What a Stunt Coordinator Actually Does on Set
A Stunt Coordinator is far more than the person who takes a punch or jumps off a roof. They design, plan, and supervise every stunt sequence from pre-production through principal photography. On a professional film or TV set in Montreal, a great Stunt Coordinator will assess each action sequence for risk, work closely with the director to ensure the stunt serves the story, and choreograph the action so it looks compelling on camera while keeping every person on set as safe as possible.
They hire and manage the stunt performers, liaise with the camera department to block for the right angles, coordinate with special effects and the art department when rigging or set dressing is involved, and prepare detailed risk assessments. They also train principal cast members for any physical action they perform themselves. In short, they are a department head who carries both creative and legal responsibility for everything that happens in their sequences.
What to Look for When Hiring in Montreal
Montreal has a mature film and television production industry, and the city has a solid pool of stunt professionals who have worked on major studio productions, streaming series, and independent films. When evaluating candidates, look for the following qualities.
- A verifiable credit history on productions of a comparable scale and genre to yours
- Current safety certifications and up-to-date first aid training
- Experience coordinating with Quebec-based crews and familiarity with local union and guild norms
- Strong references from directors and first ADs who can speak to their communication style under pressure
- Demonstrated ability to design stunts within a realistic budget, not just an ideal one
Rate Context for Montreal Stunt Coordinators
Rates for Stunt Coordinators in Montreal vary depending on the scale and budget of the production, the complexity of the sequences involved, and the coordinator's level of experience. On lower-budget independent productions, day rates are typically more modest and may be negotiated on a flat deal basis. On studio or streaming productions working under union agreements, rates are set by collective agreement and are generally higher, often with additional adjustments for preparation days and stunt performer fees tracked separately. As a general reference point, experienced Stunt Coordinators on mid-range productions in Canada typically work at day rates that reflect their senior department head status. Budgeting time for prep weeks, not just shoot days, is essential and often underestimated.
How NeedaCrew Makes the Hire Easier
NeedaCrew is a North American marketplace built specifically for film and TV crew. Profiles are verified, credits are real, and the platform is designed around the way productions actually work. You can post your project, specify the role, the dates, the location, and any relevant production details, and receive responses from qualified Stunt Coordinators based in or available to work in Montreal.
If you are a producer or production coordinator ready to staff your stunt department, post your project on NeedaCrew and start connecting with experienced professionals today. If you are a Stunt Coordinator or stunt performer working in Montreal and want access to more productions, join NeedaCrew as a crew member and get your work in front of producers who are actively hiring.