To the many people that touch upon this page,
For the past 2 weeks I have been out in the mix of people and emails, continuing to reach out for support towards the production costs of "That Asian Thing" Showcase & Film. I would like to personally thank all the people that take the time to read our emails or listen to us speak, because I know how consuming it can be. However, I would like to take this post to extrapolate on the reason to donate.
"That Asian Thing" is a solely independent film and is primarily run by myself - Jonald Reyes. I decided to take this project on because I've always wondered why there weren't more knowledge of Asian American artists in America. Basically, my own group of friends have been a heavy mix of many races & ethnicities, however, when it came to discussing mainstream culture, I couldn't name drop any well known Asian American actor or musical group that they could relate to. From my own knowledge, I knew names, but Lucy Liu and Bruce Lee can only get you so far in those types of conversations without getting into another debate about martial art films.
The point I'm trying to make is that this film/concert showcase needs funding in order to 1. have a live gala event for the younger generation to experience and realize that they have musically talented artists within their own race in America and 2. to visually project this point of view to a wider audience across the nation.
For the past year, I have been on Google.com nonstop - looking up all Asian American related issues, organizations, articles, websites, blogs, movies, music, online stores, myspace profiles, etc., etc., etc. to realize that there is a LOT of Asian American culture but to my own surprise, no bigger plateu that they can all relate to. And this is what I would like "That Asian Thing" to be. A defining film that Asians/Asian Americans can tell others about and to be able to throw into with those cultural debates.
So next time, I talk to my friends I can name drop: the Pacifics, Jennifer Liu of Stir Friday Night, Cynthia Lin, I.B.U., Stephen Munoz, Jami Gong of TakeOut Comedy, etc., etc., etc........
Help "That Asian Thing" make a difference! Every little bit helps and we're always, always open for any thoughts or ideas to help us out (asianthing@gmail.com). Pass the word along and generous donors can look to the sidebar for their acknowledgement.
Many, many thanks!!
June 25, 2006
June 17, 2006
and with these words....
DONATIONS:
The first wave of emails inquiring of financial assistance has been sent. For the independent filmmaker, finances are usually the thing that makes or breaks you. With the requirement of editing equipment and the added on event of “That Asian Thing Showcase,” we’ve started to pick up some steam and bigger projects need more funding. Personally, I’ve (Jonald Reyes – Writer/Director of “That Asian Thing”) had to swallow my pride to ask people that I know for money because truthfully, I wouldn’t ask. You can ask people that are close to me, that if I can do whatever it is that needs to get done, I try my hardest to make it happen. And I’m one of those people who is reluctant to ask for help, but as I’ve grown older I’ve become better with when to ask for assistance. “That Asian Thing” is hurting my already hurt wallet, so now it’s time to take it to the masses. Please pass the word along and know that every little bit helps. Even donations of $5, $10, or $20 still add up to buy things that I can use to make this film even better. Don’t hesitate to email us and ask for a sponsorship proposal to get a more in-depth, detailed package on the film and “That Asian Thing Showcase.” I appreciate everyone’s support thus far and hope to finish this film soon for all of you to see.
I’d like to personally thank our first donators – Mr. Yedidya and Diana Ben-Avraham. Thanks, D and Diane – this really means a lot to me and your generosity is fully acknowledged. Tickle the baby for me!
THE FILM:
--I recently had a great interview with Chien Yuan, the main man behind Actually, Records. His insight made me ecstatic with enthusiasm to hit this project even harder. Chien gave such great feedback on where Asian Americans reside within the (literally) quote, unquote American culture. He broke it down to the vast range of race culture extremities – saying that America has become very black and white, leaving out the Asian American and how currently the majority of our society swarms to what they know better. Rather than dip themselves into an awkward, unknowing realm of “asianess,” people tend to stick to a comfort zone and go towards more assimilated artists that lose insight on the knowledge that they have narrow eyes and mocha to yellowish skin tone. Chien also gave feedback on the music industry, the Asian American artists in Chicago (Asian American Artists Collective), and good housing tips. (inside joke)
Thanks Chien! I definitely look forward to hearing back from you!
--With that, and under the Actually, Records label – this is a build up for our upcoming interview with Jon Monteverde, a.k.a. XYZR_KX. More to come on this…
--Through Jon, “That Asian Thing” was able to date an interview with Carly Oishi, who performed at our Gunther Murphy’s visit. We’ll be meeting up this week. I always like to get insight from Asian American artists that are trying their hand at performing live. She was telling me that her and Jon have been doing music together for awhile, but has only performed live a handful of times. If she’s around your neighborhood, definitely go and check her out. Her voice is surreal.
--Per my documentary and the vision that I have of particular parts within the film, I requested a YAWP!er (Young Asians With Power) to perform her spoken word piece in an isolated, sound area. Thereby she projected her powerful piece of what it is to be the “Asian” and the “American” in Asian-American. Charlene (Apple) Haze Alcantara performed her poetic styling with the lighting of one bulb and the assistance of 7 cue cards. She delivered the words, gung ho, and with power behind her each time. Ever since I inquired of YAWP!s help with “That Asian Thing,” Apple was the first and since then, consistent, emailer and contact.
We taped for approximately 3 hours as we grabbed 3 takes with 2 cameras at different angles (giving us 6 shots to edit together). Within those 3 hours, I was fortunate enough to have her and her friends (A.J. and James) sit in on an interview. AJ and James are also participating members of YAWP! Their youth and interests made it comfortable for me to ask those questions that sometimes I get intimidated to ask. They gave their thoughts on the word “activism,” the empowerment of their art (writing), and importance of knowing their culture.
Massive thanks to Apple for her powerful words, AJ for his down-to-earth “International Club” insight, and James for making his brother learn more about their heritage. Thanks guys and I’ll email you soon enough!
THE EVENT:
Just a reminder that “That Asian Thing Showcase” is A GO! Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 12th @ 7 pm @ Northeastern Illinois University. We’re still building funds to make this an exciting experience for all. Like I said before, if you would like to donate or think you know a business that would like to sponsor, please don’t hesitate to email (asianthing@gmail.com) or click on the big donations banner up top to pay through paypal. No paypal account is needed and remember – a little still helps out a lot.
FRIENDS:
I’d like to acknowledge the people that have gotten in contact with me after sending out emails for financial assistance. This shout out goes to Competitive Awesome. These guys are a comic duo now relocated to the west coast to show the world what they got. And they got real big ones, man! Big jokes, big laughs, and big following. I’ve known Aaron and Mike from my stint at Second City and have gone out to support them at their shows. Now I suggest you do the same! Check out their website, see where they’ll be performing, and let them know “That Asian Thing” sent you. Thanks for your support fellas! Nothing but “breakin’ a leg” or two (or three or eleven).
YOUR HELP:
For the myspace people – putting “That Asian Thing” in your top 8, 12, 16, etc. would help lure more interests. Also, grabbing a hold of our sponsorship proposal and helping us acquire some funding towards the film and the Showcase would be awesome. Remember, you don’t need to be from or in Chicago to help out. I’ll also need the help of hyping up the Showcase within July, so if you’re interested in helping out, I can no doubt use your skills and hands.
Take care all!
The first wave of emails inquiring of financial assistance has been sent. For the independent filmmaker, finances are usually the thing that makes or breaks you. With the requirement of editing equipment and the added on event of “That Asian Thing Showcase,” we’ve started to pick up some steam and bigger projects need more funding. Personally, I’ve (Jonald Reyes – Writer/Director of “That Asian Thing”) had to swallow my pride to ask people that I know for money because truthfully, I wouldn’t ask. You can ask people that are close to me, that if I can do whatever it is that needs to get done, I try my hardest to make it happen. And I’m one of those people who is reluctant to ask for help, but as I’ve grown older I’ve become better with when to ask for assistance. “That Asian Thing” is hurting my already hurt wallet, so now it’s time to take it to the masses. Please pass the word along and know that every little bit helps. Even donations of $5, $10, or $20 still add up to buy things that I can use to make this film even better. Don’t hesitate to email us and ask for a sponsorship proposal to get a more in-depth, detailed package on the film and “That Asian Thing Showcase.” I appreciate everyone’s support thus far and hope to finish this film soon for all of you to see.
I’d like to personally thank our first donators – Mr. Yedidya and Diana Ben-Avraham. Thanks, D and Diane – this really means a lot to me and your generosity is fully acknowledged. Tickle the baby for me!
THE FILM:
--I recently had a great interview with Chien Yuan, the main man behind Actually, Records. His insight made me ecstatic with enthusiasm to hit this project even harder. Chien gave such great feedback on where Asian Americans reside within the (literally) quote, unquote American culture. He broke it down to the vast range of race culture extremities – saying that America has become very black and white, leaving out the Asian American and how currently the majority of our society swarms to what they know better. Rather than dip themselves into an awkward, unknowing realm of “asianess,” people tend to stick to a comfort zone and go towards more assimilated artists that lose insight on the knowledge that they have narrow eyes and mocha to yellowish skin tone. Chien also gave feedback on the music industry, the Asian American artists in Chicago (Asian American Artists Collective), and good housing tips. (inside joke)
Thanks Chien! I definitely look forward to hearing back from you!
--With that, and under the Actually, Records label – this is a build up for our upcoming interview with Jon Monteverde, a.k.a. XYZR_KX. More to come on this…--Through Jon, “That Asian Thing” was able to date an interview with Carly Oishi, who performed at our Gunther Murphy’s visit. We’ll be meeting up this week. I always like to get insight from Asian American artists that are trying their hand at performing live. She was telling me that her and Jon have been doing music together for awhile, but has only performed live a handful of times. If she’s around your neighborhood, definitely go and check her out. Her voice is surreal.
--Per my documentary and the vision that I have of particular parts within the film, I requested a YAWP!er (Young Asians With Power) to perform her spoken word piece in an isolated, sound area. Thereby she projected her powerful piece of what it is to be the “Asian” and the “American” in Asian-American. Charlene (Apple) Haze Alcantara performed her poetic styling with the lighting of one bulb and the assistance of 7 cue cards. She delivered the words, gung ho, and with power behind her each time. Ever since I inquired of YAWP!s help with “That Asian Thing,” Apple was the first and since then, consistent, emailer and contact.
We taped for approximately 3 hours as we grabbed 3 takes with 2 cameras at different angles (giving us 6 shots to edit together). Within those 3 hours, I was fortunate enough to have her and her friends (A.J. and James) sit in on an interview. AJ and James are also participating members of YAWP! Their youth and interests made it comfortable for me to ask those questions that sometimes I get intimidated to ask. They gave their thoughts on the word “activism,” the empowerment of their art (writing), and importance of knowing their culture.
Massive thanks to Apple for her powerful words, AJ for his down-to-earth “International Club” insight, and James for making his brother learn more about their heritage. Thanks guys and I’ll email you soon enough!
THE EVENT:
Just a reminder that “That Asian Thing Showcase” is A GO! Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 12th @ 7 pm @ Northeastern Illinois University. We’re still building funds to make this an exciting experience for all. Like I said before, if you would like to donate or think you know a business that would like to sponsor, please don’t hesitate to email (asianthing@gmail.com) or click on the big donations banner up top to pay through paypal. No paypal account is needed and remember – a little still helps out a lot. FRIENDS:
I’d like to acknowledge the people that have gotten in contact with me after sending out emails for financial assistance. This shout out goes to Competitive Awesome. These guys are a comic duo now relocated to the west coast to show the world what they got. And they got real big ones, man! Big jokes, big laughs, and big following. I’ve known Aaron and Mike from my stint at Second City and have gone out to support them at their shows. Now I suggest you do the same! Check out their website, see where they’ll be performing, and let them know “That Asian Thing” sent you. Thanks for your support fellas! Nothing but “breakin’ a leg” or two (or three or eleven).
YOUR HELP:
For the myspace people – putting “That Asian Thing” in your top 8, 12, 16, etc. would help lure more interests. Also, grabbing a hold of our sponsorship proposal and helping us acquire some funding towards the film and the Showcase would be awesome. Remember, you don’t need to be from or in Chicago to help out. I’ll also need the help of hyping up the Showcase within July, so if you’re interested in helping out, I can no doubt use your skills and hands.
Take care all!
June 09, 2006
It's getting hectic now....
One thing that most young filmmakers can probably tell you is how important it is to network. Network, network, network! It's all about building relationships with people who are in the same arena as you. For me, personally, it's about making new friends that can relate to what you're going through or know what kind of situation you're in and how they overcame it. This, my friends, always is a good thing. Now I'm a neophyte to this film world but I am laying my cards out with no fear - spearheading and learning the ins and outs as I go along - so I have yet to meet any of the "bad" people. However, I have always been a people person and a good judge at interpreting character traits (it comes with being a writer because you're an intricate observer of human detail), so I will say that the people that I've worked with on/for my film have been nothing but good.
Going with that, recently I went to watch some Asian American musicians at Gunther Murphy's. I met Carly Oishi, Kris Racer, and soon to be interviewed, Jon Monteverde. Jon, a.k.a. xyzr_kx, was a hoot to talk to cause he's a filmmaker as well (check out the link and see his short films/videos).
I appreciated how he knew the stuff I'm currently going through. I also picked up his current CD which is really vibrant and colorful. I dig the electronica sound and reminds me of Sean Lennon and later Radiohead stuff.
Connecting through Jon, I'm in the midst of getting an interview with the head of his record label - Actually, Records. I'm hoping Chien can give "That Asian Thing" more insight on the music scene as a business and if Asian Americans aren't getting their props because of higher management reasons. But going back to Gunther - I also talked to Carly Oishi who's still pretty new to the singing game. She had a nice, following of people coming out to see her sing. Her presence on the stage was delightful as she came off as honest and soothing. We're in cahoots to get her thoughts on film.
By coincidence, I ran into other active Asian Americans. Tim Hugh of the Asian American Film Showcase and Cynthia Lin. Tim always has the inside track on what's going on with Asian American films. It's great to hear what's up and coming, since I don't have time to catch up on the internet myself. He also previews them, so I get that indepth thought about how the film is. So that's always good.
Cynthia Lin told me about a future performance and so the following Thursday, I ventured out during lunch hour to see her perform at the Randolph Cultural Center. First off - what a beautiful venue and what a great time to play. People are on their lunch breaks and while passing by, can catch a show if interested. Anyhoo - Cynthia performed with a backup singer and cellist. All I can say is - WOW - great accompaniment. AND, BONUS - I brought my camera to grab footage. It was a great performance and hope to have that footage edited up soon for Cynthia's use.
Thanks to everyone for taking time out to talk. I always do appreciate the looking out!
THAT ASIAN THING SHOWCASE:
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2006 @ 7 P.M. - BE THERE!
Looks like we're solidifying a talent showcase here, featuring artists from "That Asian Thing" documentary. On board we got: SOTO (Sons of the Orient), Stephen Munoz, and IBU. Thanks to the manager of IBU, Glenn Bermejo, for all his work, advice, and cooperation. This might not be coming about if Glenn weren't there with his know hows.
SOTO - there's a little history with this group. My cousin, Jesch, is part of this former group. When I was younger, Jesch was "thee singer" of the family. I'm sure he was heavily influenced and nurtured by his parents who are avid music people (minus one, karaoke, dance classes, you name it, etc., etc.). I can remember seeing old VHS tapes of him singing or performing whenever we (my family) would visit his in Jacksonville, FL. When he got older, he teamed up with his friends and when he got even more older, they became SOTO.
This was during the later 90's and into the 2000. They met and worked with Duron Jones of 112. I was pretty ecstatic about my cousin pursuing his dream. The family supported him as much as possible. When they released their single, Crazy - I must've bought 10 copies myself. But after awhile, things just weren't happening and I remember Jesch telling me how difficult it was financially. I can currently relate now as this film project eats up half of my paycheck while the other half goes towards living. We were proud (and still are), however our help was big enough as they guys just didn't seemed to get picked up by mainstream America. AHA - doesn't it sound like a great subject for "That Asian Thing?" Therefore, through the cooperation of the guys, this Showcase has the previlege of featuring their possibly one-time REUNION SHOW! WOO HOO! They haven't performed on stage with each other in probably 3 or 4 years. So I encourage you to check out their myspace and then they're live act.
Thanks to Stephen Munoz and IBU for their support. We're still looking for one more musical act to diversify the Showcase card. Update should follow. Please keep your calender clear for that day and a promotional flurry should be coming your way soon enough.
MORE THANKS:
- Czerina Salud. For giving "That Asian Thing" props on her website. Looking forward to meeting her and getting her feedback.
- Tatsu Aoki. YES! We have contact! This man is the epitome of Asian American Chicago Arts. I will devote a post to him and his work in the near future. Thank you sir! Look forward to interviewing you.
- Apple, Anida, and all the YAWP!ers are stirring up some words about "That Asian Thing." Apple will be providing a special spoken word piece for this film. Thank you for your time and powerful flowetry.
- All you readers and onlookers. Thanks for leaving me comments, emails, and tips on events happening in Chicago. I appreciate all the looking out and hope to make the best movie that can even come close to how strong the Asian American community is here in the Windy City. Thank you, thank you, thank you...
Going with that, recently I went to watch some Asian American musicians at Gunther Murphy's. I met Carly Oishi, Kris Racer, and soon to be interviewed, Jon Monteverde. Jon, a.k.a. xyzr_kx, was a hoot to talk to cause he's a filmmaker as well (check out the link and see his short films/videos). I appreciated how he knew the stuff I'm currently going through. I also picked up his current CD which is really vibrant and colorful. I dig the electronica sound and reminds me of Sean Lennon and later Radiohead stuff.
Connecting through Jon, I'm in the midst of getting an interview with the head of his record label - Actually, Records. I'm hoping Chien can give "That Asian Thing" more insight on the music scene as a business and if Asian Americans aren't getting their props because of higher management reasons. But going back to Gunther - I also talked to Carly Oishi who's still pretty new to the singing game. She had a nice, following of people coming out to see her sing. Her presence on the stage was delightful as she came off as honest and soothing. We're in cahoots to get her thoughts on film.
By coincidence, I ran into other active Asian Americans. Tim Hugh of the Asian American Film Showcase and Cynthia Lin. Tim always has the inside track on what's going on with Asian American films. It's great to hear what's up and coming, since I don't have time to catch up on the internet myself. He also previews them, so I get that indepth thought about how the film is. So that's always good.
Cynthia Lin told me about a future performance and so the following Thursday, I ventured out during lunch hour to see her perform at the Randolph Cultural Center. First off - what a beautiful venue and what a great time to play. People are on their lunch breaks and while passing by, can catch a show if interested. Anyhoo - Cynthia performed with a backup singer and cellist. All I can say is - WOW - great accompaniment. AND, BONUS - I brought my camera to grab footage. It was a great performance and hope to have that footage edited up soon for Cynthia's use.
Thanks to everyone for taking time out to talk. I always do appreciate the looking out!
THAT ASIAN THING SHOWCASE:
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2006 @ 7 P.M. - BE THERE!
Looks like we're solidifying a talent showcase here, featuring artists from "That Asian Thing" documentary. On board we got: SOTO (Sons of the Orient), Stephen Munoz, and IBU. Thanks to the manager of IBU, Glenn Bermejo, for all his work, advice, and cooperation. This might not be coming about if Glenn weren't there with his know hows. SOTO - there's a little history with this group. My cousin, Jesch, is part of this former group. When I was younger, Jesch was "thee singer" of the family. I'm sure he was heavily influenced and nurtured by his parents who are avid music people (minus one, karaoke, dance classes, you name it, etc., etc.). I can remember seeing old VHS tapes of him singing or performing whenever we (my family) would visit his in Jacksonville, FL. When he got older, he teamed up with his friends and when he got even more older, they became SOTO.
This was during the later 90's and into the 2000. They met and worked with Duron Jones of 112. I was pretty ecstatic about my cousin pursuing his dream. The family supported him as much as possible. When they released their single, Crazy - I must've bought 10 copies myself. But after awhile, things just weren't happening and I remember Jesch telling me how difficult it was financially. I can currently relate now as this film project eats up half of my paycheck while the other half goes towards living. We were proud (and still are), however our help was big enough as they guys just didn't seemed to get picked up by mainstream America. AHA - doesn't it sound like a great subject for "That Asian Thing?" Therefore, through the cooperation of the guys, this Showcase has the previlege of featuring their possibly one-time REUNION SHOW! WOO HOO! They haven't performed on stage with each other in probably 3 or 4 years. So I encourage you to check out their myspace and then they're live act.Thanks to Stephen Munoz and IBU for their support. We're still looking for one more musical act to diversify the Showcase card. Update should follow. Please keep your calender clear for that day and a promotional flurry should be coming your way soon enough.
MORE THANKS:
- Czerina Salud. For giving "That Asian Thing" props on her website. Looking forward to meeting her and getting her feedback.
- Tatsu Aoki. YES! We have contact! This man is the epitome of Asian American Chicago Arts. I will devote a post to him and his work in the near future. Thank you sir! Look forward to interviewing you.
- Apple, Anida, and all the YAWP!ers are stirring up some words about "That Asian Thing." Apple will be providing a special spoken word piece for this film. Thank you for your time and powerful flowetry.
- All you readers and onlookers. Thanks for leaving me comments, emails, and tips on events happening in Chicago. I appreciate all the looking out and hope to make the best movie that can even come close to how strong the Asian American community is here in the Windy City. Thank you, thank you, thank you...
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