214: Jamie Kilstein’s Blue Belts

Creating a television show is no easy task. The vast majority of television pilots, even the great ones, do not result in a series being produced. It is a labor of love and dedication to the craft of storytelling.  Jamie Kilstein is an actor, comedian, podcaster, jiu-jitsu black belt, creator, and star of Blue Belts, his first scripted television project. In this interview, we dig into Blue Belts, what it took to get the pilot made, where it is going, its autobiographical influences, and the people that went to the mat to bring it to fruition. With heavy doses of straight talk about life, the entertainment business and old school martial arts, our conversation shows how every life lived holds an important story to be told.  Known for his standup on Conan, Showtime, and the BBC, Jamie began his career performing in coffee houses before making his mark at major festivals worldwide. In his early career he was mentored by Robin Williams, who said of him, “Jamie is amazing- he has a spark that energizes my conscience.” In recent years, Jamie pivoted from the world of stand-up into acting and immediately dove into performances on film and stage, immediately booking his first three auditions. With a deep passion for jiu-jitsu and unmatched humor, Jamie uses his experiences to connect with people, sharing both his mistakes and his growth in the process.  MENTIONS: Jamie Kilstein’s Intagram: http://instagram.com/thejamiekilstein  James Armstrong’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/jamesarmstrongstunts  Marissa Falsone’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/marissa.falsone  Blue Belt’s website: www.bluebeltstv.com  Blue Belt’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt36953287/reference/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk   Film Fights with Friends Winter Mixer, Open Training and Movie Night: https://www.patreon.com/posts/winter-open-and-138453493   FILM FIGHTS WITH FRIENDS Do you listen to our show as an audio podcast? Give video a try. Subscribe to our Youtube for the video version with awesome behind the scenes pics and video! https://www.youtube.com/@FilmFightsFriendsPod?sub_confirmation=1  Dig the show? Consider supporting our Patreon. There are some cool perks! http://patreon.com/FilmFightsFriendsPodcast    Join our e-mail list! Hit us up here: [email protected] Instagram: http://instagram.com/FilmFightsFriendsPod Facebook: http://facebook.com/FilmFightsFriendsPod  Steve’s Instagram: http://Instagram.com/sambosteve   Steve’s IMDB: http://imdb.me/stephenkoepfer Paul’s on Instagram: http://Instagram.com/KravMagaChef Paul’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8062990/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 Breakfall Studios’ Instagram: http://Instagram.com/breakfallstunts  SPONSORS Stunt Contact https://stuntcontact.com/     Stunt Access https://stuntaccess.com/  PRODUCERS Executive Producers: Stephen Koepfer  Paul Varacchi  Produced by: Press Record Studios -Matthew Kaplowitz  -Richard Butler -Andrea Levine http://www.pressrecordstudios.com  Video Editor Matthew Kaplowitz  Original music by: Ahrue Luster  Brought to you by Breakfall Studios ®Film Fights With Friends LLC