🎬 In this episode of the Film Finance & Distribution Podcast, I sit down with Matt Borlenghi — an award-winning producer, writer, and actor best known as Lyle, the Pawnshop Guy in Netflix’s Cobra Kai.

Matt’s career spans decades, beginning with his breakout role on All My Children opposite Kelly Ripa, which earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination and a Soap Opera Digest Award. He went on to star in primetime shows including The Jeff Foxworthy Show, Pig Sty, Party Girl, and Police Academy: The Series, before later becoming a fan-favourite on Cobra Kai.

But Matt’s work goes far beyond acting. He is a multiple award-winning producer who has developed TV shows with and for major production companies and networks. His true-crime investigation Postmortem in Vegas aired on LMN through NorthSouth Productions and A&E, and he continues to develop new series — including ATF, a drama based on the real-life undercover work of a longtime ATF agent. Matt also recently produced and starred in the pilot Townsend, and appears in Letters to Addy and Daddy’s Place. On the film side, his credits include The Bobby DeBarge Story, Divine Influencer, 90 Days Past Due, and Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story.

In this conversation, the first half of the episode focuses on Matt’s acting career — his breakout roles, his experience on Cobra Kai, and what makes a supporting character like Lyle resonate so deeply with audiences. In the second half, we turn to his work as a writer and producer, diving into the realities of developing projects, the challenges of getting a TV show made, and what it really takes to balance creative vision with industry demands.

🔗 Stay connected with Matt Borlenghi:

• Instagram: @cobrakaipawnguy

• IMDb: Matt Borlenghi on IMDb

• ActorCV: Matt Borlenghi Profile

• Read more: Matt Borlenghi on the 5 Things You Need to Create a Highly Successful Career in TV and Film – Authority Magazine / Medium

🔗 Follow the Film Finance & Distribution Podcast / Amber Williams:

• Podcast: filmfinance.podbean.com

• LinkedIn: Amber Williams

The Film Finance & Distribution Podcast has grown worldwide, becoming a trusted resource for filmmakers who want practical knowledge on raising finance, closing deals, and reaching audiences. It’s designed to share insights you won’t easily find elsewhere, helping the filmmaking community access the tools needed to succeed.

My guest today is Chris Maher, an actor, producer, and investor with a background in economics and policy. After travelling the world working with major organisations, he returned to Chicago where he balanced a trading career with building his film craft. In 2020 he co-founded MC Films, and since then has produced and appeared in more than 20 films, including Blowback, Mojave Diamonds, and the upcoming Canyon of the Dead and Boardwalk Winter. His projects have also been recognised at festivals like Cannes and the American Film Market.

In this episode, Chris shares insights on what separates a producer from an executive producer, how concept trailers and screenings can help bring in investors, what goes into a great pitch, how indie filmmakers can attract talent, the role of AI in the industry, and even new approaches to crowdfunding and film financing.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-maher-3718bb50/

Inst: https://www.instagram.com/chrisfredma/

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6681923/

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Fabian Farina and Mariano Mattei — the founders of Four Olives Productions, an award-winning indie film company based in the heart of Philadelphia.

We dive into what it’s really like working in Philly’s film scene, how they got their films on to streaming platforms, and the role a good publicist can play in landing industry exposure and distribution deals.

They also break down their three-pronged approach to getting on Netflix in the future, the power of networking, and what it takes to make truly independent cinema thrive.

Don’t miss this inspiring and practical conversation with two filmmakers who are doing it their way — and winning.

Show notes:

Indie Rights: https://www.indierights.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/fourolivesproductions

Insta Four Olive Productions: https://www.instagram.com/fourolivesproductions

Insta Fabian: https://www.instagram.com/fabian_farina215/

Insta Mariano: https://www.instagram.com/marianom215/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fourolivesproductions/

Tubi: https://tubitv.com/movies/100032538/sacrum-vindictae-ii?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAachWmDFISOqocBP2qTA5iKKHP56HxIjb11Epo6NGW7hMVCfF6oFbr8cZWUSKw_aem_pbP2UT17GBVGeKpP8Vrm8w

Prime Video: https://shorturl.at/yXiDi

“Every no is one step closer to a yes” – filmmakers Fabian and Mariano from Four Olive Productions.

#nowait