Don't Try This at Home: A Profile of Stuntman & Stunt Coordinator Colin Fong

Hawaii’s image on screen has made our laid-back state seem like a dangerous place to live lately, with monster and alien attacks and imminent disasters averted weekly by Five-0. If you’re thinking it’s time to get in on the action, check out what stunt coordinator Colin Fong has to say about his exciting world. His career spans many years in television, film, commercials and stage, nationally and internationally, with extensive experience in tactical firearms, fights, car work, high falls, water work, snow skiing, martial arts, handcuffing, batons … you name it.

Colin Fong

“Stunts, believe it or not,” Fong says, “are high-level acting. We use our bodies, physical gestures, expressions and dialogue to deliver the punch. Pun intended.”

Though Fong has a wealth of experience, he continues to train in martial arts, on airbags, air rams, ratchets and other various apparatuses, because staying in shape, he says, keeps you safe when you “pound the ground.”

“When I choreograph something, it’s something I would do myself,” he says. “I’ve been around when accidents occur and it’s from lack of focus, a rushed deal or poor planning. Or it’s just things change at a moment’s notice. You’ve got to be able to think on your feet, be observant and stay focused. And always have backup safety options.”

So, how does one get involved in stunts?

“Do background work to learn the business of movie-making, how the different departments work together and how it all fits together like a fine-tuned machine,” Fong advises, “Improve upon your skills and hook up with people willing to share their talent and time with you.”

Above all, you’ve heard it before: Have a good attitude.

“Be reliable, trustworthy and dependable. Don’t oversell yourself. Do what you say you can do. Think ahead, protect one another, stay focused, pitch in without being asked to help, be a team player open to learning and sharing your talents. Being talented, athletic and natural is crucial, but attitude is paramount. [A bad] attitude can get people hurt or killed. There’s no room for egos here, which only look out for one person. Take acting classes. The more well rounded you are, the more valuable you can be.”

Got a skill set? Fong would be happy to keep your resume on file for future work that may come his way. Let him know your thoughts and aspirations at cfstunts@yahoo.com.

Read more about stunt performers in this article from the Fall 2012 issue of SAG-AFTRA magazine.

This item was originally featured in the June 2014 local newsletter.