What a Stunt Coordinator Actually Does on Your Production
A Stunt Coordinator is responsible for the design, safety, and execution of every stunt in your project. That goes well beyond choreographing a fight scene. A strong Stunt Coordinator will read your script early, flag anything that carries physical risk, budget the stunt work realistically, hire and manage the stunt performers, coordinate with your director and DP on how each gag will be shot, and oversee all rigging, padding, and safety protocols on the day. On union productions they also work closely with the First AD to keep the schedule tight and the set compliant.
They are essentially the department head of your action, and the difference between a Stunt Coordinator who has done this at your budget level and one who has not is very noticeable both on screen and in terms of how smoothly your shoot days run.
What to Look for When Hiring in Los Angeles
- IATSE or SAG-AFTRA experience: Many productions in LA are union. Confirm whether your Stunt Coordinator is experienced working under the relevant agreements.
- Genre and format match: A coordinator who specializes in car work and high falls may not be the right fit for a period drama with hand-to-hand combat. Ask about their specific background.
- Local vendor relationships: The best LA-based Stunt Coordinators have established relationships with equipment suppliers, stunt performers, and medical standby services, which saves you time and often money.
- Communication style: You want someone who flags problems early and works collaboratively with your director, not someone who operates in a silo.
- Insurance and paperwork: Confirm they carry appropriate liability coverage and are comfortable providing the documentation your production requires.
Rates and Budget Context for Los Angeles
Stunt Coordinator rates in Los Angeles vary depending on the scale of the production, union status, the complexity of the stunt work, and how long you need them. On low-budget independent projects, coordinators will typically negotiate a flat deal that covers prep and shoot days together. On larger productions, day rates, weekly rates, and box rentals are all negotiated separately. Rates in Los Angeles tend to run higher than the national average given the cost of living and the density of experienced professionals in the market. Budget conversations are best had directly and early, and NeedaCrew makes it straightforward to have those conversations with multiple qualified candidates at once.
Find a Stunt Coordinator on NeedaCrew
NeedaCrew is a marketplace built specifically for film and TV production in the US and Canada. Crew members are verified professionals, and producers can post a project, describe their stunt needs, and receive responses from coordinators who are available and based in or willing to work in the Los Angeles area.
Ready to staff your stunt department? Post your project on NeedaCrew and connect with experienced Stunt Coordinators in Los Angeles today.
Are you a Stunt Coordinator looking for your next production? Join NeedaCrew as a crew member and get found by producers hiring right now.