Biography
Although he himself denies it, Mike Tristano is a nearly legendary figure in the world of independent cinema and "B" movies. His body of work as an armorer, on-set weapons handler and special makeup effects artist is truly amazing, and some of the low-budget films he has written and directed have become underground cult classics. He is the only "true" non-union supplier of movie weaponry and armorer services, historical and military props, special makeup FX and weapons-related effects. Always believing that independent and low-budget filmmakers should have access to the same quality of weapons and special makeup effects for their films as the major studios, he always made his services affordable and still maintained top quality in his work for them. His incredible and ongoing number of credits, and his sterling reputation, are undeniable testimony to that fact. He spent several years bouncing around the world as a "hired gun," working with various military intelligence agencies, and as a weapons advisor, K&R negotiator, and Executive Security Consultant, before going into the film business full time.
Other crew 64
2020s
- 2025
Ojai
Armorer
Wanted
Armorer
- 2024
Gold Diggers
Armorer
Dirty Cops
Armorer
- 2023
- 2021
- 2020
2010s
- 2019
- 2018
- 2016
- 2015
The Lotus Gun
Armorer
- 2014
Echoes in an Empty Apartment
Special Effects, Stunt Coordinator
- 2013
The Den
Armorer
Dark Power
Armorer
- 2012
Small Apartments
Armorer
- 2010
The Sex Files 2: A Dark XXX Parody
Special Effects
2000s
- 2009
Operation: Tropical Stormy
Weapons Master
How to Be a Serial Killer
Armorer
Angel of Death
Armorer
Life Is Hot in Cracktown
Armorer
Charlie Valentine
Weapons Master
- 2008
Black Widow
Armorer
Pirates II: Stagnetti's Revenge
Armorer
Depth Charge
Armorer
Murder 101: The Locked Room Mystery
Armorer
Necessary Evil
Armorer
- 2007
- 2006
Crash Landing
Special Effects
- 2005
Komodo vs. Cobra
Armorer
- 2004
Loaded
Armorer
- 2003
The Secret Cellar
Armorer, Special Effects Coordinator
- 2002
Slaughter Studios
Armorer
Naked Eye
Armorer
Hearts & Minds
Special Effects, Armorer
Project Viper
Armorer
- 2001
- 2000
1990s
- 1999
Blood Dolls
Weapons Master
- 1997
- 1996
The First Man
Special Effects Coordinator
- 1993
Things
Makeup Effects, Special Effects
- 1992
Hellroller
Makeup Effects
- 1990
Directed 13
2000s
- 2006
Cannibal Taboo
Director
The New Neighbors
Director
- 2001
Savage Season
Director
- 2000
Never Look Back
Director
The Ultimate Prey
Co-Director
1990s
- 1999
Dark Nova
Director
- 1995
Warrior of Justice
Director
- 1994
Body Count
Director
- 1993
The Flesh Merchant
Director
Cyber Seeker
Director
- 1992
Demon Lover
Director
Feast
Director
Costume and makeup 12
2010s
- 2011
Star Trek: The Next Generation - A XXX Parody
Special Effects Makeup Artist
2000s
- 2008
Shark Swarm
Special Effects Makeup Artist
- 2001
- 2000
Perfect Murder, Perfect Town: JonBenét and the City of Boulder
Special Effects Makeup Artist
1990s
- 1997
Demolition University
Special Effects Makeup Artist
- 1996
Silent Lies
Special Effects Makeup Artist
Cyberella: Forbidden Passions
Special Effects Makeup Artist
- 1993
Psycho Cop Returns
Special Effects Makeup Artist
Relentless 3
Special Effects Makeup Artist
Cyber Seeker
Special Effects Makeup Artist
Acted in 7
2010s
- 2012
2000s
- 2006
Cannibal Taboo
Billock
- 2001
Savage Season
Spider
- 2000
The Ultimate Prey
Man in Black
1990s
- 1999
- 1994
Body Count
Roman Valentine
- 1992
Demon Lover
Rick
Wrote 5
2000s
- 2006
The New Neighbors
Writer
- 2001
Savage Season
Writer
- 2000
The Ultimate Prey
Screenplay
1990s
- 1999
- 1993
The Flesh Merchant
Story
Produced 2
1990s
- 1999
- 1993
Things
Producer
Art department 1
2020s
- 2021
Thanked in the credits1
2010s
- 2010
