Since I'm heavy into filmmaking and love the Scorsese school of being acknowledgable of every film in the world (...I'm only 3.7 jillion flicks away), people have asked me in past table conversations what my favorite films are. Therefore, I figure I drop a little insight to the viewing audience and list my top 10 favorite films in two categories (General and Documentaries - since "That Asian Thing" is a documentary). A mix of comments here and there after each film. Please feel free to list your top favorite films in the comments....
10 FAVORITE DOCUMENTARIES (as of March, 2007):
10. Fahrenheit 9/11 - even besides this movie, everytime I watch the 2 Towers get hit, I always shake my head. However, the best cinematic part isn't even in vision - it's when Moore uses the sounds of people running w/no visual. Now that's smart cinema.
9. Rock Fresh - ah! Done by Director Danny Lee - I'm a sucker for the b-boy/hip hop generation and believe that grafitti is a beautiful artform that doesn't get it's fair say.
8. Jesus Camp - Wow - you'd never think a world like this existed if you didn't know about it. This is where the Republican votes come from...
7. Supersize Me - talk about sacrificing yourself for art!
6. My Architect, A Son's Journey - such an insightful look at a man learning about what his Dad did for the world.
5. Street Fight - gotta love Jersey!
4. An Inconvenient Truth - I've never seen a better slide show. This was the first documentary that comletely influenced me to change my living lifestyle (to help the Earth).
3. Born Into Brothels - colors, lighting, and camera work make it better than it already is. That photography skill is pretty clutch for filmmaking.
2. 9/11 - this wasn't even in the theaters, it was only on television. It's just a closer look at what happen in the towers during the incident and shows the bravery that New York had to show the world. As far as the filmmakers are concerned, in retrospect, they were brave and in terms of great documentaries, they were at the right place at the right time (or actually, a time that should've never happened).
1. Bowling for Columbine - the first time I saw the footage of what happen inside the cafeteria that sad day made me scared of what kids are learning today.
10 FAVORITE MOVIES (GENERAL) (as of March, 2007):
10. Christmas Story
9. Eve & the Firehorse - "That Asian Thing" interviewed director, Julia Kwan, during her visit to Chicago at last year's Asian American Showcase. The writing of this film is impeccable and the characters are beautifully written.
8. Citizen Kane - it's like a big deal or something. ha!
7. Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
6. Pulp Fiction
5. American Beauty - it's totally more than just a dysfunctional family...
4. 8 1/2 - Frederico Fellini's greatness (and therapy) all in one.
3. Godfather II
2. Royal Tennanbaums
1. Goodfellas - Can't help it, I'm a Scorsese freak! He's inspired me without even knowing it. Me and every filmmaker in the world probably.
Yes - I must admit that my picks are more new school than old school, so here are my honorable mentions of classics that inspire me more than you think: the Birds, Rope, the Shining, Meet John Doe, It's a Wonderful Life, Wizard of Oz, Clockwork Orange, Rebecca, Notorious, Chan is Missing (awesome!).
You know - I actually watch movies on the daily. It truly is part of our culture and breathes through many people. In terms of documentaries, I had a little stint where I was 2 or 3 a day for about a month. No joke. I figure that in order for me to make a good documentary, I need to see what's out there. What works, what doesn't work, what I like, what I don't like, and what formats have been done. However, I must admit that after 3 weeks of that month, I had a small depression. I had watch Capturing the Friedman's and the Weather Underground. I only felt wierd and had an uncomfortable feeling watching these films, like when I would watch Unsolved Mysteries as a child. It freaked me out and felt like I was unsafe. Documentaries can be depressing because they open your eyes to how our world is and the bad things inside it. So this is something that I hope "That Asian Thing" can sort of convey, but in general, would like it to be more envigorating and installing a sense of pride. We shall soon see.
March 12, 2007
March 09, 2007
Why should we care?
I sat in a room with a majority of college students mesmerized by the power of film. On the screen were Asian-Americans who faced “normal, everyday” situations that didn’t consistently hit you over the head saying that they were Asian-American. They were just being actors doing a good job at portraying life. It’s this life of being a part of the American culture and saying that we’re normal like everyone else – we love, we hate, we talk, and we can be AS LOUD AS EVERYONE ELSE!
Last night I had the pleasure of sitting in on a lecture presented by Mr. Eric Byler (director of Charlotte Sometimes and the upcoming Americanese). He spoke of his work and his influence of getting into film. Byler also showed the pilot episode of My Life Disoriented, which was on PBS over the holiday season the end of last year. The show presented a good culmination of experienced and non-experienced Asian-American actors displaying the story of a family recently moving into a new location. Focusing on the youngest daughter (in this first episode), the urge to try and fit in is mixed with the comfort of sticking out. It’s a complex cycle that is very realistic and relatable of what high school was like. The story and teenage characters exhibited social angst and heartfelt confusion. If you’ve checked out our “linx” section of the website, I posted awhile back (from Mr. Byler) that people should email their local station of PBS and get it more playing time. Our voices matter and this is how we can raise more interest in getting more Asian-Americans into American culture.
Eric continued on and showed his current political actions in promoting Ms. Naisy Dolar. Ms. Dolar is running for Alderman of the 50th ward here in Chicago. This movement was derived from his participation in helping Annabel Park get the Asian/Asian-American community involved in the campaign for Virginian Senator Jim Webb. Here was where it started:
Macaca (slur) - (noun) "monkey"
And here’s a rebuttal that Byler directed of Daniel Dae Kim:
Thus into this:
MY THOUGHTS:
As I sat in a room of college students, I jumped into the recess of my mind to think the way they would when I was that age. “If I were 19 and these guys were talking to me, what would I think of what they were saying about helping out with this campaign?” My immediate reaction was – where’s the girls and booze? SORRY – but this was college and yes, I’m being blunt and honest. Sad as it sounds, this is what motivated me as a young male living the college life. However, now that I’m in my later 20’s, I DO regret not being more active politically. I have been part of 3 presidential elections and the first 2, I voted with no solid reasoning for why I voted for who I voted. Since the Gore campaign and my film viewing influenced by Michael Moore – I’ve been paying more attention to MSNBC and yes, I listen to both sides, so I do get my share of Fox News & CNN. And the lucky kids of this college generation have the pleasure of learning about politics through the Daily Show and Colbert Report – hey, even though they’re comedy, they still teach you about the politics going on in the world.
So my thought to those college kids are – join this campaign! Not just because Naisy Dolar's Asian-American, but because she’s representing your ethnic community and because she can relate to the social adversity that you face. You may be thinking ‘Why should I care if I’m not part of that ward?’ You should care because in order for Asian-Americans to be more noticeable in America, we need to conquer baby steps (even though this isn’t such a baby step). We need to join forces and show that we can make an impact by getting into these more powerful positions. Your contribution is more than nothing and your voice is more than silence. This is what they need and this is what Asian-Americans as a whole need…
Please check out the ‘linx’ section of That Asian Thing website to see for more info.
P.S. I also had the pleasure of running into Ms. Laura Kina! I haven’t seen her since our interview and she was a joy to run into. Our interview was about 2 hours long and even though we haven’t seen each other since then, it felt like I was seeing an old friend. She’s always so supportive and she was happy to hear that I’m nearing the end of my post production.
I also saw a few college kids that I’ve seen at past Asian-American events that I’ve attended. It makes me feel like “That Asian Thing” can be a good way for some of these kids to be reassured that things are happening in their community.
Last night I had the pleasure of sitting in on a lecture presented by Mr. Eric Byler (director of Charlotte Sometimes and the upcoming Americanese). He spoke of his work and his influence of getting into film. Byler also showed the pilot episode of My Life Disoriented, which was on PBS over the holiday season the end of last year. The show presented a good culmination of experienced and non-experienced Asian-American actors displaying the story of a family recently moving into a new location. Focusing on the youngest daughter (in this first episode), the urge to try and fit in is mixed with the comfort of sticking out. It’s a complex cycle that is very realistic and relatable of what high school was like. The story and teenage characters exhibited social angst and heartfelt confusion. If you’ve checked out our “linx” section of the website, I posted awhile back (from Mr. Byler) that people should email their local station of PBS and get it more playing time. Our voices matter and this is how we can raise more interest in getting more Asian-Americans into American culture.
Eric continued on and showed his current political actions in promoting Ms. Naisy Dolar. Ms. Dolar is running for Alderman of the 50th ward here in Chicago. This movement was derived from his participation in helping Annabel Park get the Asian/Asian-American community involved in the campaign for Virginian Senator Jim Webb. Here was where it started:
Macaca (slur) - (noun) "monkey"
And here’s a rebuttal that Byler directed of Daniel Dae Kim:
Thus into this:
MY THOUGHTS:
As I sat in a room of college students, I jumped into the recess of my mind to think the way they would when I was that age. “If I were 19 and these guys were talking to me, what would I think of what they were saying about helping out with this campaign?” My immediate reaction was – where’s the girls and booze? SORRY – but this was college and yes, I’m being blunt and honest. Sad as it sounds, this is what motivated me as a young male living the college life. However, now that I’m in my later 20’s, I DO regret not being more active politically. I have been part of 3 presidential elections and the first 2, I voted with no solid reasoning for why I voted for who I voted. Since the Gore campaign and my film viewing influenced by Michael Moore – I’ve been paying more attention to MSNBC and yes, I listen to both sides, so I do get my share of Fox News & CNN. And the lucky kids of this college generation have the pleasure of learning about politics through the Daily Show and Colbert Report – hey, even though they’re comedy, they still teach you about the politics going on in the world.
So my thought to those college kids are – join this campaign! Not just because Naisy Dolar's Asian-American, but because she’s representing your ethnic community and because she can relate to the social adversity that you face. You may be thinking ‘Why should I care if I’m not part of that ward?’ You should care because in order for Asian-Americans to be more noticeable in America, we need to conquer baby steps (even though this isn’t such a baby step). We need to join forces and show that we can make an impact by getting into these more powerful positions. Your contribution is more than nothing and your voice is more than silence. This is what they need and this is what Asian-Americans as a whole need…
Please check out the ‘linx’ section of That Asian Thing website to see for more info.
P.S. I also had the pleasure of running into Ms. Laura Kina! I haven’t seen her since our interview and she was a joy to run into. Our interview was about 2 hours long and even though we haven’t seen each other since then, it felt like I was seeing an old friend. She’s always so supportive and she was happy to hear that I’m nearing the end of my post production.
I also saw a few college kids that I’ve seen at past Asian-American events that I’ve attended. It makes me feel like “That Asian Thing” can be a good way for some of these kids to be reassured that things are happening in their community.
March 05, 2007
Groovy Ghost Films, Inc. est. 7/6/06
As I continue to venture into this post-production, I suppose I'll drop some knowledge concerning Groovy Ghost Films, Incorporated.
Groovy Ghost Films, Inc. is a registered incorporation in the state of IL. When I was gaining momentum with "That Asian Thing," I was advised by my legal begal buddies to form a company so I have a cushion in name in case anything were to go wrong. In other words, if someone I interviewed were to watch my film and not like the way I portrayed he/she, they would sue my company instead of me directly. It's safer that way in a business sense and doesn't hurt my personal track record. ('cause my run at presidentail nomination is right around the corner - ha!)
Continuing on - the incorporation also helps with financial situations. It helps differentiate the costs put into the project from my own personal adventures. However, with tax season in high tide, it is taking a large toll as far as putting together all my documentation and preparing for a loss. This is where the "broke artist" mentality sets in. Since I'm starting from nothing and not gaining any distance as far as profits are concerned, I've had to spend more than I make, which isn't a good thing. Uncle Sam wants his share of my nothing. Isn't that why paying your taxes is awesome?!?!
However - it'll ALL PAY OFF!! Right, guys?? (cricket, cricket) uh...hello??
Right now, I'm researching theaters to get on lockdown for the private screening of "That Asian Thing." I want this to be the best film to represent the Asian-American artists in Chicago, so I wouldn't want this movie to go out to a festival not knowing if I gave each person the right say. Therefore, a private screening for just the artists within my film is justification on making sure everything is okay in the film in their eyes. I think even BEFORE that - I'll be setting up a small, focus group screening. This will be a culmination of hand-picked people who I believe will give me the necessary feedback on how my film is and what I can do to make it better.
SO with all that, I'm looking to hopefully send out festival packets for 2008 events. Wish me luck! (I'm gonna need it...this pressure is killing me....)
Please don't forget to check out the "linx" section on the main page (http://www.thatasianthing.com). Some events are coming up and you should support some of that good stuff!
Groovy Ghost Films, Inc. is a registered incorporation in the state of IL. When I was gaining momentum with "That Asian Thing," I was advised by my legal begal buddies to form a company so I have a cushion in name in case anything were to go wrong. In other words, if someone I interviewed were to watch my film and not like the way I portrayed he/she, they would sue my company instead of me directly. It's safer that way in a business sense and doesn't hurt my personal track record. ('cause my run at presidentail nomination is right around the corner - ha!)
Continuing on - the incorporation also helps with financial situations. It helps differentiate the costs put into the project from my own personal adventures. However, with tax season in high tide, it is taking a large toll as far as putting together all my documentation and preparing for a loss. This is where the "broke artist" mentality sets in. Since I'm starting from nothing and not gaining any distance as far as profits are concerned, I've had to spend more than I make, which isn't a good thing. Uncle Sam wants his share of my nothing. Isn't that why paying your taxes is awesome?!?!
However - it'll ALL PAY OFF!! Right, guys?? (cricket, cricket) uh...hello??
Right now, I'm researching theaters to get on lockdown for the private screening of "That Asian Thing." I want this to be the best film to represent the Asian-American artists in Chicago, so I wouldn't want this movie to go out to a festival not knowing if I gave each person the right say. Therefore, a private screening for just the artists within my film is justification on making sure everything is okay in the film in their eyes. I think even BEFORE that - I'll be setting up a small, focus group screening. This will be a culmination of hand-picked people who I believe will give me the necessary feedback on how my film is and what I can do to make it better.
SO with all that, I'm looking to hopefully send out festival packets for 2008 events. Wish me luck! (I'm gonna need it...this pressure is killing me....)
Please don't forget to check out the "linx" section on the main page (http://www.thatasianthing.com). Some events are coming up and you should support some of that good stuff!
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