Interviews

SEEING ‘RED’: A Word With Actor And Filmmaker Beau Fowler

This month we were able to discuss the latest reveal for Red, a new concept from actor Beau Fowler and director David Newton. For this, the Coronavirus pandemic that’s currently gripped the world and put the film industry at large at a standstill is just one of the segues Fowler and I observe in our latest Q&A. Click here for the earlier coverage on Red, and enjoy the read below! Beau, it’s great to get in touch with you now about your work. How are you coping with things since the lockdown in your country? I can especially imagine it’s had an impact on the film industry next to just normal everyday life. Yeah, it’s pretty crazy. Tough not being able to go out and do the simple things. Though to be honest I’m still self-taping for projects, and I’m quite used to spending days in development wondering when my […]

CAPTURING GHOSTS Part I: A Word With Actor, Stunt Performer And Fight Choreographer Jason Truong

Lee B. Golden III

The stresses of cinema have definitely settled in as world tries to pick itself back up from a Coronavirus knockdown blow to nations and industries en masse beginning late last year. Meanwhile over in San Diego, time would ultimately be of the essence for award-winning filmmaker and Jennifer Linch. Her new film, Kung Fu Ghost, is an independent feature birthed from her own interests in classic kung fu cinema, as well as contemporary wuxia shows and films. Linch trained exponentially for the role last year, as she’s so documented for her followers on social media. She’s no stranger to cinematic action either, as I’ve covered her long before this project, and have even been in touch with her to exchange opinions on various aspects of film, as well as her own concepts (to date, I am also an associate producer on the film). For Linch, it’s been a dream to […]

TAKING THE WHEEL: A Word With Filmmaker Kurando Mitsutake

Lee B. Golden III

Japanese cinema is one of the most adoring caveats of sharing film discussions, and director Kurando Mitsutake is a highly welcome subject matter in that regard. I first read about him back in 2014 or so while reading a piece Twitchfilm (before the site rebranded as Screen Anarchy) promoting his blood-coated sexy assassin thriller, Gun Woman, and… well, I started jonesin’! It was a film that spoke inherently to a lot of my interests in Asian films in the early 2000s – the halcyon days of an otherwise ostracized college dropout then working for his dad, and least had enough money to spoil himself with DVDs at the Manhanttan Mall’s Suncoast outlet. It’s been maybe six years since then and having eventually seen Gun Woman, and ultimately keeping up with Mitsutake’s craft on my young little niche site during its time on Google’s Blogspot platform. And yep, he’s still at […]

Silver Harvest Talks Inspiration, Movies, Action And More With HYDRA Star And Director

Lee B. Golden III

Kensuke Sonomura’s feature directing debut, Hydra, is still circulating select film events and screenings. The Coronavirus outbreak may be a factor in its present movement for the time being, but I do know it has a screening pending in Spain last I heard. At any rate, while peddling this amazing thriller to other critics and bloggers for some coverage, I was able to pique the interest of my friends Therese Chen and Takashi Hara in Australia at Silver Harvest who’ve since unveiled both parts of their long-awaited interview with Sonomura-san, and the film’s star, Masanori Mimoto. The film really is a blast being such a concentrated, lo-fi independent actioner. The reactions are very much mixed from those who I know of have seen it given the varying tastes between most fans. I loved the film, and I’m not just saying because I’m friends with both Sonomura and Mimoto. There isn’t […]

LIFE AFTER: A Word With LIFE XP Star, Actress And Stuntwoman Cassandra Ebner

Christina Ortega

One of my many hobbies is playing video games so when I was told about a web series that focuses on a female gamer, I had to give it a try. I was so hooked I finished it in two days (it would’ve been less, but real-life demands kept getting in the way). After viewing Life XP, I was eager to talk with Cassandra Ebner, the creator, writer, executive producer, and lead actor of the series. But her talents don’t stop there; she’s also performed stunts for Game of Thrones, Batwoman, Flash, Supernatural, and more. Want to learn more about her? Read on: You’re a gamer, an actor, a writer, and a stuntwoman. How did you get started in these roles?I was forced as a child to play the video game quake with my dads friends. Once they could beat his 5 year old daughter, he allowed his friends to […]

WAVELENGTH: A Word With ‘The Wave’ Writer Carl W. Lucas

Christina Ortega

About a week ago I was given the opportunity to see The Wave before it’s limited theatrical and video on demand release (January 17th, mark your calendars). I enjoyed the film so much that I just had to request an interview with the writer, Carl W. Lucas. He was kind enough to take the time to answer my emailed questions. If you’re curious about the writer of the sci-fi comedy, read on to learn more about him: I just watched The Wave and thoroughly enjoyed it. I know this is probably too common of a question, but where did you get the idea from for this film? So glad you enjoyed it! The inspiration came from multiple sources. I was incredibly inspired by the surreal and trips visuals that Gille Klabin was making for his low budget music videos and I really wanted to write a script that showcased those […]

RUSH HOUR: A Word With ‘Blood Rush’ Writer/Director Ranjeet S. Marwa

Lee B. Golden III

Filmmaker Ranjeet S. Marwa is betting it all on his latest Indiegogo campaign these days to help make one of his biggest dreams come true with the new action thriller, Blood Rush. I first found out about this project and was astounded that a new name in the craft had emerged with such an ambitious talent roster on hand, featuring the incomparable Yayan Ruhian, Singaporean actor and action star Sunny Pang, and actor Zack Lee who has proven himself immensely as an actor capable of delivering a performance caliber worthy of audience praise. The Blood Rush campaign runs for about another month, and so I was compelled to help introduce this particular unknown director who has since continued to push his campaign in a series of videos on YouTube. For a more written record though, you’re welcome to acquaint yourselves with Marwa in the following exchange. Check it out, and […]

NOTES FROM THE COCKPIT: An Interview With Daniel Roebuck

Christina Ortega

What do The Love Boat, Only You, Bubba Ho-Tep, Lost, and The Man in the High Castle have in common? If you have no idea, this interview will help introduce you to a talented actor with an eclectic resume. If you know the answer and said Daniel Roebuck, you are correct and should read on anyway. You might learn something new about him. As you can already tell by the above-listed works, Roebuck has quite the filmography. I recently interviewed him via email, so other geeks like myself could get to know him better: Why did you want to become an actor and storyteller? I believe from the bottom of my heart, the answer to that question, is because it was God’s intention for me from the very beginning to become an actor and storyteller. From the time I was 6 years old, some how I knew I would be […]

CULTIVATION, FORGED: An Interview With DEAD END Star, Actor Julian Gaertner

Lee B. Golden III

Working with actor and filmmaker Bryan Larkin to promote his latest shortfilm sequel, Dead End 2: A Justified Kill, I’ve finally managed to get some dialogue going with actor Julian Gaertner, the second half of Larkin’s explosive hitman shortfilm saga now currently running in festivals. I can only imagine what would entail if he and I could sit face-to-face given the man speaks several languages, and I know quite a few folks who would be enamored by this as well. That, and speaking about Hong Kong, working with Larkin, the process of independent filmmaking and the enrichening factors of art and culture and how they coalesce – that Gaetner is a biproduct of that sort of cultivation is something I find very intriguing, and I reckon as much you won’t find that everywhere. He’s got part three coming very soon with Ross Boyask behind the lens, as well as other […]

ALL-IN: Catching Up With Filmmaker Wych Kaosayananda

Lee B. Golden III

It’s been seventeen years since director Wych Kaosayananda’s Ballistic: Ecks Vs. Sever put him on the radar for many a filmgoer for several reasons. For someone pennamed Kaos for the film’s marketing, I totally expected Wych to stick around and blow minds. Of course, that was how my fanboy brain worked at the time. Wych and I spoke of this and more back in 2014 for our first interview, and he certainly gave an in-depth perspective about his career to keep in mind. Around this time, he had just finished a seething murder mystery thriller called Angels along with serving as director of photography for a few projects from directors like Daniel Zirilli and actor Dustin Nguyen. I don’t plan on re-editing it like recent reprints given the time-sensitivity, but I welcome anyone willing to check it out if it provides any current and needed context. For this, the director […]

KILLER STUDIES: An Interview With Filmmaker/Author John Borowski

Christina Ortega

In early September, I attended HorrorHound Weekend in Indianapolis. Hosted by the magazine of the same name, it is a horror movie, television, and pop culture convention. A whole weekend full of all things horror! It was at this convention that I met independent filmmaker/author John Borowski. I’m not a stalker or anything, but since I heard him lecture, I’ve picked up a book of his, watched two of his films, and have followed him on three forms of social media. Nope, not stalking. If you are interested in true crime tales, you may already be familiar with Borowski’s work. He has written books and made films about Ed Gein, H.H. Holmes, and Albert Fish. I recently interviewed him via email, so other true crime geeks like myself could get to know him better: What drew you into the true crime genre? It was my love of horror films and […]

DUELING DESIGNS: An Interview With ‘Wu Assassins’ Fight Coordinator Dan Rizzuto

Lee B. Golden III

Nowadays, Twitter seems to be the most bustling window into activity among fans interacting with the cast and crew of hit series, Wu Assassins. Now one of the most viewed martial arts action dramas streaming this summer, hopes are high for a second season returning actor Iko Uwais into the mystical fantasy urban millieu of the show’s San Diego, Chinatown setting. The show has bolstered some hopes and prospects (I know I have mine) – particularly for another season following the conclusion of season one. Either way, it’s a milestone success for everyone involved – specifically stuntman, fight coordinator and choreographer Dan Rizzuto who, along with stunt coordinator Kimani Ray Smith and Indonesia’s own Uwais Team, joined forces in steering the show’s requisite stunt and fight scenery. I initally crossed paths with Rizzuto on Instagram where he manages social media for his professional stunt fighting and performance community, M1 Fight […]

MAKING DEAD END’S MEET: A Word With Actor, Producer And Filmmaker Bryan Larkin

Lee B. Golden III

It’s only a matter of weeks before fans attending this month’s 2-day induction of the Fighting Spirit Film Festival will be able to check out at actor, producer and maverick filmmaker Bryan Larkin’s latest gritty short duration entry, Dead End II: A Justified Kill. I had the privilege of seeing the first two installments in the last few years and I’ve enjoyed them both thusfar in my own excitement of wondering just what would become of this ambitious shortfilm series. For this, I can earnestly say that this was one of the most enjoyable Q&A’s I’ve done, as Larkin’s story is one of tested mettle, faith and tenacity – having pounded the pavement and strived for the very platform he has to maintain his growth. He’s proven himself to be a leader as much as he is an artist in multiple facets. He talks the walk and walks the talk, […]

TRULY AMERICAN INDIE: A Word With AMERICAN FIGHTER Director Shaun Piccinino

Lee B. Golden III

The 23rd Fantasia Festival just wrapped while my review coverage of the event is also finally culminating. Click and you’ll find at least one review for director Shaun Piccinino’s latest hard-hitting action drama, American Fighter, billed as a non-canonical follow-up to Alex Ranarivelo’s notable hit, American Wrestler: The Wizard. About six years since our first interview, I finally got to reacquaint with Piccinino over last few weeks about his work just as film screened in Montreal for the festival. Needless to say, there’s more to come from him and his at Truly Indie Studios, and I’ll be sure to help spread the word. Enjoy our conversation below! Hey Shaun, I’m glad we can catch up again in the wake of your latest premiere. How have you been? Thanks Lee, I’ve been great! Working on so many wonderful projects, I feel truly quite lucky actually and grateful for all the great […]

JuJu Chan on the set of WU ASSASSINS (2019)

THE INVETERATE DRAGON: A Roundtable Chat With Acclaimed Martial Arts Star, Actress JuJu Chan

Lee B. Golden III

Distinguished martial arts star and actress JuJu Chan left a spritely impression with Adrian Castro’s award-winning short, Hit Girls alongside Maria Tran back in 2013 in my own discoveries. She’s been a sight to see ever since with hopes all the more prevalent that she’d become a greater film presence in due time, missed opportunities notwithstanding. To say the least, the uptick in work over the last several years has been gradual and hugely welcome. Her status as a Hong Kong national athlete with accolades earned in Taekwondo and Thai boxing have paved the way for opportunities to work with and stand among the best in entertaimment with a current raft of TV and film titles coming forthwith. For most action fans, the upcoming Netflix streaming release, Wu Assassins, couldn’t come any sooner, and with Indonesian action superstar Iko Uwais dominating the fray with a vision of fight choreography that […]

THOSE WHO GO TO HELL…AND BACK: An Interview With Emmanuel Manzanares

Lee B. Golden III

Back in 2012, I had been about four or five years away from the online action community since its burgeoning began over at The Stunt People forum – the unfortunate perks of not having a working computer, sadly. That year, a lot had changed within the community, and particularly with new additions to the fray, including folks like Emmanuel Manzanares. By the time I got acquainted with who he was and his work, his 2012 short, Dogfight, was the talk of the interwebs among the niche, and of course, as eager as I was to get back into the mix of things, it got my attention. Getting to know Manzanares was a pretty slow process at first. We hadn’t spoken often, but I’d come to know him through small exchanges, as well as his interactions with his peers. His role in Dennis Ruel’s feature debut, Unlucky Stars, as a martial […]

MY GENERATION FIGHTS: An Interview With Chicana Filmmaker Kayden Phoenix

Lee B. Golden III

A smashing new and original graphic novel is on the way this summer which ought to bring something special to book lovers and comic book fans alike. For any and all on the matter, I’m leaving the details to author and filmmaker Kayden Phoenix who I began following at some point last year. Her progress in filmmaking seen well over a decade of results in her craft to date, with social awareness and documentary focus, as well as a variety of narrative genre projects in her wake – her new graphic novel, Jalisco, being one of them. It’s a project that’s especially arisen and deserving of attention now that 2019 looks to be even more prospective in bringing diversity to the superhero genre with Ben Bray’s latest directing debut, El Chicano. For Jalisco, just shy of two years now, things are only just beginning. Phoenix has a sizzle promo that […]

FIGHT BY NIGHT: Catching Up With ‘Kill-Fist’ And ‘Fly-By Night’ Star Sunny Pang

Lee B. Golden III

My weekend has been rather tasking but I’m happy to present my latest interview catching up with Headshot, The Night Comes For Us co-star, Singaporean actor Sunny Pang to start things off. He’s been busy filming a new show and circling other projects while he’s now got two films lying-in-wait: searing heist thriller, Fly By Night, and urban martial arts tourno drama, Kill-Fist. In this our second interview, Sunny and I talk a bit about both and then some, though primarily it’s more to do with Kill-Fist seeing as it just screened in Cambodia. The film’s director, James Lee of Doghouse 73 Pictures, is currently crafting a brand new trailer which we will proudly present in the coming weeks once all is officiated and legit. This movie’s got some layers to it! First off, your character is a badass – and yet at first glance, Zhang is just this unassuming […]

WHAT DOES THE DAPPER FOX SAY?: An Interview With PANDA Director Trent Dickens

Lee B. Golden III

Trent Dickens is somebody who’s accrued more than enough experience in his young life to venture into a variety of pursuits. The actor and oft dancer has since positioned himself behind the lens for his recent shortfilm debut, Panda, which even got Kevin Smith’s attention via Twitter at one point. Yes. That Kevin Smith. Panda goes live on Friday following my own review, and so at long last, we now take to our first interview to discuss his career and work going forward. Panda marks your directorial debut online soon but you got your start in entertainment as a dancer. Talk about that aspect of your career for us and your segue into film. My Mother is a dance teacher so I grew up in the studio. I always had a dream to make movies one day but had no idea how to go about it, dance was what I […]

IN GOOD COMPANY: A Word With Maverick Tokusatsu Filmmaker, STREGA Star/Director, Bueno

Lee B. Golden III

As you can see, director, Bueno, is no stranger to the release of finishing a daunting task like shoestring indie filmmaking. His efforts in 2014 with Gun Caliber and his latest sequel, Strega, are no exception as they’ve both proven significantly for Bueno in his hard-earned efforts to turn a new page for the suit-action genre. The latter, in which he stars alongside AV idol and actress Mai Miori, is coming soon this year, and I even had the opportunity to review Strega, as well as share photos from the Yubari screening. Bueno talks about the screening, the movie, his goals and much more in our first ever interview, and you are more than welcome to check out a review by clicking here for further reading. Greetings Bueno and thanks for taking the time to talk to us. As often as I follow independent films I can’t begin to imagine […]