Neb Chupin is a Croatian producer, actor, and storyteller whose work has been gaining increasing international recognition in recent years. With a growing portfolio of successful film projects and a strong presence in both independent and global cinema, he represents a new generation of filmmakers shaping the future of the industry.
In this interview for Hellenic Media Group and Hellenic Los Angeles Media Network, we explore his creative journey, his recent achievements in film production, and his perspective on the evolving landscape of modern cinema.
Congratulations on the recent success of Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead and Citizen Vigilante. How does it feel to see your work reaching audiences on such a global scale?
I worked on Storm Rider for about eight years, and when I finally finished it, I feared it would only be the beginning. It was an unknown IP with a cast that wasn’t made up of major Hollywood stars. Breaking into the science-fiction genre is incredibly difficult because it’s traditionally dominated by the major studios. So, in many ways, I feel the real journey is still ahead of us.
Slowly, our IMDb rating continues to improve, awareness of the film keeps growing, and more people are discovering it. It will take a few years for the film to reach all of its distribution territories and continue appearing on streaming platforms around the world. That’s why we’re working around the clock building an audience and promoting the film.
In contrast, Citizen Vigilante came completely out of nowhere and exploded. Suddenly, I gained a great deal of recognition as an actor because of my role in that film. It was a wonderful surprise because, despite dedicating eight years of my life to Storm Rider, Citizen Vigilante brought me immediate recognition. Sometimes that’s just how this industry works.
Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead became one of the Top 20 sci-fi films in the United States. What do you believe made the film connect so strongly with viewers?
There are many messages woven into this film. It asks who is really ruling our world and encourages people to search for the truth. At the same time, it’s a story about family, promises, and the beautiful connection between three generations—a grandson, a father, and a grandfather—who ultimately unite for one common purpose.
Beyond those themes, I think audiences really enjoyed the breathtaking Croatian coastline, the spectacular racing boats, the large-scale explosions, and the dystopian world we created. The film contains more than 1,500 visual effects shots and over 100 fully CGI shots, making it very competitive with many studio science-fiction productions.
I still believe Storm Rider is a film waiting to be discovered. Every month, more people find it, and that’s very rewarding to see.
Citizen Vigilante achieved impressive rankings on both Apple TV and Amazon. Were you expecting such an overwhelming response from audiences?
As I mentioned before, I honestly didn’t expect it—not even in my wildest dreams.
The entire film was shot in Zagreb, and I was cast by Uwe Boll because he knew I was local and thought I would be a good fit for the role. For me, it was only a one-day shoot, so I never imagined the film would become such a success.
The only thing I knew was that Uwe has made many successful films over the years, and I trusted his vision. Beyond that, I simply focused on doing my job as an actor and enjoying the experience. It was a lot of fun, and the entire production was extremely professional, efficient, and focused.
As both a producer and an actor, how do you balance the creative and business aspects of filmmaking?
Like anyone else who wears multiple hats, you learn to switch between them depending on what the project needs.
Storm Rider is really the only project that I fully produced, so during the last two years of production almost all of my energy went into finishing that film. That’s also why I accepted smaller acting roles during that period. One of those happened to be Citizen Vigilante.
Even when I’m acting, I naturally find myself helping with production whenever it’s needed. For example, on Mindcage, where I played Dr. Loesch alongside John Malkovich and Martin Lawrence, I also helped behind the scenes. There was one important scene that wasn’t originally in the script, but director Mauro Borrelli had a vision for it. I organized the crane and helped make that scene happen. I enjoy solving problems, so I guess the producer in me never really switches off.
It’s also been rewarding to see Mindcage continue finding new audiences. The film reached the Top 10 on Amazon in the United States in April this year, climbed to No. 3 in the Drama category in the U.S., and the year before reached No. 2 in Latin America. It’s exciting to watch a film continue growing long after its original release.
Every successful film begins with a compelling story. What attracts you to a project, and what makes you decide to become involved?
I’m definitely a project-driven person, but above everything else, I’m attracted to great stories.
I’ve always loved storytelling. When I was growing up, there was no internet, no streaming, and not even much television. Families gathered around the table, and people told stories. That’s how I grew up, and I think that’s where my love for storytelling began.
When I read a script, the first things I look at are the story itself and the character. If the story moves me and I feel connected to the role, then I know it’s a project worth pursuing.
Your work spans international productions. How important is global collaboration in today’s film industry?
I think it’s becoming inevitable. Films today are made all over the world, and international collaboration has become one of the industry’s greatest strengths.
So far, my projects have mainly involved the United States and Europe, but I would love to expand even further. I hope one day I’ll have the opportunity to film in Asia or somewhere equally exciting and exotic.
Every country brings its own culture, filmmaking style, and perspective, and I believe those collaborations make films richer and more universal.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced while producing independent and international films?
Without a doubt, financing and distribution. Making an independent science-fiction film that can compete visually with major studio productions is an enormous challenge. Every decision matters because you simply don’t have the resources of a Hollywood studio. We had to be creative, efficient, and never compromise on quality.
Distribution has been another major challenge. I thought that once I finished the film, distribution would be the easy part. To my surprise, it has become another long journey. It may take another two to five years before Storm Rider fully reaches audiences around the world through every distribution territory and streaming platform.
Technology and streaming platforms have transformed the entertainment industry. How do you see the future of cinema evolving over the next decade?
Technology has definitely transformed the industry. More films are being made than ever before. Almost every week there’s another blockbuster, so in my opinion we’re living in an incredibly crowded marketplace.
Streaming platforms have made films more accessible to audiences worldwide. Watching a movie in a theater is still a special experience, but unless it’s a well-known franchise or established IP, it’s becoming harder to convince audiences to leave home. Today, many people prefer the convenience of watching great films from their living rooms.
Loking back on your career so far, is there a particular project that has had the greatest impact on your personal and professional growth?
Without question, Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead. It wasn’t just another film—it became an eight-year journey that tested every part of me.
I learned producing, financing, visual effects, distribution, marketing, and above all, perseverance. It taught me that success rarely happens overnight. Every setback became a lesson, and every obstacle made me a better filmmaker. No other project has shaped me as much, both personally and professionally.
As an actor, how does your experience in front of the camera influence your decisions as a producer?
Having so much experience as an actor gives me a clear understanding of what helps actors deliver their best performances and what can stand in their way.
When I return to producing, I’m better prepared to create an environment where actors can do their best work. Of course, every actor is different. Some require more guidance, while others arrive fully prepared and deliver an outstanding performance on every take. Understanding those differences helps me become a better producer.
Many aspiring filmmakers look up to professionals like you. What advice would you give to young producers and actors trying to break into the international film industry?
Never wait for someone to give you permission to begin. Start creating with whatever resources you have. Make your own short films, podcasts, or independent projects.
Build relationships, stay humble, and keep learning every day. Rejection is part of this business, so don’t let it define you. Most importantly, finish what you start. Many people have great ideas, but very few actually complete a project. Persistence will separate you from the crowd more than talent alone.
Success often comes with increased expectations. Has your recent success changed the kinds of projects you are looking for?
It hasn’t changed my standards—it has simply given me more confidence. I’m still looking for stories with strong emotional foundations, memorable characters, and universal themes.
After the response to Storm Rider, the continued success of Mindcage, and the incredible audience reaction to Citizen Vigilante, I’ve seen firsthand how films can continue building momentum long after their initial release. Mindcage reached the Top 10 on Amazon in the United States, climbed to No. 3 in the U.S. Drama category, and previously reached No. 2 in Latin America. Those experiences reinforced my belief that great stories can find audiences around the world over time.
I’m excited to collaborate on larger international productions while continuing to develop original projects of my own. I want every new project to challenge me creatively.
Are there any genres or stories that you have not explored yet but would love to produce or star in?
Besides comedy, which I haven’t fully explored, I see myself in historical epics, psychological thrillers, and films inspired by real-life events.
I’m fascinated by stories that combine science, philosophy, and human emotion. Those are the kinds of films that stay with audiences long after they leave the theater. As an actor, I’m always looking for complex characters who evolve throughout the story.
Can you share any upcoming projects or collaborations that audiences should be excited about?
Right now, my primary focus is continuing to build the audience for Storm Rider: Legend of Hammerhead as it expands into more international markets and streaming platforms.
At the same time, during my free time, I’m actively looking for exciting acting opportunities and hope to collaborate on new international productions in the near future.
Finally, if you could leave one message for filmmakers and movie lovers around the world, what would it be?
Stories have the power to connect people across cultures, generations, and borders. Never underestimate the impact a single film can have on someone’s life.
To filmmakers, I would say: keep creating, even when the road seems impossible. To audiences: continue supporting original films and independent voices, because every great franchise once began as someone’s dream. If you believe in your vision and never give up, amazing things can happen.