Interviews

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Interview: Actor Luke Guldan

I really enjoy speaking to up-and-coming actors. I find their stories to be unique and always find their journey to be interesting. Luke Guldan is no different when it comes to his story of breaking into showbiz. Luke and I discussed our experiences starting out in the acting world, how he became involved in showbiz initially, his recent movie which impacted him personally and a lot more. You can listen to my interview with Luke by clicking the media player below:

MY TAKE:

Luke was so cool. In my experience, the up-and-coming entertainers that I’ve interviewed have been very humble and interesting individuals outside of their work. I appreciated how forthcoming and open he was, including the fact that he shared his insights and advice on how he broke into the industry. For any actor listening, I’m sure you could take away a few things from what Luke had to say. One thing that stuck with me was when he mentioned to ride the good times. That’s such a simple yet effective point of view to have for anyone, not just actors. I totally related to when he talked about his initial auditions, the feeling of walking in to audition and seeing a room of actors that look and sound like you, that are vying for the same role. 

I enjoyed listening to him talk about Arnold Schwarzenegger being an inspiration to getting into the industry. Luke started out as a fitness guy, at his high school of all places. He has multiple avenues with fitness and acting, I’m sure it gives him options across the board with modeling, print, acting and fitness. I should take a few workout tips from him. That six-pack won’t show up on its own. 

It’s rare for an actor that’s just getting his career rolling that he’s gotten the chance to work on films that had real meaning and were impactful. I’m looking forward to seeing his future projects and his career rising. 

For more on Luke Guldan, check out these links:

www.lukeguldan.com

Instagram: @lukeguldanofficial 

Twitter: @LukeGuldan

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Interview: Filmmaker Ido Fluk Discusses ‘The Ticket’

The Ticket is a highly intriguing film starring Dan Stevens and Malin Akerman. I had an opportunity to speak to the writer and director of the film Ido Fluk. We discussed the making of the movie and talked about the concept of the story. Ido touches on the importance of the cast and a lot more. Listen to the entire audio of the interview below.

MY TAKE: 

It’s really unique to hear about how creative people come up with ideas for their work. For Ido to come up with the idea of this film from a unintentional observation editing another movie is pretty great. I was interested to hear how he also combined the fables his father used to tell him as a kid and that further inspired the plot of this film. Seems like the film came out of randomness combined with some memories from his past, which sounds cool to me. 

I got a kick out of his answer about him being in a band. This is the fun part for me to delve a bit into these filmmakers and actors personal lives and finding out some of their unique interests outside of their craft. Now, I’m compelled to find some footage of him rocking out! It just shows that these people we see on TV creating the content we enjoy so much have other personal interests, hobbies and passions outside of their art. 

Ido seemed like a very personable and forthcoming guy. I appreciated that and had fun talking to him. 

As far as the movie goes, the concept of ‘The Ticket’ really intrigued me. The movie itself is just as intriguing and compelling. Very good plot and storytelling by Ido, incorporated with some fine work from Dan Stevens and the supporting cast really makes this a movie to see. 

‘The Ticket’ is out and available now on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD

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Interview: Sibling Filmmakers Obin and Amariah Olson Discuss ‘The Shadow Effect’

The Shadow Effect starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Cam Gigandet is out now on DVD, Digital HD and VOD and prior to the release I spoke the the films directors Obin and Amariah Olson. The brothers discussed the making of the movie, what it’s like to be independent filmmakers, the casting of Rhys Meyers and Gigandet and more. Check out the entire audio of the interview below:

MY TAKE:

What struck me about these guys is how hands-on they are with their projects. They mentioned creating their lighting and assembling their equipment. They seem very passionate about the filmmaking process, which is refreshing to hear. I was also surprised to heir that they finance and produce their films, talk about a do-it-all two man band.

I’ve been a huge fan of Rhys Meyers, to me he’s one of the most underrated actors in the industry (watch his portrayal of Elvis in the CBS TV movie). I enjoyed him in the role of Reese in this film. To be able to land a talent like Rhys Meyers must have been a great feat. The guys stressed how lucky they were to have him sign-on. This seems to be a classic case of knowing people and having friends in the industry to make such connections and seems like the Olson’s have respect in the industry. Gigandet is ideal for a movie like this, he’s made a mark as a solid second level action guy.

The Olson’s seemed like they would be fun guys to be around and creatively open to work with. Even though at times I wasn’t sure which one I was getting responses from (they sound similar), I still enjoyed the energy and casual demeanor they had.

‘The Shadow Effect’ is out now on DVD, Digital HD and VOD

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Interview: ‘Carrie Pilby’ Director Susan Johnson

Carrie Pilby is as quirky of a movie as is it’s main character of the same name played by Bel Powley. The movie is out now on DVD and I had a chance to speak to the director of it, Susan Johnson. Below is the entire audio with my interview with Susan. Check it out:

MY TAKE:

I enjoyed my interview with Susan and appreciated the honest insight she provided. There was no doubt that she felt passionate about the making of this film and was very involved on stayed true to the book. I was quite surprised that they cast this movie for over a year. She really gives a lot of credit to Bel Powley, deservingly so for her performance that brings the character to life. The NYC atmosphere seemed to be a big key to the setting of this film. The fact they barely had to use any extras as most people who appear in the film were off the street pedestrians passing by. That’s so New York.

I’m glad Susan didn’t shy away from discussing female filmmaker and her experiences. We are at a time in society where female filmmakers are putting out a lot of quality and unique films. I’ve had the privilege to interview some of them, as you can see on this site.

I’m interested in seeing the three projects that she has coming up. They seem all very different and interesting from what she described them to be.

Fans of the novel will definitely enjoy the film, but even if you didn’t read the book you should give this movie a try. It’s funny, quirky and relatable with some fine actors and performances. It has a female voice that’s refreshing.

‘Carrie Pilby’ is out now on DVD, Digital and VOD

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Interview: Filmmaker Hunter Adams

I didn’t know of Hunter Adams prior to seeing his latest film Dig Two Graves, so when I got a chance to speak to him I wasn’t sure what he’d be like. Hunter was very chill and cool to talk to and I enjoyed his film. Check out my interview with Hunter and listen in to what he had to say about making of Dig Two Graves and what inspired him to be a filmmaker.

MY TAKE:

There was a lot of interesting info that Hunter shared in the interview. So he’s also a fellow Midwest guy as myself, actually from nearby Wisconsin. It’s fascinating that he grew up on the same street as famed filmmaker Howard Hawks. I can see how that be an inspiration and gave him hope in making it in the industry if a famed director comes from your hometown. I was interested to hear him speak on the selected location for the movie shoot. When you see the film you know that location is really unique and fitting with the movie plot. For some reason I thought it was somewhere in Virginia or Pennsylvania, but it actually was here in Illinois, in the town of Marion.

It’s always neat to see rising filmmakers put out interesting movies. I’m curious to see how his next project the TV show Blue Palms will turn out. He certainly has a flare for thrillers, but comedy will be an interesting thing to see him do. Dig Two Graves is a movie you should give a chance to. It has a talented cast and mysterious story. I didn’t know what to expect of the movie, but enjoyed what I got to see.

Dig Two Graves is available and out now On Demand, iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, XBox and Playstation. 

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Interview: Actor Michael Nardelli

Michael Nardelli might not be a household name to you, but this is an actor that’s certainly have a very promising future and is on the rise. You can currently see him in the indie thriller The Tribe. Michael has already co-starred with some of the industries biggest names, such as Zac Efron, Demi Moore, Ezra Miller, Kate Bosworth and Jason Biggs. I spoke to Michael about his start in the industry and about being an actor. Listen to the interview with Michael below:

MY TAKE:

I really enjoyed talking to Michael. He just seemed like a very down to earth guy. Very humble and outgoing guy that made it easy to interview him. We had a great conversation, where it doesn’t feel like an interview. I really respect how self-made he is. He didn’t get any handouts or have built-in connections in making it in the industry, it was all pure motivation and self-belief. It’s pretty inspiring actually, for anyone chasing their dreams. Here is a regular guy that chased his dreams and is living them currently.

I appreciated his honesty in regards to his struggles fitting in the industry when he arrived in LA. This is a tough industry to break into that many give up trying, but Michael stuck to it and is making it happen. I’ve been in that situation, so I could really relate to him. I commend him on the various charities that he works with that include the PATH Organization, Autism Speaks, The Boys and Girls Club of Boyle Heights and NCJW LA. I’m sure the bigger he gets in the industry the more charities he will get involved with. This man is a doer.

Keep an eye out for Mike’s digital series Dark/Web that’s slated for release in Summer 2017. 

The Tribe is out now on iTunes, Amazon Instant, Google Play, Vudu, Xbox Live, Sony Playstation and Vimeo on Demand

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Interview: ‘The Dinner’ Director Oren Moverman

The Dinner is a intriguing mystery drama recently released. It’s about two couples getting together over dinner for a heated discussion about the impending decisions they have to make in regards to the future of their children, who committed a crime. Writer and director Oren Moverman does a great job of translating this story from book to movie. I spoke to Oren about this process and taking on this movie. Listen to the audio of the interview below:

MY TAKE:

One thing I noticed is that there is a bit of a difference when I interview foreign directors as opposed to American ones. It has nothing to do with the language barrier, as the foreign directors I’ve interviewed have been very well spoken and clear. The difference I’m noticing is that they seem to be a bit more serious sounding and matter-of-fact. Now this isn’t a bad thing at all, just a different way about them as individuals.

I wasn’t aware that Cate Blanchette was set to direct this film and Oren was supposed to help her write it. I do like how the film turned out at the end so, this was probably a good thing in the end, even though it would be interesting to see how much different it would be with her at the helm. Oren seemed to put a focus on balancing the book with the version he wrote for the movie, which is cool to see a director try to be faithful to the novel even though he had creative freedom to do otherwise.

I’m glad I had a chance to speak to him, as I’ve been a fan of his work on titles such as Rampart and Love & Mercy. This is another well written and crafted movie from him that you should check out, with very good performances.

The Dinner is out now in select theaters