Check Out Tristan Ott’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tristan Ott. 

Hi Tristan, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Northern California, the Bay Area. Originally, I was interested in being a marine biologist (I love the earth and all the creatures inhabiting it, and at 13, was already a Jr. Certified Scuba Diver). However, thanks to a school project where I had to interview a marine biologist, I decided that was not the path for me. During high school, I got into making films with my friends, as well as being in some of the school plays. I had such a great time collaborating, creating, and playing. I loved making films. One aspect that really excited me was that we had the extra bonus of having something to re-watch and enjoy the fruits of the labor at the end. This really solidified the course for my career moving forward. I started as an actor in the San Francisco area and then started working on productions behind the camera as well. Working my way up from a P.A., I have had the opportunity to work in some capacity on every position from Director to wardrobe to grip/electric and so on. Since then, I have worked many projects both in front and behind the camera, giving me an extremely well-rounded understanding of the film and TV world. Eventually, I moved to Los Angeles where I continue to work as an actor, stunt person, Director, producer, and content creator. You can see me do live stunt performances at Universal Studios Hollywood, where I perform at the WaterWorld show, and the Special Effects Show as a stunt actor. Most recently, I have utilized all my skills and experience in the field and have developed a TV show that I am currently in talks for getting the show picked up for a full season. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been smooth. It’s been my experience that life is challenges, and quality of life is how you interpret those challenges and your perspective on them. A lot of times you may be faced with what you think at the time is the worse-case scenario, but upon seeing the bigger picture play out, you realize it was for the best. I have chosen a profession that is harsh and judgmental. One where you are criticized on something that is purely subjective as art is. What is “good” and what is “bad” will differ from person to person. I have had many challenges throughout my career where I was met with opposition. It’s important to have loving and encouraging self-talk. You need to be on your team of uplifting support. With any success, it comes with people being jealous or envious or maybe it shines a light on things they could be doing but aren’t. This will trigger people to challenge you along the way. My career is also one that is highly collaborative and sometimes things hit roadblocks due to others’ work ethic or synergistic abilities. Sometimes you will meet resistance and it’s important to learn to pivot. Things don’t always play out in a straight line. Some things you can’t fix. We all had to deal with the pandemic. This was a huge roadblock/ challenge for everyone including the film/tv and entertainment industry. This was especially tough on all the people who are forging paths at this moment. The film/tv and entertainment world have always been challenging to get an “in”, but with the status of things, it has become even more challenging to get an in. Not to say that it’s impossible, and I’m very proud & excited at the momentum I’ve been able to generate with the proper support behind me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I decided to pursue an artistic/creative career because it was something that called to me, lights me up, and allows a deep connection to others regardless of languages spoken, region of origin, and social standings. I’m a huge advocate for following your passions (what lights you up) and to take comfort in the fact that you can start doing that anytime you want, regardless of what society thinks on the matter. I’d like to think I’m leading by example for the most part. The arts and creativity are all expressions of what is inherently a birthright and physical manifestations of emotion and energy. Art can transcend time and space and evoke mind and soul expansion. Turning art/creativity into a career for me is upholding the age-old adage of “if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

I want my art to evoke a willingness to see other points of view and to open the doorway to living a life that is in harmony with nature. I want my art to bring people together and lift the veil of illusions placed on us by all the division manufacturing out there. I am okay with being on the fringe of what society at the time has deemed acceptable thoughts and feelings regarding any given topic. Most people (in my experience) are so caught up on how the general public will interpret the message or expression that the fear stops them from ever truly expressing themselves truthfully and honestly. Even now, this is something I see a lot of people struggling with – how to be true to themselves while still appeasing the masses. This is not something that is easy and taken lightly. We are so engrained and indoctrinated in the fear. Too afraid to fail, too afraid to be rejected, too afraid we won’t be seen or heard the way we want. Too afraid to be ostracized and criticized. To be frank and honest, these are things I too am currently overcoming. These are not easy cycles to break, but it can be done. The truth is, you cannot please everyone all at the same time, and that is okay. We are all on a journey to learn and grow. 

My latest project “High Mystery the TV Show” is one example of putting content out that is meant to continue the legacy of storytelling, highlight bonding with your friends and community, and gives you the opportunity to hear new ideas that may challenge your own. All while still having fun, being entertained, and getting a little more levity in your life! I would like my “brand/story” to be one of unity and connection, openness and authenticity, and to embrace life with love and understanding. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck is interpretable as well. What can be considered “good luck” or “bad luck”. What you may think is “bad luck” one moment can turn out to be “good luck” the next and visa versa. I believe it’s what you make it. I do feel that you can have more positive experiences/coincidences/synchronicities if you are looking for those and open to them coming your way. I have had many close calls in life where an accident could have been very bad but got out of the situation pretty much unscathed. I would consider myself lucky in that sense. In business, I find that luck is a part of it, BUT being prepared and on top of things to be able to utilize said luck is important, and takes a lot of work, dedication, and discipline. That way, when a moment of luck presents itself, you can utilize it for your favorable outcome. However, a lucky moment could present itself and you aren’t ready – it passes you by and you may then look at it as an unlucky event. But the event itself wasn’t “bad luck,” you just weren’t ready at the moment. That also doesn’t mean another equally or more amazing opportunity won’t present itself when you are ready. My advice would be to do your best to make every situation a “good” luck opportunity for you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram:@tristanottthethespian – https://www.instagram.com/tristanottthethespian/?hl=en
• YouTube: channel: High Mystery TV – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpQZ1YXvESDJDCgC4l7VNNQ/featured
• Other: High Mystery TV IG: @highmysterytvshow – https://www.instagram.com/highmysterytvshow/

Image Credits
@tanairyrobles_
@Ariana Verhauz