We Speak Actors
Gia Skova to star in and direct spy action sequel ‘The Serpent 2’
In 2021, ‘The Serpent’ burst into the indie film world with its secret-agent heroine Lucinda Kavski, described as “a female Jason Bourne meets James Bond”. Written, directed by and starring Gia Skova, the next thrilling film in the series is now in pre-production.
The original ‘The Serpent’ was made for just $1 million and grossed $3 million around the world. Skova created the character of CIA operative Lucinda by drawing her in comic books, and describes her as a “strong, insanely beautiful, heroically courageous woman, who embodies hope, defeats evil and saves the world”.
Skova says the appeal of the films is due to its female lead, diverse casting, international settings and intriguing storylines. She says: “Lucinda Kavski is the CIA’s most decorated agent the world has never seen. Known by her alias ‘The Serpent’, there is no terrorist organisation she can’t infiltrate, but when her most dangerous target reveals themselves to be beyond organisation and above nations, Lucinda must decide who to test and where her allegiance lies, with the fate of the world at stake and her own life in danger.
“In this new film, we’ll see the beginning of the story, where Lucinda’s story started, and we’ll get to know why Lucinda is so ambitious.”
As in the previous film, Skova will do all the stunts herself, without a stunt double on set. This time around, she said that “the stunts are going to be even cooler”. She adds, “We’re planning to film mainly in the US, but we’re also looking at some locations in the Middle East.”
The film is retaining the same cast as the previous movie, but Skova says, “Look out for some new faces too”. She continues, “I’m very happy to get everyone back together again. The filming process is like a family that creates something that doesn’t yet exist – then, at the end, we have the birth of a film.”
Skova is passionate about making films with female-led teams and in 2017 she founded Valholl Production to create a platform for diverse voices in Hollywood. She quotes the statistic that women account for just 28% of all creators, directors, writers, executive producers, producers, editors and directors of photography. Valholl Production – named after Valhalla, a concept in Norse mythology – has worked with organisations including Sundance Institute and Women In Film.
Having started acting aged 12, Skova’s previous credits include ‘João, o Maestro’, ‘Finding Beauty in the Beast’ and ‘Bleed for This’. As well as an actor and filmmaker, Skova is also a model, having appeared in fashion magazines including Vogue and InStyle, walked in runway shows for designers such as Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs, and featured in adverts for L’Oréal and Red Bull.
Featured photo credit: David Kaminski
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
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