219: What is the Future of Action?

Tejas Hullur and Colt Kirwan are filmmakers who have written, directed, and produced a new three-episode pilot series for Adobe called Rough Cut! Colt and Tejas offer up an unfiltered and revealing journey of exploration into the craft of filmmaking. Steve and Paul first met Tejas when he trained at Breakfall Studios for Paramount Pictures’ Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning digital campaign. This time they have reunited to stunt coordinate the finale’ episode of Rough Cut! This interview lives up to our moniker as we dive into the process of filming fights with our friends.

T. Ryan Mooney, an accomplished stunt double and performer, has made a name for himself through his exceptional skills and versatility. With a passion for thrilling action, dedication to his craft, and meticulous planning and execution of stunts, Mooney has become an integral part of numerous film and television projects, delivering outstanding performances that captivate audiences. He has received multiple nominations for Outstanding Action Performances by a Stunt Ensemble, including Loki (2022), Ford vs. Ferrari (2020), The Walking Dead (2014 & 2015), and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2009). His focus on safety has earned him respect among his peers and ensured the well-being of the cast and crew during demanding productions. That passion for safety has translated into a series of social media and YouTube videos for non-stunt performers on the importance of safe falling. Our interview starts with one of T’s favorite fight scenes, from Zombieland: Double Tap (2019), where he stunt-doubled Jesse Eisenberg.

Peter Lawrence is a writer known for Thundercats, Sabrina: Secrets of a Teenage Witch, Silverhawks, The Burning, and more! He is also a co-host of the Beyond Thundera Podcast. In this interview, we explore Peter’s winding career path, the differences of writing for animation and live action, and how his childhood may have set the stage for his creative life. In the latter half of our discussion, we take a more serious tone than usual on the show with a frank talk about the politics of race in the industry, human nature, the dangers of social media, and the polarized state of the country.

Steve and Paul announce the launch of the Film Fights with Friends action short film festival. After years of breaking down the action for our audience over the internet, hosting live film screenings and networking sessions, it is time to raise the bar and honor practical action filmmaking in a way only Film Fights with Friends can!

Kayla Windsor is a producer, cinematographer, camera operator and FAA Part 107-licensed drone operator with experience across film, media, and production management. Alongside her creative and technical production work, Kayla also works as a project manager and serves as the Executive Educational Partner at Arizona Filmmakers. She is additionally a board member of the Arizona Production Association, supporting industry growth, collaboration, and opportunities within the filmmaking community. Her work combines visual storytelling, technical production expertise, and a passion for supporting the next generation of filmmakers and media professionals.