Television Times with Steve Otis Gunn

• Orbital FX: Inside the World of Practical Effects, Prop Building & the Future of Filmmaking

  Orbital FX: Inside the World of Practical Effects, Prop Building & the Future of Filmmaking🎙️ Episode OverviewIn this episode, Steve Otis Gunn sits down with Luke and Paul from Orbital FX, the North-East–based practical-effects and prop-building team whose work spans Star Wars, Marvel, Disney theme-parks, and fan-favourite replicas for collectors around the world. They dive deep into the lost art—and unexpected resurgence—of practical effects: from Ray Harryhausen to The Mandalorian, from clunky 80s prosthetics to cutting-edge CNC and 3D printing. Luke and Paul explain how they build everything from screen-accurate helmets to carbon-fibre Darth Vader pieces, giant convention displays, and even props that end up being purchased by Disney itself for use in productions. Along the way, they share behind-the-scenes stories involving Star Wars fandom, the 501st Legion, building a full-size Millennium Falcon event piece, restoring the original Boba Fett blaster for Adam Savage’s Tested, and navigating the strange legal/industry grey-area of replica prop making.It’s an episode full of nostalgia, technical nerdery, industry insight, and the occasional existential dread about the future of AI, streaming, and the entertainment industry.Highlights include:Why practical effects are making a real comebackThe surprising ways modern CGI artists depend on physical propsProp-building tech: moulding, casting, carbon fibre, CNC, vac-forming, electronics🎭 About Orbital FXOrbital FX is a UK-based practical-effects and prop fabrication studio. They specialise in 3D design and printing, mould-making, casting, carbon-fibre builds, CNC machining, vac-forming, silicone work, electronics, leatherwork, soft goods, and full costume fabrication. Their work has appeared at global fan conventions, in Disney Cruise Line’s Avengers: Quantum Encounter, across major Star Wars costuming groups, on Adam Savage’s Tested, and in film-adjacent commercial and live-event productions worldwide.From screen-accurate helmets to large-scale display pieces, Orbital FX blends high-end craftsmanship with genuine fan passion.🔗 Connect with OrbitalInstagramFacebookWebsite📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuests: Luke & Paul from Orbital FXDuration: 58 minutesRelease Date: December 11, 2025Season: 4, Episode 30All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Olaf Falafel: The Seriously Silly Art of Being Stupid

  Olaf Falafel: The Seriously Silly Art of Being Stupid🎙️Episode OverviewStrap in for a brilliantly bonkers conversation as Steve Otis Gunn chats with comedian, illustrator, author, and all-round mischief-maker Olaf Falafel. From gaslighting his mum with a fart machine to reinventing kids’ comedy one parp at a time, Olaf brings stories as colourful as his graphic novels. They dive into his early days on the stand-up circuit, his sideways leap into children’s books, the chaos of school visits, and the surprising depth of misheard lyrics. Steve and Olaf also bond over comfort-TV favourites (The Office, Red Dwarf, Quantum Leap), celebrity-podcast fatigue, Gregg’s gingerbread muffins, and the eternal mystery of whether mayo counts as dairy.🌟 Episode HighlightsThe joys of performing toilet humour for kids (and Brownies)How a love of sci-fi, mischief, and doodles fused into his new graphic-novel series The Far Out FiveWhy comedians secretly make the best children’s authorsTeaching kids to make the perfect “inward duck fart”This episode is perfect for anyone who loves clever silliness, creative chaos, and comedy that’s as joyful as it is ridiculous — or who just wants to know which animal makes the best fart.🎭 About OlafOlaf Falafel is an award-winning comedian, illustrator, and bestselling children’s author known for his brilliantly silly humour and distinctive artwork. He’s the creator of Old MacDonald Heard a Parp, Trixie Pickle Art Avenger, and the graphic novel series The Far Out Five. His work blends jokes, art, and imagination — appealing to kids, parents, teachers, and comedy fans alike.🔗 Connect with OlafInstagramTikTokYoutubeGet Tickets for Olaf Falafel’s Stupidest Super Stupid Show here:📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Olaf Falafel – Comedian, Author & IllustratorDuration: 52 minutesRelease Date: December 4, 2025Season: 4, Episode 29All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Henry Naylor: From Spitting Image and Rowan Atkinson to the Frontlines of Political Theatre

  Henry Naylor: From Spitting Image and Rowan Atkinson to the Frontlines of Political Theatre🎙️Episode OverviewIn this episode, Steve Otis Gunn talks with award-winning writer, comedian, and playwright Henry Naylor, whose career has spanned British sketch comedy, blockbuster advertising, and some of the most politically charged theatre of the past decade. Henry explains how he first broke into the industry on Smith & Jones, how he met Armstrong & Miller through his sketch group, and what it was like to star alongside Rowan Atkinson in the hugely successful Barclaycard adverts. Henry also divulges stories from Spitting Image—the legal battles, its political influence, and the chaos of producing weekly satire. He also reflects on his move into political theatre with plays such as Games, Afghanistan Is Not Funny, and Monstering the Rocket Man.Highlights include:Filming million-pound commercials around the world Being the first writer to mimic Tony Blair on televisionThe short-lived but groundbreaking CGI satire HeadcasesHow even great shows can suffer when actors are miscast🎭 About HenryHenry Naylor is an award-winning writer, comedian, and playwright. After early success on Smith & Jones and Spitting Image, he co-created the animated satire Headcases and appeared with Rowan Atkinson in the iconic Barclaycard ads. In recent years, he’s become one of the UK’s leading political dramatists with powerful works like Games, Afghanistan Is Not Funny, and Monstering the Rocket Man, earning major awards at the Edinburgh Fringe and touring worldwide.🔗 Connect with HenryInstagramFacebook📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Henry Naylor – Playwright, Actor & DirectorDuration: 43 minutesRelease Date: November 20, 2025Season: 4, Episode 28All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Stephen Mear: Dancing Through Dyslexia and Into the Spotlight

  Stephen Mear: Dancing Through Dyslexia and Into the Spotlight🎙️Episode OverviewIn this episode, Steve Otis Gunn chats with legendary choreographer and director Stephen Mear CBE, whose work has illuminated stages from the West End to Broadway.From growing up in Loughborough with dreams of dancing, to working alongside icons like Sir Cameron Mackintosh and Dame Judi Dench, Stephen’s story is one of passion, precision, and pure musical magic.🎬 Episode HighlightsFrom chorus boy to showbiz choreographerWorking with Victoria Wood, Miriam Margolyes & OasisLife between the West End & Broadway, and how each stage tells a different storyBritish TV, lockdown madness & why After Life made him sob🎭 About StephenStephen Mear CBE is an Olivier Award-winning choreographer and director celebrated for his work on Mary Poppins, Hello, Dolly!, Crazy for You, and Gypsy. With a career spanning theatre, television, and film, Stephen is known for his impeccable musicality, inclusive approach to casting, and ability to make choreography feel effortless and emotionally charged🔗 Connect with StephenInstagramFacebook📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Stephen Mear – Choreographer, Dancer & DirectorDuration: 51 minutesRelease Date: November 20, 2025Season: 4, Episode 27All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Helen White: Standing Tall at 4ft 10

  Helen White: Standing Tall at 4ft 10🎙️Episode OverviewIn this episode, Steve Otis Gunn sits down with comedian Helen White — a Geordie pocket rocket who started stand-up at 50 and has been lighting up the UK comedy scene ever since. From growing up between army bases in Germany and Northern Ireland to teaching in Teesside and tackling the chaos of gong shows, Helen’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and finding laughter in unlikely places.This is a Gen X–heavy episode, featuring talk of Angel Delight, BMX bikes, fish paste sandwiches, and the laissez-faire attitude of boomer parenting.🎬 Episode HighlightsPerforming alongside childhood heroes and getting pointers from newcomers90 Day Fiancé, and why 'real' telly is not quite so real anymoreThe secrecy around tampons and how some of them can be a tad mintyThe questionable food choices of a 1980s childhoodHow receiving the wrong bicycle is worse than getting nowt🎭 About HelenHelen White is a stand-up comedian from the North East of England. Known for her quickfire gags, smart observational humour, and disarmingly honest stage presence, she’s fast becoming one of the most exciting voices on the regional and national circuit — proving that the best comedy always comes from real life.🔗 Connect with HelenInstagramFacebook📢 Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Helen White – ComedianDuration: 1 hour, 26 minutesRelease Date: November 13, 2025Season: 4, Episode 26All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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