looks like the coordinator did
all the work himself. He's the
only special effects guy listed;
he couldn't be bothered to list
any of us." Watching the
coordinator prepare for an
explosion, Gums learned how
to prep for a burn.
Over the next few years,
Gums landed stunt work on
Deep Impact and Cherry Falls,
and television series 7 Days,
America's Most Wanted, and Safe Harbor. Late in 2001, he and brother Jeff
formed Kontrolled Khaos in partnership with other area stuntmen to
raise the awareness of East Coast based stunt people.
Job Overview
The aerial director is responsible for all functions of airplanes and heli-
copters as they pertain to motion pictures, television, and commercials.
Expanded Job Description
"I take it from inception to wrap," explains aerial coordinator Steven
Wright. The aerial director begins by reading the script to determine what
aircraft are required on camera (picture ship or story helicopter) and/or
are needed to film certain shots. "I start working on a budget for how
many days we're going to need them and any extra costs: if an aircraft
needs to be painted, we need to put search lights on them, or guns or
rockets, or whatever some writer and/or director has dreamed up. I'll
contract the aircraft, source out suppliers and do the contracts on behalf
of the production company, and handle insurance. I usually handpick the
crew, as well. It depends on what the production manager wants me to
handle from an administrative point of view."
"From a flying point of view, I put a camera on a helicopter and I fly
around and chase things. That's what you do as a function of a camera
pilot. That's part of the whole package--if you're chasing cars down the
street, helicopters, boats, or trains. I've chased commercial jets and mili-
tary jets. You name it, I've chased it."
JOB TITLE: AERIAL DIRECTOR/COORDINATOR
"If you decide to
try and get into the
business, make sure
you have a strong basic
skill set. Make sure your
skin is thick, because you will have to put
up with a fair amount of garbage at times."
--Steve Gums
CAREER TIPS
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