Hope everyone is doing well.
Yes, it's been quiet on this blog for awhile, but we've no doubt been busy with new projects and networking ventures along the way. So here's our up-to-speed reports!
THE SLANT TV:
Let's get crackin' with what's been on the forefront recently. After our last post regarding the new project on a public access television show, we've been taking it to new levels with each step of the way. "The Slant" (http://www.theslant.tv) is a magazine style, entertainment news media show packed into a half-hour punch. Just like "That Asian Thing," we've taken the Asian/Asian-American culture to lengths of exposure by delivering Chicago's great talent. And what's even better is that we get local and in-depth on the intertwined Chicago culture by featuring Asian/Asian-American related restaurants, clubs, bars, and organizations. We've got a young crew that works hard in getting up-to-date styles, cultural issues, and cool people involved. So check it out! Here's our last uploaded episode:
If you're in the Chicago area, pop up your rabbit ears or tune in thru the AT&T cable package, and pop on KBC-TV (Channel 41 on public access) every Thursday night at 6 p.m. and replay at midnight! Do it! You know you want to....
ASIAN AMERICAN ARTS IN PRACTICE:
Thru the various projects taken on and continuous pursuit to open up eyes to the Asian-American culture, Northwestern University's Asian-American Studies Program has put together a panel of Asian-American artists to display their art. Jonald Reyes, Director of "That Asian Thing" and Executive Producer of "The Slant" will be part of this one-night event. He's put together a short video portfolio of his works in television and film to fit his 20 minute presentation. This short includes footage from the Director's Cut of "That Asian Thing" which is completely different from the final product; his works with the Korean American Community Services; his music video with Chicago's hip-hop group, Contriband; and of course, footage from episodes of KBC-TV's "The Slant." Here are links/info for your stalking purposes:
What: Asian American Arts in Practice
Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Northwestern University, University Hall, Room 102
Street: 1897 Sheridan Rd.
City/Town: Evanston, IL
http://www.asianamerican.northwestern.edu/events/
-AND-
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=86825371209 - hit the ATTEND!! come out, come out, wherever you are!!
SKOKIE PUBLIC LIBRARY ROCKS:
As we are in the midst of Asian-American Heritage Month(s)...
[Ed. Note: I like to say monthsssss because some colleges celebrate it in April due to Final Examinations in May and others celebrate it in May cause we can rock it out for two months!!. - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_Pacific_American_Heritage_Month ]
...the Skokie Public Library (http://www.skokielibrary.info), has given "That Asian Thing" the green light to showcase the documentary. First, thanks to Richard and the Skokie Public Library for taking our film into consideration and seeking us out to participate! Next, if you haven't seen this film yet - we urge you to come out! Here are your details:
WHAT: "That Asian Thing" Screening w/ Director Q&A to follow
WHERE: Skokie Public Library, Petty Auditorium - 5215 Oakton Street, Skokie, IL 60077
WHEN: May 15th @ 6:30 pm
WEBSITE: http://tiny.cc/ng3Sm
Also be sure to check out all the other events from the Skokie Public Library as for the most part they're free or low costing. They do lots of great things and what's that?? Why yes - it's truly is a library too with awesome books to boot! Can't go wrong with that!
JONALD'S THOUGHTS:
If you've followed me for awhile, you've gathered that my first true passion is writing. Doing "That Asian Thing" was great experience to get a film together and get my feet wet in the experience. But back in the day, all I did was write, write, write. And now we're back to write, write, write. I'm pushing my screenplay out as much as possible and really hope to start production on this by the end of this year. What I hope is that my storytelling capabilities and "Jonaldian" lexicon surpass critics and become understood for playful interpretation by viewers. This isn't a precursor to cushion a blow of pushed comedy nor art house, experimental writing, but what this section of a post is for, is for therapeutic release. As a writer (if you can relate), you read things you write over and over again which sometimes makes you a bit unsure of yourself. However - you just gotta keep pushing and get all this stuff that's in your head on paper. What was great about the Second City Training Center was that they helped kill your internal editor from incorporating what's p.c. Don't get me wrong, they also help establish great structure and reasoning to character dialogue, but they helped release boundaries that places like work or even certain scholarly teachings may have ingrained into a writer's head. So with this....I just wanted to say - keep on truckin y'all! If you're working on a project of your own and feel like you're at a dead-end, believe me, we've been there before. Just keep pushin and good luck!
