Hiro Koda
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
- Director
- Stunts
Hiro got his first glimpse into the world of film and television when he received his SAG card at the young age of 12. By the time he was 16, he convinced his parents to let him finish high school early and move by himself across the country in order to pursue his life long dream of becoming a stuntman. For the last 35 years he has used his martial arts and motocross background to fulfill that dream.
In the beginning Hiro knew little about the stunt industry. But in 1986 when stuntman and family friend, Shane Dixon, took him to visit the set of the first Lethal Weapon, Hiro was hooked. He knew he had to be a stuntman. It was here that he also met members of the world renowned stunt group, Stunts Unlimited. Hiro was eventually asked to join this exclusive group of stuntmen.
Hiro began his career as a stuntman working on early Roger Corman films. Shortly after, he worked his way onto the popular kids show, Power Rangers where he spent the next 7 years perfecting his craft and learning what it took to be a stuntman. His hard work paid off and has worked on over 200 films and television shows. His work has earned him seven Emmy nominations, with two wins, most recently for Stranger Things Season 4. He was recognized for Outstanding Stunt Coordination. He's also received three SAG Award nominations, winning his latest for Stranger Things Season 4. He has been nominated for 2 Taurus World Stunt Awards and continues to work on some of the industry's top shows as a stunt coordinator and 2nd unit director. In 2002, Hiro became a member of the Directors Guild of America, allowing him to move into the next phase of his career as a film maker. His directing accomplishments include several short films, t.v. shows, commercials, and a full length feature film. He served as series director on Nickelodeon's Supah Ninjas, and most recently worked as the 2nd Unit Director on the fifth and final season of Stranger Things,
Away from set Hiro enjoys traveling and spending time with his family, his wife, Jahnel Curfman, and their children Chloe, Chaeli, Kai, and Takéo. He remains passionate about storytelling, action design, and mentoring the next generation of stunt performers and filmmakers.
In the beginning Hiro knew little about the stunt industry. But in 1986 when stuntman and family friend, Shane Dixon, took him to visit the set of the first Lethal Weapon, Hiro was hooked. He knew he had to be a stuntman. It was here that he also met members of the world renowned stunt group, Stunts Unlimited. Hiro was eventually asked to join this exclusive group of stuntmen.
Hiro began his career as a stuntman working on early Roger Corman films. Shortly after, he worked his way onto the popular kids show, Power Rangers where he spent the next 7 years perfecting his craft and learning what it took to be a stuntman. His hard work paid off and has worked on over 200 films and television shows. His work has earned him seven Emmy nominations, with two wins, most recently for Stranger Things Season 4. He was recognized for Outstanding Stunt Coordination. He's also received three SAG Award nominations, winning his latest for Stranger Things Season 4. He has been nominated for 2 Taurus World Stunt Awards and continues to work on some of the industry's top shows as a stunt coordinator and 2nd unit director. In 2002, Hiro became a member of the Directors Guild of America, allowing him to move into the next phase of his career as a film maker. His directing accomplishments include several short films, t.v. shows, commercials, and a full length feature film. He served as series director on Nickelodeon's Supah Ninjas, and most recently worked as the 2nd Unit Director on the fifth and final season of Stranger Things,
Away from set Hiro enjoys traveling and spending time with his family, his wife, Jahnel Curfman, and their children Chloe, Chaeli, Kai, and Takéo. He remains passionate about storytelling, action design, and mentoring the next generation of stunt performers and filmmakers.
