Friends

Ivan is one of those guys you just naturally love. I mean after you ignore the impulse to smash his head in as he quips you with a poor taste and offensive joke at your expense, all is well with a quick cheeky grin… and a punch to his face.

He is currently the founder and director of Hentucky Productions, which is a music and film production company. It was conceived from creating a website back in 2004 to host a mix tape, which then became a website about promoting charity club night fundraisers, then a site also about hosting articles about social commentary issues and fake problem pages. But as time and life went on Hentucky re-found its footing after a classic life changing trip away to the Middle East . Yep, it sounds like something from the Guardian travel blog, but it’s true. Hentucky was overhauled literally overnight into being a film and music production company.

However, with new change the original ideology has not changed. There is just more focus, particularly on making films that contain a serious message, but always remembering the humour by making Spanish faux-pas sitcom. The key thing is all about working with a good community of people all trying to make it in the industry or who are just doing it in their spare time. By utilising talent whilst also promoting them, it’s all about creating a mutually beneficial relationship.

Currently there is a short film project in pre-production and a Spanish web short sitcom currently underway. All the music for both these projects will also be developed in-house.

So moving away from Hentucky, why Chancer? Well, Ivan originally worked with George to help set up Chancer Records in 2009. But with the sudden epiphany of Hentucky’s change in direction inevitable took over and Ivan had to step down his role. Still working together on the occasional side project Ivan has always got time and love for Chancer. With solo productions and shorts all showcased here as the ethos and ideology of Chancer is very similar to what Hentucky is doing.

But is having a common goal and love for the label enough for Ivan being involved? Well this is what he has to say about that.

“Being a Chancer is what it’s all about for any person trying to make it. It’s about having the balls to take that risk in what you believe in, because creative projects will always bring out that mother and child complex from the artist,” as said in a theatrical voice. “But being a Chancer is about showing that you are ready to take that extra step, and that you are willing to put your art out in open, ready for it to get destroyed or praised. Either way, its how you pick yourself up or take yourself down a peg when needed is what’s important, but remember; don’t be afraid to enjoy the fruits of your labour.”