The Mighty Dragon podcast

Pierre Bourdaud, a French actor based in Beijing and previous The Mighty Dragon interviewee joined me recently on the podcast to catch up. I was keen to hear how his career is unfolding in China and how he adapts his acting style to the local culture. It's hard to believe two years have passed since we last spoke. In our conversation, Pierre shares his experiences navigating the unpredictable and unstable film industry in the wake of the pandemic, and how it has directly impacted his career. Having lived as an expat in China for over 20 years, Pierre offers fascinating insights into the importance of networking in China and contrasts it with his experiences in his native France. As a dedicated father and husband, he also opens up about balancing family life with his career, and shares his aspirations for the future. Is a return to France on the horizon, or has he found a lasting home abroad? Tune in to find out.

Ian Attard The Mighty Dragon has added yet another Bridgerton interview to the collection! I was delighted that actor, Ian Attard, joined me on the podcast to talk about his character, Nelson, and what it's like being part of the smash-hit Netflix series. Ian talks about his research for the character Nelson, Anthony's devoted valet and right hand man. He mentions what its like working with Jonathan Bailey who portrays Anthony Bridgerton and life on set in the glamourous Regency Era. Ian discusses his acting inspirations, how he got into acting and his character preparation. Ian is a versatile actor, he's appeared in Supacell, EastEnders, Belgravia, The Fall of the Krays and, of course, Bridgerton. We touch upon what he learned as an actor from these various experiences. Finally, how would Ian see himself in the Regency Era, would he be a noble or pauper? Find out below…

What happened to Bruce the Shark? The famous, temperamental mechanical contraption that spawned a new suspense style in horror films. Bruce the Shark went from film star, theme park attraction, junkyard item to retirement. But was he doomed to the scrap heap? Or, did he have one last bite at film history? WATCH - Robert Shaw - Explosive Moments on the set of JAWS https://youtu.be/hK0MxtmdNhQ?si=tfB-p7t5Tzr3aseA SUBSCRIBE TO THE MIGHTY DRAGON CHANNEL https://www.youtube.com/@TheMightyDragon OTHER WAYS WE CAN CONNECT https://www.instagram.com/themightydragonblog/ https://themightydragon.blog/ #brucetheshark #sharkinjaws #jawstrivia Clips used on The Mighty Dragon are under the YouTube Fair Use policy that copyright-protected material under certain circumstances can be re-used without the permission of the copyright owner.

Cool Beans Comedy – a fantastic collection of comedians making waves at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival! Cool Beans Comedy includes some incredible talents: Renee Pezzotta, Suzanne Luna, Corey Martin Craig, and John Zeno. Don't miss out on this unique act which will take Edinburgh by storm this year. Ticket links and all things Cool Beans are in the Resources below. Notably, Renee Pezzotta has been interviewed previously on The Mighty Dragon, she's Smokey in the new series of “Frasier.” It was a pleasure to get to know the rest of the Cool Beans gang and learn about their unique comedy writing process and the special twist they have planned for their act this year. I have a lot of respect for comedians and comic writers, they have the hardest job in the world… to make people laugh… RESOURCES Grab your tickets HERE for the Edinburgh Festival Cool Beans website – get involved! EdFringe app Cool Beans – Linktr.ee Renee's previous The Mighty Dragon interview! Behind the scenes of Frasier!

Robert Shaw's Explosive Moments on the Set of Jaws: A Case Study What's the perfect summer movie? JAWS, of course! In my opinion, JAWs is one of the greatest films of all time but it was born from a volatile environment, who was it who said - Chaos is the fuel that ignites the fire within, pushing us towards greatness. With never-changing script re-writes, cast fallouts and mechanical failures in the sea off Marthas Vineyard its a wonder this film was ever made. Steven Spielberg's masterpiece led to a new style of suspense in film, which was quite by accident. Where the filmmakers had to come up with creative ways to solve Bruce the shark's constant malfunctioning - this just shows that when you are faced with failure, greatness can emerge. I've been a JAWS fan all these years, I have always been fascinated with this film, it's possibly one of the few movies that's better than the book. I've come back to it time and time again, may be for me it take me back to my childhood in the 1970's where it was a ‘treat' to watch this masterpiece, my eyes would always be shielded when the two alpha sharks, Quint and Bruce would face off. My top 3 films were all made in the 1970's - so is there a case for childhood films staying with you for the long term. So, let's now go to Amity Island where a shark is terrorising the local population who are soon to be celebrating a bumper tourist season for July 4 and a ruthless Mayor who will do anything to make sure the celebrations go ahead until his own son is nearly taken by the shark itself. Our heroes of the story Brodie, Chief of Police - the classic, unwilling hero, a New Yorker getting used to trivial crime on an island, his fear of water which he needs to overcome to defeat the shark. Quint, the belligerent, old-school and difficult but skilled Captain. and Hooper, the rich, intelligent young marine biologist who brings with him modern gadgetry - the perfect antagonist to Quint. This set up is PURE DYNAMITE. All the actors in the film portrayed their part perfectly. But none more so, than British acting legend Robert Shaw. Born on August 9, 1927, in Lancashire, England he originally turned down the role of Quint - he famously said ‘JAWS was not a novel it was a story written by a committee, a piece of sh*t'. Lee Marvin and Sterling Hayden could not step up to the role. Shaw was perfect for the part. Robert Shaw, known for his exceptional acting talent but also for causing significant problems on set. Here are some of the key issues he caused during the production of "Jaws":

Dominic Coleman Today on the Mighty Dragon podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Dominic Coleman, the talented actor known for his role as Lord Cowper in Bridgerton. Dominic joined the beloved series in its second season, portraying the patriarch of the Cowper family and father to Cressida. Beyond Bridgerton, Dominic has recently appeared in high-profile films such as Wonka and Napoleon. In this exclusive interview, we dive into his experiences on these sets and explore the breadth of his acting career. We discuss his preparation process for various roles and the challenges he has encountered along the way. Dominic also shares invaluable advice for aspiring actors, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of acting.

Anthony J. Abraham This week's guest is actor Anthony J. Abraham. From Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan to Bad Education and now to the latest offering in the Star Wars Universe, The Acolyte. Anthony's career is forging ahead and I must say it couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Anthony is currently starring in The Acolyte, as Fillik, a meknek – which, as Wookieepedia explains  “Mekneks were freelance mechanics who did repairs on the outer hulls of starships. During the High Republic Era, Republic law dictated that only droids could perform this dangerous work. This meant that mekneks were an illegal profession.[1] During that same era, Osha Aniseya and Fillik worked as mekneks on a freighter for the Trade Federation.[2]” Wookieepedia With The Acolyte now streaming on Disney+, it was a great time to catch up with Anthony, who is busy filming overseas. I'm so grateful he found the time for this quick chat to discuss his career!

Mark Wingett After my recent interview with Maria Austin, where we discussed Mercy, a film about life as a pig in a slaughterhouse. I decided to reach out to her co-star, Mark Wingett, who portrayed the slaughterman. Mark, a familiar face on our screens for over 20 years as The Bill's Jim Carver, got his first break as Dave in the British cult classic movie, Quadrophenia. Dave was Jimmy's best friend, the one with the cool hat who ultimately betrays Jimmy at his lowest point by stealing his girl. As a first job, this is quite an achievement. Mark was one of the youngest in the cast, he was just 17 and fresh out of the National Youth Theatre when he was cast. Now with a career spanning over 40 years, it was an honour to talk to this much accomplished actor about his career and dip into his personal life which involves scuba diving and biking with the Tokyo mods! Mark reminisces about his first day on set and how many egg sandwiches he had to eat! We talk about the success behind the movie, Pete Townshend's genius musical score and the admirable vision of the director, Franc Roddam. A director who took chances when selecting the actors and stuck to his interpretation of the story. The bond between cast members is still as strong as ever, with Mark describing them as family. The cast have all had such illustrious careers including Phil Davis, one of my favourite actors. At the time of filming, Sting was launching his music career and Ray Winstone had made his third film in that year. Mark mentions that Ray Winstone was always destined for greatness, I can't help think that happened to Mark too.

Maria Austin British actress Maria Austin is currently starring as the title character, Mercy, in the film of the same name on Apple TV. I am absolutely delighted that she is part of the interview collection here on The Mighty Dragon. The life of a factory farmed pig. Mercy's tragic journey, as she leaves behind her own family and encounters those whose job it is to end her life. If you haven't seen it, then prepare yourself for a dynamic, unforgettable performance from this talented actress. Alongside Maria in Mercy is Mark Wingett, Quadrophenia legend, who plays the slaughterman. Maria tells me what it was like working with Mark on this chilling story. It's out now to Rent or Buy – here

Youssef Kerkour Ridley Scott's Napoleon returns to The Mighty Dragon with another great interview. This week, I am speaking to Napoleon's right-hand man, Marshal Davout. Or should I say Youssef Kerkour who portrayed this infamous soldier otherwise known as The Iron Marshal. Davout himself was a highly acclaimed general, being present at most of Napoleon's battles. Devoted, driven and resilient, I can't help but think Youssef was the right actor to portray him, as he has these qualities himself. Napoleon isn't the first time Youssef has worked with legendary director, Ridley Scott. He was also in House of Gucci, portraying Nemir Kirdar. We talk about Ridley Scott's style of working, as well as Youssef's preparation for his roles. I am convinced that Youssef is the most prepared actor on set, cleverly adopting psychological practices to immerse himself in the role. His British and Moroccan heritage has given him access to many great parts, but we talk about how he “niched down” on his Arab heritage to gain even more exposure.

Jimmy Dunn Frasier is taking over The Mighty Dragon once again. Today's guest is actor and stand-up comedian, Jimmy Dunn. Jimmy plays Moose in Frasier, the firefighter who captured Olivia's heart in the Christmas special. Jimmy gives a great behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of Frasier. The supreme writing, the professionalism on set and what its like working with Frasier himself, Kelsey Grammar. Jimmy didn't have to go far for the inspiration for Moose, he brings so much of himself to every role. With firefighters in his family, they must be very proud that he portrays these heroes on a set based in Boston. I have a lot of respect for comedians, they have the hardest job in the world to make people laugh. It was a pleasure to find that Jimmy is very much like Moose himself. A proud Bostonian, we talk about his stand-up inspirations and what impact they had on American stand-up. We touch upon stand-up internationally too, with hopes of Jimmy taking his comedy overseas. With a plot twist in the Christmas episode, we hope to see more Moose in season two! Tune in now!

John Bucy Another great Frasier interview lands on The Mighty Dragon! Today's guest is actor John Bucy. John plays Roger in Frasier, and like Frasier he is a Boston native. But home is in Los Angeles where he is focussing on building his acting career. It was a great time to catch up with John as he navigates his way in the new Hollywood. John shares how he got into acting, how he has approaches portraying his characters, some nuggets from behind the scenes of Frasier and also some sage acting advice for anyone joining the industry. Life is busy for John, with many projects taking off after the writers/actors strike, I have a feeling that 2024 is going to be a roaring success for this dedicated actor. Tune in now!

Renee Pezzotta Who else has just finished the first season of the latest in the life of Doctor Frasier Crane? This fantastic, new series picks up where he started, in Boston. In the aftermath of the passing of his father Martin, we see Frasier getting closer to his son Freddy. Frasier continues to do what Frasier does best, witty one liners, clever quips and navigating family tensions hilariously. As a sidenote, as a Brit who grew up with Only Fools and Horses on the box 24-7, its been great to see Nicholas Lyndhurst in this series as Alan Cornwall, Frasiers' Oxford buddy and sidekick. It's been delightful to see him as this character and I'm interested to see how this character evolves.   New characters have been introduced this season, one being Smokey, Freddy's firefighter buddy and coworker. Smokey is portrayed by actress Renee Pezzotta, who I am delighted to welcome onto The Mighty Dragon. These new faces have found their voices in the Frasier universe, and it was interesting to hear how Renee approaches Smokey's character and acting in general. Tune in to hear how this Tennessee-New Jersey native made it not only in acting but in stand-up comedy too. As a very driven professional, it didn't surprise me to hear that Renee has a side-hustle too alongside her acting career. We talk about the effect of perfoming infront of a live audience, something she is used to with her stand-up comedy experience. We talk too about script changes in the live environment and how this can change a performance. This was a very insightful glimpse into how sitcoms are made in reaction to the audience reaction! Renee also talks about the fantasy backstory she has for Smokey, can you guess which Cheers legends daughter she aspires to be? The new cast are all so highly talented but what else do you expect from a show like Frasier? Tune in now!

Our esteemed guest today is the talented Natalia Bulynia, who has recently brought her inaugural short film, "LA HISTORIA DE FERNANDO," to life and is already immersed in the creation of her next cinematic masterpiece. Join me as I delve into the creative mind of this multi-faceted writer, director, and producer to unravel the intricacies of her artistic process and discover how she seamlessly weaves together the elements of storytelling, direction, and production.

Synnøve Macody Lund Today's guest, Synnove Macody Lund, stars in the smash hit series Ragnarok on Netflix as Ran Jutul, the principal of Edda Secondary School. As we spoke I was so impressed with Synnove's drive and determination to venture into her acting career. Those nerves she felt ahead of a performance propelled her to draw out her unique acting talent and into performances such as Ran, Gabriella in Spiders Web or Diana in Headhunters. We talk about her career so far, how she prepares for new characters and staying true to a character versus bringing her own interpretation to a role. Interesting to note, Synnove discusses the pressures on women to always look good. As a busy mother and actress, I was keen to hear how Synnove maintains a healthy work-life balance. We discuss the challenges Synnove has faced in her acting career and how she has overcome them. Finally, we of course, discuss Ran, the multi-layered character who Synnove has enjoyed exploring her vulnerabilities.

Alex Alessi Recently I watched a terrific horror short called The Rose. Written and directed by my friend and past The Mighty Dragon interviewee, Andrew Froening. An enchanted rose bequeathed a curse upon a young woman many years ago, and now her descendants learn they too may suffer by the thorns of the rose. IMDB The Rose stars Alex Alessi, an actor who provides a powerful performance. I just had to ask him onto the podcast! We discuss his career in acting, how he prepares for roles, what parts of himself he brings to a character, and how he handles feedback and criticism, plus much more. With his eyes on a superhero role, tune in to see what character this is… can you guess?

Patrick Wirtz Patrick Wirtz has been on my radar for some time for an interview for The Mighty Dragon. His work with past The Mighty Dragon interviewee, director Deborah Richards, is truly an epic glimpse into the life of a producer. After speaking with Patrick, I have so much more appreciation for this role. Naive me, thought that this role was mostly financial. How wrong was I?! I joked to Patrick that a day in his life would give me a heart attack, I wasn't wrong! Patrick shares his experiences working alongside Deborah on her first feature, Move Me No Mountain. We touch upon how projects develop from concept to completion. Patrick offers insights into social media strategies, industry trends and how the role of a film producer will evolve in the future. This, of course, ventures into the world of AI, scary for some, whereas others are embracing this technology. With their next movie, Scissor Mouth, coming out soon it was a great time to catch up.

#poltergeist #carolanne #cursed #cursedproduction #stevenspielberg #joBethWilliams #skeletons #horror #horrormovies #conspiracies #haunted #ghosts #scarystuff

#rosemarysbaby #cursed #romanpolanski #johnlennon #dakota #newyork #horrorstories #miafarrow #conspiracies #sharontate #horrorfilm

Exorcism: The Hidden Truth - here I look into the real story behind The Exorcist. That of a young boy called Roland Doe who was exorcised at age 14.

Why did Kubrick leave the USA? I explore some of the reasons why on this podcast.

Fernando Piloni Fernando Piloni is a Brazilian actor who has truly travelled the world. His dream of acting picked up and put back down a few times, till he conquered his fears and ended up working on the hugely successful, A Haunting in Venice. Acting in Brazil, Spain and now London, he's an actor who has mastered his art with skill and dedication – absorbing and revelling in the the different training methods in those areas.  He has overcome obstacles to propel him even further ahead and open opportunities, specifically in theatre. He's recently appeared as Vincenzo Di Stefano in A Haunting in Venice which sees Kenneth Branagh at the helm as Poirot. I was keen to chat with Fernando about this experience – what did he learn from acting alongside Kenneth Branagh?

Maja Bloom Speaking to Maja Bloom was an absolute delight, she truly is a multi-talented performer. From acting to singing and stand-up, there seems to be nothing she can't do. Maja tells me about her childhood and journey into performing. Gifted from a young age, she followed many paths to success, one being a path to the wizarding world of Fantastic Beasts. How cool is that? As the dark witch, Carrow, she appeared alongside Eddie Redmayne, Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Mads Mikkelsen in Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald and, more recently, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. 1920's wizarding is full of the glamour you'd expect from such a colourful decade. If you haven't caught up on these films, then please do. As the Harry Potter TV series gains momentum it doesn't look like JK Rowling's wizarding empire is slowing down any time soon. It would be great to see Carrow back behind the wand somewhere in this universe. Who knows? We might!

Christian Svensson Swedish actor Christian Svensson joined me on The Mighty Dragon recently. With Career Opportunities in Murder & Mayhem in post production, it was a great time to catch up to discuss his career, his British start in life, the characters he likes to portray, Swedish rats and so much more. Christian is a multi-talented actor. Not only is he multi-lingual (Swedish, English, French and Spanish!) but he boxes and specialises in Brazilian Ju-Jitsu too, it was interesting to hear the focus his training has given him in his acting life. I always think it speaks volumes about a person when they pay tribute to their family as being the backbone of their success. Christian credits his wife and children as being his rock, for grounding him.

From Australia to Las Vegas I'm so delighted to have Maria Tran back on The Mighty Dragon. Now based in Vegas, Maria has been super busy (and that's an understatement) with multiple projects. One being working alongisde Tim Roth in Last King of the Cross, a big budget Australian series based on the book by John Ibrahim. She talks to me about her character, Madame Tien, and the inspiration she got creating this formidable character. Maria talks too about her feature film Echo8, her plans for a trilogy and forging the path for women filmmakers to break through and shine. In their own right. It's always so refreshing speaking to Maria, her positivity is infectious and she really deserves all the success!

Jeppe Beck Laursen The Last Kingdom - what a truly, brilliant series and now a truly brilliant film (The Last Kingdom`: Seven Kings Must Die - released last month on Netflix). With anticipation, well, to be frank DREAD, of this wonderful storyline coming to an end. I watched absolutely spellbound as the final part of the story unfolded. What a great ending too, what way do you think Uhtred chose? In the end scene, I spotted one of my absolute favourite characters (and all-time greatest baddie), Haesten, feasting in Valhalla - I knew I had to reach out to see if I could interview the man behind this dark, intriguing character - Jeppe Beck Laursen.It was an absolute pleasure to chat with Jeppe not only about Haesten but how he got into acting, his life, hopes and ambitions. We of course talk about The Last Kingdom and a deep dive into the enduring fascination of Viking drama.I meet Jeppe's dog too cutely named Han Solo - something us 1972 kids have in common is Star Wars. Will we see Jeppe in a future Star Wars series? Tune in to find out...

Phillip E. Hardy is back on The Mighty Dragon! It was a pleasure to catch up with a writer buddy of mine, Phillip E. Hardy. Phillip was previously on The Mighty Dragon back in 2020 talking about the enduring fascination of Dracula (link below in Resources). It's a great time to catch up as Phillip has just adapted Hemingway's Sun Also Rises into a screenplay. We talk about this and his upcoming movie Purgatory Station starring Bob Gunton as Horatio Grimes. Phillip also manages a Facebook screenwriting group, Screenwriters Talking Shop. This is a super-friendly, helpful and supportive group and a great resource for all writers serious about their craft. While I had Phillip I grilled him on best practise as a screenwriter and the question we all want to know, how to get your script read as an un-repped writer. Questions: You have recently adapted Sun Also Rises into a screenplay, is this the first adaptation you have done? What are the challenges of adaptation? Have you much licence to change the narrative in adaptations? You have a movie coming out too! Purgatory Station, can you tell me more about this? As a writer I have known for years, what have you learnt the most about the writing profession? You have a Facebook writing group, what sets this apart from other writing groups? Do you think writing competitions are worth the money? Which writing festivals are the best ones to enter in your opinion? Should a writer try different genre, or stay within the genre they feel most comfortable? What's the best advice you could give to writers who are not represented in getting their work read? Resources: Purgatory Station Phillip E Hardy - IMDb Michael Rockefeller Inktip Phillip E. Hardy, Dracula Interview - The Mighty Dragon Sun Also Rises - Hemingway

It was an absolute pleasure to have Vegas-based filmmaker Deborah Richards back on the blog. It's been a year since we last spoke where Debbi was in post production with Move Me No Mountain, her first feature film. A year down the line now, the film is on Amazon Prime! What an achievement! We discuss lessons learnt while filming Move Me No Mountain, the audience perception on homelessness since the movie release, the order of shooting in the Vegas heat and Debbi's plans for a movie ranch, YES YOU READ THAT RIGHT, A RANCH! - sounds phenomenal, plus much, much more. It's no surprise that Debbi is booked up solid with exciting new projects - returning to her roots in flair bartending and also venturing into horror with the delicious title "Scissor Mouth"! I truly can't wait to see what else is happening in Debbi's world, her empire is expanding and life is looking rosey for this dedicated filmmaker. Debbi really deserves all the success in the world. Grab your own copy of Move Me No Mountain which is on Amazon Prime NOW. Leave a review too!

Rudy Reyes, an accomplished soldier, actor, martial artist and conservationist.  He came into SAS Who Dares Wins as lead instructor last year. We speak about the show, audience expectations, contestant expectations and limitations. Rudy talks extensively about his life, from childhood to soldier, actor and beyond. We discuss the pranks behind the scenes, his camaraderie with his Billy & Foxy, filming in Vietnam and much more. After we spoke, I reflected on Rudy's achievements so far, it pained me to hear about his childhood, but he can be so proud that he provided the foundations for his brothers and guiding light for their wellbeing. What an incredible man he is. I want to dedicate this podcast to the memory of my Granddad, a WW2 hero who would be rather chuffed I interviewed Rudy. Resources Rudy Reyes website - keep up to date with all Rudy's news.Rudy Reyes - WikipediaRudy Reyes - IMDbSAS: Who Dares Wins - A new elite team of ex-special forces from the UK and USA recreate the SAS's secret selection process - putting recruits through the ultimate test of their physical and psychological resilience.Force Blue - FORCE BLUE seeks to address two seemingly unrelated problems — the rapidly declining health of our planet's marine resources and the difficulty returning combat veterans have in adjusting to civilian life — through one, mission-focused program.

How was Paddy's Day for you? Hope you enjoyed it if you celebrated! What was I doing? Well, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with the filmmakers behind the new mobster movie, Dress Code. Did I say mobster? Yes... but not quite what you expect with a mobster movie. This movie explores a very sensitive subject from boy to man, as Bobby Russo navigates his identity in an uber-macho environment. Joining me on the podcast were; Gerard Garilli - Lead Actor/Exec. Producer (Bobby Russo) Joseph Pupello -  Director Andrew Froening - DP/Editor/Production & Post Production Manager We discuss the research behind Bobby Russo, the challenges of filming in the past while in the present, specific camera angles, guns on set and the way Bobby's secret was respectfully portrayed. Plus much more! I have so much respect for these filmmakers, the way they have handled this subject and the incredible script.. with a twist I didn't work out! Congratulations to all the cast and crew. Tune in won't you?

I was super-excited about speaking to actress Cat Lellie about her powerful performance as Jenna in Move Me No Mountain. A while back I'd had the pleasure of speaking to Director Debbi Richards about this film and was absolutely blown away when I saw it on Prime a couple of weeks ago. Cat plays Jenna, a homeless woman, dealing with the grief of losing her child and ultimately her whole world. Cat's performance truly touched my soul, it transcended all levels of emotion and the scenes will stay with me forever. As a mother myself I could see myself fall into this downward spiral if anything happened to my daughter, a dark place with little hope of sunlight. Watching Move Me No Mountain makes you see the plight of the homeless, who are often unnoticed and ignored. Each person has a story on the streets or the subways, may be they just didn't have enough self belief, or people that believed in them to be where they are now. As my Mum always says “they were an innocent baby once”. Underneath the streets of Vegas lives a community of homeless, not much separates rich and poor in that City, from one extreme to another. Super big thanks to Cat for this amazing podcast, it was lovely to get to know the preparation you took to get inside this character and the journey you went on yourself while filming it. Check out Move Me No Mountain – available NOW on Amazon Prime.

#brahimchab #interview I always enjoy catching up with previous guests on The Mighty Dragon. This time it's fight choreographer and actor Brahim Chab who was on the blog back in 2019! Having a peek at his Instagram account, I could see he's been training as hard as ever. Now based in Thailand, he's been super busy since we last spoke and that includes John Wick: Chapter 4. A part which seems was made for him! Hailing from France, this international actor seems to be happiest when he's training and perfecting his skills. It was great catching up with you Brahim, may I wish you all the very best for your upcoming wedding and every success with all your projects. Resources IMDb – Brahim Chab Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Physical:100, the smash hit South Korean Netflix series kept me and my family glued to the sofa. We couldn't blink or breathe as the gruelling challenges pitted contestants against each other, all with a chance to win a huge sum. But, to me, it wasn't the cash prize that drove these contestants but the endorphins as the game progressed and challenges got harder. If you haven't seen it, athletes such wrestlers, MMA, gymnasts, Olympians and influencers competed in this show all with different abilities, strengths and focus. One contestant, Dustin Nippert, an American baseball player forged ahead in the series. I'm so thrilled he agreed to a podcast for The Mighty Dragon. We talk about what expectations he had about the show, the types of contestants who would navigate the challenges the best and how this show would be perceived elsewhere. We touch upon South Korean culture too, I was moved by the respect the contestants held for each other and interacted. Let's just say I can't wait for the second series! Big thanks to Dustin for this opportunity and for the Orlando baseball recommendations! I'll go and see my first baseball match(?) or do you say game?!

Anne-Marie Scragg It's an absolute pleasure to add indie director Anne-Marie Scragg to the interview collection here on The Mighty Dragon. Her latest movie, Firefly, is a tribute to the deaf community and for all vulnerable facing violence at home. Anne-Marie is used to directing powerful, emotive pieces. Firefly joins How We Live, which are real stories affecting real people. Check out the links in Resources below for more information on these projects. For this podcast we look into the creative, intimate world of indie film, through the joy and tears on set in Cornwall. We discuss the spontaneity and creative freedom of indie film, and the considerations of working with children and on location. Olivia Pickering Stay tuned to the end for a fun addition to this podcast, as The Mighty “Little” Dragon kicks her Mum off the hot seat to interview Firefly's “Little Frankie”, Olivia Pickering. Olivia, a dynamic young actress, was chosen to play Little Frankie. Anne-Marie tells us how Oliva's natural talent shone through and they caught some organic scenes on the beach on Cornwall. Olivia instinctively delivered a captivating performance as Little Frankie, she mastered sign language required for the role. The Mighty Dragon predicts a booming career for you! Good luck. Questions posed: Anne-Marie Scragg Your IMDb states you are a Director, Writer and Actress, is it possible to say which do you find most creatively fulfilling? How did it all start for you? What are the strengths & benefits in Indie films? What are the challenges of Indie films outside of budget? Firefly was shot in Cornwall, what considerations do you have to make when choosing a location. Tell me about Firefly? You have child actors in Firefly, what considerations do you have to make when filming with children? From How We Live and Firefly, these are both powerful, emotive “real” stories, is this something you will continue to focus on for future projects? Any special memories/magical moments you'd like to share from filming Firefly? What's next for you?

Following on from my last 1899 interview with Alexandrew Willaume, I have another one for you! This time with multi-talented actress Maria Erwolter, who starred as Iben in the smash-hit Netflix series. Maria, shares her thoughts on her character Iben and the breath-taking twists and turns of the series. We discuss what characters she enjoys portraying and which genre she'd like to experience. From The Ritual to 1899, this actress keeps extending her range of characters and lighting up our screens. With a busy family life, Maria keeps grounded with meditation and most impressively paying it forward to the next generation of actors. Thank you to Maria for this interview, may I wish you all the best for Christmas and 2023!

Recently I binge watched the fantastic Netflix series 1899, this truly one of the best series I have watched this year. A story so complex with unexpected twists and turns, you never know truly where its headed, in a refreshing way! Not being able to guess the plot is quite refreshing. I was delighted that 1899 actor Alexandre Willaume joined me on The Mighty Dragon podcast to discuss his character Anker, the hesitant priest aboard the ship. As a Danish actor, I was keen to get his insights into the strengths of the Danish film industry, and how he forged his career path. A career path which has taken him all over the world. From Tomb Raider, to The Last Kingdom and to 1899 Alexandre is an actor with great depth and experience, and I am so glad to have him as part of the interview collection here on The Mighty Dragon. Sorry, a little bit of swearing in this one.

“Action! Cut!” Last weekend I was delighted to catch up with Australian director Phillip Noyce. Phillip was last on the blog in 2018, so it was a great opportunity to see what he's been up over the past few challenging years in the industry. From a cold, blustery evening in England to the sunny climes of LA where Phillip is based, we spoke about his illustrious career which spans from the 60's to the present day! Surprised and heartened by his answers to my questions, I am in no doubt that Phillip Noyce is a true professional and a genuinely kind person to work with. A team player on a production, he has remained open to emerging technology for story-telling and supporting up and coming filmmakers. He discusses how he learns from everyone on set. This flexibility in his work ethos has kept him at the top of his game, and long may it continue. I was especially touched when he recollects about his movie Rabbit-Proof Fence. This is a lesson that passion projects born from the heart are the ones that stay with you the longest. He recalls his time visiting The Last Emperor set in Beijing and witnessing 4,000 people on set under the command of Bernardo Bertolucci. His friendship with Federico Fellini and some unforgettable advice he was given. Questions posed: You were my 20th interview for The Mighty Dragon back in 2018. What have you been working on since? What would you say is your favourite film of yours, or most memorable piece of work. As audiences have moved to streaming, have you had to adapt to how you work for changing audience habits? Do you stick to the script, or do you often go off script while on a shoot? If you were to shoot any of your films again, what would you change? What has been the biggest challenge to you as a filmmaker? Are there any special memories from any of your films that you'd like to share? Which actor have you most enjoyed working with, and why? What are you currently enjoying – tv series or film? Next year, I will be looking at the work of Stanley Kubrick for this blog. What do you enjoy most about his style of directing.

“Summer moved on”, so the song states… and The Mighty Dragon is breathing fire back into the dusty mic after a summer break. Which was largely spent in Galaxy's Edge while recovering from the shock of turning 50.I couldn't think of anyone better to kick me out of my hiatus other than Independent filmmaker (and whiskey lover) Andrew Froening. I have known Fro for a few years, and can honestly say I have never met anyone as hard-working. His dedication, drive and work ethic are reaping in the awards and it's so thoroughly deserved. This is only the start of FroVideo greatness I feel. We last spoke back in January this year where Andrew discussed the two features he was editing. Now with 5 projects in post-production, FroVideo is super-busy and flourishing. We discuss his films The Door, Dress Code, The Jogger and more. His future ambitions for FroVideo, Halloween movie picks and finally, success tips for filmmakers which include (and most importantly for yours truly) when to put the script down!

When I last interviewed David and Craig back in 2020 I was left in awe at not only their creativity but their business sense too as Independent Filmmakers. I can certainly say this interview was no different. They still have this drive, passion, and integrity about their work which is admirable. Not to mention their superhuman planning skills which guarantee a slick operation on set. With their new releases Love N Quarantine and Demon Fighter out now, it was a great chance to catch up with these Mighty Dragon favourites. They offer solid advice for any Independent Filmmaker and share some of their process for making their unique, quirky, and unforgettable films. Best of luck to David and Craig for Love N Quarantine and Demon Fighter and beyond. The Mighty Dragon supports Independent Filmmakers, please get in touch if you'd like to share your story.

Head on over to The Mighty Dragon blog for my interview with Marise Alvarez. https://themightydragon.blog/2022/07/16/the-mighty-dragon-podcast-with-marise-alvarez-obiwankenobi-nyche/

I last interviewed actor Jess Liaudin back in 2019, he'd been in Disney's Maleficent: Mistress of Evil and we caught up on the other projects he had at the time. His route into the industry actually left me quite tearful as he described his underprivileged background, which truly served as a launchpad propelling him into success. I think back at that interview from time to time, I still find it very moving. If you haven't read it I urge you to follow the link in Resources on the blog. For this podcast we catch-up on what he's been working on in the past two years and his hopes and ambitions as an actor. From Luther, No Time to Die, LIFT and The Batman, Jess's busy schedule won't be changing anytime soon.

I am delighted to announce that actor Adrian Schiller joined me on the podcast to discuss his time on the hugely phenomenal The Last Kingdom series. Followers of The Mighty Dragon Instagram account know that I have recently binge-watched the entire five series. So I am completely over the moon that my favourite bad guy from the series, Æthelhelm, is part of this interview collection. Adrian discusses Æthelhelm, his favourite parts of his character, his motivations, and how the character immersed itself into The Last Kingdom. But were Athelhelm's motivations misjudged? Doting grandfather or evil mastermind? We discuss this and more, on The Mighty Dragon.

It was an absolute pleasure to chat with Beijing based actor Pierre Bourdaud today on The Mighty Dragon podcast. From France to Beijing With over twenty years of experience working in Beijing as an actor, stunt performer, and director Pierre is incredibly humble about his achievements. Multi-lingual, he has worked with Jackie Chan, Johnny Knoxville, Sebastian Vettel, and many others. It seems no one day is the same as another – he could be dubbing films in Mandarin or working with Mike Tyson. With the lockdown squeezing in China how is that impacting the booming Chinese film industry?

Actor Galen Howard joined me on The Mighty Dragon podcast recently to talk about his work on The Book of Boba Fett. A lifelong Star Wars fan, Galen shared his thoughts on the Star Wars legacy and how it's endured for so many years. Star Wars is a family affair for Galen, he remarks how his father worked on Return of The Jedi, so it felt like it was meant to be when he secured the part on The Book of Boba Fett. We talk about the secret world of Star Wars casting and storyline, the highs & lows of an actor's life, his preferred genre to work in, plus what draws him to certain characters. I also took the opportunity to speak to Galen about his work in music videos, specifically the video for Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop The Feeling!'.

Deborah discusses her career from flair bartending to Dark Lights, which was released last year. A huge success, this horror short was awarded Best Cinematography, Best Special Effects and Best Horror Short at the Stranger Days Independent Film Festival. Deborah wears multiple hats during the filmmaking process, something which she does again for Move Me No Mountain, her first feature, out this summer. We spoke about the challenges and rewards of being in control of all these elements (writer, director, VFX, camera etc) and how this has impacted her script-writing. After the interview I was left in complete admiration of Deborah's achievements and drive. A strong, vocal champion of women's filmmaking (not to mention picking up the NW Woman Filmmaker of the Year award), Deborah's star is rising. Not only this, but she has done so with grace and respect for those she has worked with. Thank you for this opportunity Deborah, may I wish you all the best with your future projects. Podcasts and interviews with filmmakers the world over. Check out my special "The Mandalorian" & Mindhunter interview series, a unique behind-the-scenes experience of these hit shows. Want to learn tips and tricks from those who have succeeded? My YouTube page hosts podcasts and supporting videos with filmmakers, actors, producers, directors, and more. It showcases my own research as an amateur screenwriter/animator in creating my own stories for release here. This channel heavily supports the importance of Indie film not only in the UK but worldwide. See how Indie filmmakers are engaging with their audience to deliver unique content from shorts to features and what drives their process. It may help you start your own? SOCIAL MEDIA - Come and say hello :) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themightydragonblogTwitter: https://twitter.com/BertieChan55Blog: https://themightydragon.blog

The Book of Boba Fett lands on The Mighty Dragon blog and I am delighted to have actor Carey Jones as part of my The Book of Boba Fett interview collection. We know Carey as the bounty-hunting Wookiee, Black Krrsantan, in The Book of Boba Fett, and I must say this character, “Santy” was, for me, one of the outstanding performances of the series. If you look into the fascinating history of Santy, you can see this Wookiee was trained as a gladiator, bears a scar from Obi-Wan's lightsaber, worked for the Hutt's, Vader, and finally now, as part of Boba Fett's legion. Carey chats to me about his time on The Book of Boba Fett set and how physically challenging and rewarding portraying Santy is. We also speak about how he got into the industry and his route into Twin Peaks, The Walking Dead, Mare of Easttown, Predators, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and so much more. After this interview, I was left with admiration for Carey's work ethic, drive, and determination. He truly deserves all the success, but it wasn't without grind and grit on his part. I truly hope we see more of Santy (please Disney, give him a spin-off series)!

Kelly Schwarze, film director, author, sumo wrestler! What more can I say? I was absolutely delighted that Kelly accepted my offer to jump on a call for The Mighty Dragon to share his success on his eight feature film. Catch up with all of Kelly's news and all the fabulous work by the Indie Film Factory at Indie Film Factory Kelly Schwarze Amazon --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Recently I caught up with Independent filmmaker and regular on The Mighty Dragon, Andrew Froening. Based in the US, Andrew is currently working on two features. One being a mob film based in his home area (and Sopranos base) New Jersey. He talks about his projects this year and also reflects back on 2021 - how has the pandemic changed his work ethic. It seems features are now the future for Andrew, and as ever, I wish him the very best of success.

Flicking through the huge amount of festive films on Netflix the other night, I wondered which one I could call my favourite, my absolute “gun at head” favourite. After all, Christmas films are such an integral part of the festive season, can you imagine if we didn't have a fave? Is your favourite a tear-jerker, a rom-com, a classic or something entirely different. Something that stirred memories from childhood, possibly? While I pondered this myself, I decided to throw the question open to some of my previous interviewees. Their recommendations may inspire you to put on something that you may not seen before. What's your favourite? Step inside… HUGE THANKS to the contributors: Andrew Froening Phillip E. Hardy David Silverman Bryan McClure Bernard Bullen Kelly Schwarze AV Turner Nicole Russin-McFarland Mike Leeder Arne Venema Alejandro De Hoyos Lee Anthony Smith Paul Zeidman Joe Fiorello Carla Roda Gareth Williams Yeniffer Behrens Hopefully you will find some festive film inspiration here. Thank you for supporting The Mighty Dragon throughout 2021. The Mighty Dragon will return

On the podcast today, award winning film editor and director, Carla Roda. In a male-dominated area of the industry Carla Roda has truly made her mark on Hollywood. She is the first Spanish woman to edit projects for HBO. Her editing work for Fox Searchlight/ Fox Digital Studios' docu-series Phenoms was an official selection and winner at Tribeca Film festival. The documentary Our Quinceañera was Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at The Bentonville Film Festival and Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Panamanian International Film Festival in Los Angeles and Vote Neil Was an official selection at Tribeca Film Festival 2020, Official Selection in Documentary Shorts and was also licensed by NBC News and Meet The Press. Carla is working on a new film, Let Go , which she wrote and will direct. Let Go takes the love and sacrifice themes of Me Before You by Thea Sharrock and the recovery of trauma and identifies themes of The Rider by Chloé Zhao. Questions posed 1) From Spain to Hollywood, tell us about your journey to become an award-winning film editor? 2) Is film editing an “Invisible art” 3) Are women under-represented in this side of the industry? 4) Your family describes you as a fighter from day one, would you agree? 5) Whats has been your favourite project so far and why? 6) What do you think are the strengths of the Spanish film industry? 7) I have read with interest some of the charities you support. Could you tell me more about those, and will we see some projects based on those charities in the future? 8) What do you have planned project-wise for the near future? 9) Finally, what would be your advice to anyone wanting to explore film editing. Huge thanks to Carla for this opportunity and to Espada PR for co-ordinating. Follow Espada PR on Instagram here.

The multi-talented Renee Lim For anyone who follows The Mighty Dragon Instagram account you will see that I recently watched Clickbait on Netflix. IMDbWhen family man, Nick Brewer, is abducted in a crime with a sinister online twist, those closest to him race to uncover who is behind it and why. Shot in Australia, this series has a very modern feel, utilizing the power of social media within the story and on screen. I was delighted that actress Renee Lim, who played Alice in Clickbait, agreed to join me on the podcast. As you will hear, Renee has many strings to her bow, her drive and motivation are very inspiring to all. Looking through her impressive blog, Nay in the Life, I think this really underlies her work ethic, no matter what character she is portraying. The ability to look at a subject at many different perspectives is an attribute for any creative. We spoke too about the multi-award winning Please Like Me where she plays Mae. IMDbTwenty something Josh is going through a number of big changes as he navigates his first decade of adulthood. After being dumped by his girlfriend, he comes to the realization that he is gay. I think this series is typical of the way that Australian productions expertly portray sensitive subjects. Listen to Renee discuss what is was like to be part of it. Questions posed I have just enjoyed the series Clickbait on Netflix where you play the role of Alice. What attracted you to this character?. How did you get into acting? Your IMDb describes you as an actress, dancer, presenter and medical doctor. Is it possible to choose one as your real passion? What has been your favourite character to date, and why? You were Mae in the highly acclaimed Please Like Me, what was it like being part of this series? As an Australian actress, where do you feel the strength is in Australian tv & film? Can you tell me more about Nay in the Life? What projects do you have coming up? Huge thanks to Renee for this opportunity and to Kelly for co-ordinating us through various time zones and daylight savings