Always keep working. Don’t wait for it to happen. In-between big roles, make short films, and work on indie projects. The key thing about getting a job in this industry is proof of ability. So, you need work to show your able to fill a role.
As a part of our series about creating a successful career in TV and Film, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Preston Corbell.
Preston Corbell is an American professional stuntman and actor, known for working on the WB/CW drama series One Tree Hill (2003–2012) and the CW series The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017). He has also worked as a performer with Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC Comics.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up in Newport Beach, California. As a kid I played basketball all the way up to D1 college.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
My basketball career was cut short because of a complete Achilles rupture. That left me with some time to figure out where I wanted my career to go, and I had a passion for film. I got into stunts because I was an athlete that fit the body type of a series regular character.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
My stunt career has been a series of trial and error. There’s preparation to stunts but you learn as you go. So, an interesting thing about my career is I had excellent longevity throughout 20 years.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I was on the set of a well-known show and I had to do a stunt where the character was dancing on a table. It was in front of about 50 extras and the entire crew. My pants split down my backside leaving me fully exposed. Lesson learned is to always be aware of wardrobe when preforming stunts.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
I am a retired stuntman, so the excitement and thrill of a stunt has passed me. However, I make regular appearances on shows talking about stunts. I am also a celebrity guest on a game show and major sports talk show. So that’s exciting!
You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?
Always keep working. Don’t wait for it to happen. In-between big roles, make short films, and work on indie projects. The key thing about getting a job in this industry is proof of ability. So, you need work to show your able to fill a role.
We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
Culture representation is a big topic right now and we see more diversity in film now than ever. I am Native American and there has been little representation for native culture in film. I think the direction film is going into will provide more opportunities to smaller culture groups.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
- Always keep working… never stop making content
- It’s about the hustle not the recognition
- Stuntmen are not seen but they are felt
- Be humble in every situation
- There’s always more work to be done
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Mix up your resume. Do a different position, or genre. The film industry offers so much there isn’t room to be bored.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
My biggest thing is work ethic. Your often your worst enemy, stay focused.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
My family, we are a small knit group, but we always support each other.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
People want their 15 minutes and are willing to do anything to get it. — Joe Rogan
There isn’t a short cut, you have to do the work.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
Living: Joe Rogan. He has seen a lot throughout his career. His career path has changed so much yet he’s always wise about whatever comes his way
Not Living: Lucile Ball. She is the first powerful women of Hollywood. So tough, ruthless, funny, and kind.
How can our readers follow you online?
https://www.instagram.com/stunt.beast/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
Preston Corbell On The 5 Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career in TV and Film was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.