Distribution and 20k movies: Janell Vela-Smith, Keith Strandberg, Laura Perez and Keith Vitali Ep. 56

Distribution and 20k movies: Janell Vela-Smith, Keith Strandberg, Laura Perez and Keith Vitali Ep. 56

From Action Addicts - Talking action films and the Business of Show Business by Benjamin N. Redic II

December 10, 2025 · 33 min · Season 4 · Episode 7

About this episode

The episode features a discussion with four guests who are influential figures in the martial arts film industry, focusing on distribution and representation in action cinema.

Janell Vela Smith is a dynamic executive producer and CEO of Iron Dragon Productions, specializing in the distribution of action-packed martial arts films and content through her innovative platform, IDTVFLIX.com. With a background as a certified black belt and stunt coordinator, she champions diverse voices in genre entertainment, curating and streaming high-octane projects like Nova and Templar: Honor Among Thieves to global audiences from her Austin, Texas base. Keith Strandberg is an acclaimed screenwriter, producer, and martial artist renowned for scripting and producing iconic martial arts films like No Retreat, No Surrender, The King of the Kickboxers, and Bloodmoon, which have been distributed worldwide through major studios, captivating global audiences with high-stakes action and underdog narratives from his base in Switzerland. Keith Vitali, a three-time World Karate Champion and Black Belt Hall of Famer, is a pioneering actor, producer, and martial arts icon who co-starred in blockbusters such as Revenge of the Ninja (MGM-distributed worldwide) and Wheels on Meals alongside Jackie Chan, while co-producing Superfights and Bloodmoon to amplify authentic fight…

People in this episode

Host: Benjamin N. Redic II

Guests: Janell Vela Smith, Keith Strandberg, Laura Perez, Keith Vitali

Topics covered

  • film distribution
  • martial arts films
  • action cinema
  • executive production
  • diverse voices in entertainment

Keywords

  • action films
  • distribution
  • martial arts
  • executive producer
  • film production
  • diversity in film

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Iron Dragon Productions, IDTVFLIX.com, Alma Libre Films, LLC

Books & works: Nova, Templar: Honor Among Thieves, No Retreat, No Surrender, The King of the Kickboxers, Bloodmoon, Revenge of the Ninja, Wheels on Meals, Superfights

Places: Austin, Texas, Switzerland

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