What a Stunt Coordinator Actually Does on Set
A Stunt Coordinator is responsible for designing, planning, and supervising every stunt and physical action sequence in your production. That means working closely with your director to translate a script's action beats into safe, repeatable, and visually compelling performances. They cast and manage stunt performers, create detailed safety plans for each gag, liaise with your first AD on scheduling, and communicate directly with your insurance and production team about risk management.
A great Stunt Coordinator does not just show up on the day of the shoot. They are involved in pre-production, scouting locations for suitability, building shot lists with the director and DP, and rehearsing performers well before cameras roll. On set, they serve as the final authority on whether a stunt is safe to execute. That combination of creative vision and safety discipline is what separates a strong coordinator from a less experienced one.
What to Look for When Hiring in Toronto
Toronto has a deep pool of stunt talent with credits spanning major studio features, streaming series, and commercial work. When evaluating candidates, look for:
- ACTRA or IATSE affiliation, which signals professional standing and adherence to industry safety standards
- A verifiable reel or list of recent Toronto or Ontario productions they have coordinated, not just performed on
- Experience with the specific type of action your script requires, whether that is vehicle work, wire rigs, fight choreography, fire, or water stunts
- Clear communication style and willingness to walk through their safety methodology before you commit
- References from directors, first ADs, or production companies they have worked with recently
Rates and Budgeting in Toronto
Stunt Coordinator rates in Toronto vary based on the scale of the production, the complexity of the stunts involved, and whether the coordinator is also performing. For union productions, rates are governed by applicable collective agreements. On non-union independents, day rates are typically negotiated directly and will depend on the scope of work. Budget additional line items for stunt equipment, safety personnel, rehearsal days, and any specialty gear your sequences require. Getting a detailed breakdown from your coordinator early in pre-production will save you from surprises later.
How NeedaCrew Helps You Find and Book Faster
NeedaCrew is built specifically for the film and TV industry in the US and Canada. Producers post projects and receive responses from verified crew members who have real credits and real availability. You are not sorting through a general freelance marketplace. Every profile is industry-specific, so you can filter by role, location, and experience level and get to a shortlist quickly.
Ready to find your Stunt Coordinator? Post your project on NeedaCrew and start hearing from qualified Toronto-based coordinators right away.
Are you a Stunt Coordinator or stunt performer based in Toronto or elsewhere in Canada? Join NeedaCrew as a crew member to get discovered by productions actively hiring in your area.