VP/Xclusives: Lance Pimentel and the Choreography of Chaos
Action films and series have always been a staple of Filipino pop culture. Consistently holding a place in primetime television and film festivals. Filipinos love them so much that some shows run for years, fueled by public support. We’ve grown fond of them; amazed by how they do their stunts, how they dodge bullets, and how the good guys defeat the bad. But have you ever wondered how these stunts come to life? There’s no one who understands this better than Lance Pimentel.
At just 26 years old, Lance Pimentel is carving his path as the stunt director and choreographer behind Netflix’s Incognito, a high-octane series that pushes the boundaries of action storytelling.
Growing with Passion for Action
His journey began at the early age of five, when he started practicing Wushu that took him to multiple international competitions, where he proudly represented the Philippines.
Over the years, Lance expanded his skill set by training in Muay Thai, MMA, and Filipino martial arts, allowing him to build a versatile and authentic approach to choreography. With this solid foundation, he brings both discipline and creativity to his craft. Incognito marks a major milestone in his career, not only as a breakthrough project, but also as a platform to showcase how Filipino action can match global standards in visual storytelling.
Long before crafting punch-perfect sequences for the screen, Lance was already immersed in the world of action. His father, Lester Pimentel, a well-respected action filmmaker, laid the groundwork. Lance spent his childhood on filming sets, absorbing the behind-the-scenes magic of shows like Panday, Lastikman, and Palos. He watched actors leap, roll, and fight their way through intense scenes, all while the camera rolled.
“The interest came naturally,” Lance shares. “I grew up seeing my dad work. I trained with his stuntmen. I always wanted to do action and dreamt of working in the Hollywood scene.” His early exposure evolved into a true passion to bring Filipino action content to greater heights.
Elevating the Quality of Filipino Content
Lance doesn’t just choreograph fight scenes. He sees action stunts as a form of storytelling.
“You tell stories through punches and kicks. I think about rhythm, like music. When do you pause, when do you build up, and when do you land the final blow?”
This philosophy centered during his work on Incognito. The team shared a unified passion: to not produce just another action series, but to create something that could hold its own alongside international titles. For Lance, being part of the project meant more than just credit, it was an opportunity to elevate the local industry.
He stresses the importance of intention and detail, often coordinating closely with the art department, directors, and actors to ensure the stunts serve the story. Even under time pressure, which is the biggest setback for this kind of project, Lance takes each challenge as an opportunity to prove Filipino talent.
“Everything here is on the spot. We take it as a challenge, not a disadvantage. Usually, the night before, I run through all the action scenes I love and rewatch my favorite action films. The next day, I check out the set, work closely with the art department to coordinate where the props and breakables will be, and collaborate with the director and the actors. It’s a lot of brains working together, so it’s good.”
How Action Speaks Through Screen
Lance’s deep respect for stunt work has also led him in front of the camera, a new space he’s still learning to navigate. While more at ease coordinating fight sequences, acting has become another arena for growth. “It’s nerve-wracking, especially delivering lines,” he admits. “But the artists I work with are very supportive. They coach me, and I help them with the stunts in return.”
Through Incognito, he gained more than just experience, he learned the value of grit and hard work. He explains that while the process is draining, there’s a deep sense of pride knowing that no one on the team settles for a “pwede na ’yan” mindset. Instead, it’s always “walang bibitaw.” Every moment demands their best, and he has learned that hard work and consistency are what truly carry you forward.
What’s Next for Lance Pimentel
While Lance is currently taking a short break, his most recent project, Delivery Rider, a film starring Baron Geisler is already slated for release later this year. And that’s just the beginning. His dream is to work on a Hollywood-caliber production, ideally alongside action legends like Donnie Yen or Jackie Chan.
Beyond the entertainment industry, Lance has a strong business acumen as the Chief Technology Officer of Binondo Food Group. He studied Business Technology Management at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and went back to the Philippines to actively involve himself in his family’s food ventures, which include popular brands such as Dean and Deluca, Rice in a Box, Kyukyu Ramen, and Wangfu, among others. Looking ahead, Lance aspires to build his brands and businesses while continuing to leave his mark in action filmmaking.
Perspective of Success
Lance Pimentel reminds us that every punch, every fall, every explosion carries meaning. He sees movement as a language that speaks of struggle, courage, and triumph. Above all, Lance pours his heart into the work, with unwavering grit to push through long nights, the humility to keep learning, and a love for the craft that runs through his blood.
For Lance, success isn’t defined by fame or awards. It’s about inner fulfillment. A grounded, sincere outlook that reflects his values not just as a creator, but as a son, a student of the craft, and a young professional determined to chart his own path.
“I can be hard on myself—I set high standards, but if I can say I did a good job, that I followed my creative vision and made my family proud, then that’s success.”
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