Interviews

TRIPLE TIME – Part IV: A Word With TRIPLE THREAT Star, Actress Jeeja Yanin

Martial arts star, actress Jeeja Yanin will be the forth and final entry into our interview series leading into next week’s sequential March 19/22 rollout of Jesse V. Johnson’s new ensemble action thriller, Triple Threat. It’s been five years since she and I traded Q’s and A’s and there was at least one area that I felt needed covering, so I’m especially pleased to have heard back from her as I did. It’s also worth noting that folks in the UK looking forward to seeing Jeeja in action among the heavy-hitting cast can watch the film at the Mockingbird Cinema Birmingham on April 28, courtesy of the Fighting Spirit Film Festival organization. Whether or not any cast attendance remains to be seen but for what it’s worth, the film will assuredly get its time on the big screen as Johnson wishes, and fans are more than welcome. Click the names […]

TRIPLE TIME – Part III: An Interview With TRIPLE THREAT Star Michael Jai White

Lee B. Golden III

Actor, martial artist and cult superstar Michael Jai White became endowed with a royal title at the top of the year. That’s just one topic that I felt I needed to cover going into this, my second interview with him in the years since our first interview leading up to the release of Ekchai Uekrongtham’s 2015 action thriller, Skin Trade. He’s since found his way back to Netflix in Thomas J. Churchill’s The Hard Way with Luke Goss, and will next be seen back on the big screen very soon for at least two thrillers already garnering praise – one being director Jesse V. Johnson’s newest ensemble pic, Triple Threat. Our interview marks the third in a small series of cast and crew interviews as we approach the film’s one-night select theatrical premiere on March 19 and subsequent VOD rollout on March 22; Fans in the UK are welcome to […]

TRIPLE TIME – Part II: An Interview With TRIPLE THREAT Star Tony Jaa

Lee B. Golden III

Martial arts action cinema fans are just weeks away from catching Jesse V. Johnson’s newest ensemble action adventure thriller, Triple Threat. Respective reviews will likely go out by the week of Friday, March 15, which is when we’ll proudly post ours. In the meantime, Thai action star Tony Jaa who broke out in 2003 with venerable cult hits like the Ong Bak trilogy and the Tom Yum Goong films, has kept himself favorably busy working with directors in China and Hollywood. He’s back with us for the first time in about five years touching base since we last exchanged in 2013, and I’m also pretty glad we cleared the air on a few items of mention. Read on for the rest, and be sure click here to catch up with our latest chat with Triple Threat director Jesse V. Johnson, and then get your tickets today! Jaa, it is an […]

TRIPLE TIME – Part I: An Interview With ‘Triple Threat’ Director Jesse V. Johnson

Lee B. Golden III

This week we’re starting the first in a series of interviews ahead of the release of the new Jesse Johnson action thriller, Triple Threat. Reviews from select sites remain pending, including ours, so fans can expect plenty of chatter from the press out and about here covering this film. We’ve especially doled out questions to send via e-mail courtesy of the film’s PR firm and handlers and for this, first and foremost is director Jesse V. Johnson in our second interview since the press rounds for Accident Man. He’s especially been the center of attention with Triple Threat after kicking so much on-screen butt in the last few years, and thankfully, we’ve had those hits (The Debut Collector, Accident Man, Savage Dog) to pass the time while post-production and distribution deals took the wheel behind the scenes following the 2017 comic-con trailer. Here’s our interview (photos courtesy of Jesse V. […]

ESTABLISHING ‘ORDER’: Producer Bruno Marino Talks The World-Building Potential Of Upcoming Sci-Fi Thriller ‘ENHANCED’

Lee B. Golden III

It’s been more than six years since stunt professional James Mark got the engine running for his 2018 debut, Kill Order. He kept his creative stride a second feature with crime thriller, On The Ropes, and with a continued eye for the chair, he’s looking to build on the world birthed in Kill Order with the new sci-fi thriller, Enhanced. Enter brother and fellow stunt cohort Chris Mark who saw his acting debut in Kill Order which took more than five years to complete with a release. In addition to fight choreography, he switches gears for the narrative as the villain opposite starring Wolves and Goon 1 & 2 actor George Tchortov who leads the cast for the film’s hopeful release later this year. For this, I managed to get into touch with the producers about the project, which, according to its plot, “follows a disenfranchised soldier and a super-power […]

RIDING THE WAVE: An Interview With “MARIA” Star, Actress Cristine Reyes

Lee B. Golden III

When talking Philippine cinema in 2019 for action fans, engaging the dialogue may almost always certainly include the successes of one of its most celebrated auteurs, Erik Matti, whose award-winning ripped-from-the-headlines crime thriller, BuyBust, scored hugely among festival crowds last year. Going forward, the concurrent efforts of other directors may certainly be noted – folks like Pedring Lopez whose 2015 accolades earned in Manila with action horror, Nilalang, especially earned him a place on our radar and the world markets. Two horror features later, he’s back and following suit with his own female fronted actioner, Maria, starring Cristine Reyes in her first-ever action role. The official trailer has already garnered well over three million views and shares on social media much to Pedring’s credit, and certainly to that of Ms. Reyes who I managed to garner some answers in our first interview. In my view, this is pretty huge for […]

THE PROCESS: A Word With ‘Man Down’, ‘The Raid’ And ‘Point Blank’ Screenwriter Adam G. Simon

Lee B. Golden III

Well, the new year has begun and I’ve all but remained vigilant of any and all legitimate news regarding director Joe Carnahan’s development on The Raid given how much of my own time I’ve invested in covering this film – from pestering XYZ Films’ Todd Brown for info to covering as much ground on Indonesian films within the genre as possible. Needless to say, not everyone is convinced just yet, even as Carnahan and partner Frank Grillo went public in interviews a few years ago to state their intent; I tend to rub it in a few faces of folks that I know because, in all honesty, one can never really, or always, tell how good or bad a movie is unless they’ve seen it, or how the reviews are in whole or even if they take reviews seriously enough. For this, I’ve personally been urging caution for fans to […]

ZEROING-IN: An Interview With Actor And Filmmaker Eliver Ling

Lee B. Golden III

Having managed to resurface in time among friendly faces attending the 6th annual Urban Action Showcase and Expo back in early November, I had the honor and privilege of meeting and greeting up-and-coming actor and filmmaker Eliver Ling. It’s also worth stating that his latest directing gig also happens to be one by chance as the once R.L. Scott-helmed proof-of-concept pilot, Option Zero, was shot and then abruptly left in Ling’s hands. I did perecive this as something peculiar, though it’s worth noting after the release of crime thriller Call Me King, Scott was already neck deep in ideas for launching a superhero production foray of his own. This included developing an adaptation of The Almighty Street Team, and as we speak, the current post-production and table talks to help propel the rollout of Lazarus starring Sean Riggs. Inevitably, it seemed that the fate of Option Zero would now rest […]

HER HERO ACADEMIA: An Interview With Actress And Martial Artist Angela Jordan

Lee B. Golden III

Going forward, there will definitely be some significant changes in the atmosphere – albeit for the better. New partnerships and relationships will form and with that, new prospects to come in lieu of my own observations and coverage, and you can certainly tack on the name Angela Jordan to the list of folks adapting to the ever fluctuating atmosphere. It was precisely on March 21, 2016 when this super-talented New Jersey resident landed on my radar, and it’s been a thrill covering her ever since. Eventually taken under the wing of Joey Min and Stephanie Pham for a time at Art School Dropouts, Jordan’s burgeoning resumé in the independent online film scene has grown immensely with her proliferation as a desired favorite. The first of her next few appearances will be in the not-too-distant online premiere of the hotly-anticipated second episode of Power Rangers: Unworthy, from Deviant Children Productions and […]

COME DRINK WITH ME: An Interview With Actress And Martial Artist Stephanie Pham

Lee B. Golden III

Coverage continues this week with Art School Dropouts as they now work to proliferate their latest webseries, Yes, Auntie!, which is also setting up a feature edit premiere at the Museum Of The Moving Image next month. From what I’ve gathered, the ASDO members will be in attendance for a Q&A at the January 4 screening, including one Stephanie Pham who has been with the group for several years now. She’s become one of the most vastly prolific talents on both sides of the camera and from a background of intellect and versatility, and poise that I’ve come to admire in the last four years and having shaken her hand on at least two occasions. After sharing my first-ever interview with Joey Min, Ms. Pham is next on my roster as of Monday with our Q&A below. Enjoy, and don’t forget to visit the museum’s website, and be sure to […]

MUSINGS OF A RONIN: A Word With SWORD OF THE DEAD Director Stephen Vitale (Reprint)

Lee B. Golden III

As important as it is to know how to make a film to begin with, what also matters is your vision, and how well you package it. Such is the case for the lot of independent content that I’ve covered in the last five years, and surprisingly, of which only a handful I notice are given the festival treatment. And I’ve seen my fair share of short films to be fascinated and amazed, as well as even befuddled that they would go straight online. It’s a tough road though, and so opportunities like that, I reckon, need to be planned and timed in such a way that at least the initial steps can be covered toward garnering the attention of investors. And today’s film market is one that is vastly full of ideas ranging from some of the most top-notch and intriguing, to the less-than-impressive that are otherwise still shamelessly […]

STARTING SOMEWHERE: An Interview With Art School Dropouts Founder, Actor And ‘Director Senpai’, Joey Min

Lee B. Golden III

Just shortly after announcing their newest ten-dollar ‘Thank You’ campaign on Kickstarter, the team at Art School Dropouts found themselves in lucrative straits as their crowdfunding platform accrued more than enough funds to throw a pizza party for a cast-and-crew screening and commentary for their feature film debut. This brings us to the official trailer now online for Yes, Auntie!: My Asian Auntie Season 2, produced and directed by in-house creatives Joey Min and Stephanie Pham who also star in the film. The plan is to the release the film in serial format just as they did with the first season in 2016 – only now they’ve amassed enough materials to weave together a feature-length format, marking a debut milestone for the team since the birth of ASDO in 2009, and prior to its affirmation just a few years ago. For this and for as long as I’ve been following […]

THE LONG HAUL, Part Two: A Word With SPLIT LIP Star, Actress Dorée Seay

Lee B. Golden III

Our coverage continues this week for director Christopher Sheffield’s new movie, Split Lip. It’s the latest major move for actress Dorèe Seay who happens to be a woman of many talents, loves cinema, and especially loves that of a Korean variety (fun fact: I just finished harping on Instagram recently about how much I would love to see Jung Doo-Hong collaborate with action stars Scott Adkins and Bruce Khan and so you can imagine my elation when I read her answers this week while drafting.) Seay talks aplenty here about her role in Split Lip as Set, a hitwoman on the run from her employer following a botched hit job. She also discusses preparing for the role and approaching its dramatic and physical aspects, and essentially getting to work with a director with whom she clicks really well – that’s usually the case we can all imagine or hope for […]

THE LONG HAUL, Part One: An Interview With SPLIT LIP Director Chris Sheffield

Lee B. Golden III

2019 will be another good year for genre titles going forward, and if you’re extra keen on the kind of cinema we follow, you might have an eye on Chris Sheffield as we speak. His latest film, Split Lip, has one hell of a title to ring itself into the new year, and actress Dorée Seay looks nothing short of tough and tenacious in Sheffield’s new presentation. Its journey toward completion is not without its fair share of toils – eight years of such, in fact. It’s an exemplary highlight of Sheffield’s own growing acumen of filmmaking in today’s age, and in learning even more aspects of the business now more than ever before. He talks to us about it in the interview below, and we hav two exclusive clips to share from the new movie as well. Greetings Chris and thank you for taking the time to discuss your […]

UPHILL: A Word With ‘Jack & Jill’ Actor And Director Mark Poletti

Lee B. Golden III

Look closely at the latest Kickstarter campaign video from this Monday for Bao Tran’s The Paper Tigers and you’ll likely spot actor Mark Poletti in the mix. I’ve been following Poletti off and on since about 2013 as I was catching on to the efforts of a group called Usurp Productions and Poletti has gradually seen his carrer progress little by little. His latest effort recently sat him on both sides of the lens for his latest action short, Jack & Jill, an aptly-titled and intriguing thriller which focuses on two agents forced to make a choice as they engage an underworld crime boss. There’s a bit more I missed out on bringing up before publishing this interview, while Poletti’s latest turn at the helm deems an exciting an newsworthy move. For all else, Mark’s official website is how you can best reach him. Greetings Mark and thank you for […]

UNFOLDING ‘THE PAPER TIGERS’: Catching Up With Filmmaker Bao Tran

Lee B. Golden III

For what it’s worth, director Bao Tran’s 2015 short, The Challenger, was just the shot in the arm needed to help grow his brewing vision for a larger feature narrative. That evolution will next arise as The Paper Tigers which now has a new campaign pending as of Monday to accrue the necessary support needed before rolling cameras some time in the first or second quarter of next year. Tran is joined by producers Michael Velasquez, Al’n Duong, Dan Gildark, and cult cinema favorite, Yuji Okumoto, along with a cadre of ripe, experienced talents as of late for a recently-filmed ten-minute pitch that Tran and Duong brought to the Frontières forum earlier this year to present the film to buyers. Essentially having shot two proofs this time around, I sought an opportunity to try and share an update from the director about his endeavors. The official website is still up […]

TICKER TEST: An Interview With Actor And Filmmaker Dennis Ruel

Lee B. Golden III

One might safely say that 2018 is assuredly Dennis Ruel’s banner year with THE MAN WHO FEELS NO PAIN and the re-release of UNLUCKY STARS. We discuss all that and more in our latest interview!

MOMENTOUS MUSINGS: An Interview With ONI Director Sam K.J.

Lee B. Golden III

On the cusp of his latest festival stint in Toronto, independent filmmaker Sam KJ talks about making his upcoming action horror thriller, ONI!

STRANGE TIMES: A Word With Actor And Fight Coordinator Mark Strange

Lee B. Golden III

Much is ado these days for UK director Chee Keong Cheung. His latest segue into action horror with zombie thriller, Redcon-1, is well underway in its campaign after a peculiar PR rollout which, as far as I know, began in Japan (as indicated by a Japanese captioned trailer I learned of over the summer). A U.S. release still remains pending for the film and time will tell before how much more waiting is needed on that end. In the meantime, the cast has been doing the promo rounds some, including actor, martial artist and producer Mark Strange who, after a heavy week of publicity last week, was able to answer some questions for us ahead of Thursday night’s Raindance premiere. Greetings Mark and thank you for taking the time to discuss a few things with us. How has the year been for you thusfar? This year’s been amazing, my best […]

FIELD COMMAND RESPONDS: A Word With Actor And Producer Joe Barbagallo

Lee B. Golden III

In the course of the past month, I found myself prospective in covering Mark Cheng’s directorial debut, Ghost Source Zero. If you haven’t seen the trailer for it, well…here it is: Cheng partnered with longtime friend and film cohort Joe Barbagallo, and amazingly with legendary creator and fan-beloved Larry Hama on this film and you’re more than welcome to learn about the process from Cheng by clicking here. In the meantime, an opportunity also fell in my lap to interview the film’s star and producer who himself not only shares Cheng’s vision and plans, but those of his own for other projects forthcoming. Greetings Joe and thank you for spending sometime with our readers. How has the year been for you? Hi Lee, thank you so much for having me. It’s an honor to be interviewed by Film Combat Syndicate. A lot of my friends and colleagues have been featured […]