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★★★★ Starring: #JacobRenouf, #EvanEmanuel, #RachelScott, #JamieMarsh, #MattDavis Directed by: #JamieMarsh Short Film Review by: Alexandra James A short film following eccentric detective Ebeneezer Maisonette and his associate Percival Farley. A new case has fallen on their lap and its up to them to recover a stolen ruby and save the day. Unfortunately, they are not your typical detectives and some of their ways can be considered a little unusual to say the least. As the case progresses, things are not all as they seem and with twists and turns thrown into the mix, it made our genius detective question everything. Ebeneezer Maisonette is not your conventional detective, he has no filter and a fascinating style, from the crazy moustache to the magnified glasses, however, despite his unusual presence, he has a passion for solving crime and a keen eye for detail. This is a similar attribute to this short film, the details included from the costumes to the locations. It can be difficult with a small budget to be able find a location suitable, especially when filming a period film. This is set around the early 1900’s, so it can be tough to scout spaces and areas that are able to reflect this timeframe, considering this is a low budget film, it was great to see how they worked around this barrier and made it work, using areas with cobbled streets or cathedrals and old churches to set the scene. Each character is witty, interesting and adds a certain flare to the story. Although the central story is around a crime, the story itself is funny and light-hearted. Director Jamie Marsh has created a good balance between comedic scenes but also clever and humorous dialogue. A way to improve this further would be the editing, there were some scenes that did not have a smooth transition compared to others, however, a majority was good quality and included some great artistic techniques and Marsh was able to add his own stamp and style to this film. An incredibly entertaining short film with great comical characters, it would be great to see other episodes of this and discover new adventures for Ebeneezer Maisonette and his associate to go on, as well to really explore the characters and establish a Marsh’s style of filmmaking.

★★★★ Starring: #InmatesofStanfordHillHMP and #HardwickeCircus Directed by: #BenArcher Short Film Review by: Alexandra James This short documentary follows a small band from the north of England, on a mission to spread music and passion to prisoners across the UK. Director Ben Archer focuses on the bands message that all of us deserve to have access to the arts world. Music can enlighten and allow people the opportunity to express themselves in an artistic way, it can be difficult to share your inner deepest thoughts and fears, but with music there is a platform that allows people to have a voice and turn it into something positive where others can connect as well as take solace in the fact that they are not alone. Lead singer of Hardwicke Circus, Jonny Foster, creates a music workshop at Stanford Hill HMP, a men’s prison on the Isle of Sheppey. Ben Archer captures the band interacting with the inmates and the uplifting jam session that inspire and encourage many. This was a very moving film that highlights the importance of giving back to the community, and the necessity of art. People may debate as to whether prisoners should be deserving of live bands performing for them or being able to play and share their talents to others. However, there are so many benefits to this and with this documentary, it shows how powerful music can be and allows the inmates to express themselves, channel their emotions and look to the future. The documentary shows singer Jonny Foster share his thoughts over the whole concept, he states that inmates have discussed with him how to get into the music industry and about life on the road. It shows that there is something else to focus on and strive towards. Hardwicke Circus: The Prison Gig  showed great moments of the band playing and bringing on inmates on stage to showcase their talent. Many of the inmates were able to just forget where they were for a moment and just be a part of something bigger and enjoy a break from the mundane routine. Ben Archer uses the ‘gonzo’ style of filmmaking which is in some of his other pieces of work. It’s a type of fly-on-the-wall documentary. It makes for a very raw film and shows the audience the connection and positivity between the band and inmates. Ben Archer has been able to feature the good work Hardwicke Circus have been able to achieve by spreading their love of music to others who may not have envisioned this as an option outside of prison.

★★★ Starring: #WillowBarrett, #SydWalsh and #ChuckBones Directed by: #BenArcher and #SalRedpath Short   Film Review by: Alexandra James Directed by Ben Archer and Sal Redpath, Through the Stew,  follows Anton a young punk whose attitude is subdued, and who clearly has no strong desires in life. Anton moves aimlessly through the streets of New York city knowing that this is his last day alive in the chaos. With just a packet of cigarettes and an old radio, Anton attempts to settle some of his affairs before he departs forever. This film uses super 8 footage and is black and white throughout, this can be seen as an extremely difficult and challenging way to capture a story. However, it also created a gritty edge to this film and provided the audience with a new perspective on the city of New York as well as the character Anton himself. Through the Stew  shows Anton as extremely detached from the world, completely ignoring his surroundings and the electricity emanating from the city. He was very much aloof and the only way in which the audience could connect or get a sense of his emotions was through this 50’s style radio that he carried around with him that seemed to be sending out messages occasionally. Through the Stew  is a dark and mysterious film and draws a lot of inspiration from No wave cinema and guerilla filmmaking.  However, Archer and Redpath have shaped this type of cinematography into their own by weaving the theme of punk rock through the characters and their fashion choices. There appears to be an ageless feel as well, it’s one that cannot be placed in a specific timeframe, with the combination of super 8 footage, a 50s radio with noir recordings as well as elements of punk rock style, this makes it captivating as the piece is layered with a mix of a variety of eras and is perfectly unique in its own right. Ben Archer and Sal Redpath’s , Through the Stew, is an intense and edgy film that draws in aspects that connect with the punk rock era. The punk rock ethos being freedom, non-conforming and anti-establishment. A lot of the aesthetics are reflected in this film, with its underground and minimalist style and the promotion of individual freedom. An incredibly intriguing film with an original spin on No wave cinema and the backdrop of a hectic New York city as a distant, lonely man leaves it all behind.

Interview by Chris Olson Hi Zehua, thanks for speaking with UK Film Review. For those who don't know you, please tell us a bit about yourself. My name is Zehua Yang, and I’m a cinematographer currently based in Los Angeles. Originally from China, I’ve had the opportunity to work across both the U.S. and China, which has greatly influenced my approach to filmmaking. My journey into #cinematography was driven by a deep passion for storytelling through visuals—whether that’s capturing the raw emotion in a #documentary, the energy of a commercial, or the creative vision of a music video. I’ve been fortunate to showcase my work at prestigious film festivals like NFFTY, Palm Springs, Beijing International Short Film Festival etc. Each project I take on, I strive to build a connection with the audience through the lens, telling stories that resonate on a personal level. That's brilliant thanks. And your new film, Kiki & The Ghost, how would you describe this film to a new audience? Three days before Halloween, a new boy moves in next door to six-year-old Kiki and her family. Convinced that this boy is a real ghost, Kiki sneaks out to the tree between the two homes and discovers that this in fact is not a ghost but, Joe, a boy her same age. After sparking a swift bond, Joe reveals that he wears the ghost costume to hide bruises inflicted by his mother at home. Unsure of the severity of her new friend's situation, Kiki does what any kid would and invites Joe for a secret meeting in her pillow fort. From there, the two talk about family and form a friendship that will hopefully protect them from the outside world forever. It sounds really interesting. Why did you want to be involved and make this film? When I first read the script for Kiki & the Ghost, I was drawn to the emotional depth and the way the story unfolded through the characters’ actions rather than dialogue. It immediately felt like a great opportunity to tell the story visually, especially given the emotional weight of Kiki and Joe's relationship. The film's subtlety and quiet moments gave me a chance to explore the atmosphere in a way that made the environment itself almost like a character—something that could reflect both the innocence of childhood and the underlying struggles they face. The challenge for me was capturing the emotions, the unsaid parts of the story, through composition, lighting, and framing. Sounds great! Were there any challenges making the film? If so, what were they and how did you overcome them? Yes, we faced several challenges during the production of Kiki & the Ghost. A big one was the time limitation due to working with child actors. Our shoot days were capped at 8 hours instead of the usual 12, which required intense pre-planning. We had to know every shot we needed, as well as where to position lights and actors, to avoid wasting time on set. Another major obstacle was losing a critical supermarket location just three days before the shoot. Thankfully, our producer secured a library as a replacement. This last-minute change meant I had to completely adjust my visual approach and redo a significant portion of the prep. However, my background in documentary #filmmaking proved invaluable. It allowed me to think quickly, adapt on the spot, and ensure no shot was wasted, even under pressure. These experiences shaped the film and taught us the importance of flexibility and preparation. What stage is the film currently in? And how can people get to see it? It's in the Festival circuit. It actually won an Audience Award at NYFFTY! Wow, congratulations! What an achievement for your filmmaking. Why do you make movies? I make movies because storytelling through imagery feels like the most universal way to connect with people. Growing up, I didn’t have a specific “film dream,” but I was fascinated by how movies captured emotions I couldn’t always express. Films like Yi Yi and Tokyo Story showed me the beauty in everyday life, how a simple gesture or a quiet moment could resonate so deeply. What drew me to cinematography was discovering the power of visual language. I’m inspired by how light, composition, and movement can evoke emotions that transcend dialogue. For example, I remember watching The Tree of Life and being captivated by how its imagery spoke volumes—telling a story without needing words. It made me realize that cinema is not just about entertainment; it’s a medium that lets us explore human nature, memory, and connection. When I’m behind the camera, I feel like I’m piecing together a puzzle, shaping a narrative frame by frame. Every project I work on is a chance to explore a new perspective or dive into an emotional truth. For me, making movies isn’t just about creating something beautiful—it’s about giving audiences moments that linger with them long after the credits roll. Amazing. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the film career you have pursued? If you're starting out in cinematography or filmmaking, my advice would be to stay curious and adaptable. Take every opportunity, no matter how small, because each project will teach you something new. Learn to collaborate and listen—filmmaking is a team effort, and building strong relationships is just as important as technical skills. Don’t be afraid to experiment. It’s through trial and error that you find your voice. And most importantly, stay patient. A film career is a marathon, not a sprint. Wise words indeed. What's next for your career after this film? After this film, I’m looking forward to exploring genres and styles that are entirely new to me. I’m particularly interested in venturing into genres like psychological thrillers, action, or experimental narratives that challenge conventional storytelling. Right now, I’m also diving deeper into music videos and experimental projects, which allow me to play with abstract visuals and unconventional techniques. This creative freedom is pushing me to see filmmaking in fresh, exciting ways, and I hope to carry that energy into future narrative projects. #ChrisOlson #FilmmakerInterview

★★★★ Starring: #JayJayJegathesan and #MiraeJang Directed by: #PeterRenzullo Short Film Review by: Alexandra James Isabella is a short film directed by Peter Renzullo, the story is disturbing, intense and dark and stars Jay Jay Jegathesan who was made for this role and had previously been in another one of Renzullo’s films The Jewel Wasp . Watching his performance, he seemed like the perfect choice to make for this sinister film and certainly intensified the scene with his story of an emerald wasp and a helpless cockroach. Isabella is unfortunately seated opposite Khan and must endure this uncomfortable tale, but what exactly is the relationship between the two? The scene opens to Khan sitting in a dark suit across from Isabella. At this stage we do not know what Isabella looks like, the audience can merely hear her voice responding to Khan as he begins to tell her a story. There is an ominous air to Khan, the room appears cold and his presence even colder. With just a table in between him and Isabella and his words, the film is very powerful. Instantly, I became hooked on his every word and although disturbed by the story as he describes the calculating and detailed torture that an emerald wasp performs on a cockroach, it was hard to look away. His voice is low and dark and as he tells the story, you begin to feel slightly concerned for poor Isabella and worry for her safety! It’s not until the final scene that we discover why Isabella is there, her calm response to Khan really throws the audience off the scent and it becomes shocking when we finally get a glimpse of her. The sounds of cockroaches and insects can occasionally be heard as Khan is speaking which makes your skin crawl and your fear heighten. Its interesting to see the different ways in which directors can tell a story. There have been some short films where there is no dialogue throughout, and the storyline is followed by facial cues and imagery. Or there are films such as this, where we are not shown much, and the sound of someone’s voice carries the film and drives the storyline. I am a fan of all types of storytelling, if it can really convey that message and entices the viewer from the offset. Isabella has certainly achieved this; Khan’s dark and mysterious tale of horrors was one that I cannot shake. The performance of Jay Jay Jegathesan was a perfect cast for this role and took the film to a very sinister place. The slow pans and long takes, added to the eeriness of the film and made for an uncomfortable watch, forced to listen and endure much like Isabella. Dark and sinister but a great performance and very well written, keeping the audience hanging onto every word.

★★★★★ Starring: #AliKhan, #MaggieOllerenshaw, #AngusBarnett, #DebbieChazen and #JessicaBalmer Directed by: #JacobDudman Short Film Review by: Alexandra James Finger Food , a short film that is both funny, clever and extraterrestrial! Directed by Jacob Dudman this film shows the awkward encounters of meeting your girlfriends’ parents for the first time. However, it becomes even more of an awkward situation when you learn that her parents are aliens! This short was very comical and light-hearted, and a great film for both sci-fi fans and comedies. After dating for a while, it was time for Jason to meet Lucy’s family. Unfortunately for Jason, he arrives just a bit too early and must enter the family home alone as Lucy makes her way back from work after a delayed train. If you couldn’t think of anything worse, the family also have some odd habits and are finding it hard to hide their true selves! Boyfriend Jason played by Ali Khan who also starred in A Haunting in Venice , was pulling out all the stops to impress his in laws, greeting them with flowers and a seemingly big smile. Unfortunately, none of these acts of kindness are doing anything to sway dad Steve. However, they seem to win round mum and nana…maybe even a little too much for nana. The acting within this short was seamless from start to finish, especially from Angus Barnett. Although he had limited dialogue, his presence on screen was powerful and made me feel nervous! The same goes for Ali Khan, you can feel a lot of emotion from an actor by just facial expressions and judging from his fear-stricken face and wide eyes, this was not a family he wished to be a part of anytime soon. I really enjoyed watching the discomfort play out and found that you can relate to some of the scenes, particularly with Jason who wanted nothing more than to get out quick. The storyline had a clever twist, an ordinary family with a dark secret. Will they accept Jason, or will he be the next on their ingredients list. The location and ambience of the home included a lot of details that were simple and effective. The colours used for the lighting as well as the costume designs, made this into a high-quality film, it was entertaining to watch, and you become quickly invested in the storyline. I really loved all the characters, and the acting style cannot be faulted for this short. Although crazy in some respect, the story worked well, and I wanted to know how far this was going to escalate for poor Jason!

★★★★ Starring: #LexsyMckowen, #MariahMaison and #CourtneyLeigh Directed by: #ChrisRNotarile Short Film Review by: Alexandra James Warrior: Predator , a short film written and directed by Chris. R. Notarile. This sci-fi takes a unique spin on the stereotypical characters, by attempting to breakdown the formulaic monsters and creatures in many science fiction films we see today. Many of these films will include a male protagonist and a male creature, even occasionally a female lead but still a male opponent. However, Notarile has an all-female cast, giving a distinctive twist on the classic predator films. This short focuses on a 16th century native American warrior coming face to face with two predator sisters and is forced to fight for her life in an epic battle, but there can only be one victor. The first aspect to recognise in this short is the costumes. Although some audience members may be dissecting every detail, for a small budget film, the costumes and makeup on all the characters were great! Its fantastic to see what can be achieved on a small budget production. For me, the designs and detail with each costume was creative and shows that you don’t need loads of money to make an impact, just creativity and an eye for detail. It was also great to find out that the director had made one of the costumes as well! This shows a lot of dedication and passion towards the project and highlights the fact that if you want something bad enough you will find a way to make it happen. With some inspiration of other cosplayers costumes, it was evident that a lot of thought went into this production. Another element to note is the fact there is no dialogue throughout this piece. Occasionally, this can hinder a film particularly if the storyline is not coherent without any dialogue and it’s needed as an aid to help the audience grasp each scene. However, this was a clear and driven short film, there was a strong storyline which was simple and effective. Great to see a new twist on the predator characters and see strong female lead roles, this is something that is certainly lacking in the film industry, so it was interesting to see the dynamic of both heroine and villain as female, it’s a new and exciting perspective on the predator films. The location was even well scoped out, the incorporation of the cave was able to set this film in the right time frame and isolated the characters away from civilisation, making for intense fight scenes and building the warrior into an independent and fierce character. Warrior: Predator is a great short film that with just a small budget, was innovative and provided the audience with a fresh perspective on the predator films. It would be interesting to see what can be done with a bigger budget especially as this film was creative and showed a lot of promise, therefore it can go beyond that creative milestone with a bigger budget. This was an enjoyable film that can be explored further and delve deeper into each of the characters and their background which would be great to see.

In 1974 The Texas Chainsaw Massacre  rampaged into the public consciousness and has remained there revving loudly and babbling nonsensically ever since. Now for its 50th anniversary, Alexandre O. Phillipe ( 78/52 , Lynch/Oz ) asks five famous faces to share their musings on Tobe Hooper’s feverish nightmare. Getting straight to the point, Phillipe has organised a strong group of interviewees: comedian and actor Patton Oswalt, director Takashi Miike, critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, author Stephen King, and director Karyn Kusama. Formally the film is a sequence of interviews, each talking head isolated to a chapter. The presentation is polished - intercutting footage from the original film, illustrative clips from the other films highlighted throughout, as well as archival footage, and new b-roll, not to mention the work put into the sound design - all to try and elevate the experience to something more than the sum of its parts. Despite these flourishes, the rigid interview structure, which admittedly allows the participants to give, longer, fuller thoughts, ultimately prevents the experience from evolving into something more poetic. Therefore Chain   Reactions’  enduring quality will largely be weighed on the content of the interviews. Testament to TCSM ’s popularity it has been analysed over and over again, and therefore the anecdotes and insight provided generally follow the rule of the more personal, the more interesting. Whether it be Heller-Nicholas sharing that her first viewing of TCSM  was on a terrible VHS copy and that the bleached images have now fused in her memories not only with the distinct yellows of Australian cinema, but those of the Ash Wednesday Bushfires. Notable too is Miike’s views on the motives, or lack thereof, behind the violent acts committed in the film, how it differed from Japanese cinema of the time, and how it has influenced his own work. Generally, however, there is a question of how much these interviews broaden our understanding and interpretation of the film. For instance, many of the films referenced are that within the general horror canon – Nosferatu , Frankenstein , The Haunting , The Blair Witch Project ,  Midsommar , etc. There is a mention of Ingmar Bergman, two of Stan Brakhage, a suggestion of Hieronymus Bosch, and a nod to Cormac McCarthy, but the circle of reference is relatively confined.   Recent Blu-ray editions of TCSM  include hours upon hours of extras, boasting several commentaries, documentaries, and featurettes, with insight from the cast and creators of the film as well as experts of the horror genre and other luminaries. There are many books and articles written about the film, the making of the film, the rumours surrounding the making of the film, and the impact of the film, including one by Leatherface himself, Gunnar Hansen - Chain Saw Confidential . Is Phillipe’s film any more essential than these other works? In a word, no. Equally, I have explored many of these materials, and well, more is more.

★★★ Directed by: #DarwinReina Starring: #JenniferEagle, #JJDuffy, #TamiaDow, # GuadalupeHernandez , #IsaacReyes Short Film Review by: Alexandra James A Hell of a Trip to Delicias directed by Darwin Reina, follows a couple on holiday in Granada. They are your typical tourists, not looking to really immerse themselves within the culture just to party and have a good time. Their naivety and complete lack of awareness to the history and colonial heritage, paints them in a very negative light and already sets them up to become a big target in this horror! Unfortunately, for this couple they have picked the wrong hotel to enjoy the festivities of Grenada and instead of fun and laughter they will be trapped in a nightmare with no escape. The film focuses on the colonial rule, racism and genocide of the indigenous people. This has left many to be fuelled by anger and vengeance, and unfortunately for the guests at Hotel Delicias, they are prepared to take out their vengeful hate on them. The film begins with couple Ashley and Matthew arriving in Granada a little lost and confused, however, a worker from the hotel manages to direct them to where they need to go. At first glance and being introduced to Ashley and Matthew, it was not overtly obvious that they were a couple. The pair did not suit each other and so it made it hard to find that connection between the two. As they enter the hotel, they are greeted by the hotel staff, who already seem strange and suspicious and clearly in cahoots! Soon the couple settle in and enjoy the music, food and partake in some dancing with the locals. They eventually end up back at the hotel for a party where they meet other guests such as an Italian couple who share that they will be climbing a volcano the next day. Neither of them knew that would be the last time they set their eyes on them. The concept of the film was interesting and a horror that is fueled and driven by the theme of revenge can make for a powerful and intense watch. Nevertheless, there were some scenes that felt unnecessary and coupled with the overacting, it made the scenes almost comical. The sex scenes felt slightly out of place and did not add to the intensity, instead it took away some of the buildup. The elements of a horror film and the storyline were there and acted as a driving force. However, there were certain details that needed to change such as the couples lacking that connection, as well as the actor's taking scenes to an extreme which ultimately made aspects of the horror feel amusing rather than fearful and took away from the eeriness of this piece.

★★★★ Directed by: #DarwinReina Starring: #HasseBrontén, #ToroCuenca, #DanaDilan, #DidrikMorgan Short Film Review by: Alexandra James No Tell!  An action packed, gritty crime drama that focuses on a mob boss looking for an escape out of the crime lifestyle but needs to move quickly before his luck runs out. To do this, he must pull off one last hit while still acting as the big boss and test the loyalties of his trustees. However, which one of them is willing to betray the other to come out as top dog. The three henchmen include Shorty, Popeye and Jimmy all following the orders of their main guy Pancho. After pulling off a big drug heist, Pancho decides that its time to put them to the test and see just how reliable they all are. The audience are thrown into the midst of the drama, and we are introduced to the characters one by one. The location is out in the woods and as they begin to step out the car and open the boot, we are greeted with a man tied up and covered in blood trying to scream for his life. This was a great opening scene and made for a gripping and exciting start getting us prepared for more shocking moments yet to come. This style of introducing the characters and their names flashing up across the screen creates a real edge, almost like Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs . It’s a great way for us to get a feel for the characters, as well as introduce the audience to this world of crime that surrounds the men. The scene then cuts back to their apartment, there was a slight contrast between scenes with the men sitting around the table. The film is set in the city of Stockholm and had some great shots of the city and landscape, making the setting feel vibrant and exciting especially when introduced to these gangsters and the hard-core world they live in. However, the apartment itself was very dark, and did not exactly reflect the men’s crazy lifestyle. In addition, there were a lot of cuts and awkward angles between each of the characters which made for choppy editing. It would have been beneficial to see them in a high-end apartment, as they walk around with suits and are clearly making lot of money due to their criminal activities. Moreover, the acting was a little clunky at times, the conversations did not seem at all natural and therefore the performance did not feel convincing. No Tell!  has established a good crime drama, the characters are no nonsense types and are completely ruthless, having no hesitation pulling out a gun on even their closest partners. This makes for a very brutal watch and in turn keeps the audience on their toes, as we are unsure who to put our trust in and the unpredictable behaviour of the characters. That is the mark of a good crime genre, the shocks and the impulsiveness, you never know who is going to go next!

★★★★ Directed by: #HughLiu Starring: #InannaCusi and #DavidCJones Short Film Review by: Alexandra James The Last Rendezvouz , written and directed by Hugh Liu, is a short film shot over a span of just 48 hours. It is a character based short that is all improvised and allows space for the actors to study and interpret the characters in their own way, as well as express their personal vision of how they believe the character should be represented. Last Rendezvous  focuses on a father and daughter relationship, but at its most critical. The audience quickly learn that the father has not been a part of his daughter's life for a long time, however, it seems as though this is a good thing, as his presence is a bad influence and far from responsible. Nevertheless, his neglect still weighs heavily on his daughter and although immature, their relationship when together was strong and fun at times and it’s the abandonment that forces the child to become an adult far too soon and ultimately take on those parental duties for their siblings. The film begins at a remote location, at the end of a pier. A place that is very close to both father and daughter, it was a frequent meeting spot for the two and even little gifts were left by her father there from time to time. As she walks onto the pier, she is startled to see her father standing there, however, they discuss some of their past rebellious escapades and take a trip down memory lane. Unfortunately, this little trip does not last long, as these memories are also tarnished with feelings of loneliness and the absence of her father who should have been there for the important years of her life. It's interesting that this short is all improvisation, with just a few pointers on what props to interact with and some descriptions of the characters goals in life and past experiences, this makes for a truly authentic piece. I did enjoy watching the characters unfold the more they started to interact with one another, there were some teething issues as with many improvised scenes, sometimes there might be a hint of uncertainty as the actors think of what to say next or debate how they think the character should respond to certain aspects, so there were times when the audience felt unsure of themselves. Nevertheless, it gave the film a realness and it highlights that awkwardness between father and daughter, as they both have been apart for a long time and are unsure how to behave with one another. This is a very natural and realistic interaction, and I loved that the actors took time to really invest in their characters background and make the scenes engaging by bringing in that past trauma and relive some of the memories they experienced together. A very moving and original film that shows how improvisation can really set a picture a part and allows scope to explore the characters minds.

Filmmaker Interview by Chris Olson Thanks for speaking with us. Whereabouts in the world do we find you right now?  Greetings, I am coming to you live from West Hollywood…aka Television City where they film “The Price Is Right” ! Amazing. You are currently promoting a new series called Sex Tech Magic Mayhem. How do you describe the series to a new audience?  STMM is a Techie, Edgy, Sexy Variety Series centered around hot topics and shot in a cinematic colorful style with a unique structure that changes episode to episode. The show is a combination platter of narrative, sketch comedy, and character interaction pieces which are woven together to create a cohesive storyline that explores themes such as Ethical NonMonogamy, AI, Alchemy, Jealousy, the Metaverse, Dating and Attachment styles, Blockchain Technology, and Transformational Magic. I play over twenty different characters that interact with each other, and my fashion and cutting-edge electronic rap musical style sets a colourful funhouse nightclub backdrop for the in-depth explorations on culture, magic, and captivating relationships. It sounds great! What made you want to create this? I love comedy shows that not only make people laugh but also expose truths and use their resources to dive deep into topics in ways a single individual cannot. But these shows usually revolve around politics. I always wished for a show like “The Daily Show” or “Last Week Tonight” that was centred around topics that strike my heart, topics like new forms of relationships, intentional magic, or AI … a show that shares tools for dealing with trauma and jealousy and mental health and sexuality and manifestation, and uses comedy not to teach or preach but to expose a common human experience. We are living in the Third Dimension - a world ruled by Polarities. Polarities are not just a part of life for everyone, but Beyond that…Without Ups and Downs, there is no Manifestation, no Creation. We literally can’t create anything without that Pendulum swing. That’s why people who have had hard lives often are very “successful”. That’s also why I feel really sorry for “privileged” people who write tell-alls about their hardships, and people give them shit about it - when in reality we all have a cocktail of positive, negative and neutral experiences, no matter what our circumstances. We can’t judge another person’s success or struggle. The most incredible awesome things - like being rich or famous or brilliant - can cause the most pain. The most horrific things that happen to us can be the funniest things in the world - especially when we choose to change the narrative of our own lives. Every day we have the chance to ask ourselves “What version of this story is the most empowering for me?” THAT is Magic. How can we surf Polarities to our advantage for the highest levels of breakthrough ? How can we change the story? That is at the heart of Sex Tech Magic Mayhem and what our storylines hope to convey. It is about using Magic and Alchemy to empower us in our daily lives, in a way that’s real and lets all life mishaps exist for our benefit. Yup, so that happened….. now how can I use it? What stage is the show at right now and when/where can people see it?  “Sex Tech Magic Mayhem” is currently in production, with about one third already shot. Season 1 will debut in the spring of 2025 on a digital streaming platform. In the meantime, come along for the ride every Thursday night at 8pm on Youtube @Datgirl_Official, on Sex Tech Magic the Podcast …where we share the process, reveal behind-the-scenes antics, and introduce you to our topics, research and characters. What have been the challenges to get this made and out there? Once I found the right teammate, my collaborator and brilliant visual artist and all-around filmmaker Natalie Bible’, the process took off, in the sense that the cinematic colourful style of the show matches my personal brand and the writing and characters. It's all about finding the right team. The creative challenges now are more about choosing the elements we want to convey and narrowing down the focus….weed-whacking the content for clarity and dynamics. You also have a podcast right? What's the show about? Sex Tech Magic the Podcast is an intimate fun way to connect with people and share what we’re up to as we create the show. It has an immediate bio-feedback loop that allows friends and fans of the show to imprint their input on what they would like to see more of. It’s just fun to broadcast and play with the material in a casual creative environment. Some episode topics include: “Sex in the Metaverrse”, “Love in the time of AI”, and “Creativity in the 3rd Dimension”. Some episodes showcase how I create character, or reveal the tech behind my unique live synthesizer and drum machine music production. Some episodes feature special guests, and some are live straight from the set. Where can people access the podcast? Join us for “Sex Tech Magic the Podcast” every Thursday night at 8pm on Youtube @Datgirl_Official. What's next for you? I have a live theatrical series called “the Jewel Net”, about a dimension made of thoughts that is also a modern twist on the Hercules myth, told from a female-driven protagonist “Girlcules”. I hope to tour and perform it in Edinburgh, and then produce the fiction podcast and animated series. After film and tv, actors are always hungry for Live Performance, whether it’s performing my original plays, touring Variety Show, or producing a dream play like “Venus in Fur”. And also Pizza. #ChrisOlson #FilmmakerInterview