Elijah Rowen is an Irish actor and producer known for playing Asbjorn in History's Vikings and starring opposite Sean Bean and Billy Zane in Sky One's Curfew. The son of artist Guggi, Bono's closest friend, he explains why growing up in a creative family never actually opened any doors for him.

We talk about landing Vikings through cold-emailed self-tapes, learning stunt driving in under two months for Curfew, and losing his momentum in lockdown. Elijah also explains how he and his drama school friends built their own production company, shot a festival feature inside a single recording studio, and navigated funding and distribution.

Caledonia, The Hook, making mistakes, celebrating too early, AI, vertical dramas and more.

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If you enjoy this, you’ll love our friends at LIFE IN FILM PODCAST:

https://open.spotify.com/show/2w4hoE5UgPBKEOpgM0CY7A?si=9227d4d20bef4233

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Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thisiselijahrowen/

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Opening doors

07:50 - Getting into acting

11:34 - First shattered dreams and getting cast in Vikings

20:55 - LIFE IN FILM PODCAST AD

22:04 - Working on Vikings

30:38 - Looking at yourself, self-criticism, mistakes

40:14 - The Curfew, stunt driving

46:36 - Limitations feed creativity / Caledonia

52:07 - Producing Caledonia

59:47 - Celebrating small wins

1:03:20 - Indie producing

1:05:00 - The Hook

1:14:44 - What's next?

1:16:17 - Vertical dramas

1:24:47 - AI

1:33:00 - Advice for actors

1:34:42 - Mission in life

1:37:30 - Universal advice

1:38:37 - Lasting Words

1:40:48 - The end

1:41:24 - Outro

Beyond Reel Talk is a podcast where I invite entertainment industry professionals to ask them about their journey, their professions, challenges and motivation.

#beyondreeltalk #interview #podcast #videopodcast

In this episode, I'm joined by casting director Nicole Ricciardi from Ricciardi Casting for a long and practical conversation about how casting really works and what every actor should know.

We talk about what happens behind the scenes after an audition, how casting decisions are made, who really has the final say, why actors hear nothing after auditions, whether social media affects castability, the impact of AI on casting, and the biggest mistakes actors make without realising it.

In the second half of the episode, Nicole reviews my own Spotlight profile live, explaining what works, what doesn't, and how casting directors actually look at headshots, showreels, skills, playing age and credits.

Link to the Spotlight page we're looking at:

https://app.spotlight.com/3016-3498-7866

Topics include:

• How the casting process really works

• Self-tapes and in-room auditions

• Casting type vs acting range

• Choosing the right agent

• Social media and castability

• AI in the casting industry

• Spotlight profile review

• Headshots, showreels and playing age

• Common audition mistakes

• Practical advice for actors

Nicole's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ricciardicasting/

Ricciardi Casting Website:

https://www.ricciardicasting.com/about

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If you enjoy this, you’ll love our friends at LIFE IN FILM PODCAST:

https://open.spotify.com/show/2w4hoE5UgPBKEOpgM0CY7A?si=9227d4d20bef4233

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CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction

00:00:40 - Nicole's Journey and credentials

00:03:27 - Why Casting?

00:05:39 - Plan for the episode

00:06:16 - The Hardest Part of Casting

00:09:43 - The Casting Process

00:13:03 - How Many Actors Get Seen?

00:15:27 - LIFE IN FILM Podcast Ad

00:16:37 - We have to consider EVERYTHING

00:20:43 - Let Go of the Outcome

00:21:59 - When to Contact Casting Directors

00:25:14 - Who Really Makes the Decision?

00:27:27 - Fighting for Actors

00:29:54 - Profile Red Flags

00:33:02 - Talent vs Professionalism

00:34:02 - Intangible / Experience

00:39:28 - Can One Bad Audition Hurt?

00:41:48 - Damaging Your Reputation

00:42:22 - Mistake that affects your castability

00:44:14 - Casting Type

00:48:33 - Self-Tapes vs Auditions

00:50:04 - Self-Tape Advice

01:08:17 - In-Room Auditions / Nerves

01:19:08 - Are Actors Trying Too Hard?

01:23:45 - Choosing the Right Agent

01:30:11 - Social Media

01:38:31 - AI & Casting

01:43:30 - Spotlight Review

01:45:50 - Bio

01:47:37 - Headshots and photos

01:51:01 - Filters: Location, Heritage, etc.

01:52:13 - Playing Age

01:54:40 - Showreels

01:56:20 - CV & Credits / CUT SCENE

01:58:10 - Accents and skills

01:59:42 - Which skills to invest into?

02:04:30 - Training

02:05:30 - Final Advice

02:07:56 - Lasting Words

02:10:18 - Where to Find Nicole

01:11:00 - Outro

Beyond Reel Talk is a podcast where I invite entertainment industry professionals to ask them about their journey, their professions, challenges and motivation.#beyondreeltalk #interview #podcast #videopodcast

Daniel Everitt-Lock is a cinematographer and the director of the documentary Our Planet, The People, My Blood.

We talk about the lasting impact of nuclear weapons testing and the people whose lives were affected by it. Daniel shares the stories behind his documentary, which looks at the experiences of nuclear test veterans, downwind communities, Indigenous people, and families across the USA, the UK, Australia, and other parts of the world.

We discuss the making of the documentary, the challenges of researching these stories, the reaction from UK Parliament, government lies, the Merlin database, and the fight for recognition and justice.

We also talk about Daniel's journey into cinematography, storytelling, rejection, and the ups and downs of working in the film industry.

https://linktr.ee/atomicblooddocCHAPTERS:

00:00 - Victims of the nuclear test in the USA

02:55 - How the idea of the documentary was born

07:30 - Consequences of nuclear tests around the world

12:49 - Why tests on humans?

17:20 - Making of 'Our Planet, The People, My Blood'

22:50 - Reaction and consequences

24:54 - Research and sources

27:31 - Marshallese nuclear testing consequences

31:45 - Scale of testing

34:34 - Soviet Union Tsar Bomba testing

39:07 - Why so many?

41:06 - Parliament / Merlin database

46:09 - Struggles of making 'Our Planet, The People, My

Blood'

50:00 - Cinematography

52:43 - Getting into storytelling

53:31 - Acting and struggles of actors

59:55 - Behind vs in front of a camera

1:02:54 - Mentor

1:04:41 - Cinematographic language and inspiration

1:09:55 - Scale of productions

1:11:16 - Plans for the future

1:11:51 - Rejection

1:12:32 - Mission

1:15:04 - Sacrifices we do for art

1:23:05 - Next screenings of 'Our Planet, The People, My

Blood'

1:23:38 - Universal advice

1:27:09 - AI

1:29:57 - Lasting Words

1:31:20 - The end

Beyond Reel Talk is a podcast where I invite entertainment industry professionals to ask them about their journey, their professions, challenges and motivation.

#beyondreeltalk #interview #podcast #videopodcast

Sofia Priolo is an American actor, classically trained ballet dancer, classical singer and choreographer based in London. In this episode we talk about her childhood in Alabama, discovering dance at a young age, and the discipline and toughness that came with ballet training.

We also discuss storytelling through movement, the connection between dance and acting, choreographing “A Time for Everything”, and the differences between the UK and American acting industries. Sofia shares why she chose London over New York, the pressure artists put on themselves, and how important it is to recognize your worth both as an artist and as a person.

The conversation also touches on stage vs screen acting, Timothée Chalamet’s recent ballet and opera backlash, balancing different creative passions, and the quiet role faith and belief can play in staying grounded through an unpredictable creative life.

---------------------------------------

If you enjoy this, you’ll love our friends at LIFE IN FILM PODCAST:

https://open.spotify.com/show/2w4hoE5UgPBKEOpgM0CY7A?si=9227d4d20bef4233

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Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/sophia.priolo/

YouTube channel:

@sophiapriolo2937

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Coming up

01:48 - Intro

03:02 - Childhood in Alabama

05:21 - Passion to tell stories

07:25 - Recognising a talent in dancing

13:30 - Toughness and discipline in ballet

18:58 - Timothée Chalamet ballet and opera backlash

23:00 - LIFE IN FILM Podcast ad

24:10 - Ballet, classical singing, acting, choreo: where is your passion?

28:42 - Dance language

35:40 - Casting dancers is like casting actors

36:52 - Choreographing “Time for Everything”

40:15 - Why London over New York?

43:10 - UK vs American style of acting

49:31 - Wrapping up on UK vs US

53:39 - Recognising your worth as an artist and a person

1:02:00 - Artist’s identity, privilege and taking it too seriously

1:09:44 - What not to ask actors

1:13:44 - Stage and screen

1:15:09 - Dancing vs acting vs choreo… vs writing

1:18:05 - Writing “Mine here”

1:20:31 - What’s in the future?

1:23:48 - Overachieving?

1:27:12 - The story of the The Sophia Boot by LaDuca

1:33:11 - Mission in life

1:35:41 - Universal advice

1:36:56 - What is happiness?

1:40:38 - Lasting Words

1:44:31 - The End

Beyond Reel Talk is a podcast where I invite entertainment industry professionals to ask them about their journey, their professions, challenges and motivation.

#beyondreeltalk #interview #podcast #videopodcast 

Tino Orsini is an actor working across theatre and screen.

In this episode, he talks about playing Banksy in Ted Lasso, his early life, and how he got into acting. He also shares his time in Los Angeles, why he left, and what it was like coming back to London and continuing his career.

We get into the difference between theatre and screen, dealing with rejection, and why making your own work can make a real difference. He talks about his one-man show Ghosts of West Hollywood, which he wrote and is preparing to perform, along with the day-to-day reality of self-tapes and commercials.

We also touch on preparation, staying truthful in performances, and what success means to him as an actor.

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If you enjoy this, you’ll love our friends at LIFE IN FILM PODCAST:

 @LIFEINFILMPODCAST 

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Website

https://https://www.tinoorsini.co.uk/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/tinoorsiniofficial/

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Coming up

01:03 - Intro

01:16 - Playing Banksy on Ted Lasso

04:20 - Roots, childhood, getting into acting

11:32 - Time in Los Angeles

16:58 - LIFE IN FILM ad

18:12 - Career after LA

19:30 - Theatre vs Screen

24:26 - Surviving the industry and rejection

29:32 - Creating own work

31:50 - Ghosts of West Hollywood

35:01 - Commercials and self-tapes

39:15 - One man show

40:49 - Festival life

46:00 - Actor's life: Resilience, truthfulness

55:42 - Preparation, technique

59:26 - Pleased to Kill You short film

1:01:53 - Best projects

1:02:29 - Success for an actor

1:03:52 - Hardest shoots

1:05:55 - Dream project

1:07:00 - Dream directors and actors

1:08:16 - Mission

1:11:15 - Universal advice

1:12:25 - Lasting Words

1:15:11 - The End

Beyond Reel Talk is a podcast where I invite entertainment industry professionals to ask them about their journey, their professions, challenges and motivation.

#beyondreeltalk #interview #podcast #videopodcast

Akie Kotabe is a Japanese-American actor known for The Batman, Andor, Silo, Gran Turismo and Mad Men.In this episode, we talk about growing up in America with Japanese roots, how he got into acting, and what it takes to build a long career in the industry.

Akie shares his experience of living in Los Angeles as a working actor, dealing with rejection, casting, and how an acting career often means constant hustle and a lot of sacrifice. We also talk about theatre, his experience working with Michael Shannon and Ruth Wilson, as well as voice work and screen acting.

We also get into working on projects like Cyberpunk 2077, Andor, Silo and The Batman — including his experience working with Common on Silo, what those sets were like, how certain roles came about, and which projects stayed with him the most.

---------------------------------------

If you enjoy this, you’ll love our friends at LIFE IN FILM PODCAST:

https://open.spotify.com/show/2w4hoE5UgPBKEOpgM0CY7A?si=41ab5c6d74964e2

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Website: https://www.akie-kotabe.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akiekotabe/

YouTube channel: @AkieKotabe 

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Coming up

01:50 - Intro

02:46 - Youth in America. Japanese roots.

06:39 - Getting into acting

11:33 - Success and survival as an actor

23:52 - LIFE IN FILM ad

25:06 - Living in Los Angeles as an actor

31:49 - Working on MAD MEN

34:16 - Authenticity in casting / Tokyo Vice

38:43 - Small world

40:24 - Theatre

42:00 - Moon for the Misbegotten

56:42 - Voice Over

1:02:12 - Working on (and playing) Cyberpunk 2077

1:09:39 - Rejection

1:15:56 - Casting type

1:18:18 - Working on THE BATMAN

1:23:08 - Working on ANDOR

1:26:58 - Costumes/suits in films

1:31:42 - Working on SILO

1:39:37 - Apple TV

1:42:27 - 1883

1:46:30 - Favorite projects

1:49:00 - Working on Gran Turismo

1:52:43 - Midgets VS Mascots

1:55:42 - Dream projects

1:56:15 - Best people to work with

2:02:05 - Mission in life

2:05:56 - Universal advice

2:07:29 - Lasting Words

2:10:40 - Japanese culture

2:14:14 - America

2:17:11 - Anything in the pipeline?

2:18:18 - Contact information

Beyond Reel Talk is a podcast where I invite entertainment industry professionals to ask them about their journey, their professions, challenges and motivation.

#beyondreeltalk #interview #podcast #videopodcast

Áine Rose Daly is an actress and musician known for her roles in Boiling Point, Amazon's Hanna and The Physician 2.

In this episode, we talk about her last couple of years of self-work, including OCD, therapy, and coming off medication, and why mental health is an ongoing process. We also get into hers (and any actor's) struggles.

Áine shares stories from working on The Physician 2, what it was like working with Tom Payne and Emily Cox, scenes that didn’t make the cut, challenges on set, and her first big red carpet moments. Tickets to the short film screening:

https://princecharlescinema.com/film/31617321/scroobius-pip-presents-an-evening-of-short-films-and-short-conversatio/Instagram: @ainerosedalyYouTube music channel: @ainerosedaly2220  CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Coming up

01:34 - Intro

03:34 - Two years of self-work

06:15 - OCD, therapy, and getting off meds

15:40 - When is it time to get ff meds?

22:43 - Mental health is hard work

37:21 - Acting career and struggles

44:06 - Acting vs Music

48:20 - Working on The Physician 2

7:06 - The cast, Tom Payne, Emily Cox

1:03:18 - Cut scene

1:05:49 - Biggest challenges on set

1:10:51 - Red carpet experience

1:13:38 - Making "More Than It Hurts"

1:21:15 - Music. Releasing "Reprise"

1:24:36 - Filmmaking plans

1:27:01 - Lasting Words... almost

1:30:51 - The EndBeyond Reel Talk is a podcast where I invite entertainment industry professionals to ask them about their journey, their professions, challenges and motivation.#beyondreeltalk #interview #podcast #videopodcast

Best moments of season 2 of Beyond Reel Talk podcast. Andrey Rogozin and his guest discuss life, mental health, acting industry, struggles of actors, life of creatives, AI and more.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

01:58 - Tom Basden about “The Ballad of Wallis island”

08:34 - Kirsty Averton and Andrey on struggles of actors

26:43 - Kayne Lee Harrison about hustling his way into the industry

31:23 - Natalia Kostrzewa about the struggles of Eastern Europeans

37:07 - Fiona Hampton about working on "Kingsman: The Secret Service"

46:43 - Tara Hoyos-Martinez about winning Miss Universe GB

1:02:06 - Jim Shields about AI

1:09:21 - Micah Abna about schizophrenia and mental health

1:18:46 - Sevket Cerkez about fighter's mindset

Beyond Reel Talk is a podcast where I invite entertainment industry professionals to ask them about their journey, their professions, challenges and motivation.#beyondreeltalk #interview #podcast #videopodcast

Natalia Kostrzewa is a Polish-born actress who moved to Ireland before building her career in the UK. In this episode, she talks about her early life, training, and the realities Eastern European actors face in the UK. We also discuss self-tapes, casting pressure, social media, and staying grounded through rejection. She talks about her work at Owning It Acting Studio, her experiences on Black Mirror, and shares practical advice on showreels, headshots, nerves, and finding a life balance.

https://www.owningitactingstudio.com/

Instagram: @owningitactingstudio

CHAPTERS:00:00 - Coming up

01:37 - Intro

02:02 - Poland, childhood, getting into acting

04:46 - Move to Ireland

12:28 - Studying acting

16:11 - Realities of Eastern European actors in the UK

22:55 - Self-taping

42:15 - Owning It Acting Studio

55:53 - Most valuable skill for actors

58:56 - Life balance, rejection and regrets

1:03:40 - Changes in the industry, accents and diversity

1:12:03 - Social media game

1:14:09 - Whose advice to listen?

1:17:30 - You're never out of the woods

1:21:42 - Working on Black Mirror

1:24:34 - Yellowstone, Taylor Sheridan and his Empire

1:27:10 - Bloodline

1:27:40 - Forgetting your lines

1:31:52 - Acting classes

1:35:44 - Casting, nerves and avoiding desperation

1:39:23 - Showreels, headshots and reaching out

1:42:37 - Mission in life

1:46:02 - The Film school experiment

1:49:08 - Universal advice

1:51:41 - Lasting Words

1:55:14 - The End

Beyond Reel Talk is a podcast where I invite entertainment industry professionals to ask them about their journey, their professions, challenges and motivation.#beyondreeltalk #interview #podcast #videopodcast

Kayne Lee Harrison is a British-American actor best known for his role as Cre in Netflix’s Resort to Love. In this episode he talks about breaking into acting from a working-class background, the class barriers that still shape the industry, and what it took to push through them. He reflects on Resort to Love, his writing on Heterogeneity, and the importance of honest conversations around faith and politics. We also cover rejection, the impact of social media on cinema, his creative influences, cultural differences between the UK and the USA, and why reading is central to growth as an artist and a person.

Instagram: @kayneleeharrison

TikTok: kayneharrison

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Coming up

01:56 - Intro

02:37 - Who is Kayne

04:32 - Hustling your way into acting from working class background

12:22 - Resort to Love

23:25 - Rejection

25:52 - Life after Resort to Love

27:44 - Heterogeneity. Writing. Faith and hope.

46:56 - The Night In

54:14 - Watching yourself

56:15 - How reality TV and social media affect cinema

59:46 - TV vs film. Game of Thrones

1:05:55 - Charlie Sheen, Robert Downey Jr. and nepotism

1:08:58 - Actors, directors, genres

1:15:20 - Controversy of Witcher

1:18:37 - Heat, Vegas and gambling

1:22:39 - GB vs USA

1:27:03 - Advice for actors

1:29:17 - Know your lines!

1:35:14 - Class barrier

1:36:30 - What's next

1:39:55 - Mission in life

1:40:57 - Universal advice

1:43:30 - Lasting Words

1:47:48 - Importance of reading

1:51:08 - The end

Beyond Reel Talk is a podcast where I invite entertainment industry professionals to ask them about their journey, their professions, challenges and motivation.#beyondreeltalk #interview #podcast #videopodcast