The Screen Actors Guild and Directors Guild of America have approved the first-ever credit of “stunt designer.”
The title will be used on the upcoming release “The Fall Guy” with veteran stunt coordinator, second unit director and president of Stunts Unlimited Chris O’Hara set to receive the inaugural film credit.
O’Hara’s position as a production head on set is traditionally titled “stunt coordinator.” It is an official Screen Actors Guild credit also recognized by the Directors Guild of America. The addition of the “stunt designer” title better encompasses the multifaceted nature of the profession.
The title was championed by 87North, the production company led by director David Leitch and producer Kelly McCormick.
“Stunt Designers are the creative architects behind fight scenes, high falls, and more, and deserve to be recognized for the creative leadership of their contributions,” Leitch, a former stunt performer said. “Universal’s decision to allow Kelly and me to add ‘Stunt Designer’ to Chris’ credit on ‘The Fall Guy’ marks a groundbreaking move for a major studio. We hope this will pave the way for the stunts industry to get the recognition it deserves.”
The move to initiate the new credit was motivated to accurately reflect the work of stunt teams who are tasked with designing, creating and coordinating stunt sequences in movies.
“The Fall Guy” in theaters on May 3 is inspired by the 1980’s hit TV series of the same name and pays homage to the world of stunts. Ryan Gosling stars as stuntman Colt Seavers while Emily Blunt is an aspiring film director hoping to get her big break on a multimillion-dollar action-packed sci-fi blockbuster called “metalstorm.” Rather than rely on visual effects and a green screen, Leitch worked with O’Hara to create the in-camera stunt sequences.
McCormick and the 87North team contacted the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) and the Directors Guild of America (DGA) in collaboration with Universal. “Generally, it’s the Stunt Department’s job to be invisible on screen, but during a production, it literally touches all other departments on set,” McCormick said. “David and I felt it was crucial to highlight the artistic and technical aspects of this craft. We proposed the addition of the word ‘Designer’ to the role to properly define the job and reflect Chris’ creative contribution on ‘The Fall Guy’ production, which he wields on every production when he is hired at the current stunt industry title of ‘Coordinator.’”
O’Hara has worked on over 147 films. His credits include “Free Guy,” “Jurassic World” and “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.” Through his work as the president of Stunts Unlimited, he shines a spotlight on the creative aspects of stunt design. O’Hara said the designation “is a long-overdue correction to what this production head position in stunts entails.” He added, “This is a step toward setting a new standard for recognizing the creative contributions of stunt professionals across the industry.”
With this step forward, McCormick hopes it sets a precedent across the industry for further honoring the work of stunt professionals. He said, “If widely utilized, it may lead to greater overall recognition of the artistic contributions the stunt community provides our industry.”
