What a Stunt Coordinator Actually Does on Your Set
A Stunt Coordinator is responsible for designing, planning, and safely executing every stunt or physical action sequence in your production. That means they work closely with your director before the shoot to break down the script, identify every moment that carries physical risk, and develop a practical plan that balances creative ambition with crew and cast safety.
On set, they supervise all stunt performers, coordinate with the camera department to maximize the visual impact of each gag, and liaise directly with the Assistant Director to keep the schedule realistic. A seasoned Stunt Coordinator also handles all required safety briefings, manages the rigging and equipment needed for specific gags, and maintains communication with your insurance provider and production legal team when waivers or documentation are required under SAG-AFTRA guidelines.
Beyond the physical sequences themselves, a great Stunt Coordinator helps you plan smarter. They can identify early in pre-production where doubling will be needed, which saves you from costly last-minute surprises, and they often suggest creative alternatives that are safer, faster to shoot, and just as effective on screen.
What to Look for When Hiring in Burbank
Burbank sits at the center of a dense cluster of studios, including Warner Bros., Disney, and NBC Universal, which means the local stunt community is deep and highly experienced in both union and non-union productions. When evaluating candidates, look for the following:
- A strong reel that shows range across fight choreography, vehicle work, high falls, or whatever your script demands
- Verifiable credits on productions similar in scale and genre to yours
- Clear familiarity with California labor law and SAG-AFTRA stunt-related provisions
- Strong references from directors and ADs who can speak to their communication style under pressure
- Membership in or working knowledge of the Stunt Coordinators and Second Unit Directors of America or similar professional bodies
Rate Context for Burbank Productions
Stunt Coordinator rates in the Burbank and greater Los Angeles area vary considerably based on the scale of the production, the complexity of the gags, and whether the production is SAG-AFTRA signatory. For union productions, rates are governed by the applicable SAG-AFTRA scale agreements. On non-union independent projects, day rates typically reflect the coordinator's experience level and the scope of the work involved. It is reasonable to budget meaningfully for this role as underfunding stunt coordination is one of the most common sources of on-set incidents and costly delays. Always discuss kit fees, prep days, and travel separately from the basic shooting day rate.
Find and Book a Stunt Coordinator on NeedaCrew
NeedaCrew is a production crew marketplace built for the US and Canada. Producers post projects for free and receive responses from verified crew members whose profiles include credits, skills, location, and availability. There is no guesswork and no cold-calling agencies.
If you are a producer or production coordinator ready to staff your Burbank shoot, post your project on NeedaCrew and start hearing from qualified Stunt Coordinators quickly.
If you are a Stunt Coordinator or stunt professional based in Burbank or the wider Los Angeles area, join NeedaCrew as a crew member to get discovered by productions actively hiring right now.