What a Stunt Coordinator Actually Does on Your Set
A Stunt Coordinator is far more than the person who takes a punch or falls down a staircase. They are the department head responsible for designing, planning, and safely executing every stunt sequence in your project. From the first read of your script, a good Stunt Coordinator is breaking down every action beat, flagging potential hazards, and building a realistic budget and schedule for the stunt department.
On set, they supervise all stunt performers, coordinate closely with your Director of Photography on camera placement to maximize the impact of each gag, and work hand-in-hand with your AD to keep sequences on schedule. They liaise with special effects, props, wardrobe, and locations to make sure every element of a stunt is rehearsed and safe before a camera rolls. They also file the necessary paperwork and safety plans required on union and non-union productions alike.
What to Look for When Hiring in New York
New York has a deep pool of stunt talent, shaped by decades of major studio productions, network television, and indie film shoots. When evaluating candidates, look for these qualities:
- A strong reel showing range across fight choreography, vehicle work, falls, wire work, and fire gags.
- Demonstrated experience as a coordinator, not just a performer. Performing and coordinating are different skill sets.
- Familiarity with SAG-AFTRA stunt guidelines and New York-specific permitting requirements for public locations.
- Solid references from directors, producers, or UPMs who can speak to their on-set communication and professionalism.
- Up-to-date safety certifications and a clear protocol for pre-production rehearsals and on-set safety meetings.
Rate Context for New York
Stunt Coordinator rates in New York vary widely depending on the scale of the production, union affiliation, and the complexity of the work involved. On lower-budget independent productions, day rates are typically more negotiable and may be structured around a flat deal. On SAG-AFTRA covered productions, rates follow guild minimums and scale upward based on experience and the scope of the stunt department. As a general guide, New York Stunt Coordinators typically command higher day rates than crew in smaller markets, reflecting both the cost of living and the competitive level of talent. Budget accordingly and discuss prep weeks, which are often billed separately from shoot days.
Find Your Stunt Coordinator on NeedaCrew
NeedaCrew is the US and Canada marketplace built specifically for film and TV production hiring. Every crew member on the platform has a verified profile with credits, skills, and availability. You can post your project, describe the scope of stunt work involved, and start receiving responses from qualified New York Stunt Coordinators quickly, without cold-calling agents or digging through outdated directories.
Ready to staff your stunt department? Post your project on NeedaCrew and connect with verified Stunt Coordinators in New York today.
Are you a Stunt Coordinator or stunt performer based in New York? Join NeedaCrew as crew and get discovered by producers hiring right now.