We recently connected with John Tieng and have shared our conversation below.
John, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
When I started learning Martial Arts, I was privately trained on a high intense learning experience. Many people who start off learning how to do any type of fighting start off with a white belt. Lets just say I had to start off with a black belt and catch up. What got me to do martial arts in the first place at such a late age was an important knee surgery. During the healing process, I got addicted to the constant recovery and decided, how far can I push my body. One thing that I wish I could have done to speed up my learning process was to just focus on training 24/7. During the time I started, I was in college and working as well. So the only times I had to train were in the early mornings before school or work. The skill that I found were most essential was the discipline that came with the training. Learning martial arts and putting my path into stunt work needed a lot of discipline in order to become a great performer. There were many obstacles that stood in my way during the learning process but one major one was money and time.. Nothing is really free when it comes to learning a craft so I really had to find the time to work in order to make money just so I can train.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
After learning Martial Arts and getting into stunts on the way, that’s when I started getting into the film business as a film performer. I’ve actually been in the film world for about 4 years prior so I was very comfortable being on set and working with camera, lights, and an entire crew. Along the way, I met some amazing stunt performers who taught me even more that about being a great performer itself. I’ve learned how to teach action for film and also how to teach ways to shoot a fight scene itself. What sets me a part from a lot of other people is my time that I’ve worked on behind the camera as a camera operator, grip, director, etc before I became a performer in front of the camera. What a lot of stunt performers forget to do is learn how to become a film maker first. What I’m most proud of in my career is the connections I’ve made throughout my journey. I’ve met some of my best friends in this industry who aren’t just friends on set but out side as well whom I can go to whenever I need help with anything. I’m also proud that I can teach everything to my son who is 10 years old everything that I’ve learned in this industry. He loves being on set with me and watching how everything works with the amazing people that I’m around. I’m currently working as a stunt performer and teaching weekly classes with SwordPlay in Burbank, CA
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
One of my goals is to tell real stories that happen to real people. If you’ve ever watched some of my fights or fighting styles, I like to make things look as real as possible. Of course love a great super hero powered beat down but there’s nothing better than a real raw fight that you can feel in your bones. On the other side of fighting, I do love to write dramas as well. Telling true stories that are relatable to the audience and giving hope to people who have been through tough times. My overall drive is to create a world for my son to live in after I’m done with my journey in film.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being in this career is to entertain people. I’ve had many people come up to me and tell me “hey I saw you in that movie” Honestly that’s all I really need. Recognition is always rewarding for me. I always try to give my 100 percent when it comes to art and creating because I want the audience to feel something when they either see me perform or see anything that I’ve created.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.johntieng.com
- Instagram: johntieng
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-tieng-869889192/
- Twitter: johntieng
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_mX611tpF91XeHAtl3lpLg