Check Out David C. Hernandez’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to David C. Hernandez.

Hi David, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today. 
As a kid, my dad was always the one with the camcorder at all the family events. I found my way in front of it a lot. I was in choir in elementary school and even did a school play when I was in 5th grade. I loved it, but that’s where I thought it ended. I got to high school, did the jock thing, played football, wrestled, and even had a girlfriend. It wasn’t until my senior year that I considered auditioning for the winter musical. I got cast. The theatre director asked where I’ve been hiding for the past 4 years. He insisted I audition for the Spring comedy; I was cast yet again. Even with these 2 little successes, I never considered acting as a profession. I left for college with the intention to graduate with a business degree and get into corporate America. Fast forward to my winter break of my second year and getting a notice of Academic Probation. My parents were beside themselves. I didn’t know what to do, I went to the local city college, but lacked direction. My best friend enrolled in an LA film program. We talk about how much fun he’s having, and eventually, he asks me to star in his final project. We were up for over 30 hours putting it all together; this is what I was missing. The creative process, the performance, and teamwork necessary to complete his short film lit a fire in me. I went back to my parents saying I wanted to go to school for acting, and they were VERY vocal about their concerns. Eventually, I made my way to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. The focused 2-year program broke me down and built me back up to embrace the process of training and developing my body, my storytelling instrument. 

As part of the curriculum, fencing, and stage combat piqued my interest. I grew up doing martial arts and had an admiration for action films. Two things that allowed me to excel in the class. I did well enough to get an invitation to audition for the stage combat fight team my instructor belonged to. I ate it up. I was spending so many hours at the studio learning new weapons and techniques. I spent years helping put together action, creating choreography, and teaching incoming newbies the art of staged violence. At the same time, I was also personal training. I had earned several nationally recognized certifications in personal training and nutrition. I dedicated hours to helping people reach their physical and health goals inside the gym. 

I discovered I had a knack for teaching and coaching people, especially those just starting out. I started to combine my two worlds, and Film Fight Fitness was born. I could help performers get into their best bodies while helping them develop action skills for the stage and screen. I wrapped my business around the ideas of safety, consistency, and performing with confidence. My objective is to help you “be the best YOU so you can be the best for others.” 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not. As any creative, the backend of business isn’t glamorous or even fun most of the time. I had to teach myself about marketing, sales, branding, and website design. Doing vocal production is far removed from having to do taxes and file papers. Plus, training actors in any aspect is a bit niche, and trying to convince some people that they NEED training can be a delicate maneuver around egos and pocketbooks. Initially, I was bit naive in thinking all I had to do was make the service available, and then I would get an influx of people seeking out me and my coaching. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I still consider myself a performer, first and foremost. I think that gives me a unique outlook on developing trends for action on camera because I’m still auditioning myself. I regularly create action sequences for myself and other action performers. I’ve gotten a lot of recognition for martial arts-themed shorts on social media. Story-driven short-form content really helps our videos stand out. Though not initially a fan of social media, I’ve learned to embrace it as a way of both creative expression and growing brand recognition. Crossing over into the content creator space from the traditional Hollywood realm has opened a few doors. I also started a series of online courses through a web-based app called Action Path. I teach people basics on hand-to-hand fighting, sword fighting, knife fighting, and reactions for the camera. I really connect with beginners. I enjoy introducing my clients to their first bits of fight choreography or helping them along their physical journey as they strive for a new personal record in an exercise. I tell people that I’m really great at getting people from zero to about a 7 on a 1-10 skill table. Watching the moment something clicks for someone really makes me beam. 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Los Angeles has such diversity. Such a broad spectrum of people, cultures, food, and landscape. There are world-renowned theaters, amusement parks, nightclubs, restaurants, beaches, mountains, palm trees, and sunsets. All within a car ride. People come from all over the world and add to the mixing pot. It’s difficult to run out of things to do. Though I still have yet to have a 3-board day. The thing I like the least, like everyone else… the traffic. 

Contact Info:

• Website: filmfightfitness.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/imdavidchernandez
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.c.hernandez.28/
• Youtube: http://youtube.com/@imdavidchernandez

Image Credits
Violeta Meyners
Natasha Sachi