We Speak Actors

From Britain’s Got Talent to Bollywood: Emiko Ishii finds success in acting, dancing and choreography

Published

1 year ago

September 5, 2023

British-born actor, action performer,dancer and choreographer Emiko Ishii was once told by her theatrical agent that there were no roles for Japanese actors. But she’s proved them wrong with her vibrant and multi-stranded career, which has included critically acclaimed theatre, action movies and Bollywood films. She’s also a professional dancer and choreographer, and owns her own company, Epika Dance, a troupe that fuses Indian and Japanese dance, hip hop and martial arts. She says: “I want to represent the beauty of global dance to a wider audience.”

Tell us about your role in the play ‘The Mistake’?

“‘It’s one of the most exciting and challenging roles that I’ve had, playing multiple characters.It’s an urgent play about the atomic bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It was written by Michael Mears, performed at the Edinburgh Fringe and then completed two runs at London’s Arcola Theatre by popular demand, receiving 4-star reviews from The Times and The Scotsman.”

You’re also a great dancer and have danced in movies, as well as at high-profile events?

“‘Mad About Dance’was my debut as an actress in a Bollywood feature film. It was a dream to be able to combine both Indian dance and acting in this role. I have 18 years of professional dance experience as a performer, choreographer and qualified instructor. “

“With Threebee Dance, I was a semi-finalist in ‘Britain’s Got Talent’. Then, in 2012, I was part of the choreographic team, assistant dance captain and featured dancer at the London Olympics opening ceremony.”

“Bring on the Bollywood UK Tour pushed me in another way, combining different styles of Indian dancing, singing and acting. I’ve appeared in film, TV, theatre, fashion shows and award shows in the UK and abroad, including the Asian Achievers Awards, Antalya Film Festival , Olivier Awards, Comic Relief, National Lottery Live; and Cannes Film Festival.”

How do you combine this with choreography work?

“Choreography was a natural progression for me from all the disciplines that I do, including dance, acting and martial arts. I love being creatively challenged. Fulfilling the vision of each project is unique, so the choreography should reflect this and elevate the overall piece. I’ve also incorporated all my disciplines through my international Bollywood company, Epika Dance.”

What was your first acting experience?

“I was born and raised in the UK. I was very shy and quiet as a child – I couldn’t even look people in the eye. When I was 13 years old, I was given the opportunity to play the first witch in Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ and Titania in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ in my school play. I stood on the stage feeling comfortable and confident. From that moment, I knew acting was my calling.”

How did you get into the industry?

“I joined a local performing arts agency to kickstart my acting and dance career. I also trained in different forms of martial arts to expand my range in acting. After a year I was told by the agency that there were no roles for Japanese girls. I believe in never giving up on your goals and dreams. Being Japanese, I wanted to be an actress who connects people by understanding their history, culture and sentiment. Prior to pursuing my career in acting, I went to King’s College University London to read film, American history and literature, as my overachieving Asian parents wanted me to get a real job as a third AD on a major feature film… but I rebelled and took a role as an actress in a Bollywood feature instead – the rest is history!”

Who has inspired you to follow your dreams?

“My parents have always inspired me, showing that hard work, honesty and passion always pays off. My great aunt, Machiko Soga, was an actress in Japan and she taught me to always be myself and to fight for my dreams, as she has. “

“Doing basic military training for four years has given me the mental and physical endurance to tackle any obstacle, as well as the value of teamwork.”

My gurus and senseis in dance and martial arts have also played a huge role in training me to face any challenge head-on.”

Featured photo credit: Adam Hills

We Speak Actors

‘Elkhorn’ star Travis Lee Eller talks Westerns, character-building, and the art of the perfect hat

Published

1 week ago

February 12, 2025

Anna Sutton

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