Coordinator's Corner: Thom Williams

Featured Interview With Stunt Coordinator, Thom Williams.

What has been the biggest highlight of your career?

The highlight of my career would have to be 2nd Unit Directing on the amazing TV show I coordinate called "Doom Patrol," and having my wife and 3 kids sitting with me in video village during the really fun sequences I get to shoot out there.

To me, everything I do is for my family so having them at my side while I work is the best reward I can get.

What is the greatest lesson you have learned over the years as a stunt coordinator?

The best lesson I have earned over the years is that I need to be prepared for every eventuality.  I need plans A-F and the best way to implement them if things go FUBAR.

I also need to be prepared to explain a different way to do something that I deem is too dangerous, whether it's something the writer, director, producer or even the performer wants to do a certain way that I don't think is safe.

I need everyone to go home the same way they came in, safe and sound.

What are the greatest qualities you seek out in a stunt performer?

The greatest need that I expect in a performer is the ability to be a part of a team!

I don't care how talented you are, if you don't mesh well with everyone else, and don't listen, you're of no use to me.

What advice would you give up and coming stunt performers?

This is a competition between ELITE athletes, treat it as such.  Never stop learning.  Never stop training.

The moment you become soft and complacent, remember that someone else is training hard, and putting in the work to take your job.

What do you love most about the stunt community?

All that being said, the competition, the long hours, the bumps and bruises and sometimes injuries, what I love most about the stunt community is just that; we're a community.

A family.  I have people in this business that I truly feel are my brothers and sisters and I love my stunt family.

Stay safe out there everyone, and I hope you trained your asses off over your Coronacation!