respect, like trust, is something we build. It’s not automatic. Respect grows when we take the time to acknowledge each other’s skills, experience, and passion, when we listen before dismissing, and when we honor the processes put in place to keep us safe. And just like trust, respect can be lost in a millisecond—when we stop listening, when we dismiss someone or something too quickly, when we break from the protocols others value, or when we stop valuing the craft itself. Ultimately, respect is the glue that binds communication and trust into a functional safety system. Without it, there’s no foundation for safety—just individuals going through the motions, without the collective commitment that real safety demands. The Problem of Budget, Pressure, and the Dangerous Allure of Shortcuts And then there are the shortcuts... sometimes we can take them, and sometimes we’re foolish to try. As experience teaches us, sometimes you need to “slow down to speed up.” We’ve all been there—under pressure to pack, travel, get the prep done, set up, complete the shot, wrap up the day, push the hours, push the crew, and stick to a budget (of time, money, and talent) that’s already stretched thin. Most people want to do their best work, but in trying to compress everything into the time allowed, they may over-focus on one element, neglecting others, or become unrealistic in managing the workload. “We can skip another rehearsal, right? We’ve done this one before so we know what we're doing here.” It’s in these moments that complacency creeps in, and suddenly, safety starts to feel like something that can be compromised for the sake of time, money, or ego. But here’s the reality: safety is never a checkbox you tick off at the start of the day. It’s a living, breathing part of every decision we make, and the minute we start cutting corners, we’re chipping away at the trust, communication, and respect that keep everyone secure. Skipping a process might seem efficient, but it’s a gamble—and not just with our own safety, but with everyone’s. There’s an old saying: “The shortest path isn’t always the safest.” In stunts, this couldn’t be more true. Every process, no matter how repetitive or tedious, exists for a reason. That final rehearsal, that second check of the rigging, or rechecking between takes, running the daily briefing that everyone’s heard a hundred times—these aren’t just formalities. They’re the bedrock of trust and respect, and when we start cutting them out or bypassing them, we’re inviting unnecessary risk. And it’s not just our bodies we’re putting at risk; it’s the entire production, from the crew to the performers to the creative vision itself. The pressure to, maximise, optimise, to save time or money is very real in the production industry, where often people can arrive just in time or work to tightest of deadlines, and sometimes do this while compromising sleep or self care, but the cost of cutting corners can be far greater. Safety isn’t something you compromise—it’s something you protect and defend at all costs, before it costs you everything you've worked for, or more. The Trust Puzzle: Veterans vs. Newcomers Follow the leader. Don’t question the authority. Don’t upset the person hiring you. Do as others are doing. Don’t rock the boat. This mindset is endemic in the business, where we look up to veterans, place them on pedestals, or bow to their control and power. Likewise, for the veterans, don’t ever forget what it was like to be new, hungry to make your name. Overambition or blindly following can lead to mistakes—the very ones we’re supposed to be preventing and protecting ourselves and the production from. This is why we often stick to working with people we know, trust, and respect, and with those they recommend. This trust is built on experience, on being part of an effective team that’s proven its value over time. One of the most significant challenges to safety on set is the trust puzzle between veterans and newcomers. Veterans, who have established themselves in the industry, bring a wealth of experience that’s invaluable. They’ve seen it all, which makes them indispensable in navigating complex scenes, stunts, and understanding all the risks involved. But sometimes, that same experience can lead to blind spots or gaps. A veteran might be less receptive to feedback or reluctant to question processes they’ve followed for years. They may not appreciate being second-guessed by someone newer to the game. On the other hand, you have newcomers—eager to make their mark, hungry to prove themselves. They want to be remembered for all the right reasons, which can make them hesitant to speak up, even when they sense something is wrong. They might push too hard or mask inexperience because they don’t want to appear lacking or overstepping. There’s a delicate balance between earning your place, keeping it, and knowing when to raise or hear concerns. The way to navigate this is by having the Safety First Mindset at the forefront of every decision and action. At the heart of this dynamic is trust. Veterans need to trust that newcomers understand their limits, bring fresh perspectives, and have valid concerns. And newcomers need to trust that their voice matters, no matter how new they are to the industry. They also need to recognize that what they perceive as a gap might already be managed by the team, and trust the veterans to handle it while focusing on the part they’ve been trusted with—themselves and their performance. When either side of this equation falters, safety is at risk. A veteran dismissing a concern because they “know better” is as dangerous as a newcomer keeping quiet out of fear of looking inexperienced. Both are harmful, and both break the trust that keeps everyone safe. In a safety-first culture, there’s no room for ego. Whether you’ve been in the industry for decades or it’s your first day on set, your voice matters. Building trust between veterans and newcomers means fostering an environment where experience is respected, but fresh perspectives are also valued. Encouraging mentorship, collaboration, and an open flow of communication where no concern is seen as trivial creates a stronger, safer set for everyone. Self-Care: Physical and Mental Health in Balance Safety isn’t just about your body or your mind—it’s about both, working in harmony. In a profession like stunts, where the stakes are high and the risks are real, neglecting your physical or mental health creates dangerous vulnerabilities. For too long, the industry has leaned on a “tough it out” mentality, where performers are expected to push through or just take it. Over time, that mindset can lead performers to ignore the signals their body and mind are sending, which leads to overly risky behavior. Not ideal in an industry already exploring the boundaries of what’s physically possible. Failing to listen to your body or mind doesn’t just put you at risk—it puts everyone around you in danger. If you don’t care for your body—through proper nutrition, rest, and recovery—or you overtrain, overwork, or push yourself beyond your limits, your body or part of it will eventually give out. Fatigue, burnout, and injury become inevitable. Similarly, neglecting your mental health—ignoring stress, anxiety, pressures of life, pressures to perform at your peak, or warning signs of exhaustion—can lead to distraction, lack of focus, and poor judgment. In a high-risk, high-pressure environment, where these things are normalized and accepted, these small lapses can have severe consequences. When your body or mind is compromised, you become a liability, and that liability doesn’t just affect you—it affects the entire team. Even if you want to blame others, you were responsible. You could have said no, walked away, or forced a break. In any freelance industry, the fear of showing weakness or missing out on work can fuel bad decisions. Will I get another gig? Will they cut me from the team? Will they think I’ve lost it? That little voice can lead you into trouble, and if you’re hearing it, it’s probably time to step back. We’re all human, and stepping away to recover is what allows us to come back stronger. We have to take responsibility for ourselves, not just by putting on the right gear or rehearsing a stunt but by setting ourselves up for success long before we step onto the set. Being a hero isn’t about pushing through at all costs—it’s about knowing when to stop, when to prepare, and how to give your body and mind what they need to perform at their best. And it’s about taking responsibility for that. If you say you’re good and you’re "Set," and people trust you, you’re the one responsible if it later turns out you weren’t good and WE weren’t "Set." This means understanding the risks of working back-to-back days, juggling training and a social life, and knowing when rest and recovery should take priority. It’s the dance of “Need” vs. “Want.” It’s about being realistic about what your body and mind can handle and having a buffer built into that. When preparing people for the work, we advise aiming for 80% of what they think their max is—so it can be executed safely, with margin for error. This is about preparing intelligently, not recklessly, and being proactive in managing both your physical and mental health. Equally important is the ability to read the signs and signals in others. In a safety-first culture, it’s not just about watching out for yourself—it’s about watching out for your team. Take a moment to look people in the eye, check in with your fellow performers, listen to their voice, not just their words, and recognize when someone is pushing too hard. Maybe they’re fatigued, mentally checked out, trying too hard, or just not fully present. Sometimes, it’s up to you to pull someone back, call for a break, or even end the day if needed. It’s not weakness—it’s leadership and teamwork. By intervening when necessary, you’re not only protecting that individual, but you’re also protecting the integrity and safety of the entire production. Physical and mental health aren’t separate issues. They’re deeply connected, and when one is out of balance, the other is sure to follow. A performer who hasn’t taken care of themselves physically is more likely to be mentally distracted, and someone who’s mentally burned out is at greater risk of injury. Both can lead to accidents, missed cues, or worse. We have to move beyond the idea that "toughing it out" is a badge of honor and embrace the mindset that taking care of ourselves—body and mind—is a professional responsibility. By making space for self-care and recognizing when it's time to step back, we’re not just protecting ourselves—we’re protecting the team, the production, and ultimately, the art we’re here to create. Safety isn’t just about surviving the stunt—it’s about thriving within the craft and ensuring longevity in this career. And that starts with taking care of the one thing you have ultimate control over—yourself. The Wrap-Up: Reconsidering What Safety Really Means When we think of safety in stunts, it’s tempting to focus on the gear, the rehearsals, the technical checks. But as we’ve explored, real safety goes far beyond that. Safety is a governing behaviour and a mindset—it is a shared responsibility, our individual responsibility, and a culture we create, or undermine. At its core, safety is built on communication—the ability to speak up, ask questions, and voice concerns, no matter your experience level. It’s about trust—knowing that everyone on set, from the veterans to the newcomers, has each other's backs. It’s about respect—for people, processes, and the craft itself. And it’s about self-care—taking responsibility for your physical and mental health so that you show up as your best self, not just for you, but for the entire team. In a safety-first culture, there’s no room for ego. Whether you’ve been in the industry for decades or it’s your first day on set, your voice matters. Building trust between veterans and newcomers, respecting the processes designed to protect us, and understanding that safety isn’t just physical—it’s mental, emotional, and relational. As professionals, we have to move beyond the outdated mindset of “toughing it out” as a badge of honour. Taking care of ourselves—physically and mentally—isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s the foundation of a long, successful career. By preparing intelligently, knowing our limits, and recognising when to step back, we ensure not only our safety but the safety of the entire team. So, as you move forward in your training, your gigs, and your life in this industry, carry this mindset with you. Safety is about thriving in the craft, not just surviving the day. It’s about ensuring that we all walk away healthy and whole, ready to come back for the next take, the next project, the next challenge. Safety isn’t a risk assessment, an officer, a document in an email, or some gear in a bag. It’s a living, breathing part of every day and how we choose to go through it—every decision we make (and why we make it), every interaction, and every moment. It’s a culture—a way of working and living that ensures we don’t just perform our best, but we protect each other and the industry we love and work for. It’s time to reconsider what safety really means—and to carry that understanding with us into every stunt, every scene, and every moment. Comments are closed.
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AuthorThis blog os co-authored by The ISA Team Archives
November 2024
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10/19/2024