Advertise on podcast: Hellblazerbiz: Conversations with the Stars

In this episode, filmmaker Tom Michaels breaks down his wild journey to Tinseltown, why modern movies look so "sterile," and how 70s cinema holds the secret to bringing emotional, vibrant storytelling back to the big screen. 👇 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: • The 80s Culture Shock: Moving from communist Poland to the US and discovering Planet of the Apes, Fist of Fury, and Dirty Harry on day one. • Film vs. Digital: Why 70s celluloid color aesthetics beat today's bland digital look. • Inside Orzell Films: Tom's mission to make visual depth and rich color the cornerstone of modern indie cinema. • Director’s Secret: How Tom's background as an actor shapes his unique, actor-first directing style on set. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - From Communist Poland to Hollywood 01:25 - 80s Culture Shock: Planet of the Apes & Dirty Harry 04:10 - The Vibrancy of 70s Cinema: Film vs. Digital 07:30 - Building Orzell Films & The Psychology of Color 10:15 - Directing Philosophy: Giving Actors Freedom 12:45 - Inspiring the Next Generation of Filmmakers 🔔 Enjoyed this interview? LIKE, COMMENT, & SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives with top filmmakers! 📌 CONNECT WITH US: • Website: www.hellblazerbiz.com • Instagram: www.instagram.com/hellblazerbiz • Twitter/X: www.x.com/hellblazerbiz #Filmmaking #IndieFilm #DirectorInterview #Cinema #FilmVsDigital #70sCinema #Hollywood #TomMichaels #OrzellFilms #MovieMaking

What actually makes a horror movie terrifying? 3-time Emmy-winning filmmaker Rich Varville (Area 1, Holly Weird Pictures) breaks down the craft of psychological terror, why he prefers suspense over cheap jump scares, and how he balances B-movie camp with deep, mind-bending dread. From drawing inspiration from historical events like Operation Paperclip to building a new home for indie thrillers, Rich reveals how to make stories that stay in your head long after the credits roll.

What does it take to play one of Netflix's most hated characters? In this fascinating and often hilarious conversation, Anthony Crane joins Hellblazerbiz to take us behind the scenes of Outer Banks and his unforgettable role as Chandler Groff, JJ Maybank's biological father. Anthony opens up about: 🎬 Landing the role of Chandler Groff 💀 Playing a character audiences love to hate 🧠 Finding the psychology and humanity behind a villain 💔 Chandler's devastating relationship with JJ 🔥 The shocking events of Season 4 and their consequences ⚔️ Working with Madison Bailey and creating their intense confrontations 🌍 Filming Outer Banks in Morocco and Croatia 🏰 Shooting in locations previously used for Game of Thrones 😱 Performing a 25-foot deceleration drop from a 100-foot tower 🎭 His incredible theatre career, including The Lion King and Les Misérables 🎭 Working with Eric Idle and Mike Nichols 📺 How Succession helped open the door back into screen acting 😂 The experience of becoming one of the most hated characters on television ❤️ And his favourite memories of joining the Outer Banks family Anthony also takes on our quick-fire round, revealing his favourite Outer Banks character, favourite filming location, the actor he'd love to work with, his favourite films and the one piece of advice he'd give Chandler Groff! This is a conversation packed with behind-the-scenes stories, acting insight, laughs and some surprisingly deep thoughts about what makes a villain. If you're an Outer Banks fan, you won't want to miss this one! 🎙️ Hellblazerbiz – Conversations with the Stars #AnthonyCrane #OuterBanks #ChandlerGroff #JJMaybank #RudyPankow #MadisonBailey #Netflix #OuterBanksSeason5 #OuterBanksNetflix #ActorInterview #BehindTheScenes #NetflixSeries #Hellblazerbiz #HellblazerBizPodcast #TVInterview #FilmInterview #Broadway #TheLionKing #Succession #Acting #ActorLife #Hollywood #NetflixShows

From Indonesian teenage superstar to international music icon… and now Reacher star! 🎬🔥 In this episode of Hellblazer Biz, I’m joined by the incredible Anggun to talk about her amazing journey from music to the screen and her exciting role as Amisha Hoth in Reacher Season 4. Anggun reveals what she really thought when she was first offered the role — and why she initially wondered if the call was a joke! 😲 We talk about: 🎬 Making the leap from music into acting 🥋 Training with a world champion kickboxer for Reacher 💥 The bruises, pressure and physical demands of the role ❤️ Discovering the mysterious and formidable Amisha Hoth ⭐ Working alongside Alan Ritchson — and meeting the man behind Reacher 😂 The moment Anggun realised she was actually standing opposite Reacher! 🎤 Her incredible journey from Indonesian superstar to global success 🚀 Facing her fears and stepping completely outside her comfort zone Anggun also opens up about why she once believed acting "was never my thing" — and how facing that fear led to one of the biggest opportunities of her career. “Never in my wildest dream would I think something like this would happen.” This is a fascinating conversation about taking risks, facing your fears and discovering what you're capable of when you step outside your comfort zone. If you're a Reacher fan, an Anggun fan, or simply love a great story about chasing new dreams, you won't want to miss this one! 👉 Watch the full interview now and hear Anggun tell the story in her own words! #Anggun #Reacher #ReacherSeason4 #AlanRitchson #AmishaHoth #Hellblazerbiz #interview #amazonprimevideo #actress #singer #behindthescenes

What does it take to go from working alongside legends like Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee to serving as a first responder on one of America’s darkest days? In this powerful episode of Hellblazer Biz, we sit down with filmmaker and 30-year Teamster veteran Paul Eliacin. From hustling on Brooklyn sets to contributing to iconic productions like The Sopranos and Men in Black, Paul’s 30-year career behind the camera is full of incredible lessons on grit, filmmaking, and storytelling. Beyond the silver screen, Paul shares his deeply moving experience serving at Ground Zero during the 9/11 attacks, using his industry expertise to bring light to the rescue efforts. 👉 In this video, you’ll discover: How a letter from Spike Lee sparked Paul’s film career The reality of working 30 years as a Teamster on blockbuster sets Behind-the-scenes filmmaking lessons learned from observing elite directors Paul’s powerful story as a 9/11 first responder The inspiration behind his film Up in Harlem If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, movie buff, or just love inspiring human stories of resilience, hit that Like button, Subscribe to Hellblazer Biz, and ring the notification bell for more extraordinary conversations! 💬 Question of the day: What is your favorite movie or TV show Paul worked on (The Sopranos, Men in Black, or Boomerang)? Let us know in the comments below!

Summary In this episode, Cindy Mich shares her journey as a journalist, filmmaker, and advocate for independent arts. She discusses the evolution of journalism, the impact of AI on creative fields, and her efforts to highlight overlooked stories and artists. key topics The evolution of journalism in the digital age The importance of independent media and arts The impact of AI on film, music, and journalism Cindy Mich's film festival and advocacy work The significance of authentic storytelling and human emotion

Summary Courtney Kocak, a writer, producer, and comedian, discusses her multifaceted career, transition from acting to writing, and the evolution of her podcast, Private Parts Unknown. She shares impactful conversations from her podcast, the significance of her memoir 'Girl Gone Wild,' and reflections on her experiences during the Girls Gone Wild tour. The conversation covers a range of topics, including addressing toxic culture, the writing and revision process, impact on readers, unaddressed conversations, challenges in legislation, embracing identity, podcasting and connection, personal insights, and future plans. The discussion also delves into the choice of a Muppet that represents the individual's personality. Takeaways * Multifaceted career in writing, producing, and podcasting * Transition from acting to writing * Impactful conversations and reflections on Girls Gone Wild tour Speaking out against toxic culture and addressing unaddressed conversations * The impact of writing on personal transformation and empowering readers * Challenges in legislation and the importance of embracing one's true self * Utilizing email lists and Substack Live for engagement in podcasting * Lessons from podcasting and future plans for creative projects Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Courtney Kocak * 08:44 Impactful Conversations * 16:04 Writing and Publishing Memoir * 22:07 Addressing Toxic Culture * 27:28 Unaddressed Conversations * 32:34 Embracing Identity * 39:36 Personal Insights and Future Plans

The conversation covers Amanda Christine's experience of joining the Stephen King "IT" universe, the portrayal of Ronnie Grogan as a strong and fierce character, the process of creating backstories and character development, the impact of Derry on shaping Ronnie's character, the themes and impact of the show, working on the show and cast dynamics, and connecting with Ronnie's story and the horror genre. Takeaways FriendshipDetermination Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Joining the It Universe05:54 Creating Backstories and Character Development12:59 Themes and Impact of the Show18:51 Connecting with Ronnie's Story and Horror Genre

Summary This conversation explores the life and legacy of Ed Iskenderian, a pivotal figure in automotive history known for his innovations in camshaft technology and his influence on hot rod culture. Cheyanne Kane, the creator of the documentary 'Isky', shares insights into Ed's journey, the challenges of documenting his extensive career, and the importance of mentorship and curiosity in the automotive world. The discussion highlights the blend of technical knowledge and human storytelling, emphasizing the timeless nature of Iskenderian's legacy and its impact on future generations. Takeaways Iskenderian's innovations shaped modern drag racing. The documentary highlights Ed's lifelong passion for cars. Curiosity and hands-on learning are essential for success. Mentorship played a crucial role in Iskenderian's journey. The Winfield tapes reveal hidden aspects of Ed's legacy. Iskenderian's impact transcends generations of car enthusiasts. The film blends technical details with human stories. Iskenderian's shop serves as a living legacy. Younger generations can find inspiration in Ed's story. Dreams and curiosity should be nurtured at any age. Sound bites "He's the legend of speed." "He wants to pass it down." "Curious, imaginative, legend." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Iskenderian and His Legacy 02:50 The Impact of Ed Iskenderian on Automotive Culture 05:45 Discovering Hidden Treasures: The Winfield Tapes 09:02 Creating a Documentary: Challenges and Insights 11:58 The Art of Storytelling in Engineering 14:50 Connecting Generations: Iskenderian's Influence on Youth 17:39 The Legacy of Hands-On Learning 20:47 The Balance of Technical and Human Stories 23:51 The Importance of Mentorship in Automotive History 26:54 Iskenderian's Timeless Legacy 29:41 Final Thoughts and Reflections on Dreams

I am joined by Iryna Hordiienko, a Ukrainian immigrant, who shares her story of growing up in poverty and facing abuse in her family. She left Ukraine to escape the war and came to the UK in search of a better life. Iryna discusses the challenges she faced in getting to the UK and the anxiety she still feels about the war in her home country. Despite her difficult past, Iryna is determined to make the most of her new life and strives to make every moment count. Iryna shares her experiences of living in the UK and the challenges she faced in Ukraine. She discusses the differences in mentality between British and Ukrainian people, including politeness and the pace of life. Iryna also talks about her love for traveling and the difficulties of affording travel within the UK. She describes herself as motivated, driven, and sometimes naive. Iryna offers advice to Ukrainians who are settling in the UK, emphasizing the importance of learning English and not giving up. Takeaways Growing up in poverty and facing abuse in her family, Iryna Gordienko left Ukraine to escape the war and came to the UK in search of a better life. The journey to the UK was challenging, but Iryna was determined to leave her past behind and make a fresh start. Iryna still feels anxiety about the war in Ukraine and has nightmares about it, but she appreciates the safety and opportunities she has in the UK. Despite her difficult past, Iryna is determined to make the most of her new life and strives to make every moment count. Living in the UK has been a positive experience for Iryna, who has found kind and helpful people. The differences in mentality between British and Ukrainian people can be challenging, such as excessive politeness and a slower pace of life. Iryna enjoys traveling and believes it is important to prioritize experiences over material possessions. Learning English is crucial for a successful life in the UK, and Iryna encourages Ukrainians not to give up and to embrace the opportunities available. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Irina's Background and Journey 02:53 Childhood Struggles: Poverty, Bullying, and Violence 07:20 Comparing Ukraine and the UK: Perspectives on Living Conditions 11:34 Journey to the UK: Overcoming Language Barriers and Fear 22:27 Navigating the Challenges of Moving to a New Country 25:11 Cultural Differences: Politeness and Pace of Life 26:55 Adapting to the UK Mentality 28:18 Money Worries and Financial Struggles 34:31 Personal Growth and Positive Changes 35:43 Overcoming Bullying and Negative Experiences 38:47 Living in the Moment and Embracing the Future 41:13 Welcoming Immigrants and Embracing Diversity

Producer, Screenwriter and award winning actor, Scott Hamm Duenas who has a long resume including Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Cobra Kai, General Hospital and more,  joined me to discuss his latest film, Final Wager, and his experience as an actor and producer. He talks about the natural progression from acting to producing and the challenges and rewards of both roles. The conversation also touches on his appearances in popular shows like Star Trek and Cobra Kai. Final Wager is a gambling movie set during Christmas, and while it doesn't have a specific message, it aims to be a fun and entertaining film. Scott emphasizes the importance of pursuing your dreams at any age and encourages listeners to check out his other films, Rebroken and The Stay. Takeaways The natural progression from acting to producing allows individuals to gain a different perspective and utilize their skills in new ways. Final Wager is a gambling movie set during Christmas, aiming to be a fun and entertaining film. Scott Hamm Duenas encourages listeners to pursue their dreams at any age and emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded people. Check out Scott's other films Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:26 From Acting to Producing: Scott's Journey in the Film Industry 03:46 The Impact of Cobra Kai: A Fan Base Phenomenon 06:53 Final Wager: Producing and Uncovering Unexpected Messages 12:29 Exploring 'Final Wager': Plot, Characters, and Challenges 24:27 The Holiday Movie Genre and the Message of 'Final Wager' 27:42 Working with the Cast and Crew 30:26 Pursuing Dreams: A Message of Inspiration 30:56 New Chapter 30:57 New Chapter 2  Rebroken and The Stay, for more entertainment.

I welcomed back Ashton Solecki to discusses her role as Medora in the TV show Elkhorn and the character's complex motivations. She talks about the chemistry between the cast members and the strong bond they have. Ashton also shares her personal connection to the setting of the show, as she grew up near the real town of Medora. She highlights the importance of portraying historical characters with nuance and explores the love story between Medora and the Marquis. The conversation also touches on the power dynamics and tension between the characters in the show. In this part of the conversation, Ashton and Chris discuss the relationship between Medora and Rosie in the show Elkhorn. They speculate on why Medora takes an interest in Rosie and how their dynamic evolves throughout the season. They also talk about the challenges of filming in heavy costumes and the extreme weather conditions on set. Ashton shares her experience of understanding her character, Medora, and the growth she experienced as an actor during the filming process. In this final part of the conversation, Chris and Ashton discuss Chris's experience filming a torture scene and the challenges of becoming an overnight success in the entertainment industry. They also talk about the importance of enjoying the journey and not just focusing on the end goal. The conversation then takes a lighthearted turn as they share their impressions of various characters and discuss Ashton's upcoming projects. They end the conversation with a humorous discussion about Ashton's recent encounter with mice in her house. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Favorite Guest 01:30 Elkhorn and the Excitement of Release 05:00 Medora's Character and Historical Context 06:33 Chemistry with Jeff Fahey and Playing Off Each Other 08:00 Medora's Role as the Money and Love Story with the Marquis 09:39 Playing a Real Person and Finding Medora's Character 11:11 The Dinner Scene and Strong Personalities 12:58 Medora's Sweet Side and Love for Family 14:06 Balancing Social Acceptability and Inner Thoughts 15:29 Tension and Power Dynamics in the Show 21:29 Challenges of Filming in Heavy Costumes and Extreme Weather 25:19 Understanding and Developing the Character of Madora 29:06 The Rewards and Challenges of an Acting Career 36:51 Navigating Challenging Scenes and the Path to Success in the Entertainment Industry 38:57 Finding Joy in the Journey and Doing Good Work 41:01 Impressions and Upcoming Projects 48:38 Dealing with Mice in the House: A Humorous Encounter

I am joined by actor Elijha Mahar who discusses his character William Sewell in the TV show 'Roosevelt', as well as the dynamics between Sewell and Roosevelt. We talk about the importance of Sewell's stabilizing presence in Roosevelt's life and how Sewell guides him without telling him what to do. We also discuss the close-knit cast and the authenticity of the costumes and makeup. Elijha shares his takeaways from playing Sewell and encourages viewers to enjoy the show's wholesome and historically accurate retelling of one of America's greatest presidents. Sound Bites "I walk up to him, I look him right in the eyes like, that's it. I hold my axe up. No one carries an axe pull out his axe like, what's this guy got to do with an axe?" "He misses his wife. He misses Mary. He wants, he starts to see people, you know, creating families and creating, you know, relationships here. And, you know, he, she's, she's like his rock, you know?" "If you want my advice, I'll give it to you, but I'm not going to tell you what to do." "Enjoy it, sit down, watch it. You can watch it with your kids. You can watch it with your grandparents. And, you know, it's going to be really fun." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 01:52 Sewell's Backstory and Relationship with Roosevelt 05:46 Sewell's Reaction to the Wild West 06:36 Sewell's Role in the Divide Between the Working Class and the Affluent 07:55 Sewell's Physical Presence and Intimidation 08:51 Describing Sewell in Three Words 09:35 Sewell's Relationship with Other Characters 10:40 Challenges in Portraying Sewell 11:38 Researching Sewell's Background 12:35 Creating Sewell's Physical Presence 14:00 Sewell's Loneliness and Missing His Wife 16:21 Sewell's Strengths and Weaknesses 17:12 Sewell's Loneliness and Missing His Wife 18:08 Sewell's Relationship with Roosevelt 19:18 The Role of Sewell in Guiding Roosevelt 20:56 The Close-Knit Cast and Crew of 'Roosevelt' 22:52 Challenges of Filming in Heavy Costumes and Hot Weather 36:13 The Influence of Playing Sewell on Parenting 38:38 An Old-Style TV Western Feel with Historical Accuracy 39:55 New Chapter 39:55 New Chapter 2

In this conversation, I chat with actor and singer Matt Wiggins as he discusses his role as William Merrifield in the TV show Elkhorn. He describes his character as wise, patient, and driven, and compares him to a big brother figure for Teddy Roosevelt. Matt talks about the strengths of his character, including his patience, experience, and leadership qualities. He also mentions a potential weakness, which is a bit of ego and jealousy. Matt explains how he built chemistry with the other actors and worked with the director to shape his character's arc. He discusses the authenticity of his performance and how he maintained it throughout the show. Matt also shares his excitement about being part of a Western and the joy of losing himself in the time period. Matt Wiggins discusses the personal development he gained from playing the character Bill in the show Elkhorn, including humility and staying grounded. He also talks about his music career with the band Deep Within and their success in the metal genre. Matt expresses gratitude to the fans of Elkhorn and his music, emphasizing the importance of their support in his journey. Takeaways Matt Wiggins describes his character in Elkhorn, William Merrifield, as wise, patient, and driven. The strengths of the character include his patience, experience, and leadership qualities. A potential weakness of the character is a bit of ego and jealousy. Matt built chemistry with the other actors and worked with the director to shape his character's arc. He maintained the authenticity of his performance by immersing himself in the time period and staying focused on the character. Matt is excited about being part of a Western and enjoyed the experience of losing himself in the world of Elkhorn. Playing the character Bill in Elkhorn taught Matt Wiggins about humility and staying grounded. Matt's music career with the band Deep Within has been successful in the metal genre. He is grateful for the support of fans of Elkhorn and his music. The personal development and success Matt has experienced are a result of the connection with fans. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Excitement 01:56 The Wise, Patient, and Driven Character of William Merrifield 06:54 Strengths and Weaknesses of William Merrifield 08:20 Building Chemistry and Shaping the Character's Arc 12:13 Maintaining Authenticity in the Performance 21:54 Lessons in Personal Development and Humility 25:19 Deep Within: A Successful Journey in the Metal Genre 32:45 Gratitude for Fans: The Key to Success

In this conversation, I chat with actress Tori Griffith who discusses her role as Rosie Maddox in the TV show Elkhorn. She talks about her character's traits and motivations, as well as her preparation for the role. Tori mentions that Rosie is scrappy, ambitious, and kind-hearted. She wants to have her own life and follow her dreams, which were not common for women in that time period. Tori researched books set in the Victorian era and the Old West to understand the mindset of women during that time. She also created a storyboard and a Spotify playlist to immerse herself in the character's world. Tori highlights the strong relationship between Rosie and Medora, played by Ashton Leigh, and how working with Ashton elevated her performance. She also mentions the challenges of portraying a character from a different time period and the importance of knowing the character's backstory. Tori Griffith discusses the challenges of embodying her character in Elkhorn, including the need to be more contained and less expressive. She shares how the costumes helped her get into character and how the heat on set affected the cast. Tori emphasizes the importance of building good relationships with cast and crew on set and shares her experiences working with actors who were down-to-earth and easy to work with. She also mentions her upcoming film, Bau: Artist at War, a Holocaust film set to be released by Paramount. Takeaways Rosie Maddox is a scrappy, ambitious, and kind-hearted character who wants to have her own life and follow her dreams. Tori Griffith researched books set in the Victorian era and the Old West to understand the mindset of women during that time. She created a storyboard and a Spotify playlist to immerse herself in the character's world. Working with Ashton Leigh, who plays Medora, elevated Tori's performance and showcased the strong relationship between their characters. Portraying a character from a different time period comes with challenges, but knowing the character's backstory is crucial for bringing them to life. Embodying a character sometimes requires being more contained and less expressive. Costumes can help actors get into character and improve their posture and mannerisms. Building good relationships with cast and crew on set is important for a positive working environment. Working with down-to-earth actors can make the filming experience more enjoyable. Tori Griffith has an upcoming film, Bau Artist at War, a Holocaust film set to be released by Paramount. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 02:07 Introducing Tori Griffith and Elkhorn 04:32 Describing Rosie Maddox in Three Words 07:00 Creating a Storyboard and Spotify Playlist 12:38 The Strong Relationship Between Rosie and Medora 19:14 Challenges of Portraying Rosie Maddox 21:33 Challenges of Character Embodiment 25:32 Filming in Hot Weather 32:59 Building Relationships on Set 39:15 Upcoming Film: Bau: Artist at War