‘The Fall Guy’ Lands First-Ever ‘Stunt Designer’ Credit for Industry Veteran Chris O’Hara From SAG-AFTRA and DGA

variety.com:

Jazz Tangcay Artisans Editor 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.