Decelerator
A decelerator is a safety system used in the film and entertainment industry to help stunt performers slow down safely during falls or high-speed stunts. It's like a specialized safety net that combines various equipment like cables, pulleys, and computer-controlled braking systems. When you see movie scenes where someone falls from a building or jumps from great heights and lands safely, they often use a decelerator to make this possible while keeping the performer safe. This equipment is essential for stunt coordinators and riggers who plan dangerous-looking but carefully controlled action sequences.
Examples in Resumes
Supervised safety protocols for 50+ high falls using Decelerator systems
Certified in operating and maintaining Decelerator equipment for stunts up to 200 feet
Designed custom Decelerator setups for complex urban filming locations
Typical job title: "Stunt Riggers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Stunt Riggers
Professional Organizations
Industry Networks
Training Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you assess risk and develop safety protocols for a complex decelerated stunt?
Expected Answer: A seasoned coordinator should discuss their systematic approach to risk assessment, including location surveys, equipment inspection, weather considerations, and creating detailed safety plans with multiple backup options.
Q: Describe a challenging decelerator setup you've managed and how you solved any complications.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in problem-solving, team management, and adapting to unexpected situations while maintaining safety standards.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when calculating deceleration rates for different stunt scenarios?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic physics considerations like weight, height, speed, and how they adjust equipment settings accordingly, while maintaining safety margins.
Q: How do you maintain and inspect decelerator equipment?
Expected Answer: Should describe regular maintenance schedules, pre-use inspections, documentation procedures, and when to retire or replace equipment.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic components of a decelerator system?
Expected Answer: Should be able to identify main parts like cables, braking mechanisms, attachment points, and safety backups, showing basic understanding of how the system works.
Q: What safety checks do you perform before using a decelerator?
Expected Answer: Should list basic safety protocols like equipment inspection, weight testing, and communication procedures with the stunt team.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic decelerator operation and safety checks
- Equipment maintenance and inspection
- Understanding of basic fall physics
- Communication protocols during stunts
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex rigging setups
- Advanced safety planning
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Stunt sequence coordination
Senior (5+ years)
- Risk assessment and management
- Custom rigging design
- Team supervision and training
- Complex stunt planning and execution
Red Flags to Watch For
- No formal safety certification or training
- Lack of knowledge about equipment weight limits and specifications
- Unable to explain emergency procedures
- No experience with different types of stunts and falls
- Poor communication skills or unclear safety protocols
Related Terms
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