What a Stunt Coordinator Actually Does on Your Set
A Stunt Coordinator is far more than someone who falls off buildings. They design and choreograph every physical action sequence in your project, from a car chase to a simple shove between actors. They assess risk, draft detailed safety plans, source and supervise stunt performers, and work directly with your director and DP to make sure the shot is both safe and cinematic. On union and non-union sets alike, the Stunt Coordinator is the person who keeps your cast and crew out of harm's way while keeping the action on screen looking real.
A great Stunt Coordinator shows up in pre-production, not just on shoot days. They need time to scout locations, design the gag, source the right performers, and coordinate with your AD, insurance provider, and any relevant local authorities. If you're hiring one the week of your shoot, you're already behind.
What to Look for When Hiring in Seattle
- Verifiable credits on film, television, or commercial productions, not just live events or theater
- Familiarity with Seattle's specific locations, waterways, hills, and permit requirements
- Current membership or eligibility with relevant guilds, including IATSE and SAG-AFTRA awareness
- Strong references from directors, first ADs, and production companies they have worked with before
- Clear communication style and a calm, organized approach to safety planning
- Experience matching the scale of your project, a coordinator for a studio feature has a different toolkit than one suited to an indie short
Seattle Rates: What to Budget
Stunt Coordinator rates in Seattle typically vary based on the size of the production, the complexity of the work, and whether the project is union or non-union. On smaller independent productions, day rates tend to be more negotiable, while larger commercial or streaming projects follow closer to guild scale. Prep time, travel within the region, and additional stunt performer fees are all separate line items to plan for. The best approach is to post your project with a clear scope and let coordinators respond with their own rates, so you can compare fairly.
Why Use NeedaCrew to Find Stunt Talent in Seattle
NeedaCrew is a North American marketplace built specifically for film and TV crew. Every profile is verified, and you can browse Stunt Coordinators who have listed Seattle or Washington state as their home base, or who are open to regional work. Instead of cold-calling through personal networks or hoping a Facebook post gets traction, you post your project once and receive responses from qualified professionals who are actually available.
Ready to staff your action sequences? Post your project on NeedaCrew and start hearing from verified Stunt Coordinators in Seattle today.
Are you a Stunt Coordinator based in Seattle or the Pacific Northwest? Join NeedaCrew as a crew member and get discovered by productions actively hiring in your area.