What a Stunt Coordinator Actually Does on Your Set
A Stunt Coordinator is far more than the person who falls off a building. They design and choreograph every physical action sequence, assess risk at each stage of pre-production and principal photography, hire and manage the stunt performers, liaise with your director and director of photography to make sure the shots work both safely and cinematically, and coordinate with your AD on scheduling so stunt days run efficiently. On a union or mid-budget production they will also generate detailed risk assessments and work closely with your insurance and safety departments. Getting this person right protects your cast, your crew, your schedule, and your budget.
What to Look for When Hiring in Portland
Portland has a genuine working film community, and you will find Stunt Coordinators here with credits ranging from local indie features and commercials to larger television productions and studio films that have shot in Oregon. When you are evaluating candidates, look for:
- A strong reel that shows range, not just one type of stunt work
- Experience coordinating, not just performing, since those are different skill sets
- Familiarity with SAG-AFTRA stunt protocols if your production is union
- A network of local stunt performers they can call on quickly
- Clear, proactive communication during the pre-production conversation, because how they talk to you before the job reflects how they will run the department on set
- References from producers or ADs, not just other stunt performers
Portland Rate Context
Stunt Coordinator day rates in the Portland market vary considerably based on budget tier, union status, and the complexity of the work involved. On a low-budget independent project you will typically see lower day rates with the expectation of a flexible, collaborative approach. Mid-budget television and commercial work typically commands higher rates that reflect the coordinator's liability, planning time, and the size of the stunt team they are managing. It is standard practice to negotiate a prep rate for pre-production days separately from shoot days. Always clarify whether the quoted rate includes the coordinator's own performer fees if they are also doubling on camera, and budget separately for stunt performer costs, equipment, and any rigging or safety gear required.
How NeedaCrew Makes Hiring Faster
NeedaCrew is a US and Canada marketplace built specifically for film and television production hiring. Every crew member who joins is verified, so you are not sorting through unvetted cold contacts. You post your project, specify the role, your dates, your location, and your budget range, and qualified Stunt Coordinators in and around Portland can respond directly. No recruiter fees, no middlemen.
Ready to find your Stunt Coordinator? Post your project on NeedaCrew and start receiving responses from verified Portland-area stunt professionals today.
Are you a Stunt Coordinator or stunt performer based in Oregon or the Pacific Northwest? Join NeedaCrew as a crew member and get discovered by productions looking to hire in your area.