An Edmonton man is back from Hollywood, bringing home a prestigious award. Martin Cochingco won Outstanding Stunt Performance for his work in an episode of Shōgun at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards show.
Cochingco won the award alongside three other stunt performers: Hiroo Minami, Nobuyuki Obikane and Johnson Phan. The awards are handed out ahead of the main Emmys ceremony, which is on Sunday.
The group trained for more than three days for the scene. It was filmed on a freezing cold day in Langley, British Columbia and took 13 takes to make it perfect.
"It was a lot of luck (to get to this point)," he said. "And a lot of preparation for luck."
Edmonton's Hidden Talent Pool
Global News first met Cochingco and his stunt crew in May 2020. He was trying to get his big break in Toronto, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to move home to Edmonton. The group starred in a local production in an effort to draw attention to local talent.
In 2020, Cochingco said the biggest barrier for Edmonton talent is visibility.
"You don’t have to fly out talent from L.A. or Toronto and Vancouver. The talent is right here in your backyard," he said. "We want to be recognized in the industry. We want Edmonton to be a hub that we can work from."
A Dream Realized
Four years later, his dream is now a reality. Cochingco hopes his Emmy will draw even more attention to the work he and others are doing in Edmonton.
"I just hope it signals a growth for more film in Edmonton," he said.
Recognizing Local Talent
Cochingco's Emmy win is a testament to the wealth of talent in Edmonton. It highlights the need for greater recognition and support of local artists and creators. His success story could inspire other talented individuals in the city, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and contribute to the growth of the film industry in Edmonton.
A Beacon for the Future
Cochingco's win could be a catalyst for change in Edmonton. It may encourage more film production in the city, creating opportunities for local talent and fostering a more vibrant artistic community. By embracing its local talent, Edmonton can establish itself as a hub for film and entertainment, attracting productions and showcasing its diverse artistic landscape to the world.
The Future is Bright
Cochingco's success story is an inspiration to aspiring artists and creators across Canada and around the world. It proves that talent can flourish anywhere, regardless of geographical location. As Edmonton celebrates this remarkable achievement, it looks towards a future where its local talent shines even brighter on the world stage.
