We Speak Actors
‘Elkhorn’ star Travis Lee Eller talks Westerns, character-building, and the art of the perfect hat
Travis Lee Eller isn’t just an actor—he’s a storyteller deeply immersed in the world of Westerns, both on-screen and off. Whether portraying rugged frontiersmen or crafting authentic, weathered cowboy hats through his business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, Eller understands that every detail—especially the right hat—helps define a character. Currently, you can catch him in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, now streaming on YouTube. Later this year, he’ll appear in two Western short films, ‘Darlin’’ and ‘Stubborn’, both directed by Robert Gamperl and set to make the film festival rounds before landing on streaming platforms. And, of course, fans of ‘Elkhorn’ can look forward to season two, premiering in late 2025 produced by Morningstar Entertainment on the INSP Network. We caught up with Eller to talk about his career, the legacy of Westerns in Hollywood, and why the perfect hat is more than just an accessory—it’s the finishing touch that brings a character to life.
You’re known for acting in Western film and TV projects. Which ones are you most proud of?
I don’t think I play favorites when it comes to my projects. What I remember most are the experiences on set, the incredible people I’ve worked with, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Each project pushes me to grow as an actor. That said, I’m especially proud of my latest script, ‘No Man Was Civilized’. It’s a story I’ve spent years developing, and I’m excited to see where it goes.
What are you working on at the moment?
Right now, I’m filming season two of Elkhorn for the INSP Network. The series takes place in the 1880s and follows a young Teddy Roosevelt as he ventures west to prove himself as a cowboy. I play Joe Ferris, the town shopkeeper, and the story is rooted in true events. The new season is set to premiere in late 2025. Beyond acting, I recently finished writing a Western feature film called ‘No Man Was Civilized’, which weaves together four short stories into a single, cohesive narrative. Writing has been a long but rewarding process, and I can’t wait to see it take shape.
Your business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, is also connected to Western projects. In what way?
My hats are known for their worn, distressed look—it’s a craft I’ve spent years perfecting. Over time, actors, directors, and costume designers have reached out for custom pieces to fit specific characters. I even wear my own designs in my work. In fact, the hat I’m wearing in ‘Elkhorn’ season two is one of mine. I’ve always believed that in a Western, the hat is the final touch that defines a character. It tells a story before a single word is spoken.
How do you balance your business and acting career?
During my downtime, I’m usually making hats.The two never really interfere with each other—if anything, hat-making is therapeutic for me. I often find myself running lines in my head while working in my studio. If it weren’t for acting, I probably wouldn’t have started my business in the first place. Over time, I’ve found a rhythm that allows me to balance both without feeling overwhelmed.
What advice would you give to actors who want to appear in Westerns?
Every actor has their own approach to storytelling, character development, and capturing the right tone. There’s no single “right way” to do it. But for me, my love of Westerns comes from a deep passion for that era of American history. I grew up in a household where Westerns were always on TV, so it became part of my DNA. If I had to give one practical piece of advice? Don’t wear your hat backward. I see it happen in movies and TV shows all the time, and it always makes me cringe a little.
What upcoming projects do you have?
Right now, you can watch me in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, available on YouTube. Later this year, I’ll be in Darlin’ and Stubborn, two Western short films directed by Robert Gamperl, both of which will hit the festival circuit before streaming. And, of course, Elkhorn season two arrives in late 2025, produced by Morningstar Entertainment.
Beyond that, my agent, Beverly Brock, is always pitching me for new opportunities. I’m excited for whatever comes next and grateful for every step of the journey.
Featured photo credit: Morgan Weistling
Actor Milos Bikovic began his career in his home country of Serbia, before finding huge success in Russia. He’s currently starring in the spy thriller ‘Red Silk’, a joint production between Russia and China that marks a new collaboration between the countries’ film industries. The movie is set on the Trans-Siberian Express in the 1920s, where a young Red Army soldier and a former Tsarist agent have to team up to uncover a common enemy. Milos has previously starred in major films and TV shows and worked with Hollywood legend Johnny Depp, who he directed in animated TV series ‘Puffins Impossible’. Last year he starred in the film ‘The Challenge’, which made history in world cinema, as parts of the film were shot in space. We asked him about working on “cinematic spectacle” ‘Red Silk’, and why he thinks audiences of all nationalities will enjoy the film’s exciting twists and turns.
‘Red Silk’ is a collaboration between two major cinematographic industries; tell us a bit more about it.
“Both the Russian and Chinese film industries are large and lucrative, so this project was a massive undertaking. I think the audience will love the excitement of being taken back 100 years to remote Siberia, on the road between Russia and China. And I’m thrilled that the movie is going to be treated in Chinese cinemas as a domestic movie. That’s a big deal.”
What was it like working with Chinese actors?
“It was a great honour to be cast in an international production. I’ve always been attracted to period movie roles, and it was inspiring to partner with Chinese actors. This film is so authentic: it has elements of a spy thriller, an intense dramatic plot, and great action scenes that only experienced directors can create. Preparing for the project took a very long time, because of the character development, and also due to the physically demanding action and fighting scenes. I had to speak both Chinese and French, which was challenging, since I’ve never worked in the Chinese language before. It reminded me of my early days in Russia when I couldn’t speak a word of the language, and now I am fluent as if it was my mother tongue. Acting constantly offers opportunities to gain knowledge and work with new people and cultures.”
Do you think European audiences will enjoy and appreciate ‘Red Silk’?
“I truly hope so, because ‘Red Silk’ is a cinematic spectacle. It’s a universal spy thriller, but its unique theme and the collaboration between two major film industries makes it distinct and authentic. It uses a global movie language that is easily understood by all audiences, so I think it will resonate strongly with European and maybe even American audiences.”
Last year, you played the lead role in ‘The Challenge’, parts of which were shot in space! What was that like?
“‘The Challenge’ made history because of the remarkable fact that parts of the film were shot in space. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to film in space myself, I underwent the same rigorous preparations as the actors who did, including on a falling airplane that created a ‘no gravity’ feeling. I also spent time in a centrifuge, which can take you up to 9G. The director Klim Shipenko is an extraordinary artist and every time I work with him I know we’re crafting cinematic art that will leave a lasting impact.”
‘Red Silk’ will premiere in Russia on 20 February, followed by a European release later in the year
Featured photo: Milos Bikovic, Red Silk Official Press Release Photos
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