Kinaskaskader

Kinaskaskader is a term found in some Baltic and Nordic film-discourse to describe a professional who performs on-screen stunts in cinema and television. The word combines kin(o) or kino, referring to cinema, with kaskader, the Estonian word for a stunt performer. It is most often used in Estonian-language contexts to denote a stunt practitioner who works on camera.

A kinaskaskader’s role mirrors that of a standard stunt performer. They execute physical actions that are too dangerous or technically impractical for actors, under the supervision of a stunt coordinator. Their duties include falls, high-impact fight sequences, vehicular stunts, chase work, and other on-camera action. They collaborate with directors, special effects teams, and safety personnel to adapt stunts for camera angles and to maintain on-set risk management. Rehearsals, precise timing, and adherence to safety protocols are essential.

Training and qualifications typically emphasize physical fitness and practical experience. Backgrounds in martial arts, gymnastics, athletics, or acrobatics are common, along with experience in rigging, wire work, and stunt safety. Certifications and on-set training in hazard assessment, first aid, and fall protection are valued. Because the term is not widely standardized, many kinaskaskaders enter the field through freelance work and apprenticeships rather than formal credentialing.

Notable usage of the term is limited, and it remains less common in formal film lexicons. It largely overlaps with the broader concept of stunt performer or stunt double, with regional preference shaping its application.

See also: stunt performer, stunt coordinator, kaskader, film production.