In this episode, Roy sits down with award-winning actor, writer, and producer Niki J. Borger, creator and star of the upcoming sitcom NFTease. Niki traces her path from growing up in Germany with only 10% depth perception, to becoming a musical theatre performer, to transitioning into Hollywood film and eventually producing her own work — including a five-minute short film shot for $367 on two iPhones that went on to earn 20 festival selections, 7 nominations, and 4 awards. They dig deep into NFTease itself: the premise of three insecure NFT-startup founders forced to partner with a group of "influencers" who turn out to be something else entirely, how the show plans to build its audience through social media before shooting the full series, and the investor structure behind it. Niki also opens up candidly about the realities of the acting industry — vanishing residuals, non-union commercial rates, and her strong stance on AI, consent, and protecting an actor's likeness — before closing with a full cast rundown for the show's eight core characters.
Timestamps
0:02 – Introducing Niki J. Borger and NFTease
0:47 – From Germany to Hollywood: growing up with 10% depth perception and finding dance
5:35 – The $367 short film shot on two iPhones that won 20 selections and 4 awards
7:54 – How film festivals actually work — selections, nominations, and a virtual award from Malaysia's Crown Prince
13:34 – Into NFTease: the premise, the plan to shoot the full series (not just a pilot)
16:09 – The investor structure: 120% return before profits split between cast, crew, and investors
17:26 – Minimum investment levels and ways to get involved beyond investing
17:59 – Smart contracts, blockchain, and why the show kept the name NFTease
19:26 – Creating actual NFTs for the show and building in royalties
20:56 – Casting 6,000 applicants down to a core cast
24:29 – Life on a film set: the machinery of production and what a delay actually costs
27:54 – The reality of life as a touring actor, including a documentary theatre project in Russia and Ukraine
29:59 – Green screens, motion capture, and a long, candid take on AI, consent, and protecting an actor's likeness
40:27 – Full character and cast rundown for NFTease
44:21 – Where to find Niki and NFTease online
About Niki J. Borger
Niki J. Borger is an award-winning actor, writer, and producer, known for her original performances in the Extravaganza One Act Fest in Los Angeles, her award-winning short films "Because I Could" and "A Portrayal of a Subtle Suicide," and her collection of original one-act plays "In-Between: Eight Gender-Neutral One-Act Plays Between Life and Death." Her work has been screened around the world, and she has performed in Europe, Russia, North America, and South America. Niki is fluent in four languages and currently travels the world before returning to her base in California to film NFTease — her upcoming sitcom series.
Connect with Niki & NFTease:
🌐 Website: https://firewolfent.com/nftease/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nftease_
🎵 TikTok: @nftease
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