What a Stunt Coordinator Actually Does on Your Production
A Stunt Coordinator is far more than the person who falls off a building. They design and choreograph every stunt sequence in your script, break down the physical and logistical requirements of each gag, and work directly with your director to realize the action vision safely. On set, they supervise all stunt performers, coordinate with the first AD on scheduling, liaise with the stunt riggers and special effects team, and maintain a constant eye on safety protocols. A strong Stunt Coordinator also writes the stunt breakdown, prepares risk assessments, and handles all communication with your insurance provider regarding stunt coverage. They are, in short, the person responsible for making sure nobody gets hurt and the shot looks great.
What to Look for When Hiring in New Orleans
Louisiana has attracted major studio productions for well over a decade, which means the New Orleans area has a genuine pool of working stunt professionals with studio-level credits. When evaluating candidates, look for the following:
- A strong reel that matches your genre, whether that is car work, hand-to-hand combat, falls, or wire rigging
- IATSE or relevant union experience, and clarity on whether your production is union or non-union before you start the conversation
- Familiarity with the specific locations you plan to shoot, since New Orleans environments like French Quarter streets, bayou exteriors, and industrial warehouse spaces each carry their own stunt planning challenges
- A network of local stunt performers they can pull from, so you are not flying talent in unnecessarily
- Verifiable references from other producers or first ADs, not just performers
Rate Context for New Orleans
Stunt Coordinator rates vary based on the scale of the production, the complexity and number of stunt sequences, and whether the coordinator is also performing. On lower-budget independent productions, day rates are typically more modest and negotiable. On studio or network productions, Stunt Coordinators typically work under IATSE agreements with negotiated weekly rates that reflect both their coordinator role and any performing work. It is worth budgeting separately for the coordinator fee and for stunt performer costs, since those are distinct line items. A local coordinator who already has relationships with the New Orleans stunt community can help you keep those performer costs reasonable.
How NeedaCrew Makes Hiring Faster
NeedaCrew is the US and Canada marketplace built specifically for film and television crew hiring. Every profile on the platform is reviewed, and producers can browse Stunt Coordinators by location, credits, and availability before ever sending a message. You can post your project with the details that matter, rate, dates, project type, and union status, and receive responses from qualified local professionals quickly. No staffing agency fees, no cold calling, no guesswork.
Ready to find your Stunt Coordinator? Post your project on NeedaCrew and start connecting with verified stunt professionals in New Orleans today.
Are you a Stunt Coordinator or stunt performer based in Louisiana? Join NeedaCrew as a crew member and get in front of producers actively hiring in your area.