What a Stunt Coordinator Actually Does on Your Set
A Stunt Coordinator is far more than someone who performs dangerous actions in front of a camera. They are a department head responsible for designing, planning, and safely executing every stunt in your project. From the first concept meeting through final wrap, they work closely with your director, first AD, and production designer to make sure action sequences serve the story without putting cast or crew at unnecessary risk.
On a typical shoot day in Glendale or anywhere in the Los Angeles area, a Stunt Coordinator will arrive early to walk the location, coordinate with the key grip and gaffer on rigging and lighting needs, rehearse stunt performers, and run safety briefings. They also handle the hiring and scheduling of stunt doubles and performers, manage stunt equipment, and liaise with your insurance carrier and the relevant union representatives. If something on set changes, they adapt the plan in real time.
What to Look for When Hiring
Experience level matters, but so does the right kind of experience for your specific project. A coordinator with a strong background in car work may not be the best fit for a period drama that requires hand-to-hand fight choreography, and vice versa. When reviewing candidates, consider the following:
- A track record on projects similar in scale and genre to yours
- Current membership with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees or relevant union, where applicable
- Strong references from directors and first ADs they have worked with previously
- Clear communication style and the ability to collaborate under pressure
- Familiarity with California safety regulations and SAG-AFTRA stunt guidelines
Rates in the Glendale Area
Stunt Coordinator day rates in the greater Los Angeles area, which includes Glendale, vary based on the complexity of the work, the coordinator's experience, and whether the project is union or non-union. For independent and lower-budget productions, day rates typically start in the mid-hundreds and can climb significantly for coordinators with major studio credits. On larger union productions, rates are governed by negotiated minimums and often supplemented by stunt adjustments and coordination fees. Budget for prep days as well, since most coordinators will need dedicated pre-production time to design sequences and handle safety logistics before cameras roll.
Why Glendale Works Well for Action Productions
Glendale sits at the center of a dense production ecosystem. Its proximity to major studios in Burbank and Hollywood, combined with its varied urban streetscapes and accessible permit process through the City of Glendale Film Office, makes it a practical base for action-oriented shoots. Many experienced stunt professionals already live and work in this corridor, which can reduce travel costs and simplify scheduling.
Find Your Stunt Coordinator on NeedaCrew
NeedaCrew is a vetted marketplace built for working producers and crew in the US and Canada. Post your project, describe your stunt requirements, and receive responses from qualified Stunt Coordinators who are actively available. No cold calls, no guesswork.
Ready to staff your production? Post your project on NeedaCrew and connect with experienced Stunt Coordinators in Glendale today.
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