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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: ‘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 

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Interview: ‘Evanescence’ Amy Lee

Amy Lee had quite the impact on my teenage years. I grew up on her music and band Evanescence. Not to mention having a big crush on her! Imagine how giddy I was when I got a chance to interview her for Voice From The Stone. Amy is lending her incredible voice to the official song of the movie “Speak To Me”. I spoke to Amy about her connection with the movie, about being a new mother and definitely Evanescence. Check out the entire audio of the interview below:

MY TAKE:

It was such a personal joy for me to speak to Amy Lee. As I mentioned I’m a longtime fan of her work. One of the more underrated musical talents of the last two decades. This was one of the more interesting and insightful interviews I’ve done. She was so cool and personable. Very down to earth. I had a lot I wanted to ask her and luckily I got in most of my questions.

I really felt she was ideal for the soundtrack to Voice From The Stone. Of course it came out great. She really seemed passionate about the film and doing the song for it. It just felt this would be a movie that really meshed her brand, she agreed. She seems to be at a really good point of her life now with the birth of her son. It was interesting to hear her talk about how motherhood has changed her.

So I was quite surprised she isn’t the biggest fan of “My Immortal”. It just goes to show that even though someone is associated to a certain song or it has wide mainstream appeal, it doesn’t mean the artist feels the same connection to it personally. I also was a bit surprised when she said that her recent music is some of her favorite. She did a great job correcting me on the discussion of the early 2000’s being one of the hottest alternative rock eras. I agree, nothing beats the 90’s, but during the peak of Evanescence you had a ton of great bands such as Seether, POD, Drowning Pool, Limp Bizkit, etc. I loved that time.

I really appreciate how genuinely gracious and appreciative she was of me being a fan of her music. It’s one of these interviews that makes you mark out, so the fanboy in me showed up. It was also my second interview with a musician, first was Hailee Steinfeld. Just a very enjoyable interview that I was really pumped about that I feel turned out great. Also, check out Voice From The Stone, it’s really a solid and intriguing suspenseful gothic thriller.

Voice From The Stone is out now on VOD and Digital HD and releases on Blu-ray & DVD on June 6

“Speak To Me” is available now for download on iTunes, Google Play and Amazon and you can stream it on Amazon Music Unlimited, Spotify and Apple Music.