Mike Mitchell

A True Luminary of Hollywood's Stunt Industry

Mike "Mitch" Mitchell, a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and the Director's Guild of America, is a distinguished talent in Hollywood. Born on December 28, 1968, in Wichita, Kansas, USA, Mitchell embarked on his entertainment career as a professional dancer with the modern dance troupe, “Paula Ross Dance Company.”

An interest in stunt work led him to Los Angeles for rigorous training. His dedication and relentless training bore fruit, providing opportunities in iconic series like “MacGyver” and “21 Jumpstreet,” as well as notable films like “Timecop” and “Legends of the Fall,” both as a stunt performer and a principal actor. His broad repertoire extends to judo, karate, skateboard, snowboarding, football, and bicycle stunts. Moreover, he's licensed as a pilot in both the USA and Canada, skilled in scuba diving, horsemanship, and surfing, revealing his versatility.

‍The Break

Mitchell's diligence and skill opened the door to stunt double Robin Williams on the film “Jumanji.” This marked the beginning of a twenty-year and eighteen-movie partnership with Williams. This exceptional period involved performing stunts on many of Williams' most beloved movies and coordinating stunts for esteemed directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Christopher Columbus in the U.S. and Europe.

Directing the Action

Mitchell further proved his mettle by coordinating stunts and directing the second unit for James Cameron on the “Dark Angel” series. His directorial journey continued on renowned series such as “Battlestar Galactica” and J.J. Abram’s “Fringe.” He demonstrated his acumen for action design and coordination on feature films like “Rise of the Apes” and “Elysium.” His second unit directing credits also include “Hot Tub Time Machine” and “Elysium” for Neill Blomkamp.

‍Recently

In the first season of the Netflix series "The Night Agent," Mitchell's expertise as the stunt coordinator is palpable. His talent for creating visceral set pieces grounded in reality gives the audience an intense feel of the action. Mitchell favors organic action that reflects real FBI techniques. His approach prioritizes safety and spontaneity over over-rehearsed fight scenes, contributing to the series' raw and immersive character.

Collaboration plays a crucial role in Mitchell's work methodology. His relationship with the lead actor, Gabriel Basso, who plays FBI agent Peter Sutherland, exemplifies this. Mitchell's openness to input and his shared vision with Basso added authenticity and impact to the action scenes. This collaboration extended to the point where Basso's participation in the choreography influenced his performance, enhancing the show's overall narrative.

Mitchell's masterful execution of hand-to-hand combat scenes is a highlight of "The Night Agent." Moreover, his ability to design intense car chase sequences underscores his knack for escalating action and capturing the audience's interest. Mitchell believes in creating vulnerability, tension, and energy with the audience through relatable experiences. His dedication to meticulously planning these scenes, combined with his creativity, brings the thrilling action of "The Night Agent" to life.

The Legacy

His talents have been prominently featured in over 80 theatrical films and TV shows, where he has served as a stunt coordinator or stunt double. He has left a lasting impression on audiences through his roles in "Elysium" (2013), "Shanghai Noon" (2000), and "Timecop" (1994). 

Behind the Scenes

He's happily married to Angela Uyeda, his personal life as stable as his professional one. Mitchell owns and operates M&M Studio Services & Stunt Equipment Rental, contributing even more to the stunt industry.