Ara Paiaya initially appeared on the martial arts movie scene back in 2001 when his first independent feature film, 'Dubbed And Dangerous' went down a storm with the critics.  The film was heralded for being a refreshing blend of action and comedy that was so well received even Jackie Chan himself got wind of the project (resulting in a cameo for Ara in 'The Medallion'). 

Following his successful debut, Ara went on to craft out two sequels to 'Dubbed And Dangerous' before moving onto his latest feature entitled 'Death List'.  The film centres around a professional assassin by the name of Night who is double crossed during a job and left for dead.  Thankfully he is saved by a mysterious crime fighting organisation who send him to a fabled martial arts master for training before assigning him a new mission - clean up the mean streets!  

'Death List' has just been released on DVD courtesy of SoulBlade and DDUK caught up with Ara to find out a little more about the project and the man himself.

DDUK: Hi Ara, what martial arts have you studied and what first inspired you to start practicing?

Ara Paiaya: I'm not from a traditional martial arts background, I started being trained in a mix of various moves and gymnastics at the age of 4 by my father, from there I developed my own style. I was introduced to the Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan movies. I developed in my training as the years went on and started developing my own system for use in film fighting.

DDUK: How did you get started in making martial arts action films?

AP: It started in High School, I would spend my lunch time and free time in the editing suite teaching myself video (VHS at that time) editing. These would be scenes which my friends and I had filmed during the weekends. This was the time of trial and error, learning what worked and what didn't until I understood how certain movements should be filmed and edited. This went on for sometime. These videos would get passed around, there was no video on the internet so it was old VHS tape mix being copied and passed around.

DDUK: What first inspired you to spoof the genre?

AP: I have always loved comedy, I like to make people laugh, and still do outside of filming, doing physical gags, impersonations of famous people etc. So when I thought of making 'Dubbed & Dangerous', I thought "I want to make something that can show my comedy which doesn't need a budget to be entertaining and mix it with my martial arts action". It proved to be very successful.

DDUK: Do you think the serious side of the genre gets the respect it deserves?

AP: I find it hard to take anything seriously in films.

DDUK: Who would you say are your influences, both comedic and action-wise?

AP: Action wise - Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, and Bruce Lee. Comedy wise - Peter Sellers, Buster Keaton, and Chaplin.

DDUK: Moving onto 'Death List', how pleased were you with the finished product?  Would you say it went exactly as planned or is there anything you would have done differently?

AP: I'm very pleased with 'Death List' with regards to the martial arts action scenes. I also get to play a darker role in some scenes, which was different for me. Different for the fans too, seeing me hacking people up with swords etc. But this was something I wanted to try doing after filming a number of all out comedy films. 'Death List' however still has it share of comedy, with the "Kung Fu Master" training scene being one of my favourites.

DDUK: The film is just hitting DVD and is packed to the brim with exciting extras, how much fun did you have compiling these and what would you recommend viewers pay particular attention to?

AP: The best part of making movies is the process, the people, the places, the whole experience during the making. Once it's finished, you release it.  You move on. Making extras for me was not about packing the DVD with random stuff. It was my chance to give my friends and the people involved their own personal space on the disc. I like the cast interviews, the
bloopers... each part for different reasons. There is so much interesting stuff on there. The Bey Logan extras are great, for people who don't know me. I'm so happy that I can share it all on this Platinum Edition DVD.

DDUK: You're probably best known for your 'Dubbed & Dangerous' trilogy, which of these are you most proud of and why?

AP: I can't rate or compare my films because that's like saying I have 5 children, which one do I like the best? My films are part of my life, the people in them are friends and the time spent making them was very enjoyable, the fact that other people around the world enjoy them is great too! But I make them in all honesty because that's what I enjoy doing, it's the whole part of making the film with a bunch of friends that is the best part. We don't all meet up and have serious meetings about what to do next. We are enjoying the fact that there is no deadline, no pressure we film when we want to, we leave it sitting when I want to have a break. When I'm finished with the film I just release it and enjoy the whole process. 

DDUK: Have things changed since your films have gained greater recognition and how do you think you have adapted your filmmaking style since you began?

AP: Over time you gain more experience, you get faster at the whole process of making a movie from the shooting and organising right through to the editing of the completed feature film.

DDUK: How do you think the martial arts action in Western flicks compares to the classics from the East?

AP: Different sides of the world, different people, different market. I'm happy there is a variety of ways to display action in films from British, American and Asian. It's all good if done correctly.

DDUK: Do you believe there is a martial arts movie scene starting to blossom in the UK?

AP: To be honest, I don't really follow what's going on. I only really watch and lookout for Asian action movies from certain people and some Hollywood movies and TV shows.

DDUK: Despite the obvious (lack of funds), what's the single hardest thing about being a low budget film maker?

AP: Its trying to think of how to spend money when it comes to making a movie! Like my friend Bey Logan once said in the audio commentary for a 'Dubbed And Dangerous' film. There's a saying which applies to me 'we have done so much for so long with so little, we can do anything with nothing'. It's true, I don't find anything hard really. I enjoy any challenge and I just do it!

DDUK: What's the strangest thing that someone has ever said about one of your films?

AP: Jonathan Ross once said 'All hail shiny and golden ARA PAIAYA!'

DDUK: Are there any tricks of the trade that you have learnt along the way that you think are essential for action filmmakers?

AP: Perseverance is the key to success!

DDUK: Do you feel you are living the dream or are there still certain goals that you have set for yourself in your career?

AP: I'm living the dream, I have a wonderful family, friends, career. I love making these movies and will keep progressing in all areas of life and enjoy myself to the fullest.

DDUK: What are you currently working on and what can we expect from you in the future?

AP: I'm currently filming my next action picture for 2008 called 'Maximum Impact' AKA 'Death List 2'.

'Death List' is available now from Amazon.co.uk, more info on the film and Ara himself can be found at his Official Website 

Dragon's Den UK would like to say a big thank you to Ara Paiaya for taking the time to speak with us