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Filmmaking Camera, lighting, sound, editing and the crew roles behind every shot.

Stunt: Meaning & Definition in Film

A dangerous physical performance executed in place of the principal actor.

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On this page 4 sections

Role and Importance

Stunts encompass fight scenes, high falls, vehicle chases and pyrotechnic interactions. Stunt performers and teams create dynamic action sequences while minimizing risk to actors.

Coordination and Safety

Stunt coordinators plan choreography, rigging and safety measures—harnesses, airbags, breakaway props—ensuring controlled execution of high-risk maneuvers.

Recognition and Evolution

Though historically under-credited, stunts gained greater visibility with awards like the Taurus World Stunt Awards, highlighting performers’ skill and bravery.

Iconic Stunts

Memorable examples include the car chase in Bullitt, Jackie Chan’s long-take fight sequences and Tom Cruise’s HALO jump in Mission: Impossible – Fallout, each pushing stunt work to new heights.

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More Filmmaking Terms

Entries filed on the same shelf as Stunt, each with the one-line answer first. They are the words that usually come up in the same conversation.

All 913 terms

  • Delta-E

    Delta E is a standard color science metric that calculates the perceived difference between two colors, serving as a critical tool for ensuring color accuracy in filmmaking.

  • Jib

    A jib is a boom device with a camera on one end and a counterweight on the other, used to create sweeping, crane-like shots.

  • Draft Revision

    A formal iteration of a screenplay reflecting feedback and narrative refinements.

  • Slate

    A board used to record scene information and aid synchronization in film production.

  • Prop List

    A prop list is a detailed breakdown, generated from the script, of every single property or 'prop' that appears in a film.

  • Tilt-Shift Lens

    A tilt-shift lens allows control over perspective and focus plane by tilting and shifting lens elements.