Action Addicts - Talking action films and the Business of Show Business

Can independent films compete with Hollywood blockbusters? (Also Maono wireless Lav test in a convertible....)  In this episode, filmmaker and producer Benjamin N. Redic II takes a deep dive into the surprise success of Obsession, the future of independent filmmaking, and one of the biggest debates in entertainment today: how cast and crew should share in a film’s success. Benjamin breaks down why...

What happens when you mix samurai bloodlines, Disney training, Hollywood credits, and one of the most influential anime studios in the world? You get Samantha Inoue Harte. In this episode of Austin Action Addicts, we sit down with the U.S. Head of Animated Content for GONZO K.K.—the powerhouse behind iconic titles like Afro Samurai and dozens of genre-defining anime projects. With over two decades...

What does it really take to make a feature film with almost no money… and actually turn a profit? In this episode, we sit down with Maria Tran—a powerhouse indie filmmaker who turned a $6,500 feature shot in 14 days into a profitable project across 12+ platforms. We break down how she: Built a feature film using community, non-actors, and pure grit Rejected traditional distributors to keep control...

The Violence Conductor dives into The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of Merlin (Daily Wire’s new fantasy series) — and let’s just say… expectations were high if you promise Merlin, magic, and knights swinging swords. After watching the first three episodes, the verdict is mixed. The show looks great and the sets are solid, but if you're expecting constant action and epic battles, you might find yourself wa...

The Violence Conductor breaks down Iron Lung, the indie horror film that absolutely exploded at the box office. Made for around $3 million and earning over $50 million worldwide, this project proves that independent filmmakers can still punch way above their weight. Shot largely in a single location submarine, the film relies heavily on tension, sound design, and one man carrying the entire perfor...

Janell Vela Smith is a dynamic executive producer and CEO of Iron Dragon Productions, specializing in the distribution of action-packed martial arts films and content through her innovative platform, IDTVFLIX.com. With a background as a certified black belt and stunt coordinator, she champions diverse voices in genre entertainment, curating and streaming high-octane projects like Nova and Templar:...

Coby Rich is a Houston-based filmmaker, writer, and multifaceted digital media producer with over a decade of experience in directing, editing, cinematography, and production. A true "Swiss army knife" of the industry, Rich has honed his craft across social media and independent projects, drawing inspiration from the vibrant undercurrents of his hometown. In 2024, he made waves with Ridin' Dirty,...

We caught up with Mo on the red carpet! Motivate pictures cleaned up on awards this year! "Maurice Moore is a “storyteller”, who at an early age received a life changing opportunity when Steven Spielberg cast him in the Academy Award nominated classic “The Color Purple”. This fueled his passion to become an actor, then ultimately a producer and filmmaker. Maurice went on to hone his talent on the...

Keith Vitali is a legendary figure in the world of martial arts, born on December 24, 1951, whose journey began in 1971 at the University of South Carolina. A former track star who shattered state records in cross-country, Keith traded his athletic scholarship for a passion ignited by his first Tae Kwon Do class under instructor John Roper. Earning his first-degree black belt in just two years, he...

Ericka has a conversation with Grandmaster Harris on the red carpet during Austin Action Fest & Market 2025. "Grandmaster Samuel Harris was given the name "Ming Sam" by the late Grandmaster Moy Yat. Grandmaster Ming Sam trained extensively in the art of Ving Tsun under Grandmaster Moy Yat for 8 years, including private instruction. He became a formal disciple of his Sifu Moy Yat in 1996 where...

We’re celebrating the screenings of No Retreat, No Surrender 1 & 3, and Keith drops some absolute gems:From journalist to Hollywood writer/producer/stuntman How he became a world-renowned watch expert (yes, really!) Riding Triumph motorcycles and why they’re the real deal Teaching kids martial arts (he’s a black belt in Isshinryu) AND creative writing Why martial arts is the ultimate confidenc...

The Violence Conductor and Generally Irritable weigh in on whether this movie is worth your time or a Jurassic waste of it. "Zora Bennett leads a team of skilled operatives to the most dangerous place on Earth, an island research facility for the original Jurassic Park. Their mission is to secure genetic material from dinosaurs whose DNA can provide life-saving benefits to mankind. As the top-secr...

Get ready to mainline some cinematic adrenaline with the Action Addicts Podcast, where Maurice Moore, the genius behind Motivate Pictures, serves up a weekly dose of filmmaking realness with a side of snark. Forget the fluffy film school lectures—Maurice, who hustled from dreamer to award-winning producer, drags you into the chaotic, thrilling world of indie filmmaking. Maurice dives into the hear...

Was this movie worth sem fiddy? I'll let y'all know. Tune in and drop your thoughts on the film in the comments. Also I've been told by MANY people that I look like Anthony Mack. Is that true? "Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident after meeting with President Thaddeus Ross. He must soon discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the en...

Christine W. Chen is an acclaimed film producer, director, and writer, recognized for her unique storytelling approach. She holds a B.A. from Rice University and an MBA from the University of Texas McCombs. Since embarking on her filmmaking journey in 2010, Chen has crafted over 15 short films and two feature films, notably the feminist thriller "Erzulie," which has garnered attention for its fres...

Kale Howell is the founder of Cinestruct, a company known for its innovative approach to supporting independent filmmakers through its Cinevite platform. Launched in spring 2024, Cinestruct's initiatives include the Debut program, which partners with film festivals to spotlight emerging talents and provide them with industry mentorship and community engagement opportunities. Notable for his entrep...

"The true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar  @robbiewilliamsvideos  " Gear List: Microphone - Maono PD400X USB/XLR Mic - Maonocaster AM100 Interface/MAONO AU-MH601Studio Headphones Get %10 off ➡️Here: https://www.maono.com/?ref=vmwwa2qg Use code - AustinActionFest We're shooting for 1,000 subs so Please Subscribe, Comment and Share the co...

What are your top 3 Christmas movies of all time? We weigh in! You'll be surprised at some of the gems that make the list. Gear List: Microphone - Maono PD400X USB/XLR Mic - Maonocaster AM100 Interface/MAONO AU-MH601Studio Headphones Get %10 off ➡️Here: https://www.maono.com/?ref=vmwwa2qg Use code - AustinActionFest We're shooting for 1,000 subs so Please Subscribe, Comment and Share the content....

We watched the movie. We weigh in.  It's not worth your top dollar.... Like and subscribe. Comment below and let us know what you think! Who do you want us to bring on next? Let us know. Action Addicts Podcast © 2025 Action Addicts Podcast. All rights reserved. Connect with us:  X  | Instagram | Email (mailto:Contact@AustinActionFest.com)

Join us while we interview actress, Hristiana Soula! We can't wait to chat with her about her recent role in "MAD" by Sheilava, gaming, and her next acting adventures. Like and subscribe. Comment below and let us know what you think! Who do you want us to bring on next? Let us know. Action Addicts Podcast © 2025 Action Addicts Podcast. All rights reserved. Connect with us:  X  | Instagram | Email...

Join us as we interview producer & director, Matt Poitras! We'll be talking to him about his latest & upcoming projects. Like and subscribe. Comment below and let us know what you think! Who do you want us to bring on next? Let us know. Action Addicts Podcast © 2025 Action Addicts Podcast. All rights reserved. Connect with us:  X  | Instagram | Email (mailto:Contact@AustinActionFest.com)

Was this movie any good? It's getting trashed. Let's talk about it. Like and subscribe. Comment below and let us know what you think! Who do you want us to bring on next? Let us know. Action Addicts Podcast © 2025 Action Addicts Podcast. All rights reserved. Connect with us:  X  | Instagram | Email (mailto:Contact@AustinActionFest.com)

We'll be interviewing Writer & Director, William Instone! We'll talk to him about "Caught In My Eye", his upcoming film, as well as "Butcher's Bluff", his previous work. Join us for LIVE Q&A! Like and subscribe. Comment below and let us know what you think! Who do you want us to bring on next? Let us know. Action Addicts Podcast © 2025 Action Addicts Podcast. All rights reserved. Connect w...

Join us as we interview Producer, Director, & Writer James Drake Coleman! We'll be talking to him about his latest feature film, "Isolation".   Isolation Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o0Kwi6qMwU Isolation Indiegogo Link: https://streamyard.com/x9yxah92c8 Like and subscribe. Comment below and let us know what you think! Who do you want us to bring on next? Let us know. Action Addict...

The Violence Conductor and Generally Irritable breakdown the newest movie in the M-She-U. SPOILERS!!! Like and subscribe. Comment below and let us know what you think! Who do you want us to bring on next? Let us know. Action Addicts Podcast © 2025 Action Addicts Podcast. All rights reserved. Connect with us:  X  | Instagram | Email (mailto:Contact@AustinActionFest.com)