GARY CHOI

Photography by Patrick Baldonado @BaldonadoPhotohraphy

Mentor in Action

When did you first get involved in the film industry?

When did I get involved in film… wow, i honestly can’t really say… In HK I was in stunts… I’ve always dabbled here and there whenever I could. I was involved in Lone Ranger as an extra, another short film as a co-star… then people wanted to learn how we did stunts in HK. So, I guess always is the best answer I can have.

Who or What inspired you to pursue a career as a stuntman?

In the very beginning, it was just something my teacher sorta put me in to teach me how to have a work ethic and appreciate things. As I got older I really looked up to the asian heroes like Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Bruce Lee, Donnie Yen, and Robin Shou. I also realized 2 things, 1.) there was very little asian representation so it was hard to see myself and i wanted that and 2.) the link between Kung Fu and stunts, It made me realize that I could keep my culture alive and show a small part of something I loved and wanted to share.

How have your skills improved since you first started as a stunt coordinator?

My overall skills have improved and my understanding. I would say the biggest would be in communication and with individuals. I definitely improved on how to handle drama and also on how to handle the business side of things.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other, drives you to stay in this tough industry? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

Oh wow, this is a hard one… it’s definitely between pride and passion… but, I think it would have to be Pride. One thing about me, is that I like to be the best and show off the best. I am proud of my heritage and of who I am and where i came from. The number place that has always given the best in Action and fights has been HK, I want to show that to the world and keep it going and be proud of what I have to offer.

What has been your biggest challenge as a stunt coordinator? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

One of the biggest hurdles so far, has been people who think they know it already and just won’t listen and learn. I’ve been able to in many cases overcome that hurdle, but it’s taken a lot of patience and explaining and even at times showing people on why it doesn’t work the way they think or want.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

I don’t believe in that saying, rather I lean toward you have to pay your dues. Ina sense, I can say I have suffered for my art… its more on a emotional and heartfelt level for me. I sometimes have to leave my kiddo behind and that kills me or when something happens to my guys that I cant control. That’s where it hurts the most

If you could change anything about the film industry, what would it be?

I don’t really know what I would change for the industry as a whole… maybe more care to the other parts such as in stunts. More safety and acknowledgement of what we do.

I’m sure you have worked with many talented artists/ celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us?

Some of my favorite people I worked with and stories… wow… um Johnny Yong Bosch, former black Power Ranger. Working with him was an absolute dream, he is truly an amazing person and performer. I got to see and watch him memorize 70+ beats of choreo, day of and not mess up at all and wow still make it look practiced and perfect. Another would be when we were gearing up for a rather large gig, and we were all practicing and getting into it. Next thing I know, we are going nearly at full speed, I look over and I see a terrified face of an actor and director. They are going on about how much faster and harder this may be, I had to reassure them that with practice and time we would be there.

Photography by Patrick Baldonado @BaldonadoPhotohraphy

What is the best advice you have received?

Best advice ever…. I would have say 4 pieces of advice has helped me out so far. 1.) Be open and listen. 2.) If you got it, show it off. 3.) Even if no one shows up, keep doing it. 4.) Never ever speak ill of anyone, no matter how bad they speak of you.

What projects are you currently working on... that you can talk about?

Some current projects… we have Z Dead End coming up, it’s a great and fun zombie movie… we have also, Level 3… a retelling of a bruce lee story made modern. Past that, sorry I really can’t say anything.

What’s next for you?

Next thing for me… to improve my team, so we can do more and more work and help keep other stuntees safe on sets. My goal is to keep doing what we do best and work here in NM and branch slowly.

How can we stay connected and follow your career?

The best way to stay connected and follow is through Facebook. www.facebook.com/risingstarstuntteam or message me or even email me.