Hellblazerbiz is where sharp conversation meets creative chaos. Each episode dives into the minds of actors, filmmakers, and cultural rule-breakers who are actually doing the thing —building careers, taking risks, and telling stories that stick. Hosted with curiosity, humor, and zero fluff, Hellblazerbiz pulls back the curtain on the business behind the art: the breakthroughs, the near-misses, the weird moments no one posts about, and the choices that change everything. It’s candid, fast-moving,…
Saves to your Listen queue, to pick up on another day or another device.
Cindy Mich - Insights from an award-winning journalist and filmmaker
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…
From Actor to Author: Courtney Kocak’s Journey of Self-Discovery
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,…
Unpacking The Horror and Humanity in “Welcome To Derry” with Amanda Christine
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…
Cheyanne Kane on ISKY - The Legacy of Ed Iskenderian
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Mason Beals discusses his role as Theodore Roosevelt in the show Elkhorn and the challenges of portraying the character. He talks about the character's origin story and his journey in the show. Mason also highlights the flaws and complexities of Roosevelt, including his abandonment of his daughter and his desire to be a cowboy. He discusses the dynamics between Roosevelt, Medora, and the Marquis…
I sat down to chat with Jeff DuJardin who discusses his role as the Marquis de Mores in the TV show Elkhorn. We discuss the character's motivations, his relationship with Theodore Roosevelt, and the dynamics of the show. Jeff describes the Marquis as ambitious, loyal, and cultured. Jeff.talks about the challenges of portraying a character with a believable French accent and the research he did to…
In this episode, join us as we delve into Kylee Levien’s journey portraying a traumatized yet resilient character in the film. From challenging hospital scenes to the emotional impact of the story, we explore the highs and lows of filmmaking. Plus, Kylee shares insights from her experience on set, including moments of improvisation and the art of vulnerability. Remember, every emotion has a story,…
Arielle Bodenhausen joins me to chat and discusses her background and multiple roles, including teaching dance and yoga. She shares her transition into acting and her experience working on the film Roswell Delirium. The conversation explores the character of Wendy and her journey as a mother in a post-apocalyptic world. The emotional scenes and subtle references in the film are highlighted, along…
In this conversation, I talk with actress Ashton Solecki about her role in the film Roswell Delirium and the challenges she faced. She shares her initial impressions of the film and the attraction to the script and story. Ashton talks about the most challenging scene she had to film and the emotional intensity of the final scene. She also discusses her working relationship with Kylie Levien and…
Summary In this conversation, I chat with Charlotte Campbell, who discusses her career and various aspects of her work as an actress. She talks about her early interest in performing and how she got started in the industry. Charlotte also shares her experiences with puppetry and aerial hoop, as well as her role in a play about domestic abuse. She explains her process for building a character from…
SummaryDee Wallace discusses her role in the film Roswell Delirium and the emotional connection she felt to the character. She emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment and fully immersing oneself in a role. The film raises questions about aliens, mental illness, and perception. Wallace also talks about her books, Born and Bapalapaloo, which explore the power of self-creation and…
Richard Bakewell discusses his film Roswell Delirium, which explores themes of trauma and childhood trauma. The film incorporates 80s references and draws parallels to real-world events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Cold War. Bakewell shares his casting process and highlights the talented cast, including both established actors and up-and-comers. He also discusses emotional and impactful…
In this conversation, I interview Rhiannon Paige, a UK country music artist. We discuss her journey into country music, the impact of the internet on the music business, her songwriting process, and her future goals and aspirations. Rhiannon also shares her admiration for artists like Pink and Casey Musgraves, her favourite songs to perform, and the best advice she has received. The conversation…
Summary Clayne Crawford discusses his recent filmmaking projects, including shooting films during COVID, the challenges of film distribution, and the emotional and powerful nature of his films. He also talks about his experience working on The Baytown Outlaws and his upcoming project, The Bloody Seahorse, which explores the use of NFTs in independent filmmaking. Crawford shares his favorite thing…
I talk with Sean Cribbin, survivor of serial killer Bruce McArthur, and Sean’s partner Steve Sauder, who also provided the music score for the documentary. Was I Next? The Sean Cribbin Story, a multiple-award winning documentary from iCogitate Productions, tells the story of Sean Cribbin, a man who lived through a shocking brush with death at the hands of Canada’s most brutal serial killer, Bruce…
I sit down with Matt Hookings of Camelot Films, who joined me to talk about his new film “Prizefighter”, which tells the fascinating story of boxer Jem Belcher, from the 17th Century. The making of this film has been monumental and very reminiscent of the story behind Rocky, with the hurdles Matt overcame to bring this story to life. The film also stars Russell Crowe, Ray Winstone, Jodhi May and…
I m joined on this episode by Anna and Hillary Shakespeare who rejoin me, after we talked 2 years ago about their debut film Soundtrack to Sixteen. We are joined by actor Johnny Lucas who plays Benedict in their new film Much Ado. We chat about the filming process, using original Shakespeare dialogue in modern setting and much more. The film is being screened at the Genesis Cinema, Bethnal Green…
British filmmaker Sam Plommer joins me to talk about his film “Plastic Boy”, which centres itself on the lead a character, Sam (played by Plommer) who spends his days bored at his job and has lost his way in life, with work, his love life and ambition. This is Sam’s 3rd production, having made a web series “Sorry, not interested” which is a dramedy about relationships and also film short “Seeing…
Drew Waters is an actor whose face may be familiar as he has appeared in many of the top shows over the last 12 years or so. From roles in True Detective and Breaking Bad to Bones, all three of the NCIS brands (NCIS, NCIS LA and NCIS New Orleans). Drew is as accomplished behind the camera as he is front, having also directed and produced his own films. Drew is currently advertising the film…
I am rejoined by Cara Annmarie, Matt Lewis, Kurt Yue and welcome Brian Troxell who joined the cast in season 4. We talk about season 4, the fun of being a part of the cast, funny stories, talk about their excellent colleague Keith Arthur Bolden (Darryl) who couldn’t make the chat. It’s a long one, but so much fun. I hope you enjoy!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/hellblazerbiz)Support…
*COBRA KAI S4 SPOILERS* I am rejoined by the excellent actress Rose Bianco, known currently as Miguel’s doting grandmother Rosa Diaz in Netflix Cobra Kai. Rose is an esteemed actress with such versatility in her roles. Join us as we chat about the show and our mutual love of it, as well as acting techniques, her roles in Wandavision and Doom Patrol and much more.Support the show…
British actor Kevin McNally is known to audiences world wide as Mr Gibbs in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, as well as man more roles in hit films and shows such as Downton Abbey, The Crown, and most recently as Professor Jericho in Doctor Who: Flux. Kevin joins me again to talk about his work over the last few years, our mutual love of Das Boot, how he enjoys filming with John Malkovich and…
The difficulties and setbacks independent artists face when it comes to revenue, recognition and more were exacerbated by the pandemic last year. Today, Fan Pass Live is making it easier for artists and stars to connect with their fans. Now, artists have control and freedom over the content they share and create, from the distribution of their music, to merchandise and exclusive content, the…
40-Love is written by comic veterans Michael Buechler and Fred Wolf (who also directed the film). It follows 22-year-old statistics whiz, Beek (Williams), as he sets out on a cross-country road trip to New York City. Beeks hopes to convince one of the world's greatest tennis stars that he can help her defeat her most challenging rival in the upcoming championship tournament. The road trip romantic…
I finally got the chance to sit down and have a one to one chat with the great actor Jeff Kaplan after we did chat on the group chat I had back in March with 12 Cobra Kai cast. Jeff and I caught up about what is has been like being in the worldwide hit show, the experiences he has had on set with being slapped by William Zabka to his huge admiration for the Big Three - Josh, John and Haydn. We…
Jesse Kove is an established and successful American actor who has a myriad of credits to his name. Having got interest in the entertainment industry at an early age, performing skits for his family and visiting film sets with his father (Martin Kove aka Karate Kid/Cobra Kai bad guy John Kreese). He has racked up some very good roles, one of his most memorable starring alongside Joseph Fiennes…
Julio Martino is no stranger to film. Brought up in the environment of a film rental shop owned by his father, he always had an interest in the genre. He built on this and focussed more on directing rather than acting, and studied and worked his way to become an accomplished director in theatre, directing performances in both UK and Chicago. Country of Hotels is his film debut and he describes the…
Marshall Cook is the writer and director of the Indie Favorite FILM FEST. FILM FEST premiered at the AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL and is now available on Amazon and iTunes!FILM FEST is a fun look behind the curtain of what it’s really like for filmmakers and critics alike at the perceived glitzy film fest world. The film features Matt Cook (“Man With A Plan”) and Diona Reasonover (“NCIS”), as well as…
On this episode I chat with esteemed actor Corey Reynolds. Corey started his acting life in theatre, touring with Saturday Night Fever amongst others. He has a long list of on screen credits too, ranging from parts in NCIS LA, SEAL Team amongst many more as well as a long running main part in The Closer, where he even had a muppet made of him for an episode of Sesame St! He is currently in our…
I chat with filmmaker Tomer Shushan about his film short 'White Eye'which has been nominated for an Oscar 2021Tomer Shushan’s Live-Action Short White Eye shares the harsh realities of undocumented immigrants on the run. Winner of the Oscar Qualifying Award at SXSW Film Festival 2020 and Urbanworld Film Festival 2020. This topical film has screened at over 70 film festivals, including 23…
Natasha is excited to travel to Israel to participate in a trip encouraging young diaspora Jews to immigrate there. When she manages to catch the attention of Shlomi, a handsome combat soldier, things turn ugly.Director Inbar Horesh’s female led short film was inspired by the Israeli organization Birthright, who encourage young Jewish people to immigrate there. The film was inspired by Nataliya…
Summary In this episode of Hellblazer Biz, Chris Gordon interviews Hannah Kepple, who plays Moon in the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai. They discuss Hannah's excitement about being on the show and the massive fan base it has garnered. They also talk about the chemistry and fun on set, as well as memorable moments from filming. Hannah shares her thoughts on Moon's character and her relationship with…
Alejandra Jenni is a filmmaker, director and actress with an impressive resume working across theatre and film. For this interview, we talk about her short film "Wert" (Worth) which highlights and breaks the stigma barrier about talking about menstruation and issues felt by women worldwide. It is an excellent piece, with an aim to remove the taboo around talking about it both by the patriarchal…
A first for Hellblazerbiz - I did a YouTube Live chat with 10 cast members of Cobra Kai and Cobra Kai super fan Helen Irving. We chatted about everything Cobra Kai, from their thoughts on their characters, how much each and every one of them is a huge fan of the franchise, how Karate Kid inspired so many. We hear a lovely tale of a personal gift given to Ron from Pat Morita, through to his…
I chat with filmmaker Pier-Philippe Chevigny about his latest film short, which is currently under consideration for an Oscar 2021 nomination. The film is very poignant and without spoiling it, focusses on the refugees who fled to Canada after the Trump Administration cancelled the Temp Protected Status (TPS) for immigrants. Those affected were so fearful of the reprisals and issues that would…
"1970s Ireland. A young female patient has escaped a psychiatric hospital and rings home from a telephone box - but her parents are waiting for the call."That is what we are given to go on for this film short. What it takes you through when you watch is masterful suspense, wondering what exactly has befallen the main character, right through, with small clues dropping, until you reach the end and…
Moloka'i Bound is an Oscar 2021 qualifying film short, centered around Hawaiian culture and the strain of life. We are greeted by a man pulling up outside a school to talk to a young boy sat outside. It is not as it appears, and what we see over the following minutes is the desperation of an estranged father, recently released from prison, trying to reconnect to his son and culture. Through the…
When Molly Manning Walker was 16 she was sexually assaulted and this awful experience prompted her to create GOOD THANKS, YOU?. This live action short film was created to encourage people to talk openly about the subject and is her directorial debut. The film stars two of the UK’s prominent new actors Jasmine Jobson who has starred in two seasons of the Netflix favourite TOP BOY and Michael Ward…
I sit and talk to filmmaker Abraham Adeyemi and Abiola Rufai-Awojide about their new upcoming short film, No More Wings. No More Wings shares the story of two childhood friends who up and grow apart. "No More Wings" is Abe's directorial debut and has been selected for the upcoming Aesthetica Film Festival, Raindance Film Festival and the London Short Film Festival. The film is about Isaac and…
Jimmy Olsson is a award winning director writer who began working with film professionally in 2005 after attending a two-year training course at Kulturama in Stockholm. After several years in the advertising industry as an assistant director, production manager and director, he chose to concentrate on directing in 2011 and released his first professional short film that year after finishing film…
OTOJA ABIT, is a film maker and actor, best known for his award-winning debut short, Jitters in which he wrote, directed, produced, and starred in. Otoja expands on the theme of his short Jitters with his first-of-its-kind urban-leaning holiday film A New York Christmas Wedding that touches on some of the themes involving the LGBTQIA community and religion. MarVista Entertainment has entered the…
“I’m sort of a Julia Roberts type, with the sass of Annie Potts and a drop of Larry David!” is how Tammy describes herself on her website www.tammykaitz.com and I can see why. Tammy is a fantastic actress, with a wealth of experience dating back to when she was 3 years old. Studied in London and experienced her art and passion for acting through the medium of TV, Film and theatre. She even…
Ron Thomas is one of the original cast from The Karate Kid where he played Bobby, the member of Cobra Kai who had a conscience and tried to steer his friend Johnny in the right direction as well as stood up against Kreese. Ron reprised his role as Bobby in the worldwide #1 hit show Cobra Kai where he has gained an entire new fanbase as well as rekindled the nostalgia of those original KK fans.…
Clive Mantle is a British actor with over 40 years in the industry. He has worked extensively in theatre, tv and film, having appeared in some instant classics such as Robin of Sherwood, Game of Thrones, Alien 3, Casualty and Holby to name but a few. He has worked alongside some of the best comedians the UK has had to offer, such as Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson as well as Dawn French in the Vicar…