What a Stunt Coordinator Actually Does on Your Set
A Stunt Coordinator is responsible for designing, planning, and supervising every physical stunt in your production. That means breaking down the script for action requirements, hiring and managing stunt performers, coordinating with your director and DP on how each gag will be shot, and working closely with your AD and safety department to make sure every sequence meets SAG-AFTRA and OSHA standards. They build the stunt budget, source specialized equipment, and run rehearsals well before cameras roll. On the day, they are the last word on whether a stunt is safe to execute.
A great Stunt Coordinator also functions as a creative collaborator. They can suggest approaches that look bigger on camera while actually reducing risk, help you get more coverage out of fewer setups, and keep your stunt performers and principal cast protected throughout the shoot. In a city like Studio City, where productions range from indie features to major network television, that combination of creative problem-solving and rigorous safety discipline is what separates a good hire from a great one.
What to Look For When Hiring
- Verified credits on productions similar in scale and genre to yours, whether that is a dramatic series, an action feature, or a commercial
- A current relationship with SAG-AFTRA and familiarity with union stunt adjustment rates and paperwork
- Strong references from directors, ADs, and UPMs who can speak to their on-set communication and problem-solving
- Experience with the specific type of action your script requires, such as vehicle work, fight choreography, high falls, or fire gags
- Proof of insurance and a clear understanding of California safety regulations for stunt work
Rate Context for Studio City Productions
Stunt Coordinator rates in the Studio City and greater Los Angeles area vary based on the scope of the production, union versus non-union agreements, the complexity of the stunts involved, and the coordinator's level of experience and credits. Union productions working under SAG-AFTRA agreements follow negotiated minimums, while non-union and indie shoots typically negotiate day rates or weekly deals directly. Coordinators on larger productions with significant stunt budgets generally command higher rates than those brought in for a single-day gag or a low-budget short. As a general guide, rates in this market typically reflect the high cost of doing business in Los Angeles, so build stunt coordination fees and contingency into your budget early.
Find Your Stunt Coordinator on NeedaCrew
NeedaCrew is a US and Canada marketplace built specifically for film and TV production hiring. Every crew member on the platform goes through a verification process so you are browsing real professionals with real credits, not a sea of unvetted profiles. You can post your project, specify your dates, location, and requirements, and start receiving responses from qualified Stunt Coordinators who are available and interested in your production.
Ready to staff your production? Post your project on NeedaCrew and connect with verified Stunt Coordinators in Studio City today. If you are a Stunt Coordinator or stunt professional looking for your next gig, join NeedaCrew as crew and get in front of producers who are actively hiring.