The team

Father & sons

Stunt Dept Inc. is led by stunt and marine coordinator Chris Barnes, working alongside his sons Riley and Spencer, both stuntmen and licensed captains. Boats and marine services come from the family's sister company, Movie TV Marine.

Our crew are licensed 100-ton captains, certified rescue divers and SAG-AFTRA union professionals.

Chris Barnes is a stunt and marine coordinator with more than 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry, known for orchestrating some of the biggest action sequences both on and off the water.

His work spans motion pictures, television, live-action shows, music videos and still photography. Although he's based in the New York area, his career has taken him to Thailand, Central America, the Caribbean and across the United States — from the East Coast to Northern Alaska and Hawaii.

He started out operating insert camera vehicles for action sequences, chasing news and storms in satellite trucks, running bungee cranes at resorts and even doing background work. Each of those jobs gave him a broad, practical understanding of the many working parts it takes to create good action.

Chris has always believed that strong communication with every person and department on a production — from inception through completion — is what delivers results: the most action possible from performers and talent, while keeping performers, talent and crew safe. Exciting action sequences can be created in a timely fashion and on budget.

His calm leadership, logistical precision and deep understanding of marine environments have made him a trusted name among directors and producers tackling high-risk, high-reward scenes.

He was hired to coordinate projects such as the Nitro Circus Live stadium event meets Impractical Jokers, was directly involved in the final leg of The Amazing Race from development through execution, and headed stunts and safety for one of the industry's largest single fashion shoots, staged around the world: “The Most Beautiful Women in the Most Dangerous Locations.”

Alongside 25 years in the entertainment business, Chris brings another 25 years of life experience owning businesses and working across careers, trades and hobbies — with a passion for being creative and innovative.

He has been honored with multiple SAG Awards and nominations, and his work has appeared on the cover of Vogue and in The New York Times Magazine, alongside top directors, photographers, commercial production companies and some well-known music videos.

As a father of three, safety isn't just part of the job — it's personal. Chris leads with a family-first mindset, making sure every member of the cast and crew is protected.

All while staying grounded — which could make Chris one of your biggest assets when choosing the right action and safety coordinator for your next project.

Riley Barnes is a second-generation stuntman from New York, raised on film sets and shaped by action. After watching his father launch a car on set at just eight years old, Riley found his calling in stunt work.

Specializing in marine-based stunts and coordination along the East Coast, he brings a strong mix of athleticism, technical skill and maritime experience as a licensed 100-ton captain. With a background in surfing, diving, offshore fishing and stunt work, Riley combines sharp instincts with a calculated approach to high-risk work.

Riley studied at SUNY Maritime College and in St. John's University's film program before stepping full-time into the film industry alongside his father, and together they founded Movie TV Marine Services.

He strives for efficiency and safety while filming on the water, keeping productions running smoothly without compromising intensity or precision. Whether coordinating boat chases or executing complex stunts, Riley delivers with grit, discipline and a deep respect for the craft.

Marine coordinator reel

Spencer Barnes is a rising stuntman with a passion for all things fast — from high-speed chase scenes to powerful surf breaks. Growing up around the water in a film family, with his father a longtime stunt coordinator, this life has always been second nature.

Spencer splits his time between working on some of the industry's biggest productions and traveling the globe to surf. His comfort on the water, combined with his skill behind the wheel and throttle, makes him a go-to asset for marine-based action. As a licensed captain, he's calm, confident and in control — no matter the conditions.

With a strong foundation in both stunts and seamanship, Spencer brings youth, precision and energy to every set — whether he's driving camera boats or in the thick of the action.

Mission statement

  • Safe
  • Exciting
  • Communicative
  • Action

Create a safe, production-friendly environment while keeping every line of communication open.

Bring multiple options to the table within the budget and time restrictions — while giving the director more than they could have asked for.

Rooted in legacy, driven by passion and trusted for performance.

Chris Barnes on a boat beside a camera mounted on a stabilized head
On the water with the camera team
Chris Barnes holding up both hands wrapped in flames
Fire work

Skills & credentials

Trained for it

Chris's licenses, specialist training and stunt skills — one coordinator who can cover the stunt, the vehicle and the water.

Licenses & certifications

  • USCG licensed 100-ton captain
  • SAG-AFTRA member
  • PADI Rescue Diver
  • CPR & first-aid trained
  • NYS Boating Safety Course

Stunt skills

  • Fights & falls
  • Full burns
  • Bungee jumps — planned and coordinated, with equipment he designs and fabricates
  • Rock climbing — ascending & descending
  • Expert snow skier — freestyle & extreme
  • Boat & jet ski owner/operator

Driving

  • Rick Seaman Motion Picture Driving Clinic
  • Bobby Ore advanced stunt driving school
  • Drivers East Performance Driving School
  • Advanced Driving Schools Inc.
  • Range Rover off-road & 4WD school; Hummer training course
  • Endurance racing & demolition derbies
  • CDL Class A — tractor-trailer, bus & earth-moving equipment
  • Motorcycles (street & dirt), ATVs & camera quad

Get in touch

Make it look dangerous.
Keep it safe.

Tell us about the scene, the location and the schedule. We'll talk through options that fit your budget.