Stavros Halkias, a stand-up comedian and host of "Stavvy’s World," shares laughs and insights from the Hotel Chelsea. He discusses the quirky elements of his new film, 'Let's Start a Cult,' emphasizing its lighthearted take on comedy. The conversation dives into the humorous history of condoms and societal views on sex, alongside nostalgic reflections on Batman portrayals. From funny tales of living situations to playful banter about men's essentials, Stavros keeps the dialogue entertaining and thought-provoking.
Stavros Halkias emphasizes creating comedy for pure enjoyment rather than highbrow artistic achievements, particularly in his film 'Let's Start a Cult'.
The comedian highlights the grassroots production process of his film, showcasing the joy of collaborating closely with friends and fellow comedians.
He discusses the importance of authenticity in building a fanbase, contrasting independent content creation with traditional studio models focused on profit.
Stavros reflects on the interplay between humor and personal struggles, particularly addiction, encouraging relatability through laughter in dark moments.
The episode touches on the divisive nature of current political discourse, revealing the fear and disillusionment many feel towards the political system.
Deep dives
Introduction of Stavros Halkias
The conversation features Stavros Halkias, a talented comedian and podcaster, who has also co-written and starred in a new film titled 'Let's Start a Cult.' The episode showcases his humor and charisma as he discusses his experiences in the entertainment industry. His journey reflects a mix of stand-up comedy, podcasting, and acting, signifying his versatility as a performer. Both hosts express admiration for his straightforward and humorous demeanor, setting a light-hearted tone for their discussion.
Let's Start a Cult
Stavros discusses his new film 'Let's Start a Cult,' where he aims to create a fun and silly comedy reminiscent of classic movies. He emphasizes his desire to make the film enjoyable rather than aiming for highbrow artistic achievement. Central to the movie is the comedic premise of a guy attempting to start a cult after being left out of a suicide ritual. This premise opens the door for a plethora of ridiculous situations, driven by humor and entertaining characters with a light narrative focus.
Cultural Commentary through Comedy
Throughout the conversation, Stavros highlights the importance of comedy as a means to reflect and comment on culture without heavy-handed messaging. He recalls how comedy often dances around serious themes, allowing for escapism and laughter without the burdens of moral lessons. This approach is encapsulated in his film, where he prioritizes humor over moral posturing, creating a comedic experience meant for pure enjoyment. This reinforces the idea that laughter can exist independent of deeper meanings or societal critiques.
Production Insights
Stavros shares notable insight into the film's production, describing the collaborative efforts with friends and fellow comedians. The film's budget was significantly lower compared to typical Hollywood productions, emphasizing a hands-on, grassroots approach to filmmaking. He highlights the joy of working closely with a team of friends and talented individuals. This camaraderie fueled their creative process and allowed for a distinctly personal touch in the film's comedic style.
Navigating the Entertainment Industry
The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry, particularly regarding the creation and distribution of independent films. Stavros emphasizes the importance of building a fanbase through authentic content and connecting directly with audiences. He contrasts this with the traditional studio model, which often prioritizes profitability over creative expression. This sentiment resonates with many emerging artists striving for independence in a changing media landscape.
Personal Experiences with Addiction and Substance Abuse
Stavros touches upon his personal experiences with addiction and the cultural implications behind it. These stories offer a reflection on how individuals navigate their lives amidst struggles with substance abuse. He humorously laments the impact of drugs on his experiences but ties this into the broader conversation of finding humor in dark moments. By sharing his journey, he emphasizes the relatability of these struggles, resonating with listeners who may have faced similar challenges.
Political Commentary
Towards the end of the podcast, Stavros and the hosts briefly discuss politics, particularly regarding the upcoming elections. They reflect on political discourse, noting how divisive the current landscape has become. He notes the pervasive sentiment of fear among voters, emphasizing that many feel disillusioned by the political system and its inability to address fundamental issues. This commentary on political culture highlights the complex interplay between humor, societal challenges, and people's everyday concerns.
Cinematic Inspiration
Stavros shares his cinematic inspirations, recalling the simplistic comedic enjoyment derived from films in the past. He expresses nostalgia for earlier films that prioritized fun and absurdity over intricate plots and serious themes. This appreciation for classic comedies frames his approach to filmmaking, where he aims to evoke laughter and joy without the constraints of modern cinematic expectations. By honoring the roots of comedy, he hopes to create a film experience that feels familiar yet fresh.
Audience Engagement and Connection
The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of audience engagement and building a community around creative work. Stavros emphasizes the value of direct interaction with fans and the positive impact this connection has on artists. He expresses gratitude for his audience's support, noting how it drives his creative endeavors. This emphasis on community underlines a shift toward a more personal and engaged form of entertainment, where artists and audiences actively share in the experience.
Stavros Halkias is a stand-up comedian and host of the weekly podcast “Stavvy’s World”. He's in the upcoming season 2 of Netflix's Tires, and his new movie "Let's Start a Cult" is now available to rent or buy wherever you get Video On Demand.
From the Hotel Chelsea in New York City, Stavros Halkias returns to This Past Weekend to talk about the release of his new movie, Theo's unique living situation with a friend's dad, and the long and storied history of condoms.
