Meet Tripp Pickell | Actor/Stunt Actor/Fight Coordinator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tripp Pickell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tripp, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Adaptability. The Acting/Stunt Acting jobs I book are usually 1 day gigs on well known television shows. It’s always the first day at school with a group who already click. Having an Air Force Dad had us moving around every few years. Uncomfortable as that was at times, it gave me tools to be the new person in a group, do what I’m hired for, and leave all feathers unruffled. Being prepared but not set in my ways has been key. I started acting and fight choreography/performance in college theatre. In theatre, there are weeks of rehearsals and bonding for scenes and fights. On television, you go over your lines privately, sometimes the day before you work, show up on set, meet your fellow actors/stunt performers for the first time, get a quick blocking rehearsal for dialogue or a fight, and then . . .ACTION! When I Fight/Stunt Coordinate for short films and web series there’s more time to train and rehearse but when you get to set you have to adapt. You’re no longer in a big room where you’ve been rehearsing, you’re now in a tight space with light stands, crew, and a boom pole where your kick is supposed to be. If you’re set in your ways in that situation, it could be a painfully expensive day for everyone.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I moved from GA to L.A., I joined a theatre company and a fight team. I learned at that time the stunt world did not want an actor in their yard. “You gotta pick one, Kid, it’s one or the other”. The fight team fizzled out but my theatre company didn’t mind if I acted in a play that I was also the fight choreographer/performer for. Heaven! Still, I had my heart set on being part of action scenes on camera. In 2002, I booked my first SAG television job. The first thing my character had to perform was a punch to a guy’s face. YES! I can do this in my sleep. The AD was showing me the blocking when the Stunt Coordinator came in and said, “Why are we using this guy?” Before the AD could explain the Stunt Coordinator cut him off, “Nope, get him out of here”.  And that was that.  I was experienced but TV is fast paced and they weren’t going to waste time seeing what I could do on the day. The last thing they needed was an “actor” coming in hot, accidentally breaking a stunt performer’s nose.  The Stunt Coordinator was just looking out for his Stunt Performers.  Totally understandable once I put my feelings aside.  Since that moment, when I book television roles that require action, I introduce myself to the Stunt Coordinator, let them know I have my stunt bag in my trailer, and I’m willing to do whatever they’ll let me do, then I let it go. I’m happy to say this approach has gone very well for the last 21 years.  As an added note, treat your stunt double well. If you’re like me and you get to perform most of your action, I highly recommend you ask your stunt double if they’d like to do at least one take so they can receive residuals, after all, you’re both sharing the character. I’m not sure if it still works that way but please offer it anyway and let stunts know you got their back.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Universal Studios-Hollywood, Black Elephant Coffee in Burbank, TK Cafe in Burbank.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Family for all of their encouragement. Everyone and every theatre experience I had at The Road Theatre, Theatre NEO, Company of Angels, The Celtic Arts Center, Here and Now and Artists at Play. Every Independent Producer and Director who has hired me as their Stunt/Fight Coordinator. Steve Huff for bringing me on to his Creative Combat Fight Team for a while there. My Manager, Lara Holmes. Stunt Pro, Eric Watson for helping me get my first Stunt Double gig, on a short film. Mike L. Taylor for the constant, fun, friendship and inviting me to be such a big part of your “Dawn of Don Damage” project, soon to be released. My Wife and fellow Creative/Parent, Diana Toshiko. Through you, I’ve gained another kind, encouraging Family and I’m thankful for your constant humor, positive outlook and kind rescues when I’m drowning in self doubt.

Website: https://tripppickell.wixsite.com/stunt-actor

Instagram: @tripppickell

Image Credits
Headshots by Toshikophoto