"That Asian Thing"

Spring Time Screening in 2010!

2010-04-16T09:50:00.004-05:00

Virtual high-fives to the people at Northwestern, including Mr. Tedd Vanadilok of the Asian/Asian American Student Affairs. "That Asian Thing" will be screening, as well as include a Q&A session with Director/Writer, Jonald Reyes, and guests. If you haven't caught this documentary completed in 2008 yet, here's an opportunity to watch! Words:

WHAT: "That Asian Thing" Screening (run time 84 min.) and Q&A session after, to include Jonald Reyes & Cynthia Lin

WHERE: Northwestern University, University Hall, Room 122, 1897 Sheridan Road, Evanston IL

LINK: http://aquavite.northwestern.edu/maps/buildinglookup.cgi?lookupfield=university+hall

WHEN: Thursday, May 6th, 2010 from 7:30 to 10'ish pm

TIX: Nah...not this time. We're gonna go the Free! route.

Sponsored by Asian/Asian American Student Affairs, Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. & Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc.

Since this documentary was filmed with lower-scale equipment back in 2006, it seems like the quality is retro on purpose and adds a new dynamic to watching it today. It's interesting to watch this film over and see where or what these Asian-American artists are up to 4 years later. Who's still going for the dream? Are they still pro-active in the Asian/Asian-American scene? Are they still in Chicago? What other avenues/adventures have they taken on remote from their art?

Also, since the completion of "That Asian Thing," many new artists have risen and taken leads to pushing Asian-American awareness in the arts. So, if you're not doing anything on this nice Spring night, come on out and watch! We'll see you there!

PS - "That Asian Thing" DVD to come out this Summer. Cross yo fingers!

Try this Music Video on for size!

2009-12-08T13:05:00.002-06:00

As new projects continue, please check out this music video completed by Jonald Reyes and the Chicago talent - Parts Per Million (http://www.partspermillion.com). Please pass this on to friends as we're trying to get crazy number of hits! Thank you! Enjoy!

Happy Holidays Hiatus....

2009-11-29T01:05:00.002-06:00

Hello everyone! Just wanted to post an update to keep everyone informed of what's been happening with the film of recent.

Since the completion of the film in March of 2008, it has participated in 5 film festivals and screened at over 5 colleges. This is actually more than what was expected for this low budget, very indie documentary. As a one-man director/editor, this film was intended to get my (Jonald Reyes's) feet touching the water and it has done so. It was not only an exhilirating experience to be part of great dialogue at Q&A sessions, but also awesome to meet people that were inspired by the film. I can't tell you how many times a good handful of Asian-Americans and NON-Asian-Americans that would approach me after viewing the film to shake my hand and tell me their own viewpoint on why there should be more Asian-Americans in mainstream American culture.

Currently the film is open for invitations to be screened at college campuses - just shoot us an email (asianthing@gmail.com).

However, previously mentioned, as Jonald (the Director) is the one-man crew, he's been honing his craft to come back in the near future with a narrative film (genre yet to be determined). He's getting his creative juices flowing by the great theater classes/workshops in the Chicagoland area and has been focusing more on writing. Keep an eye open for any small projects along the way, which include music videos, comedy troupe performances, and plays.

Thanks to everyone that has been supportive in all aspects of "That Asian Thing" and tangent projects. If a DVD self-distribution gets ironed out, the world will be informed. Thanks again and happy holidays!

Indie Film Fests Galore!

2009-08-01T18:44:00.003-05:00

Hey guys and dolls! It's a new month in the summer season, so I hope you've taken advantage of some good weather. On top of that, why not go watch some great indie flicks!??!

"That Asian Thing" will be screening at the end of this month and on top of that, we got an "Honorable Mention" award. Check out the following:

INDIEFEST USA

WHAT: "That Asian Thing" Screening at IndieFest USA Film Festival (http://www.indiefestusa.com)

WHERE: AMC Downtown Disney - 1565 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802

WHEN: Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 at 5 p.m.

TICKETS: Via online purchase is $10/adult. Make sure you change the "Showing On" date to Tue., Aug. 25th, to see "That Asian Thing" at the 5 o'clock slot. Here's the website:

http://www.movietickets.com/house_detail.asp?house_id=7584

EXTRA LINKAGE: http://indiefestusa.bside.com/2009/films/thatasianthing_indiefestusa2009

Please tell all your friends, family, peeps, disciples, kittens, and Disneyland characters! We definitely want a great showing as we're not far from Los Angeles and you just never know who'll come out for a screening...

THANKS to all the IndieFest crew and communications personnel. Nothing but good emails have been sent to filmmakers and it looks to be a good festival - one you don't want to miss!

INDIE GATHERING

We've been notified by the Indie Gathering Film Festival of an Honorable Mention Award!! WOO HOO "THAT ASIAN THING!!"

Check out the following linkage and under the Documentary Feature category:

http://theindiegathering.com/2009winners.htm

Thanks for the recognition from the Indie Gathering peoples and big handshake to Ray Szuch for being patient with the delivery of our film. Thank you, thank you!

PROPS TO INDIE FLICKS!

I just wanted to say big ups to all the Indie Film Festivals out there. It's always such a great opportunity to showcase your work and get the experience of displaying it in front of an audience (beyond your immediate circle of friends/family). I also wanted to say big ups to all the other indie filmmakers out there. Congrats if you're participating in either of these film festivals and hope to hear more from your camp.

Take care guys and stay tuned....

Indie Fest USA 2009

2009-06-29T12:25:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the wild wild West "That Asian Thing"!!

Click here:

http://indiefestusa.bside.com/2009/films/thatasianthing_indiefestusa2009

And here's your info breakdown:

WHAT: "That Asian Thing" Screening @ Indie Fest USA 2009

WHERE: AMC Downtown Disney - 12; 1565 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802

WHEN: Tuesday, August 25th at 5:00 PM

WHY: Why not?! Because "That Asian Thing" is hitting up it's 4th Film Festival since completion and if you haven't caught it yet, what are you waiting for?! The Asian-American population in California is in high percentages and we want the community to come out and support!

We also wanted to give props to the Indie Fest USA people and say thank you for their consideration to participate in their event. As well as their association with B-Side for helping create our film profile page.

Spam emails will fall out of the skies to our peoples on the west coast. Sorry for any over indulgence but we'd like to hype this up to maximum capacity. Let's rock the AMC and let them know our community can represent!

Thanks everyone!

Goodness for your mind

2009-06-14T15:35:00.004-05:00

Yeeehaw! "That Asian Thing" is still pumping out that good Asian-American notification per film festivals and colleges/universities across the nation. We've just learned that we've been accepted into the Indie Fest USA 2009 Film Festival. The letter kicked it like so:

"Congratulations! We are pleased to inform you that your film has passed our three round screening process and is now an "Official Selection" of the 2009 INDIE FEST USA at Downtown Disney in Anaheim, California.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the festival dates, August 22nd – 28th, 2009. There are many exciting changes this year, more events, seminars and let’s not forget the opening night reception and the closing night awards show and Gala! Plus our concert series, Special Guests and Celebrities."

Therefore, if you and/or your friends are in the Anaheim area in Cali, please check out our film. Our screening time is:

"That Asian Thing" Screening
Tuesday, August 25th, 2009
5:00 pm in AMC Downtown Disney - 12

More info to follow!

SUMMARY OF PAST EVENTS:

Since we havent' updated our peoples for awhile, we should at least post up some images of traveled past. From our last post, Writer/Director, Jonald Reyes, took part in a panel discussion at Northwestern University. The great Mr. Tatsu Aoki was very generous in giving us another platform to reach out and speak to the college crowd. With friends on side (Amy Homma, Harrison Pak, and Mia Park), we were able to talk to the Northwestern community about our practicing art adventures. For myself (Jonald), it felt good to talk out the issue of gaining more recognition to Asian-American arts.

Like I usually do, I was able to pick out certain aspects of "That Asian Thing" and bring them into conversational pieces. For instance, I always like bringing up Tatsu's p.o.v. of instilling Asian/Asian-American pride to the community. We do this art to speak to people and want them to understand our culture. In turn, people within the community should gain a better sense of pride of our culture. Not even just one ethnic group, but for the whole Pan Asian spectrum.

This is also a shout out to Harrison from Stir Friday Night, as I brought up my own experiences from Second City and shared how humor is used as a device to express these cultural differences (the good and the bad). This aspect of humor has also brought up a new viewpoint to myself and how the community responds to the artform. As most racially energized topics, humor mixed in can institute a sensitivity factor. To some, things may be understood as funny, whereas to others, it can come off as offensive. How do we know when we've crossed that line? Just something to ponder and question about in comparison to how other races react to the joking of their own race.

And as another note of past adventures - the Skokie Public Library experience was amazing! The audience in attendance was very attentive to "That Asian Thing" and the Q&A portion afterwards. I was very happy to see an older crowd at hand and hear what they thought of the film. I'd also like to acknowledge a lady and her two kids - one of which is a writer. They came up to me after the Q&A and asked for advice from my own writing experiences, to which I said what I've always been taught from almost all my writing instructors - "Just keep writing!"

Thanks for keeping up the support y'all! More info to come on the Indie Fest USA!

In this episode of "That Asian Thing"...

2009-04-01T11:36:00.004-05:00

Hey "Asian Thing" peoples -

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!

UPDATE on the BIG DAY!

2009-01-20T10:37:00.000-06:00

Greetings all -

January 20th, 2009 - now a very historical date for many to remember.

Whether you're on the conservative trail, liberal end, left vs. right, or even completely independent on viewpoints - you must admit that today's inauguration of Barack Obama is "change." There is a new face of America and it's is now of minority background. And how does this relate to "That Asian Thing"? PLENTY!

There was a scene within the documentary where Laura Kina took my question of "Why is Asian-American culture important?" and moved it around to ask the question "Why is African-American art important?" Then she went into detail of when she was in school and found African-American art form fascinating and how one of her first role models was Romare Bearden. Laura then made a parallel viewpoint saying that African-American culture is important, just as Asian-American culture is too - "We just have to see it..." (Laura said).

So please take today as a moment in history when the United States of America made change happen.

EXPOSURE:

I've been getting emails and facebook messages on the Jonald Reyes article in the new issue of Rutgers Magazine. YAY! Looking over the bio, you'll learn that Jonald is a Rutgers University (New Brunswick) graduate and is also an active member of the R.U. Club of Chicago. So he definitely has the Scarlet fever! For y'all staying posted via internet, here's the article:

http://www.alumni.rutgers.edu/s/896/index.aspx?sid=896&gid=1&pgid=252&cid=1735&ecid=1735&crid=0&calpgid=497&calcid=1289

Many, many thanks to all the Rutgers Alumni Association people that made this article possible (including Lori Varga, Shannon Allen, Matt Manfra, and Adam Torrisi). The online version is a shortened version compared to the actual magazine article (as I was told), so for you Rutgers alumni, please check it out. And if you're a Rutgers alumnus that doesn't get updates/emails/magazine, check out what to do online:

http://www.alumni.rutgers.edu

ALSO - as a follow-up from our stint at the Chicago Filipino American Film Festival in November, Ed Mallilin, Director of "Brown Soup Thing," has included us in his article on the website, BakitWhy.com . Please check it out here:

http://bakitwhy.com/chicago-filipino-american-film-festival

Thanks Ed! Please check out "Brown Soup Thing" at: http://www.brownsoupthing.com

NEW PROJECT:

On a ripple from the "That Asian Thing" pebble that dropped in a pond, Jonald was contacted by a local television studio. This studio was originally purchased to accommodate to the Korean community within the Chicagoland area, and still does! However, as years have passed, more shows have been created and on-air time has been distributed to other Asian communities, which in turn has made it Chicago's Asian-American Network.

Channel 41 (on local sets) WOCH-CA, KBC-TV Chicago has been active in reaching out to more people in the Asian/Asian-American community and currently has a show entitled, AAN News (http://www.aanwoch.com). With this feisty, young crew at hand, Jonald was given the creative freedom to produce a magazine style, entertainment news show. And now....this is where he stands.

Come February 5th, "The Slant" will debut on Channel 41 KBC-TV at 6:30 pm (re-broadcast at midnight). More news will come on the website and viewing online. Stay tuned!

WRAP-UP:

If you read the Rutgers Magazine article, Jonald has already completed the Contriband music video and that will be uploaded unto his upcoming Groovy Ghost Production website which is now in the works. This will hopefully launch by April 1st (yes, April Fool's Day!). Screenplay for the new project is currently in writing mode and if plan goes accordingly, shooting can hopefully start by Fall.

"That Asian Thing" is still being entered into film festivals and is still open for various screening opportunities. Don't hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for reading up and stay warm everyone!

2008 going, going......gone.....

2008-12-11T09:27:00.003-06:00

Hey Boys & Gals -

Whew - it's been awhile since we've brought people up to speed. Of recent, we've updated our main website with those cool film festival laurels. Super thanks to Cliff Malloy of Steady Digital!! Please check it out and also click on our IMDB page on the top bar if you haven't checked that out yet. We'd appreciate any reviews and votes if you have the time.

Also, as follow-up to our adventures at the Chicago Filipino American Film Festival, we were interviewed by Asian-American News (AAN TV41) based here in Chicago. Check out the short youtube clip that features the segment:

(if it doesn't view, click here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9grYlyFOvyk )

Also check out the AAN people (http://www.aanwoch.com/) as they're always covering Asian-American news in and around the Chicagoland area.

As for now, we've taken the momentum of "That Asian Thing" and have been able to transpire it into forks in the road. Looking at our previous posts, you can see that Director, Jonald Reyes, has already been involved with other projects. However, "That Asian Thing" is still being reviewed by other film festivals for 2009. Please continue to check in on a monthly basis to updates. When news comes in, blog posts grow to a code yellow (and then red).

AND for the holiday season, don't forget to look out for your Asian-American artists who design shirts/shoes, create music cd's, filmmaker dvd's, etc., etc. to buy as presents for the friends and family. If you're gonna get presents, you can also support an awesome cause on Asian-American awareness!

An End of Year Thought:

If there are no posts from here till 2009, we wanted to say thank you to everyone that has made "That Asian Thing" a mini-success in the independent film scene. Some good films out there don't even see the light of day at film festivals because these days, everyone is making a film (or getting internet fame) and competition is always at a new high. With digital camcorders and film editing software readily available to anyone/everyone, film festivals get overwhelmed with submissions. So we'd like to give a huge thanks to the film festival people who have given us the honor of participating in their cinematic art show. And of course, we can't deny the awesome people that have followed us along the way and have shown us consistent support - especially right here at home base, Chicago, IL. Without the help and assistance of everyone, we wouldn't have gotten any recognition. THANK YOU!!

Happy holidays and be safe!

Recap and...LET'S KEEP GOING!

2008-11-11T21:47:00.008-06:00

Whew - finally able to get the recap into the mix!

This past weekend was a flurry of activities courtesy of the Chicago Filipino American Film Festival. This year, the Film Festival relocated into the historic Portage Theater. This classic theater was recently renovated and although updated with new seats, walls, and what nots - the classy historic feel never left the atmosphere. The ceiling fixtures and grand scale curtains add the intricate details for big movie buffs to breathe in.

Before dipping into Festival news, we must send a huge thanks of gratitude to the staff and committee of CFAFF, especially Jonathan Laxamana and Larry Versola. They were great to work with and kudos to all their efforts in bringing this grand event to Chicago and the Filipino community. Applause to all the volunteers, sponsors, performers, audience members, and of course, the Filipino American Network. THANKS!

During this Festival, Jonald Reyes, writer/director of "That Asian Thing," was also a participant in the Music Video Competition for his work with the Chicago hip-hop band, Contriband. Contriband has become a well known staple within the music scene in Chi-town, and Jonald was fortunate enough to work with the guys. The music video was created for the song, "The Addict" to the theme of: ZOMBIES!

After a meeting with the guys, and numerous viewings of Michael Jackson's (or John Landis's) Thriller, Jonald was able to create storyboard sketches in the creation of this version of a short film. Filmed in color and then transferred to black & white, the final product was a homage to George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead. A version of the video will be uploaded to the world wide web at a later date. Please stay tuned for more details to satisfy your curiosity.

And oh - did you want to know the results of the competition? We unfortunately came up a few feathers short of a soft pillow - resulting in a close 2nd place to the Gold Medalists's Slow Machines music video. Ironically enough, the Gold Medalist is under the Actually, Records record label. If your "That Asian Thing" trivial knowledge is up to par, you'll realize that we've just come full circle. Mr. Chien Yuan, of Actually Records, was part of "That Asian Thing," to which we now transition...

"That Asian Thing" was granted a nice time slot by the Festival peeps and was the first showing on Saturday afternoon. Just in time to get your AA fix. "Asian-American" fix, that is! hardy-har! We were told that we had a total audience of 130 people. Thanks to all that attended! And sitting within the crowd, and hearing personal reviews afterwards, the feedback was nothing but positive vibes. Afterwards, Jonathan Laxamana led the Q&A discussion with filmmaker, Jonald Reyes.

A big old shout out goes to the Asian-American artists that were part of the film which made an appearance at the screening. From memory (and if you were there and I missed you, let me know please!!), we saw Mia Park, Robbi, Jenny Guzon-Bae, Leslie Arca (Northwestern's Kaibigan 2006) and Jesch from Flipside/SOTO.

After the Q&A with Jonald, a Panel Discussion was held with Jonald and two other Filipino-American filmmakers who were in attendance as part of the Festival: Johnny Asuncion of the movie Float and Ed Mallillin of Brown Soup Thing. Both gave insight into the premise of their films, barriers faced, as well as how race (especially being Filipino-American) played a role into the creation of their project. When responses were accumulated, the bottom line seemed to be two things - a good story and financial budget.

Overall, the Chicago Filipino American Film Festival was a successful screening for "That Asian Thing." Not only was it a fun & exciting weekend, but the experience and new met friends was an overwhelming bonus. As it was it's Chicago Premiere, it has come in full circle from a year ago. One year ago, "That Asian Thing" held a private screening to display the first cut of the film to friends, family, and the Asian-American artists involved. After receiving feedback, going back to the editing board, and churning out a new layout, a final product was made in March of 2008. And now, we stand with 3 Film Festivals, 2 college screenings, 1 Audience Choice Award, and most important, more people who have become interested in Asian-American culture and artists.

Thank you. (most possibly the number one phrase used since the inception of this blog)

LET'S KEEP GOING!! WOOOOO HOOOOOOO!

Post historic date update!

2008-11-05T12:51:00.003-06:00

Wow - Chicago is now in the midst of the nation's eye. Not only have we taken part in a historic moment by electing an African-American president, but we're also about to embark on the 5th Anniversary of the Chicago Filipino American Film Festival! (haha - great transition!) But really - I wanted to not only applaud all of the people that helped in Barack Obama's journey, but I'd like to stand-up and cheer for all the Asian-Americans that pushed our community to go out and vote. As an Asian-American filmmaker, I've done research on film festivals and have built many relationships with the people involved, including other artists/filmmakers, and as we're now in a technologically advanced, grassroots method of interaction on the internet, I've seen people/friends in locations near and far put extra efforts in placing the Asian-American community as an important portion of the voting numbers.

So thanks to all of them to which I bow...

UPDATE:

THIS SATURDAY! ONE O'CLOCK P.M. AT THE HISTORIC PORTAGE THEATER! "THAT ASIAN THING" CHICAGO PREMIERE - BE THERE! (you should be reading that in a movie trailer voice-over sort of way) Not only will I be present, but other filmmakers and artists will be in attendance amongst the crowd that shall show up. I urge you to pass this news over to your friends and tell them to pass it to their friends because the Portage Theater is well worth the look and feel of a true cinematic experience. I'm not putting down the advanced "IMAX with super dolby digital X-5000 supersonic, see in the future, ultra ray-ban, as seen only on t.v., surround sound" movie feel, BUT if you're a big movie buff and have always wanted to see a classic theater, THIS is the place to be. Not only that, but the Portage is cool enough to sell alcohol for all y'all 21 and up folks. This will no doubt induce party atmosphere to which watching a documentary about very talented Asian-American artists right in the Chicago area will only add to the fun. So come on out this Saturday for a screening not to be missed!

WEBSITE CLUSTER:

As usual, I'd like to give a handshake thanks and hat tip to the postive posters of plugs for the documentary and the Chicago Filipino American Film Festival itself. There the coolest of the cool, so if you're not reading up on "That Asian Thing" blog, I suggest checking them out too. THANKS Y'ALL!!

Asian-American Film.com:

http://www.asianamericanfilm.com/2008/11/20081108-that-asian-thing-chic.shtml

Slant Eye for the Round Eye:

http://www.slanteyefortheroundeye.com/2008/10/chicago-filipino-american-film-festival.html

Angry Asian Man:

http://www.angryasianman.com/2008/10/5th-annual-chicago-filipino-american.html

And lastly with the websites - WE'VE MADE IT ON IMDB.COM - the biggest internet movie database known to man! YAHOOooooOOOOoooo!!!

Please log on and post anything you can about "That Asian Thing":

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1294220/

Thanks again!

ALSO TO ADD ON YOUR CFAFF VISIT:

Don't miss the world premiere of Contriband's music video to "The Addict" as part of the music video competition at the Chicago Filipino American Film Festival. This will begin on Friday, November 7th @ 10:30 pm @ Portage Theater, with a live performance on the card. Come out and support!

Filipino Fests galore!

2008-10-22T17:22:00.003-05:00

Alright, alright - it looks like the Filipino community is coming out in full force of "That Asian Thing." This is great! Not only as a Filipino-American myself, but as a supporter of other Filipino/Filipino-American art. My Mom and Dad had old VHS tapes of Dolphy via John & Marsha; Tito, Vic, & Joey; and Eat Bulaga! (these are classic shows from the Philippines) Now, I have the honor of showing my first feature length film to my community. It's pretty exciting! Here's the line-up:

the 15th Annual Filipino American Cinefest (FACINE):

Short notice, but we've recently learned "That Asian Thing" will be part of FACINE's program this year. Here are the details of our screening:

"That Asian Thing" Screening - 15th Annual Filipino American Cinefest
Friday, October 31st, 2008, at 2:45 p.m.
San Francisco Main Library, Koret Auditorium
100 Larkin Street (at Grove)
San Francisco, CA 94102
This is a FREE event organized by FACINE or Filipino Arts & Cinema, International, a not-for-profit media arts organization in San Francisco that aims to promote & develop Filipino American, as well as, Philippine national cinema.

Here's a link to their press release which entails the rest of the films and events:

http://www.geocities.com/mrbrown19/Facine-schedule08.pdf

If you're in or around the area, please come out to the screening! We can use all the support we can, since we just found out so recent. Thank you to Mr. Mauro Tumbocon, the Artistic Director, for giving "That Asian Thing" it's first premiere on the West Coast. Good luck to all the other Filipino-American filmmakers and hope to cross paths with you in the near future!

the 5th Annual Chicago Filipino American Film Festival:

This screening is a special one as it will be the Chicago premiere of "That Asian Thing." The significance for the unknowing is that this documentary concentrates on the Asian-American artists located in the Chicago area. We're looking to have a big turn out and would like EVERYONE to come out and join us! Calling all participating artists - if you're involved with this film, please come out!

As I've experienced first hand from previous screenings, the audience members are always excited to see the people they've just watched on screen. So I'd like as many of the artists to attend if possible. Thanks guys! Seriously couldn't have done this project without y'all!

Screening details:

"That Asian Thing" Chicago Premiere - Chicago Filipino American Film Festival
Saturday, November 8th, 2008, at 1 p.m.
Portage Theater - 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641
Tickets are $10/person and can be bought online via the CFAFF website or bought the day of at the theater

There will be a Panel Discussion to follow with Q&A on the topics featured within the documentary. The Panel will comprise of myself, other Filipino American filmmakers in attendance, and a few artists. Please come out and join us for this special screening. Also, check out the CFAFF website for more detail on the other films showing - http://www.cfaff.org .

Thanks to Jonathan Laxamana and Larry Versola, as well as all the other volunteers/helpers, for working in putting this great program together!

As a sidenote, we were also fortunate enough to make it to the final round of the music video competition. Working with Contriband (http://www.myspace.com/contriband) was great and this music video was actually a short film in my eyes. We hope you can make it out to the world premiere of Contriband's "The Addict" music video on Friday Night.

ON THAT NOTE:

Thanks to everyone that's making this possible. We're still pushing and continue to get more screen time across the nation. We hope to have a screening by you and if you'd like to set it up, don't hesitate to email for more information. Hope to see you soon!

From one to another! Chicago Filipino American Film Festival - here we come!

2008-10-10T08:09:00.002-05:00

From our friends in attendance and straight from Miss Cynthia Lin herself, the feedback from our Bloomfield College screening event was in ultra positive magnitude! We'd like to personally thank the faculty, staff, and students who assisted in putting this college/community activity together - espcially, Gregory Allen, Laura Nova, & Adam Castro. Obviously, big ups to Cynthia Lin for carrying the Q&A portion along with her great singing styles! Thanks guys! And as we've stated in previous posts - any colleges/universities out there that are interested, don't hesitate to send an inquiry to us at asianthing@gmail.com - we can send you our press kit along with DVD featuring extra performance footage and some outtakes.

DO IT! You shall not regret it!

CONTINUING ON...

We've recently learned that "That Asian Thing" has been selected to the Chicago Filipino American Film Festival (CFAFF)! WOO HOO!! Not only this, but "That Asian Thing" Director, Jonald Reyes, has recently worked with Chicago hip hop band, Contriband (http://www.myspace.com/contriband) on their first low-budgeted, zombified music video. With this, we've also been notified that the video has reached the finals of the music video competition program at CFAFF!

Mass emails, social networking invitations, and flyer distribution will be sent out in the weeks to come, but here are some quick hit details:

1. "That Asian Thing" Screening is on Saturday, Nov. 8th @ 1 p.m.

2. Contriband - "The Addict" Music Video will be part of the music video portion of the CFAFF program to be held on Friday night.

3. Right now, CFAFF is offering FREE day passes to Students & Seniors. Yup, yup - we said the magic word - "FREE!!" Here's the link to take full advantage of this offer you can't possibly pass up if you apply:

http://cfaff.org/2008Site/freepass.htm

4. This will be the Chicago premiere of "That Asian Thing" which was all filmed in Chicago. It should be for a great showing at the Portage Theater as part of the festival. Thanks to the CFAFF cast and crew for giving us this opportunity!

Now go on and tell all your friends, family, peers, students, co-workers, seniors, teachers, waiters, top 32 myspace friends, facebook status, robots that can buy tickets, auditors, presidential candidates, economic advisors, imaginary friends, streetwise providers, and cable guys!

Thanks everyone! Thanks!

SCREENING AT BLOOMFIELD COLLEGE!! OCTOBER 8th @ NOON!

2008-09-30T22:01:00.003-05:00

Hey Everyone!

It's been awhile since our last run, but connections to colleges/universities have been solidifying. Of recent, we've set up a sweet little diddy over at Bloomfield College in New Jersey. Special thanks goes out to Adam Castro for passing over necessary contacts. Thanks to all the great staff and crew, as we were able to have the following event:

WHAT: "That Asian Thing" Screening with special live performance by Cynthia Lin
WHERE: Westminster Arts Center, Bloomfield College (467 Franklin Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003)
WHEN: Wednesday, October 8th at Noon
WHY: Cause it's an awesome documentary, an awesome performer, and an awesome cost - FREE!!

http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=27865632859

Another special thanks goes out to Cynthia Lin for making this screening even better. To the people that have never seen her perform live, you'll be in for a great treat. "That Asian Thing" doesn't do her live performance justice.

ALSO....

In other news, I've been working on other projects and plan to start up another website in the future that features productions by Jonald Reyes. We'll be hooking up with Tinbox Solutions to bring you a great site! More news on that in the future.

Otherwise, please tell all your friends and their friends to come on out to Bloomfield College for this great event! And don't forget-it's free! So come in packs of people cause you'll not only watch a slick flick, but you'll get to listen to the cool stylings of Miss Cynthia Lin!

Thanks y'all! And if you're interested in having a screening for your school/organization, don't hesitate to contact us!

Don't lose that steam...

2008-08-07T01:44:00.004-05:00

Coming off of that last adventure high has brought up the question of, "Now what?" And well - we'd like to offer this proposal to all the college/university Asian-American organizations/departments:

"That Asian Thing" has been deemed by audiences as an Intro to Asian-American Issues documentary. Jonald Reyes takes a close look at the Asian-American artists in the Chicagoland area to try and figure out "Why is there a low impact of Asian-America in mainstream American culture?" Now YOU can have a screening of "That Asian Thing" at your campus! We'd like to take this show on the road and take advantage of the message that this film brings. For all interested parties, please send your comments/questions/ideas to asianthing@gmail.com . We'll be more than happy to assist you in anyway on having a screening near you. We just need you to be that planted seed for us to throw water at! haha!

PICS and VIDS:

For the people that missed out at the last screening, here are our pics from the event:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16852987@N05/

You can also check out some behind the scene videos from the ooVoo guys at IFFF through the Independent Features Film Festival website:

http://www.independentfeatures.com

Check it out! Thanks guys!

Independent Features Film Festival 2008 - RECAP!

2008-07-29T22:00:00.007-05:00

"I love New York in June, how 'bout you?"

Well - how about July, actually? We've finally made it back from the weekend hijinks that the Independent Features Film (IFF) Festival brought to our laps. First and foremost, "That Asian Thing" would like to thank everyone that made our trip possible and fantastic - from the online voters, friends & family, the Independent Features Film Festival Staff, the ooVoo staff, the myspace/facebook/friendster armies, the Asian-American organizations, magazines, blogs, and other communicative outlets in our grassroot efforts. THANK YOU!

Next, it was great to meet the IFF people. Speaking to Phillip Nelson (President) and Jose Ruiz (Vice-President) in person was very good for me personally because I'm currently working with the Chicago Filipino-American Film Festival (http://www.cfaff.org) this year and they gave great advice on running a festival. These two guys started with their own indie feature and then took it to the next level by creating a festival catered toward the hardships they faced. And now they're one of the premiere festivals that puts the power in the hands of the audience by online viewing and voting. Not only that, but to hold it at the acclaimed Tribeca Cinemas theater in New York City..."well, that's just buttah, baby!" Congrats to these gentlemen and their helpful & friendly staff members for putting on a great festival.

Now, "That Asian Thing" screened on Sunday at 12:30 pm in Theater One. We were very fortunate enough to sell out online and have the theater packed 5 minutes before screening time. With introduction to the film and people in their seats, I must admit that not having watched the movie in about a month helped my nerves. I think the last couple of screenings that we've had, I was a bit nervous because I had watched the film over and over so many times prior that it made me question myself. But this time around, I was a bit more relaxed and actually wanted to watch the movie since I haven't it seen it in awhile.

Thus we proceeded to Q&A with the Director. Through the advancement of the web, ooVoo (http://www.oovoo.com) was able to broadcast our Q&A session to parties keeping track of the Independent Features Film Festival online. They also recorded greetings, VIP accessed moments, and other segments of the festival.

A couple of hours after our screening and massive late lunch eating (which was moved to Hop Kee in Chinatown, not far from Joe's Shanghai Restaurant since it was so packed), the IFF Fest held their awards ceremony.

After all was said and done, "That Asian Thing" won the Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary at the Independent Features Film Festival of 2008!

Thankfully I scribbled a few notes before going to the stage ("just in case..."). I was able to thank everyone that made it possible, but I made a point to thank all the Asian-American artists involved with this project and urged the people to go to our website and find out more info on them. This was important to me because really, I wouldn't have a movie without these people. And I just hope I did them proud...

Moving on to a personal note, this was great but we gotta keep on going! So if you're part of an Asian-American organization and you're interested in having our docmentary screened at a spot near you, please send an inquiry to asianthing@gmail.com. Don't hesitate to inquire and we'll try our best to help out in anyway. We'd like to take this on the road and get more air time at colleges, universities, movie theaters, film festivals, etc. etc.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Filteany Productions (http://filteany.wordpress.com) for covering our Premiere Screening at Tribeca. It was a pleasure to work with this dynamic duo who took the time to interview people at our screening, as well as myself. They also taped a portion of our Q&A, which now that I've seen it, makes me think I should practice my oration skills a bit. (Sorry...I'm more of a writer...eek!) Please check out their Youtube Channel (http://youtube.com/user/filteany) and website. Here's the segment:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDZcKpaisKo

THANKS GUYS! THIS ROCKS! And keep writing, Hazel - your innervoice will shine through paper no matter what. Just keep writing!

IN CLOSING:

Wow - that was fun! Let's do it again! Here's your recap in 3 minutes:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=3tXT8i7ZLCM

THANK YOU AGAIN! Let's rock and roll, baby - can't stop now....

WE SOLD OUT AT TRIBECA!

2008-07-24T08:01:00.002-05:00

Sorry - I can't hook up any tickets if you weren't able to get them in time. I apologize, but do insist that if you really want in, email the Independent Features Film Festival or Tribeca to see if they have seats hidden on the side (wink, wink).

SEE YOU ON SUNDAY!
~Jonald

THIS SUNDAY!

2008-07-22T07:28:00.003-05:00

PLUGS:

When next time you get Korean food (store or restaurant) or if you're active in the Korean/Korean-American community or if you want to read a great newspaper that talks about the Asian-American/Korean-American community, I strongly suggest picking up Korean Quarterly (http://www.koreanquarterly.org/Home.html). Not only for all the fine wines of articles, reviews, and event postings, but because there is a feature article written up about "That Asian Thing" by Ms. Martha Vickery (thanks Martha!). Here's the .pdf of the article, but you should still pick up the newspaper! Enjoy:

[This story was reprinted with permission from Korean Quarterly, an independent non-profit volunteer newspaper of the Korean American community of the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and the Upper Midwest. Korean Quarterly's website is: www.koreanquarterly.org]

http://www.geocities.com/mrbrown19/korean-quarterly.pdf

Next on our list are the great blog posting done by the ever popular, Angry Asian Man and Slant Eye for the Round Eye. Check these out and return to them on a daily basis for your Asian-American updates! Thanks guys!

http://www.angryasianman.com/2008/07/that-asian-thing-screening-at-tribeca.html

http://www.slanteyefortheroundeye.com/2008/07/film-that-asian-thing-lands-at-tribeca.html

And last but not least, our good friends at Asiance Magazine has given us a plug under their Daily section. Please check out their website as they focus on the Asian-American women in our society today. (Thanks Jaymie!)

http://asiancemagazine.com/news/2008/07/11/that_asian_thing_screening

Thanks to everyone for thier great support and mention! We are completely, utterly, absolutely, and thoroughly gracious for your words and hope to continue this ride with future projects. Thanks again!

THIS SUNDAY:

Gametime is at 12:30 pm at Theater Uno @ the acclaimed Tribeca. Be there! Get your tickets now (as we're in Limited status):

https://tickets.tribecafilm.com/online/default.asp?brand=cinemas

And stick around for your Director's Q&A. Then if you're hungry for some fine Chinatown eats, we'll be meeting at Joe's Shanghai Restaurant at around 3 pm:

http://www.joeshanghairestaurants.com/

No reservations taken, so just show up and wait in line if need be. We can talk outside too.

This is your captain's log. The truth is still out there....(uh...been watching a couple of episodes of X-Files and Star Trek...sorry). Hope to see y'all this Sunday!

LIMITED STATUS!

2008-07-14T20:02:00.002-05:00

Aloha mi amigos -

Floating on Cloud 9 on the way to the Independent Features Film Festival - it'll actually be a return back home for me (Jonald Reyes). If you haven't read up on my bio from our main website (http://www.thatasianthing.com), I grew up in Jersey and going to Tribeca Cinemas is like a dream. What I'm looking forward to is catching up with old friends and families while being able to show them what I've been working on for the last 3 years.

Yes - it's been almost a full 3 years since the conception of "That Asian Thing." If you check our blog archives, it's been quite a journey and I still can't believe we've gotten to show our stuff at Tribeca. AND YES - thanks to all of you, you awesome people you!!

However, I wanted to say the few things -

LIMITED STATUS:

If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, buy them now!! We're on "limited status" according to the Tribeca Cinemas online ticket sales. Therefore, go to here:

https://tickets.tribecafilm.com/online/default.asp?brand=cinemas

Get you and your friends their tickets, and I'll see your coolness at the door. Werd.

AFTER SCREENING MEAL:

Okay - this took a long time to figure out, but the end result is us just bombarding a restaurant that doesn't take reservation. Therefore, after the glimtz and glamour of our screening at Tribeca, we will all go to:

JOE'S SHANGHAI RESTAURANT:

http://www.joeshanghairestaurants.com/

Most likely we'll all meet up there at 3 pm. I suggest carpooling or figuring out how you'll get there after the Q&A and aftermath. Remember - we have NO RESERVATIONS!! Just go afterwards! It's not very far and here's the Citysearch review:

http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7113307/new_york_ny/joe_s_shanghai.html

It's the one on Pell Street!! There are 3 other Joe's Shanghai Restaurants - don't get lost or else I won't see you. booo!

Alrighty - this is all for now, boys & gals. Get your tickets, come out to the show, and eat some dumplings with me!!

Do your ticket buying dance!! WOo Ha!!

2008-07-08T08:54:00.003-05:00

Howdy boys and gals -

YES! SO WE'VE MADE IT INTO THE INDEPENDENT FEATURES FILM FESTIVAL!!

"But Jonald, all my friends and I want to know how to go about getting tickets?"

Well, no fret, my pretties! Here's your link straight to purchasing tix:

https://tickets.tribecafilm.com/online/default.asp?brand=cinemas

BUY NOW!! Find "That Asian Thing" under the Sunday, July 27th Screenings (12:30 pm) and click on the BUY TICKETS!

I can't hold tickets for anyone, I apologize in advance. I have no power over our ticket sales. If miracles show that we sell out, then email the Independent Features Film Festival and let them know to have another viewing. haha! Let's have'em know "That Asian Thing" is high in demand! YES!

I'm also in the works of possibly setting up an after screening late lunch get together. Planning is being worked on and should be solidified this week. Check here later on for any details. Please come out and play!

Thanks everyone!

WHO'S COMING WITH ME?!?!

2008-07-06T09:39:00.002-05:00

Hi Jonald,

Congratulations, we are very happy to inform you that your film “That Asian Thing” is an official selection to the 2008 Independent Features Film Festival! Your film will screen July 27th at 12:30PM at the Tribeca Cinemas Theater 1. Tickets will go on sale at the Tribeca Cinemas box office (www.tribecacinemas.com) July 7th. Just like promoting your film online, it is highly suggested that you promote your screening. The more buzz you can build around your film the better! .....

Again we would like to say congratulations and we hope to see you at the 2008 Independent Features Film Festival!

Sincerely,

Philip J. Nelson
President
Independent Features Film Festival

WOO HOO!!! THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR VOTES!! Thank you to everyone that has helped out in anyway possible. All the little things did count including posting numerous bulletins on myspace & facebook, people changing their profile pic to "That Asian Thing" logos, email forwards, word of mouth, and just getting your votes in. Special thanks to the big time contributors like the Paunch Stevenson Show, Asiance Magazine, Slant Eye for the Round Eye, and obviously the people at Independent Features Film Festival. If there's anyone I missed - THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Now we're in the 2nd phase which is: COME OUT TO THE SCREENING!! Not only how we blew up the voting online, but now we need as many people and more to come out to the viewing at NYC! I'm working on attending myself, but either way, we need the Asian-American community to represent in a strong way. Emails, blog posts, myspace/facebook bulletins, etc., etc., will be rolled out again (...just a warning for Jonald spam). If you live out on the East Coast around the New York/New Jersey area, please try to come out that day. It'll be a beautiful day for a movie in lovely NYC!

This really rocks everyone! Let's make this even bigger now!

The last showcase showdown!

2008-06-28T01:26:00.003-05:00

This is it, boys and gals! We need your votes now more than ever! The end is nearing and after this weekend the votes will be tallied! Help bring "That Asian Thing" to Tribeca! Here's your last minute details:

UPDATE: With this weekend left in online viewing and voting for "That Asian Thing"
(http://www.thatasianthing.com) - we've only registered about 150 votes. We only have till Monday, June 30th to show'em what we got. Please help raise the bar on indie filmmaking, Asian-American awareness, and recognition for all of the artists involved with this project. A couple of notes:

-YOU DON'T HAVE TO WATCH TO VOTE (but you'll be better for it). If you don't have time, if you've experienced problems with the Lycos website, or if you're not even interested - we still appreciate your vote! It'll probably take 7.8 minutes out of your day to simply go to the website, register a username, and click on the amount of stars underneath the title page to get your vote in. That's it! You don't need to pay, you'll get no spam, and you'll be a rockstar in my book!

-HOW DO I VOTE? Like I said - register with a valid email address thru the SIGN IN at http://cinema.lycos.com/movies/that_asian_thing , confirm thru automated email, then log in. Look for "That Asian Thing" and then click on the stars located underneath the title. You'll know you voted when it shows you how many other votes are locked in.

-I REALLY WANNA WATCH THE FLICK BUT IT'S NOT WORKING - just be sure to get your vote in and if we can blow it up at Tribeca, hopefully we can get some recognition to get some screenings going. Also read the previous posts for some troubleshooting options.

Otherwise, thank you to everyone that's been very supportive and has helped to spread the word! All of you rock, hardcore, and I thank y'all!

YouTube vid and 2 weeks left!

2008-06-15T15:27:00.002-05:00

A couple of quick notes:

1. OH SNAP! LOOK WHO'S BACK! As "That Asian Thing" focused on many different Asian-American artists, it took another step by following the storyline of an R&B singing group named Flipside (later known as SOTO). Well through the advancement of online videos via Youtube, Flipside had a small singing get together. Check out this video of a medley of ol'school hits:

-OR-

Go to the video on youtube via the link and leave them a comment. All these artists need support, so good words are great! Do it here:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fh7KCFgu2SY

2. We're now down to 2 weeks of voting! Please check the previous posts to learn how to watch "That Asian Thing" online and vote for the movie to take part in the Independent Features Film Festival in New York. The top 21 vote-getters will be screened at the Tribeca theaters. The numero uno top vote receiver will get the complete red carpet treatment with an after party. If you're interested in tickets, visit the Independent Features website on how to buy - http://www.independentfeatures.com . This is great for the future of online film viewing, indie filmmaking, and the Asian-American artists involved. If you've already voted - tell your friends! We need everyone to know!

And those were your couple of notes. Thanks!

3 WEEKS LEFT - GET YOUR VOTES IN PRONTO!

2008-06-08T18:16:00.002-05:00

Okay ladies and gents -

WE NEED TO MAKE THIS LAST PUSH! We are now a little over a month of being viewed online and voted on to only come to approximately 60 votes. GASP! Get your mouse clicks in gear cause we need to make some big waves over here if we want Tribeca calling. Here's your 411 again, in letter formation for essential forwarding function:

---------------------------------------------------

Buddies, Amigos, Comrades, and Enemies too-

Wanna know a quick way to raise the thriving awareness for indie filmmaking?! Wanna learn about how Asians are American and how American Asians are? Wanna watch a free (YES, FREE!) flick online without needing to pay, get spammed, or spy thru your neighbor's window? WELL TODAY'S YOUR DYNOMITE DAY OF DAYS!

"That Asian Thing" (http://www.thatasianthing.com) can be viewed online by doing the following:

Go to http://cinema.lycos.com/movies/that_asian_thing

Click on "Sign in" at the top left of your screen. Log in or register - just need a valid email and then verify it.

Then click on the "watch now" box on the right. Done as done.

And guess what - if you've already seen the flick or don't have the time - YOU CAN VOTE WITHOUT WATCHING!

VOTE BY CLICKING ON THE STARS UNDER THE MOVIE TITLE! As long as you're logged in, your vote will count. Please help support indie filmmaking, Asian-American awareness, and the future of artists. We appreciate it and hope you enjoy the show! Email any feedback. You've now just been super-thanked!

-----------------------------------------------

A FEW TROUBLE SHOOTING QUESTIONS:

We have heard a lot of the numerous problems with watching the film online. I apologize as we have no technical control over this. This is why we say YOU CAN VOTE WITHOUT WATCHING! Otherwise, I suggest trying a couple of options if you're giddy to watch.

1. Try logging in through the Independent Features Film Festival website:

http://www.independentfeatures.com

Then look for the flick under View Films & Documentaries. The films are in alphabetical order. You'll be whisked away to the Lycos Cinema site, to which you'll have to log in again. But I've heard this works, so try it.

2. Try watching at a different time. I've heard people get the "No Remote Control" message or simply can't view. Either someone else is watching or the site is acting el wacko as it usually does. Just try again or try logging in with a different email address. In this day and age, people usually have like 2 or 3. Make use of it, eh?

3. Make sure you have the latest Adobe Flash kickin in your cpu system. If you no comprendo, then check out the Adobe website'oh:

http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/

I hope these options help!

PROMO PEEPS:

An extra syrupy high-five to all the people that have been extra plugging the flick, especially Apple on Facebook, friends & family on myspace/facebook, Robbi on myspace, J Vita thru Tinbox, Steve Munoz, Cynthia Lin, and anyone else that I didn't catch from my own web surfing. Thanks everyone! Let's keep kickin it up a notch!

Our friends at the podcast, Paunch Stevenson Show gave us a plug in Episode 102. First - congrats on the 100th show guys! Also - thank you for supporting my (Jonald Reyes) work. Really do appreciate it. Listen to these dudes, would ya:

http://paunchstevenson.com/2008/05/21/episode-102/

Next, from the magical world of myspace, we were able to get a plug on the Daily section of Asiance Magazine. Check it out:

http://asiancemagazine.com/news/2008/05/24/that_asian_thing

With that, I (Jonald) was given the super cool opportunity to write about the Asian-American male in American society. Please read my article:

http://asiancemagazine.com/jun_2008/the_asian_american_man_speaks

Thank you to Jaymie for all the help and exposure! Hopefully I can make another cameo in the future.

Alright kiddies - this is all the candy we have for today. Please get those votes in and tell your friends to do the same. Have a happy day and keep it cool...

One more month! Keep it going everyone!!

2008-05-27T12:01:00.002-05:00

We're making waves, boys and gals! I wanted to send a lot of thanks and appreciation to all the people that have been supporting the film by telling all their friends and friends to watch online and vote. Really guys - thanks!! This is awesome! I get a great feeling of knowing that I'm not really alone in this, and when I see people post messages on their facebook, myspace, or other social networking tool, I get another surge to keep pushing. So thanks for keeping me motivated, y'all.

With this, I wanted to people to check out Asiance Magazine. It's a magazine geared toward the younger generation of Asian/Asian-American women in the pursuit to keep them empowered within our society. In connection with the documentary, Asian/Asian-American women have been labeled as the exotic mistresses - but unfortunately, this is how they've been stereotyped and categorized. "That Asian Thing" has a portion of the film that focuses on this issue in hopes to open the eyes of people and let them know that the Asian/Asian-American women can be just as powerful in the "hard-working, business man." Asiance Magazine devotes themselves to the metropolitan women and talks about these issues as well as cultural, social, and personal views. They've been great and have posted a tid bit about "That Asian Thing" on their Daily section. Here's the link:

http://asiancemagazine.com/news/2008/05/24/that_asian_thing

If you guys have the chance, you can use their "Share" link to post on your myspace, facebook, etc, or even email the article to your friends. Also leave a comment about the film so it entices more people! oooooh!!

Otherwise - ONE MORE MONTH TO GO!! I apologize for Jonald Jude spam if you've received so many emails about the film, but we need your vote. Please read the previous posts to learn on how to watch the film and vote. Also - if you've voted already, please make sure your vote counted by logging back in and click on the value of stars you'd like to give the film - that's how you vote. At one point, all the votes were reset but I believe everything is kosher now.

Be good everyone and let's bring this up a notch!

IT WORKS! IT WORKS!!

2008-05-12T18:37:00.003-05:00

Finally - the Lycos people have fixed the viewing problemo!! You can now watch "That Asian Thing" online and VOTE!! Read up on the last three posts to get up to speed...

Here's the new details on watching and voting:

Go to: http://cinema.lycos.com/promo/independentfeatures

At the top left of the screen - click on "Sign in." Log in or sign up - just need a valid email address.

After logging in, go to the search box at the top right of the screen. Type in "That Asian Thing" and viola!

Click on watch now! Watch the flick and when you're done, click on the amount of stars you want to give the film. That's it! Super easy, super cool, and super free!

And if you don't have the 84 minutes to spare, you can always vote now and watch later. Be sure to be logged in and your vote is by clickin on the stars. (Just had to reiterate cause I was a bit confused at first myself.)

Thanks for all your patience guys! I appreciate it...

SPREAD THE WERD! LET'EM KNOW THEY CAN WATCH THE SLICKEST, MOST INDIE, MOST ASIAN'IFIC DOCUMENTARY! AND VOTE!!!!!

I know about the technical difficulties...

2008-05-05T21:05:00.002-05:00

Hey all - Jonald Reyes here. And yes, I've received a handful of emails from people regarding our online competition through Independent Features Film Festival. First - if you tried to do it before Monday, May 5th - it wasn't going to work because that's not when the viewing period started. Second - now that we're on the actual start date, the procedure on the website has undergone a bit of a change. So if you've received an email by form of chain mail from me - I apologize for the step-by-step directions that now seem incorrect.

Independent Features is teaming up with Lycos and Lycos is using this competition to showcase their new online cinema feature. However, it looks as though viewing "That Asian Thing" even after registering through the Lycos Cinema website still isn't working.

(Sigh) - I'm sorry to stir y'all up guys....

It's one thing to try and grow a fan base, but then it's another thing to not produce results when you say you will. This is rough on my own mentality and stresses me out. Even if you know me personally, you know how much work I've put into this project. It's become my second life. Something like this definitely gets me down.

ANYHOO - that post is for a quitter and I just can't do that...not yet - I hope y'all don't give up on me either. Please continue to log unto the Independent Features website and go thru the Lycos hub bub. STAY WITH ME GUYS!!

I've emailed the Independent Features people and hopefully things are being worked on behind the scenes...

I'm telling ya - my next project is a stellar screenplay currently in the works. I just need "That Asian Thing" to grow a little buzz, so that when this screenplay is made into a film - I'll hopefully have a little opening in that doorway.

Thanks everyone! Really - thanks!

~Jonald

WATCH "That Asian Thing" and VOTE!!

2008-04-29T23:15:00.002-05:00

Okay y'all - the time has come! Now YOU can watch "That Asian Thing" documentary on-line. That's right! The Indpendent Features Film Festival holds an on-line competition and "That Asian Thing" is part of the battle! The top 21 voted films get their movie shown at the Tribeca Theaters in NYC and the numero uno, grand prize, top vote-getter will be awarded a red carpet premiere with all the glitz and glam that the big players get. SO WE NEED YOU TO WATCH AND VOTE!!

The competition is from Monday, May 5th to Monday, June 30th.

Simply go to: http://www.independentfeatures.com

Register a valid email thru the link under the Login box. Then confirm and Login.

After logging in, click on View Films at the top. Click on Documentary on the left. Look for "That Asian Thing" in alphabetical order.

(http://www.independentfeatures.com/IFWeb/MovieDetails.aspx?id=485)

Watch and vote!

THAT'S IT! No other obligations, no money to pay, and no spam to deal with. It's that easy.

What we need here is your support! Not only for Asian-Americans, but for anyone who can relate to the struggling artist; for anyone who understands the barriers of being a minority; and simply for indie filmmaking!

Please pass the word and let everyone know!! Thanks!

A quick Q&A session for you

2008-04-29T12:16:00.002-05:00

Q: What is "That Asian Thing"?

A: "That Asian Thing" is a documentary film by Jonald Reyes featuring Asian-American artists from Chicago, IL. The short synopsis of the flick is how Jonald interviews these Asian-American artists on why there's a low impact of Asian-American culture in mainstream America.

Q: Who's in this movie? Anyone I know? Jet Li or Jackie Chan?

A: No - sorry, not in this documentary. It focuses on the Asian-American community in Chicago, IL. These are artists who have been trying to make it big in the entertainment/media business with support from other prominant voices within the community. The movie features: Steve Munoz, Cynthia Lin, SOTO/Flipside, Mia Park, Robbi, The Pacifics, QuarterMile, Rupal Soni, and many, many, MANY more!

Q: Why Chicago? The Asian/Asian-American community is bigger on the East/West Coast!

A: Why not Chicago?! This is an up-and-coming Asian/Asian-American community that continuously grows, much like other Asian/Asian-American communities across this nation. Chicago is a prime example of the various Asian-American artists trying to make a name for themselves. If anything, support from Asian/Asian-American communities as a whole is what we need - this isn't East coast vs. West coast; this is support for the arts!

Q: If I'm not Asian or Asian-American, why should I care or even watch this movie?

A: First - a movie is a movie - it's made for you to dig deeper into the psyche of man. Documentary films have been on the rise and they've been able to open eyes wider to issues beyond your inner circle. Second - "That Asian Thing" is like an entity and it represents any barrier that stands in front of good talent. In this case, somehow our facial features and skin tone play a role on how society has portrayed us. All we're saying is that if you see or hear good art, don't be thrown off if the auteur is someone that doesn't resemble you. And lastly - it's just a cool, indie flick that has a good variety of music and people in it. Watch it - it won't hurt.....

Q: Why is it called "That Asian Thing"?

A: "That Asian Thing" is like a pun on words because it's a vague sentence that people have used to describe us. When you talk to one of your friends and you're trying to convey a situation that involves a list of different things, somehow "that Asian thing"or "the Asian one" or "the thing with the Asian stuff" gets thrown into the mix as a description. So - why not call this documentary "That Asian Thing"?? Someone's bound to say it sometime throughout the week.

On a more sophisticated note - "That Asian Thing" is also an entity that represents the barrier that a crew of minority artists face. The issues explained and talked about in this documentary could as well have been "That Black Thing" or "That Spanish Thing." I think this film is relatable to any struggling artist that senses a push back due to their race.

For more information on the artists, the filmmaking process, and other random tid bits that would indulge your mind on Asian-American awareness - please explore our main website which has links to links and links: http://www.thatasianthing.com . Thanks!!

Quickie!

2008-04-21T00:10:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to drop a sentence or two and say a big HELLLLLOO!!!! to all the organizations and clubs that I've been emailing for the past couple of days. We've been trying to grow that hype and have joined the grassroots movement. So in recognition to all those Asian/Asian-American Organizations/Clubs across the nation, "That Asian Thing" salutes you and hopes that all your events are successful on any aspect that it intends to be. Don't forget that even if the turn out isn't as great as you'd hope it to be, you're still accomplishing the goal of getting the awareness of our race out there! SO - THANK YOU!!

And for all those people getting the Sneak Peak - let me know your thoughts via email - asianthing@gmail.com . Also - if you'd like to set-up a screening for your community, don't hesitate to inquire as well. Let's build that hype!! There's an evolution!!

Be well all!

Hype, hype, hype - let it build!

2008-03-28T22:23:00.003-05:00

So after our FSU stint, I figure we should start building some hype for the movie. Why not try to create a buzz out there, eh? Get more people across the nation involved via word of mouth. Therefore, of course, I'll have to start within my own group of friends and their friends and so fourth, and so fourth.

Therefore - I've contacted a bunch of my friends who are actively social and whom I can see holding mini-screening parties at their humble abode. Through this, maybe a friend of a friend knows people at a film festival. Or even more so, a college campus activities person, a movie theater manager, a film magazine editor, or other forms of publicity knowledged personell.

If you're one of my buds out there that has received a gift from your ol'pal Jonald and has graciously invited friends of friends to a mini-screening, please don't hesitate to take pictures and send'em this way! I'll be more than happy to give a shout out about your current project and/or post the pics of the fun that people have with "That Asian Thing." Not only does the documentary stir up great conversation, but you can party with it too! haha! HHmmm...do I see a new tagline in the works???

But right now, I'm still playing around with the Director's Cut and attempting to trim it down a bit. For the next couple of days, I'm going to attempt to text out all the dialogue from the film. This way, I can literally see points that can be cut or portions that can be eliminated.

ALSO - a new hotspot that I've found for indie filmmakers is the infamous - "Film Threat" (http://www.filmthreat.com). Sometime last year I picked up a great book all about film festivals - The Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide by Chris Gore. Well - Mr. Gore is the guru who founded Film Threat mag which turned into a hotspot on the web, especially for indie filmmakers. The reason it's great for Tarantino wannabes - you can have them check out your work if need be (obviously for some extra incentives). AND they list a bunch of film festival deadlines and other film type contests for budding young auteurs. I highly suggest checking it out if your a young filmmaker, love movies, or just wanna read some reviews on flicks. It's for the inner film chi in you...

SO - we got some stuff stirring in the pot. Hang tight kids cause this ride is actually just starting!

FSU Screening Recap!

2008-03-25T22:03:00.005-05:00

Lightly tanned, relaxed, and proud are a touch of the many words that scrabble around my mind on how the Florida State University screening went. Thus my adventure to Tallahassee, Florida was well-planned and heavily assisted by the Director of FSU's Asian-American Student Union - Miss Monique (Nikki) Velasquez. She inquired of the film way before the first cut was even produced, to which I'm thankful for. This by which "That Asian Thing" was already in mind for their Asian-American Awareness activities even before other events were set. So there was already an eye out for this film...

Before I hit the main points to how the screening went, I wanted to thank all the students, faculty, friends, & family that came out to watch the film. There was a definite essence of southern hospitality that made me feel relaxed and comfortable for the Q&A session. So I apologize to any if I may have come off as unprofessional, but when I vibe closely to the people in the room I tend to carry myself in a relaxing attitude. I'd also like to thank all the organizations that took part in putting this together and trying to get as many kids to come out as possible. And of course, I must thank the FSU community, especially Mr. Juan Guardia (Director of Multicultural Affairs), for taking an interest in my film and the message it conveys.

...And now the main points:

-I had the privilege of having a young Asian-American musician perform before the screening commenced. His name is A.J. Rafael (please check out his tunes - http://ajrafael.com/ and www.myspace.com/ajrafael). Kid's got some raw talent and creative energy! We hung out that day prior to the screening time and I was able to give him some thoughts on music ideas he had bounced around in his head. I think he has natural talent and has a lot of potential. He's still in college and with more education to his gift, he can probably go miles out. Good luck A.J.! Catch his performances when you can and send him some love via myspace!

-After watching the film for the 'enth time, I think I was able to catch my sense of repetitiveness. There are points that seem to overlap in terms of stereotypes, model minority, and marketing. The difficulty in this is that I believe all three issue go hand in hand and to seperate them may consist in shorter interview portions to already shortened interview portions. If you're up to par with your Asian-American 101, you may ask - 'But Jonald - isn't model minority a stereotype? couldn't you just combine the two?' AH - good question, young jedi. Well - I've made it into seperate issues within the film because the term "Model Minority" is directly associated with only Asian-Americans. Also, there are confusions to why it's a good thing and why it's a bad thing. Then I addressed the term 'stereotype' as a general concept, yet narrowed it down to relate to Asian-Americans. The marketing portion goes with the stereotypes because that's how we're marketed. See - everything relates!

-I do believe that this Director's Cut can be refined. It tends to run a bit on the long side and I can see why a few kids jumped ship while the screening was going on. Although a bit disheartening on that, it was good for me to see/hear which parts received the most reactions. I think my own involvement within the film gave a humorous underlining that made the dry parts easy to get through. I couldn't tell what people thought of in terms of the Flipside/SOTO storyline, but I do always bank on the Steve Munoz performance I have in there. It always gets a good response.

-The Q&A portion is always good times. It gives me a better sense of connection to the people that just watched what I poured unto film for the past 1 1/2 years. I always feel that this film stirs up good conversation, especially on how to "act Asian" or how to "act American." The only thing that I could say to which I felt was the most simple, yet truthful answer, was 'be yourself.' And like mentioned in the film - only you can represent you; you're face & identity as an Asian-Amerian is your representation of your people. So with that, just try to be the best you can be.

Again, I'd like to thank all that came out! Without your feedback, questions, and wonderful words of support after the film, my message would be mute. Hope we can dance again...

I posted more pics on the AsianThing Kodak Gallery - please check it out and don't hesitate to say what's up:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=6y8idn3.11fvhte7&x=0&y=vfi043

Take care y'all! And keep coming back to see what's the haps!

SCREENING THIS THURSDAY - MARCH 20, 2008!!

2008-03-16T16:57:00.002-05:00

This post goes out to my sound dude - Mike P.! Good stuff, my friend...good stuff.

Okay - let's start from about 2 weeks ago. 2 weeks ago I had a revamped film with sound that needed work on. My boy, Mike P., offered his special sound skills after the private screening back in November. From then till 2 weeks ago, the only person who's seen the full version revamp is me and the walls in back of my computer chair. So as scheduling is always a factor in adults being adults, Mike and myself had to set a calendar date to do the sound edits. With that - Mike fell into a mix of overwhelming day job work which is understandable. He took a crack at the sound edits on a Saturday afternoon into night.

Now let's jump into the mind of a sound editor. Close your eyes, listen to all sounds as intently as possible (this includes voices, background music, noises, clicks, pops, etc., etc.). Then try to figure out what should stay in and what should be taken out, but instead of just picking a file and clicking the delete button - you'll need to adjust volumes, clean things up, and emphsize specific sound waves. And even though the layout of the film is already set for you, each clip that's inserted on the editing board needs to be heard and fixed. In general - you're basically editing a film all over again.

Back to our hero - Mike worked on what he could on the first day to churn out about a half-hour on the film. But with that, he found a groove that was needed to be found before falling into a good routine. Sometimes that process takes longer. Thus we ended that Saturday night to meet again soon enough. Then we fell back into adults being adults and day jobs coming into play. Scheduling was looking bleak and future screening time was getting closer. (Enter dramatic music!)

After emails, calendar looks, and timing things out - Mike P. throws down the guantlet this past week to have a finished product. So last Tuesday night, Mike sits in front of the CPU and plays his rock n' roll! He took the sound editing head on and came out for me to finish up. And now...(drum roll please)...

"That Asian Thing" is complete (again). Not only that, but hey, hey, hey - here we come FSU!! Via the coolness of one, Monique Velasquez (FSU Asian American Student Union) - we've been granted screening time as part of their Asian American Awareness Month events. Here's the schedule:

Tues, March 4 - General Assembly (SSB 208 - 8:30 PM)
Come on out and see what's the buzz with AASU Month!

Sun, March 16 - Car Wash (TBA)

Wed, March 19 - Kick Off! Game Night! (SSB 203 - 7:30 PM)

Thurs, March 20 - "That Asian Thing" Documentary (HCB 103 - 7:30 PM)

Fri, March 21 - Asian American Music and Poetry (AAMP)
Concert (TBA)

Sat, March 22 - FSA Barrio (Club DownUnder at 6 PM)

Sun, March 23 - Car Wash (TBA)

Tues, March 25 - General Assembly (SSB 214 - 8:30 PM)

Wed, March 26 - AASU Teahouse (IC - 7 PM)

Thurs, March 27 - Ramen Workshop (IC - 7 PM)

Sat, March 29 - AASU BBQ co-hosted with AASU Affiliates (Tom Brown - Noon)

Mon, March 31 - Language Workshop (SSB 214 - 8 PM)

Tues, April 1 - Spoken Word (HCB 103 - 7:30 PM)

Wed, April 2 - Movie Night - Infernal Affairs (HCB 101 - 7:30 PM)

Thurs, April 3 - Sushi Workshop (Lucy Ho's - 7:30 PM)

Tues, April 8 - AASU Pageant (Moore - 7:30 PM)

Thurs, April 10 - AASU Semi-Formal (SSB 203 - 8:30 PM)

And here's an online commerical:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8HTkkro6kE

If you're in the area - come and join in the fun. And yes - THURSDAY NIGHT @ 7:30 P.M. BE THERE FOR THE SCREENING OF "THAT ASIAN THING."

Hope to see y'all there!

COME OUT COME OUT WHEREVER YOU ARE!

2008-03-04T22:01:00.002-06:00

So - have you been in suspense long enough?!?! Have you been waiting and waiting, and yearning in highly anticipated excitement to finally see what all this hype was all about?? Have you asked yourself - "Self - why do I continue to go to this website and read up about this film when I haven't even see any form of promotions for public viewing??"

WELL WAIT NO LONGER! THE REVAMP IS HERE!!

Yes, my lovely boys and gals, we are in the last leg of sound edits to give you the fullest, maximum, most action-packed, Asian-American informative, documentary-ooh-la-la film that you've ever seen! Not to say that there aren't a slew of awesome APA docs out there already, but "That Asian Thing" is like the "Intro to Asian-American Issues 101" college course that needs to be said for the sake of being said.

And we are now winding down to the first fully loaded public appearance at the one and only Florida State University Asian American Awareness Event. Come out - one and all - to the great events that the FSU Asian Student Union has to offer, which includes a screening of the long awaited documentary film, "That Asian Thing."

Go to their various websites for details to follow in the upcoming weeks:

http://www.asunoles.com

http://www.myspace.com/fsuasu

http://www.xanga.com/fsuasu

IN THE MEANTIME...

why of course my prettys - as usual I do have a video goodie for you to munch on before you get your chance to bite in the film itself. SO, as you know (or as previous blog posts have stated), the film underwent major surgery and now has a new face, and legs, and arms, and....geez...just a new body all together. Tis true! When we say 'revamp,' we literally mean 'this is a different film from the screening that went down 4 months ago.' With that - we've been able to cut segments of the old version and churn it into delicious butta! To which I present to you a video clip of our boys, I.B.U. and their performance at "That Asian Thing" Showcase:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx4whf9AWBs

ALSO...

don't forget to internet surf your way back to our main page: thatasianthing.com and check out the linx section every now and then. Although that gets updated probably even less than this blog-atoneous info chowder, it does have some cool info to share on the artists that are featured in the flick, as well as, other Asian-American randomocities.

(here's a quick reference link from yo'boy: http://www.asianthinglinx.blogspot.com/)

Take it easy people! AND come back in the future to catch your wave of "That Asian Thing" screening info. Thanks!

Awaken from that sleepy slumber of the editing board

2008-02-24T22:59:00.002-06:00

And then it became deja vu to once again realize that I've completed a documentary film entitled, "That Asian Thing." As we left last our hero, a private screening to that daring documentary cinematic experience left readers wondering if the same version would enter the realms of judges who guarded the play button of film festivals. Well at long last, the disappearance of one Jonald Reyes has finally sighed a second sigh of relief as a completely revamped version of "That Asian Thing" has emerged from his mind.

Maybe it was artistic mentality that overwhelmed me and made me feel ill confident that the original version was "just not good enough." From an objective point of view, the original cut of "That Asian Thing" was buried deep between music videos. Although I did want to concentrate on the Asian-American musical talent, I did forget that I was aiming for a documentary film rather than a long music video movie (whom Michael Jackson was well known for). With that thought in mind and the well written feedback of peers who attended the private screening, I had a new gameplan in mind. I wanted to concentrate on what I learned.

I basically created an Asian-American 101: Intro to Asian-American Issues documentary. Now, I do apologize in the simplicity that came about in the final (new) product, but what I feel most confident about in this version is giving a decent portrayal of the Asian-American talent. The reason for the simplicity is exactly what I just wrote - "concentrate on what I learned." A moment that in this new version that is said from my own mouth is that I'm in my late 20's and I don't know that much about my own culture. SO - when I began this journey of those "Asian Things" I learned from the ground up. I learned about "model minority," stereotypes, marketing ploys on Asian-Americans, and all other relating issues that continue to hinder our equal existance in American culture.

My new version also followed the stages of an R&B group - Flipside/SOTO; a female folk singer - Cynthia Lin; and a musically versatile gentleman - Stephen Munoz. I believe audiences can relate with the stories that these people give from their experiences, interviews, and performances. This new version gives hope that good talent is still out there as opposed to fabricated, commercialized, voice altering people who make it in the limelight.

And as vain and egocentrical as my mind doesn't want to be, I pushed myself to insert more footage of ...well...myself. In my original cut, I was only apparent in the beginning to show how this "Asian Thing" started, but then I slowly cut myself out. This new version actually has me as the moderator of where the movie goes and the thoughts that poked out of my mind as the journey continued.

THEREFORE, this new version is approximately 85% complete. The remaining 15% lies in sound editing and credits. I do have my eye on a few film festivals as tonight was Oscar night, so now it's like a new season all over again in movie world. Not that this movie may sniff any Oscar dreams, but this is definitely a grand time to jump into the circuit.

I will soon post up a trailer, a few snippets, and possibly some new videos of left over footage. Please stay tuned and thanks!!

"Where's my movie?!?!"

2008-01-10T12:07:00.001-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! (If it hasn't already lost its luster and it's not passe to say.)

With all the holiday commotion in the ocean and catching the waves past us, I can finally get back to revamping the film. I've been working on it here and there, but at most, it's been a new "cutting" experience.

As I've mentioned in our last blogger episodes, in order to tell "That Asian Thing" story at a better scale, I had to go back to the cutting board. This entailed going back into the raw footage we have on file and cutting things I may have missed or grabing footage that relates better to the flow of the story. Obviously this is time consuming. However, it did help me re-live in the moment that was happening at that time.

In retrospect, I was there filming and not knowing what I was getting myself into. I was basically adding to a bigger picture that wasn't in focus yet. Now that I have a plan of attack and a stronger story to tell, I was now watching what I filmed and wished I had moved the camera to a different spot, or wished I had followed-up on something, or wished I knew the technical aspect that would be played into post production. Yet, I dare not regret anything and take any sort of challenge head on!

Right now, my target date is to be complete before March. I have a few film festivals that I want to enter in mind.

Also - if you're all about support - please don't hesitate to keep passing info unto others. I greatly appreciate it! One of the key factors to the root of my movie as to why there's a low impact of Asian-Americans in mainstream American culture is lack of support. And yes my friends, this even comes from the Asian-American community itself. I must admit, that even I can't go to every Asian-American community event we have here in Chicago. However, I do bring up events in conversation and email people in my close network of friends to go. We need to keep on pushing!

I just wanted to do my monthly chime and say that we're still alive. Thanks y'all!

Early Christmas Presents from "That Asian Thing"!!!!

2007-12-11T21:25:00.000-06:00

Happy Festivus!! As the holiday brew ha ha is thick in the air, I shall leave you with a few tokens of our friendship!

First - I wanted to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU once again to all the people that have hung around with "That Asian Thing" project. This chaos started in October of 2005 and now we are entering 2008. I can't express how greatful I am for the people that have been patient in waiting on the end result of this trip fest. SO THANKS HOMEYS!

Therefore, I shall pass on these gifts for your internet listening and viewing.

Numero uno: Our buddies over at the Paunch Stevenson Show (http://www.paunchstevenson.com/) have posted up the interview done with writer/director Jonald Reyes of "That Asian Thing." Go to the main website to catch current Episode #92 for Monday, December 10, 2007. Jonald takes a time out and chills with his old pals on their podcast show. Topics include thoughts on the documentary, how the "Indian guy" on Short Circuit was Fisher Stevens, old high school days, and Jonald's film influences. It was totally fun to do and good times with conversation. Please check it out!

Present letter "B": As I've done in the past couple of weeks with my extra footage, I am sharing a new music video with you. As the last one was with Cynthia Lin, I continued to stick on that folk guitar vibe and would like to show you Mr. Stephen Munoz - http://www.myspace.com/stephenmunoz . Please check out the video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUJ_LN56uI8

SO (the following will be no surprise) please await as I continue to revamp the documentary. Have a safe holiday season and I will update once again....

New Video (while you wait....AGAIN!)

2007-12-05T12:25:00.000-06:00

Continuing from my last post, as y'all are waiting for the revamp of "That Asian Thing," to keep my editing muscles strong, I worked on a music video. My last go around with the film, I worked on my cousin's wedding slideshow to get my mind off the main project here and there. You just don't wanna get burnt out with stuff like this. SO - this time around, I feel like instead of having you guys wait in la la land while y'all forget that this documentary is even being made - I'll keep the hype alive by working on little music videos. These videos are left over footage from performances/interviews. Some of them may make the new cut to the film, while others won't. There's the grand mystery of it all!

ANYHOO - here's the infamous YouTube link to a brand new Cynthia Lin video. Cynthia is performing her song "Water Torture." Be sure to check out her website (http://www.cynthialin.com) and grab her album! Very chill-laxful....

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you read the explaination on the YouTube clip, I wanted to work on the lighting and give an angelic aura to Cynthia. This is why I snuck a couple of after performance clips - to show her glowing amongst the "normal" people. And then after a shot of her "flying" into the clouds, she came back down to earth with regular light tones. Check out the link and see what I mean! Enjoy:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=cD5RJU-f45s

P.S. - special shout-out to Robbi! She's been pumpin up the documentary and hookin' up contacts. Appreciate the look out Robbi! GO TO HER SITE NOW! haha!

Time for a little revamp!

2007-11-29T22:28:00.000-06:00

After the viewing last week, I was fortunate enough to have a few friends that have had their hands in the film world. With smiles, they approached me to offer a hand in any fix-ups I intended to do. And to this, I gladly accepted and obliged.

Before I get into the brew ha-ha of that mental matter, I'd like to share a few sly pics of yours truly via our buddy, Mr. Alex Chang. My nerves were a bit shot, and I wasn't focused on breaking out the digital camera for my bloggerific audience. From the following, you'll see my silly mug in front of the "Oh Sweet!" movie poster hanging at the entrance of the theater. And again, I'd like to thank Jason Vita of Tinbox Solutions for our super rad poster and postcard designs. Please check out his work and don't hesitate to contact for your "I need an ill-matic design" needs. Tell'em Jonald sent ya (to which he'll probably boost your cost by 20% - haha! that's my cut....ssshhhhh...)

This other portrait of a young artist is with my old school pal via Second City, Mr. Rob Biesenbach. Rob was interviewed for "That Asian Thing" to give an objective point of view on how it feels to be an actor in Chicago. He helped to support a point on how audition panels sometimes overview talent to accommodate to a specific look that they want. I'd also like to point out "That Asian Thing" shout out from Rob on his own blog-topia: http://robbiesenbach.blogspot.com/2007/11/tonight-i-went-to-world-premiere-of-my.html. Be sure to check out his main site and catch some of his work. He's a baaaaad mam'uh jam'uh!

REVAMP THOUGHTS:

Just a few nights ago, I had a great sit down with my friend, Barree, on the aesthetics and meaning of my film. Obviously, he shared his own thoughts on the subject matter, but relatively it went hand in hand with the break down. We took apart specific points of the film and he helped me re-evaluate the big questions I wanted to address for each act. Continuing on, we went over a few comments that I shared with him from viewers of the screening. He helped me realize and establish the strong points of the documentary and how I can expand upon it. I think I was blinded from watching my film over and over so many times that I lost focus on my direction. This in turn made parts too choppy and lacked a better flow of specific topics. So working with Barree really helped me think of a new layout for the film. I know I can make this better than what it already is.

I'm also going to work with my other friend, Mike, who's a sound engineer. I'm sure he can help clean up background noises I couldn't do from lack of experience. This should be enlightening as I'm not very familiar with sound waves and what nots.

TIMELINE:

Right now, I'm going to work hard to get the new layout planted. Then I'll work with Mike to clean up the sound. Afterwards, I may try to hold a very informal viewing with close friends to get a feel of the new look. In the meantime, I'm still going to submit press kits and submissions to film festivals. Luckily, since we're in an upcoming year, a new set of deadline dates are being established.

Please don't forget to check on here and leave us comments, either here, on myspace, friendster, msn spaces, asian avenue, tagged, youtube, and probably way more in the future. SUPPORT TO CHANGE!! thanks....

and that was that....(post screening werds)

2007-11-23T01:37:00.000-06:00

***WARNING: THIS BLOG POST WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY! YOU WILL BE WARNED WHEN THE SPOILING BEGINS....***

Continuing from my last blog post, I had arranged a private screening of "That Asian Thing" documentary. Purposes for this grandious event were as follows: 1. to give the primo opportunity for all the cool Asian-American artists involved to get the first taste of what can hopefully start a ripple 2. to receive feedback from objective eyes that can help improve some sections I may have overlooked during creation and 3. to see how this bad boy looks on a ginormous screen.

THEATER RENTAL PROCEDURES

For all you young auteurs or new comers to the craft (as myself), if you're ever interested in renting out a movie theater, I suggest a few venues beforehand. To save on some fundage, let's reveal resources that may be readily available under our snoozer. Look into movie screens available at colleges, community centers, and (if your movie's wholesome) even church halls. As long as you can find digs that has a large screen and decent sound associated, I would hop on it. I went the final resort and shelled out some dough to rent out a nice Landmark Century Theater.

When you inquire and work out a master plan with the theater manager, you get a contract to seal the deal. I went through the motions and found myself at 95% complete with the film. I had about 3 weeks to go before the date that I reserved for the (gulp) premiere. Not only was the pressure on, but this was a test to see what I've been working on this whole time. Is this really how I want the film to look? Are there any extra little things that I can add here or there? Can this keep peoples' interest?

Also - I wanted this event to have some sentimental value to my life experiences. Thus I went the extra route and worked out a deal with my boy, Jason Vita of Tinbox Solutions to hook up a poster/postcard design. Eventually I would've needed this somewhere down the line - SO, might as well get this box checked sooner than later. J Vita has helped "That Asian Thing" with a couple of designs from the past and if it ain't broke, let it stay unbroke.

Therefore - I had the theater, I had the poster, I had a postcard (for promo), and now I needed to bring the film to a complete finito status.

This is the part of the story when the hero does what he needs to do to finish off the obstacle in the way of this goal. I had a free weekend to bring my 95% complete to 100% complete. The layout was already set, I just needed to clean up the sound as much as I could; insert closing credits; insert intereviewee shot credits; and basically make sure the overall product was at smooth sailing status.

Equipped with caffiene, a late night pizza order, and gallons of water, I was able to stay up for over 24 hours to iron out everything I needed to. The procedure started Saturday morning and finished Sunday afternoon. AND THEN EVEN MORE SO - I had to fix a few things throughout the week after to make it all pretty. BUT YES - it was done. gasp and whew! gasp and whew!

Then to add to excitement of this wind down, Tinbox Solutions made words into reality by completing a movie poster. Check it:

This was super cool man! It added so much more hype in my head that I felt like a tide has turned. Waves were hittin a climax that surfers got goose bumps over and this was a high no j ever hit in college. I liked it...

Along the way, I did have a bit of a scare. The theater (god bless'em) had a minor technical difficulty and thought the film was in Black & White after a test run. Email dialogue went on between parties till I had a notion to test out the DVD I had sent them on a computer/laptop. I was pretty confident that the flick I sent them, via overnight mail, should be in working fashion. Just as quick as that idea was commenced, I received an email confirmation that everything was NOW good to go. The minor technicality was the ol' "wires were crossed wrong" synopsis. Completely understandable and as long as everything's fixed a day before the viewing, then it's cool with me.

THEN THE SCREENING

Wow - what a crappy day weather-wise in Chicago. Mother Nature hit the Windy City with its own nicknamesake and mixed it with a few flurries here and there. Ultimately it was rain, cold air, and dark clouds. Pretty much the kryptonite to the location of my theater. However - show must go on!

With probably 50% of the amount of people I expected showing up, my nerves were a bit shot. I didn't know if this movie was ready for comments...or rather that is...I didn't know if I were ready for comments. So I had to remind myself that this was to make it better! AND to release it from the baby blanket of my computer screen. This was the time...

***SPOILING TO DOCUMENTARY TO BEING***

Right before you entered Auditorium 5, you got to see this:

If you look above the poster - you'll see the sign for theater 5. Sweetness!

SO - the viewing came and past. It came to a close and the lights went back on. I did a Q&A portion, as well as receive feedback on surveys I handed out. A few of the positive notes had to deal with my storyline. Focusing on Flipside/SOTO throughout their career was cool for people.

The audience members also dug the "spoken word" girl (Charlene-Haze Alcantara) and Mr. Steve Munoz.

I did get a lot of positive reports overall, but these few seem to be on the higher tally.

The whole night was overwhelming and I must admit that I walked away feeling that an improvement had to be made. Although majority were in positive formation about "That Asian Thing" - the few critical comments I did receive on items to clean-up, really were valuable. Therefore - I have a couple more dances in me before letting a film festival panel gander at my goods.

I wanted to publicly thank the peeps who come out to write on my survey handouts. Like I told them after the viewing, "Thank's for coming out on such a crappy night!"

AT THIS MOMENT

At this moment, I'm in film festival mode, BUT I have to do some last minute things before sending the film out. I'll be working with a couple of private screening members to iron out the comments I got. I'll feel more confident knowing that this was a joint effort on editing. Although I think my Adobe skills are getting above par, I'm still no Jedi Master. More magic will be ensued...

MARKETING AND PUBLICITY

In an effort to gain more recognition toward the film, I was honored to be a part of a podcast interview. The Paunch Stevenson Show is hosted by a couple of my high school friends who still loom in my current email address book. It was really fun and good practice for me to talk about my film. I'll follow up on this when the show gets posted on their website. THANKS ROB AND GREG!! YOU GUYS ROCK!!

AND FOR NOW

It's back to the editing machine for another handshake. And for now - HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! Be well and warm....

The last round-up!

2007-11-12T22:54:00.000-06:00

This weekend was it! I was self deteremined to completely and utterly finish the documentary with all credits, clean sound, and final editing decisions. I started my editing routine with my cup of joe and sat in front of the computer, now running Adobe Creative Suite 3 (Premiere Pro CS3) with Soundbooth for audio clean-up. The documentary is broken down into 4 parts - 20 minutes for each part (and if you're down with your Asian math stereotype, yes, it does equal 80 minutes). I started from Part 1 - frame by frame, segment by segment.

Cleaning up sound where it needed to be cleaned. Correcting editing sizes and installing video effects where needed. I had to also insert interview credentials and any subtitles of what was going on within the film.

I worked from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. and then broke for lunch. Starvin' like marvin - I had some good Japanese food to hush my talking tummy. Then back to work!

From 5 p.m. till midnight, I was steaming through each shot. This is when I put in the pizza order in and let an hour pass till I had my next break. With pizza in one hand, my cpu mouse in the other, and caffiene to my sleepy aid, I had my second wind. Just the right timing too because staring at a computer for so long really does get your eyes droopy. Not to mention looking at footage that you've seen over and over and over again....

No offense to my interviewees or their performances, but I can literally mimick what they said or sing words from their song word for word. I know it so well, that I wrote out the credits at the end of the film from the top of my head. I know when each person shows up in my documentary and what they were talking about. It's sort of like a sick gift that demonstrates how involved I was in the editing process.

Continuing on, I hit a bad sleepy moment around 3 or 4 a.m. and couldn't really tell you how I got through 10 minutes of footage. But when I watched it over again, I did it right. It's a bad sign when you're moving your mouse and clicking at things you don't know your clicking at until you finally snap out of your bobbing head. You know - the sleepy bobbing head that we all know so well from college lecture.

Anyhoo - I stood up and went to the restroom to freshen up. Cold splashes of water, brush to the teeth (there's my dental endorsement!), and some water down the dry canal helped me get a 3rd wind going. It helped me last to completely finishing up. HOWEVER - after review of the dvd around 8 a.m. - I noticed that footage that I took with the digital camera (.mpeg files) were acting all jerky and being terrible. Upset that this was running fine in my old Premiere Pro 2 but now acting dumb in the upgraded Premiere Pro CS3, I did a google search = "jerky .mpg premiere pro cs3." WELL - sure enough - I was not the only one that had this problem in novice filmmaking world. ERRRR!!!

I was really, truly, undeniably, unmistakenly upset, uphauled, and annoyed. 24 hours had gone by and I was not "complete" in all fashions of the word, done with this documentary. So, after more research and heavy consideration to the footage captured in .mpeg format, I've decided to do a little filming tomorrow. Thank god, it's nothing big. But still upsetting to say the least.

PRIVATE SCREENING

With this completion right around the corner, I've stirred up a little hype within my own personal contact goup in Chicago. I've taken the liberty of renting out a theater and inviting all the Asian American artists, crew, and my friends & family to watch the film. Although a bit of a bite in the wallet, I think it's worth it and am convincing myself that it's my late birthday/early Christmas present to myself. I've gotten a lot of congrats from my emails and would like to say this to all the people involved in my film:

For as much as I say thank you, there can't be any form of understanding to the gratitude I have in making this smidget of an idea come to life. Your talent, insight, assistance, and thoughtfulness has put me in debt and I hope your own dreams in life come true. This is my stepping stone to future projects and has been the best form of experience education that I've had in my life. You've given this to me, whether you think so or not. So please, take a bow because it's me applauding you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Now back to your regularly scheduled program...

2007-11-04T13:16:00.000-06:00

Good evening Boys & Girls-

So where do I begin this story of the long lost Jonald and the new sighting for that infamous "Asian Thing" documentary?

WELL - I guess I can start from "Whatever happen to this thing being done over the summer??"

Honestly, it just didn't pan out that way. The reason - I had to step away from this project for a couple of months. I hope some artists know where I'm coming from and maybe this is an inhabited reflex from my writer's mentality, but when you're in the thick of a project for so long, you need to step away for a fresh look. You need to come back to the project with new eyes, or else whatever it is you do or however about you continue the project may seem forced. I was so enthralled in this film that every piece of footage that I would watch would begin to be repeition of the last one. Everything seemed the same to me and when I would try to keep editing, I my interest would want to do other projects. And thus, within that break, I worked on a couple of side projects here and there. If you check out my youtube page (http://www.youtube.com/user/asianthing), you'll see a couple of outside clips. I worked on my cousin's wedding slideshow (which was a lot of fun and great practice for my editing skills). Through the help of Eric Byler, I was able to get involved with the Naisy Dolar campaign. I went to a couple of events and filmed for Mr. Byler's needs, as well as practice for my filmmaker's eye. Therefore, in essence, my time off from the project helped me get better with the craft. I never went to school for filmmaking. I just went to Rutgers for Cinema Studies. Doing is way different from interpreting.

After my excursion, I dwelved deep into my computer and edited, and edited, and edited. Literally missing out of some social events, family get togethers, and random relaxing moments, but this made me concentrate even more. Obviously this sort of long term project cames with the naysayers that don't believe that you're even working on it. "Man - just give up. You're not gonna finish it." But that slap in the face only adds more fuel to the fire. I can only hope that those people endure a similar project sometime in their life to understand that a sense of quality takes time. Quickness does not equal quality.

With this - I'd like to apologize for becoming M.I.A. to all the people that have sent me emails, myspace messages, or even random texts on when this project will be done. After awhile, I actually didn't want to give an estimated date because I didn't want to keep hopes up too high. I didn't want to be "that guy" that would talk some talk and not be able to provide the walk. So I'm sorry if you've inquired to me or if I've left you hanging or if you've checked the blog and noticed that nothing has changed for so long. MY BAD Y'ALL! My bad.....

BUT NOW WE'RE BACK! This movie is at 85% completion. Right now, I'm cleaning up the sound and doing up the credits. I've already set-up a PRIVATE viewing for the cast and crew of the documentary to watch at a disclosed theater. PRIVATE = no publicity, no reviews from outsiders, and no one that I don't know. But why, Jonald, why?? As this is my first documentary and working with so many talented and acknowledged performers/artists/professors, I didn't want them to wait for me to get accepted into a film festival for them to watch the film. Also - it just wouldn't feel right preaching about this film as a "combined voice of Chicago's Asian-American artists" without getting their consent and approval. Although I am the one with the power here and the trust of these people, I would feel better knowing that they watched it and gave me feedback before releasing it to the public. It's basic "peer reviewing peer" process. Nothing to it. I also owe a private viewing to my generous donators and pro bono advisors. So many people have helped me with no compensation and this is a bonus to them. Thanks everyone!

After this viewing and cleaning up some good feedback, I plan on entering film festivals. Through the magical portal of the internet, I'll be using withoutabox (http://www.withoutabox.com/) as my tool to enter these competitions. I'll also follow-up with people that I've sent surveys out to in the past, as well as new Asian-American organizations that I haven't tapped into. Hyping this film up is the most important thing on getting some recognition.

I've already set-up a free viewing with my cousin who goes to the University of Florida. I should be attending the viewing to do a Q&A segment afterwards. This will take place in March as part of their Asian-American Month festivities. Please check our withoutabox/myspace/facebook profiles for up and coming viewings. May not be too big of a list right now, but that's something that I'm working on right now.

AND as an incentive for waiting so long, if you're our friend on myspace, you'll be able to view screenshots of the film. Here are a couple to tickle yer fancy. WOO HOO!! I should have a new trailer on here soooooooon enough! Thank ya, thank ya, thank ya....

hold tight....

2007-10-29T22:53:00.000-05:00

I'm currently working on a blog revamp and a new kick-off. Check in next week - I promise!! Also to feature a new trailer, cause guess what??

"That Asian Thing" is finally here!

BRB...

NEW TEASER!! WOO HOO!!

2007-05-10T07:51:00.000-05:00

Sorry guys & gals - it's been awhile and I've been locked up in my room editing for hours on end. However, I must admit that maybe I'm taking the artist's mentality when I feel that what I have right now isn't right. In other words, I could be my own harshest critic, BUT I could also be looking at the same footage over and over and over (AND over) again that it's making me lose a sense of what works and what doesn't. I still need to change some major things around on the editing board, but I will say that the timeline is still looking to be for around June or July. I do NOT want to pass the summer without a complete film! I'll assure you that.

On a higher end note, I did complete a second teaser to the film as I've been knee deep in film footage. Please check it out here or click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQnDijEMUUM

THAT ASIAN THING TEASER #2:

"That Asian Thing" ( http://www.thatasianthing.com ) is a documentary in search of reasons to the low impact of Asian American culture in mainstream America. Interviews were conducted throughout 2006 of activists, artists, educators, and players in the role of Asian America or mainstream culture.

This teaser features Chicago based artists, including: Charlene Haze Alcantara, Chien Yuan, Dr. & Mrs. Romeo and Soly Munoz, Brian Posen, Robbi, Mia Park, Tatsu Aoki, Larry Lee, Mark Chang of QuarterMile, Mia Riverton, Jeff Chan, Cynthia Lin, Jon Monteverde, Stir Friday Night, Rupal Soni, and Jenny Guzon-Bae.

Please check the website to follow up on their personal activities. Special thanks to Jason Vita from TINbox Solutions for the logo ( http://www.tinboxsolutions.com ). Music by Hiromi ( http://www.hiromimusic.com/ ).

More to come sooooooooooon!! Pass the trailer along to others and begin the hype for a festival near you! (knock on wood...)

HEY! How ya been???

2007-04-02T12:25:00.000-05:00

For this post I'd like to just talk about what I've been up to in terms of "That Asian Thing." First off, this editing portion is VERY time consuming. I don't joke when I say that it takes me literally 5 hours to come up with a solid 10 minutes for the film. "But how is that possible Jonald?" Well, novice filmmaking inquirer, there are many reasons for this. 1.) I have about 5-10 hours of footage on my computer that needs to get broken into less than 2 hours. 2.) I'm learning as I go along since this is my first feature length documentary. You gotta think about it: there really is an art to how documentaries are made. What shot goes with what audio; what feeling or thought am I trying to convey without written dialogue for an actor to say; or how can I transition from one subtopic to another in cohesive flow? 3.) effects, lighting, transitions - all these additions and making sure everything is cut into place takes time. It's all detail.

SOUND - I can't emphasize enough how important sound is for movies. There needs to be a consistancy and a basic level for everyone to understand what's going on with the image. I need to make sure words spoken are understood and clearly said. It's like editing the movie all over again, but this time, just concentrating on sound.

That's my first main deal - FINISH THE MOVIE!

Next - I'd like to show a raw cut to 2 sets of people. The first set would be friends and family who aren't hardcore, cinema interprative, film critics. They watch movies for fun and have 2 opinions, either they like it or they don't like it. For me, they're the "regular viewer." The next group would be a focus group comprised of people who I feel are advanced in film studies and know aesthetics of cinema to another level than the "regular viewer." With the feedback of both parties, I think I can re-edit my raw cut to have it ready for festival submission.

FESTIVALS:

A few dynamics to this equation.

1. Does this festival fit the theme of my movie?
2. Is it located in an area where I can get a group going through email or contact to hype up an audience?
3. Do I have enough funding for submitting? (Submission fees add up!)
4. Can I meet the deadline and the requirements to not override another festivals requirements? To extrapolate: if you want your film to go up for competition in that festival, some of them require that you make it a premiere in that state or country. Now that makes me ask the question - where do I REALLY want to make a premiere?

And the last thing I've contemplated with this project: is this saying what it needs to say? All of these artists are doing their art to convey a message about their truths, but with my project/my art, I have the pressure of conveying their message as a whole. I need to construct their voices to mesh up as my own voice and make sure everyone gets their just say about the issue at hand.

All I can say is - this day job thing can sometimes get in the way....

My Movies

2007-03-12T11:45:00.000-05:00

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.

Why should we care?

2007-03-09T12:03:00.000-06:00

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.

Groovy Ghost Films, Inc. est. 7/6/06

2007-03-05T12:31:00.000-06:00

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!

Timing is everything

2007-02-01T12:40:00.000-06:00

For every good, there's a bad. For every action, there's a reason. And for every say, there's a thought.

Editing has made me analyze (and sometimes OVER-analyze) what everyone has been saying. The following are ideas and general words that I've heard from multiple interviewees. These stick out because they've become repeated and when I hear it being said again & again, it makes me continue to wonder why we (as Asian-Americans) still aren't doing things to gain recognition.

"we should sell the talent. if there's a way to hide our looks and let the public decide on the music, then we would succeed."

--although i agree on the goal at hand, i find it a little disheartening because we should NOT have to hide our looks. although our arts should speak for themselves, we should remember that our art is who we are and to hide our faces or our looks would be to hide who we are. be proud Asian-Americans and walk tall amongst others!

"there aren't enough platforms/venues for us to share our art or collaborate w/our peers"

--someone needs to be the glue that holds everyone together. it's a difficult job and what we need are motivated people. what we need are leaders and even more so - what we need are supporters. everyone plays a role, even if there's no art involved. cheers and pats on the backs are just as strong as organizing a huge event. to more forward is to work as a team. what artists need are other Asian-American organizations to help out. everyone wants to do their own thing, but what needs to be done is for everyone to fall under a big umbrella that can utilize ALL the resources in one city.

These are a couple of phrases that will be heard within the documentary and what I hope is that non-Asian Americans will realize that even though we're supposedly "brainy, nerdy, well-calculated, & kind hearted" - there's a bad for that good. And even though we work hard and get into good positions, our actions have a reason. It seems that reason is not for the arts....

However - there's a light that shines. Recently - the Bubble Tea group of artists have risen up:

http://groups.google.com/group/bubble-tea?hl=en

This is just one of many organizations that have formed to help the cause of Asian-American arts. People need to research and join in with their support in order for these organizations to be strong. NOW - I will say this in all honesty - I'm not the biggest active player in all this and I try to do what I can when I can, so I understand where people are coming from when they don't have any time on their plate or they're just trying to do their own thing to be a strong individual. These are just thoughts to consider....that's all....

EDITING:

I actually have not been editing with Final Cut Pro like some people may think I am. I'm actually utilizing the firepower behind Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0.

This program has been fun to work with AS LONG AS you know what you're doing. I will admit that it's hard to pick it up and go w/it. You definitely have to sit and read a little bit into the manual to learn to do some of the functions, which may regard it as less user friendly as the heavily mediated mecca Mac & Final Cut Pro. But my p.o.v. is that if everyone is using Final Cut Pro - then some transitions/video effects may be easily recognizable and easy to imitate by others. I'd like to try to go at this thing from a completely different angle. Hopefully, Adobe Premiere's functions and transitions will accommodate to giving people a different vibe (if you have a keen eye on editing). And yes - my sound is competely clear and easy to hear compared to the teaser.

EMAILS:

I apologize to people that have been emailing me and asking me when this gig is going to be on a big screen. It's been a lot of work and if you don't know, I - Jonald Reyes - am the only one working on this project. My cameraman - the Wayne - is done w/his camera job and now the editing, writing, and vision is up to me to bring to a level of expectance. I will venture to say that a dry run version should be ready for viewing by March. That's my prediction, but don't hold me to it.....PLEASE!

INTERVIEWS:

"That Asian Thing" is closed as far as interviews are concerned. I will consider the situation is something is to come up and there are moments when I need to fill some space or get another p.o.v. that I feel is being left out. However, open calls and inquiries are done. I think I have enough artists saying their just cause to get the message I want in my film.

I do want to apologize to interviewees that may have felt that our interview didn't go as smooth. I must admit that when I watch footage over again - I can tell when things go dry and conversation is hard for myself or the interviewee. Thus I want to say I'm sorry if you were interviewed and it didn't feel professional or productive. Trust me - you're still edited into the flick as a golden child. No one's the bad guy here....just me for taking so long....

HANG TIGHT EVERYONE! WE'RE ALMOST THERE......

When does comedy go too far and racism play a role?

2007-01-07T13:14:00.000-06:00

One of the viewpoints "That Asian Thing" discusses with a few interviewees is "When does comedy go too far?" Thus recently (big ups to Czerina Salud) these few clips came to my attention and I figure I post them up on the website to see if any heads had any comments.

First - watch this (length 14 sec.):

Then watch this (length 6 min. 40 sec.):

AND THEN watch this (length 2 min. 07 sec.):

Chicago has been labeled to many as a comedy mecca due to our beloved Second City, Improv Olympics, Zanies, Chicago Sketchfest, etc. and the well known Saturday Night Live players that have been pulled out of these establishments (John Belushi, Bill Murray, Chris Farley, TIm Meadows, Tina Fey, etc.). Within the comedy slash theater district of Chicago, and "That Asian Thing" writer/director, Jonald Reyes, coming out of the Second City Training Center - it's only fitting to bring these viewpoints to the surface.

Are we becoming overly sensitive to the issue at hand because we want to make a bigger deal in order to gain more attention to our race? OR is this an injustice of an Asian language that's only typical of an ignorant talk show host to "try" to be funny?

Props to Simon from MTV Chi also! Don't hesitate to leave some knowledge...

Stuck on an Island

2006-12-05T12:12:00.000-06:00

"That Asian Thing" had the pleasure of interviewing current Survivor: Cook Island member - Jenny Guzon-Bae. If you're a Survivor fan, then you know that she was recently voted off by surprising circumstances. However, she was a member of the Puka Triba, a.k.a. the Asian-American tribe. This season, Survivor creator Mark Burnett decided to higher the ante when he divided all the participants by race. In the beginning, the Asian-American tribe came off very strong, but then in retrospect, the racial card didn't matter as they were merged into bigger groups. This broke the racial tribes but still showed a commentary of where people stood race-wise (loyalty to their race tribe or loyalty to the merged group). Continue to watch as there are still strong players from the Asian-American tribe competing.

Jenny was very welcoming and accommodating to this interview. As her claim to fame is particpating in Survivor, I focused on what made her stay strong throughout her excursion. If you view her biography and audition tape, you can see how much she loves her husband and son. So I decided to focus some of my questions on being an Asian-American mother and teaching her teenage son their filipino heritage.

Let me first concentrate on her role in Survivor. When she initially found out that she was part of an Asian-American team, she (and others) thought that it was a ratings scheme. And yes, they were right as the Neilson television ratings indicated the premiere episode to dominate that night. There was much hype and media coverage on the whole racial split. Jenny indicated to us that what it all really came down to was being the best she could be at winning this game. As Asian-Americans aren't the more physically biggest threat, they needed to utilize their mentality to overcome obstacle. And as comparison to ethnic differences within the tribe, Jenny explains that it runs parallel to how society is. Belive it or not folks, yes, there's still a small discriminating factor amongst the Asian-American community. Koreans, Filipinos, Vietnamese, etc. Objectively though, there's always been a discrimination amongst other ethnicities. Look at the Irish, the Italians, the Jews, etc. So even though the tribe had the Asian-American bond, there may have been more of a bond amongst the Koreans and the Filipinos. But Jenny explained that she still looked at who she could relate to better. She showed love for Cao Boi on his teachings and how his old school styles were carried on after he left. It was the wisdom of her experiences that brought her above the whole racial card.

Jenny dipped into her youth and spoke about growing up in a Caucasian dominant community. There were two worlds for her - her school and her home. And like most adolescents, she too felt that small embarressment of not being the same. However, she did realize along the way that her difference is what made her stick out and that was a good thing, not bad. As an Asian-American mother, she tries to teach her son as much as she knows. What was great to see on film was her thinking out loud and feeling a sense that it might not be enough. Who's fault is it? No one's really. Jenny said that let alone, trying to be the best mom is already difficult, but adding on the education of her heritage makes it even harder. I concur....

Overall, this interview rocked and I appreciate Jenny taking the time out to sit down with us. She was very insightful and gave good, honest answers. As a fellow Filipino, I have seen her face across many Filipino Community magazines and newspapers, so I do thank her for participating in "That Asian Thing."

BEHIND THE SCENES:

Interviews are coming to a close and post-production is picking up. Imagine if you will - watching the same tv show that you've seen over and over again to catch the best parts and write it down. That's what I'm doing now with all the footage I have. Therefore, please don't believe that we're no where to be found. "That Asian Thing" is still alive and hopefully everyone will be able to view something by early next year. Thanks! and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

what's going on?

2006-11-14T12:18:00.000-06:00

Why no - last time I recalled we didn't fall off the face of the planet. However, to not be in the eye of media or spotted in the vicinity of every Chicago Asian-American event does not equal that this project is on the shelf. On the contrary, brothas and sistas, editing and writing is taking a new plateu with "That Asian Thing." The plan has been layed out and right now funding is what we're waiting on. Just need to save that dough to get the supernova editing mechanisms that will compose this orchestra. I like to say that I have all the pieces to a puzzle, now I just need to glue it all together.

I've also been googling any contests or forms of documentary competitions that may be work to our advantage. The paperwork and filing that goes on with movies behind the scenes is also in play right now. As the holidays start rolling in, family distractions and cold weather hibernations may take a toll. But have faith my friends....we're still kickin it like Bruce Lee!

BELIEVE!

Attempting to see the whole playing field

2006-10-27T11:58:00.000-05:00

Last week I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Elizabeth Lozano - a professor at Loyola University in the Latin American department. With "That Asian Thing," I want to attempt to prove a point about minorities (obviously Asian-Americans) and make a comparison to the barriers that each race has in attempting to control the mainstream. I was not surprised to find that many of the answers that Dr. Lozano had given me where not that far from the same answers that the Asian-American professors I've already interviewed have shared with me. So now what? Well - now it's time to question what is really hindering us here if other minority groups are facing the same problems. Now specifics such as looks or language come into play rather than talent, business moves, or education.

Two other things to consider are population and time. Asian-Americans are actually lower ranked in America as far as population is concerned and the majority have actually arrived later in American history. Therefore, if we've arrived later, does it make sense for our culture to catch on later as well?

Dr. Lozano was very carefree, liberal, and strong with her words. I can sense her powerful karma as she talked and see the passion that she has in her work. It was a very good conversation where she didn't let political correctness stop her from saying what she wanted to say. This is what I yearn for in my interviews - rather than looking for a fluffy, super-intellectual thing to say for the camera - just blurt out what you think is right! My highlight was her point about activism and how it can be important to fight (non-violently) for your rights as a person, race, and being. We all have point of views/opinions and we know what is right and wrong - might as well stand up for it because no one else will do it for you. Truly enlightening. Thank you Dr. Lozano!

AND THE BEAT KEEPS GOING....

Interviews are few and far between. This is on purpose as I'm orchestrating this symphony. Editing is in the process. My eyes have hurt and needed to sleep at times to recoup for more footage to peruse. I don't want to stop and in retrospect, I can feel something great happening. Very cool feeling....

THANKS TO....

The Paunch Stevenson Show! Brought to us by the world of podcasts, Mr. Greg Izzi & Mr. Rob DiCaterino were kind enough to show some support on their October 16th Show (Episode #49). I urge you to listen to these guys when you can as they give their four cents about an assortment of topics from why Tony Danza is so great to the on-going question of where stars are now. Get rich quick schemes, why movies are made the way they are, and Dr. Phill always seems to show up on their show. Good stuff guys! Thanks and keep on keepin'on!

Also thanks to the people that are still completing our surveys and still donating money. Although I may not push this as much as I did during certain phases of production (since I'm only one person), people are still accomplishing these small tasks. Special shout out to Ken Narasaki for filling out a survey. Awesome - thanks Ken!

Take care y'all....

Long hours....

2006-10-05T12:24:00.000-05:00

This post will dip into my mentality as I'm in the middle of taping a few more interviews and getting into the niddy griddy of my voice-over narrative & editing process. As I've mentioned in a previous post, currently I've been doing more reading than anything. Not limiting myself to just Asian-American literature, I have also ventured into my favorite genre of American literature - the Beat Generation. I'm enjoying some good reading by Jack Kerouac and Charles Bukowski. Enjoying their blunt yet detailed form of storytelling has helped me find my own fashion of writing.

Don't get me wrong - the books I've mentioned in my previous post have helped me get more insight and a better sense of Asian-American pride. It's been preparing me to be able to touch all points that I feel are necessary to focus on throughout "That Asian Thing." What saddens me as I read the essays written nearly 30 years ago is that we're still fighting the same fight. Sure there are a few sparkling stars that shine here and there, but overall, we're still invisible and are still pigeon-holed by society to be this "nerd-like techy" entity. I only hope my film can open the eyes of the people that need to understand that even if you are assimilated within your environment, you need to have a strong voice for the race that you represent.

Representation doesn't have to be in the form of becoming an activist or going to every racial awareness event - it means being the best that you can be and knowing where barriers need to be overcome when your looks might hinder you. I do realize that education is what's needed here, but as I've progressed with this film, there are so many intellectual, talented people that for some reason are not getting their fair shot.

Does that mean that the talent needs to change? Does that mean that someone isn't working hard enough? Does that mean that society isn't ready for this different look? The questions are never ending....but to sit and ponder instead of doing something about it won't accomplish too much. Action always speaks louder than words.

So right now, I'm working on the film by trying to get all my thoughts in order. Needing to accommodate to all masses with no biased point of view and connecting thoughts for everyone to understand is a lot of work, stress, and time. I appreciate all the people that have stood by me and have kept on asking me about the progress of this project. It shows me how interested you are and that you're still waiting for me, not forgetting me. Thank you.

We still need funding to help get the word of this film out and for editing equipment, so please don't hesitate to donate small funding where possible:

Otherwise, please keep your pants on, keep them words of support coming, and pass the word along. "That Asian Thing" will be here soon!!

exactly....

2006-09-21T12:25:00.000-05:00

Where ya been?

2006-09-12T12:37:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to leave a little post saying that although I may be M.I.A. (Missing in AsianThing), I've actually slowed down to concentrate on the narrative overview of the movie. It's like I'm writing a screenplay, but I have the scenes already tapped. In a way, I'm conducting this monstrosity of an overture. So it will take a little time and inventive writing to say what hasn't already been said about Asian-America.

Currently, I'm reading up on different Asian-American literature. And yes - to all you high-brow Asian-American aficionados - I do know that there are SO many books about the topic at hand. Therefore, I apologize if I leave a thought out or repeat a notion that's already been scribed. I can only read so much and retain so much information. However - I am definitely willing and able to read up on any recommendations that any of you have out there. So please don't hesitate to drop some knowledge.

Here's what I've been reading up on to help in the writing:

-Different excerpts from Mr. Frank Chin, who has written Donald Duk - which is what gets my imagination going and let's me explore different routes on how to construct my narrative.

-The Asian Mystique by Sheridan Prasso. This is to help me expose the stereotyping of submissive Asian women.

-I just finished The Accidental Asian by Eric Liu. By far an easy read, but so well understood and definitely relatable. Mr. Liu use to be a speech writer for President Bill Clinton. It's pretty good....

-and also Asian-America: The Movement and the Moment. Great insight on protests from yesteryear on Asian-America. Pictures, essays, authors galore!

SO - yes, I'm keeping busy. There are a few interviews here and there and of course, they'll get their fair just on the production notes. Otherwise - I'm around....writing.....somewhere.....

The Writers Round-Up

2006-08-29T12:23:00.000-05:00

This past week, I've had the pleasure of meeting 2 young female artists.

Robbi: Chicago's answer to South Asian American female hip hop. A student of old school rap (early Nas, KRS-One, etc.), Robbi mixes her personal experiences, afterthoughts, and brand of humor to deliver a chill flowing rhyme session. Her interview consisted of how she brings her art to the table, especially in an arena that's heavily dominated by males. Robbi's always ready to battle and even during her performance, she will dish it for the audience to become witnesses. Her fast pace delivery and clever humor makes it exciting to see where she takes her freestyle. However, when you take a step back and look at it from Robbi's p.o.v. - it's all business. She constantly goes out to promote her shows and one of the difficulties that she pointed out was people taking her seriously. Here you have not only an Indian female, but also someone who's shorter than 5 feet, and to add on - she's a rapper? But don't knock her till you check her out! Speaking of which - print this ticket for her next show to get $5 off:

Check her out on Friday Night, September 1st at Spot 6 (3343 N. Clark, Chicago).

Thanks Robbi for being completely down to earth, honest, and showin' "That Asian Thing" support during your show!

Continuing on....

Rupal Soni: a writer, teacher, and hopefully employed art director. Soni has worked closely with the Asian American community in Chicago. She just recently finished summer programming with Y.A.W.P.! (Young Asians With Power) as an instructor, which helps motivate her as an artists. One thing that Rupal emphasized on during our interview was the ground-breaking foundation that Asian American artists today (and before us, and before them, etc., etc.) are helping make the road easier for young Asian Americans in the future. Working off the "model minority" myth, parents always push for what is better for their child. This has led to a good majority of Asians partaking a role in the medical/science, accounting, engineering, and computer fields. But by more Asian American artists becoming apparent in the mediated eye, in can only help Asian parents realize that there can be a future for their child in that field.

Rupal also touched upon other topics that we fell unto through tangency. Such as the art of writing and expressing yourself. The need for support from the Asian American community as a whole - thereby all ethnicities working hand in hand to help move forward. And the pushing of the envelope in terms of comedy and performing stage sketches. AND AGAIN - speaking of which...please check out Rupal's upcoming show:

The Public Square at the Illinois Humanities Council presents:

The Exotic and Mysterious Other:

Orientalism, the Legacy of Colonialism and the Complexities of Desire and Interracial Dating

September 13th, 5:30-7:30 PM, dinner in included.

72 East Randolph

Co-sponsored by Applied Research Center, the Asian American Leadership council of the Chicago Foundation for Women, the Asian American Artists Collective, and the Center for Asian Arts and Media at Columbia College.

Please join us or an in depth exploration of the complex, personal and political topic of interracial dating. The event promises to be an engaging evening of intellectual and visual stimulation mixed with delectable food, drink, and empowerment. Guest Speakers will include, Rinku Sen and Mae Ngai. THere will also be a short performance by Rupal Soni and friends, and a short film by Kip Fulbeck.

Love may be blind, but can it be color-blind? The romantic vision of the Middle East and Asia held by the West has been defined by the activist & intellectual Edward Said as a mixture of racist assumptions, intertwined with and underpinned by colonialist desire to conquer the so-called "Other." The exotification of the mysterious Asia was a preface to conquering and dominating Eastern civilizations by the West.

Today in the U.S., statistics show that the largest group of interracial couples consists of white men and Asian women. How do representations of the East in popular culture and in the contemporary consciousness shape western male desire and inform our ideas of romance?

How are the historical and political reconciled within intimate relationships? How do we resist exotification, ensure equity and simultaneously demand legitimacy for interracial relationships?

This event is part of The Public Square at the IHC's series called Artists, Activists and Authors After Hours (AAAH). These events are intimate, informal discussions and meals that allow for meaningful exchanges among people who are engaged in similar projects and struggles. Since coalition building is one of the cornerstones of social change, AAAH programs are structured to give individuals a chance to meet one other and create intellectual community.
Reservations are necessary and required and places are limited. Please email info@thepublicsquare.org or call 312-422-5580 to make a reservation.

Thank you so much for your time and energy Rupal! I appreciate talking to you about all aspects of both of our projects. Hopefully it was as much of a learning experience for you as it was for me.

WRITING:

It was wonderful to hear how strong these two artists were in terms of writing. They talked about how it was a form of expression and getting your thoughts out. Right now, I'm working on the voice-over narrative for the film. This will take its toll on me as I've worked on screenplays before. However, this is different - I'm taking a more general issue that hits home for so many people already. This isn't a story where I can make up situations for a main character. The main character is a race and how it's "been invisible for so long" (pls. see Laura Kina in our teaser). Therefore, interviews may be on the low, but work on the film will still be at a high. Take care people!

up & coming

2006-08-21T12:11:00.000-05:00

Since coming off the high of "That Asian Thing" Showcase, I didn't want to lose the focus of completing the documentary. It can be easy to lay off and become inactive after finishing up a big project as the concert. We don't want to lose that forward momentum, so it's time to get back to scheduling interviews and attending events around the Chicagoland area. I'd like to thank everyone that sends info our way - I appreciate it as doing research can be very time consuming.

And here we go:

THE MERCHANDISE:

Please check out all our products that display different graphics used in our documentary. After the Showcase, many kids came up to me and asked to take "That Asian Thing" posters that we had on stage. Check out our online shop by clicking on my doctored up J (boy) Crew catalog picture:

THE INTERVIEWS:

I currently have 2 interivews in the mix:

-Robbi. She's an East-Indian American born rapper/songwriter. Doing live shows for awhile now, she's been in the thick of the Asian-American movement and she'll also be performing at the Elastic Arts Foundation (2830 N. Milwaukee) THIS THURSDAY starting at 9:30 pm. Make it out and support the cause!

--I'm also working on an interview with Alex Selma. Alex is currently part of the crew at the broadway show, Wicked, in Chicago. He actually contacted me through the help of the Angry Asian Man's website.

SO - this is what we currently have on the dashboard. Other things are still in the works as I'm trying to bring taping to a close by the end of the year. Thanks everyone!

“The party’s just beginning!”

2006-08-15T07:48:00.000-05:00

That’s what Jonathan of vocal group I.B.U. (Inspired By U) said 4 songs before closing off “That Asian Thing” Showcase. The same can be said of the completion of “That Asian Thing” Documentary. Although “That Asian Thing” Showcase was deemed as the grand finale to the documentary, gaining footage is actually far from complete. So yes – “the party’s just beginning!”

THE GIG:

Let’s take this to the beginning:

Sometime in the middle of May, I approached Mr. Glenn Bermejo on the concept of “That Asian Thing” Showcase. At that time, it was an idea – something that I wasn’t too sure about but knew that with a little guidance I could make it happen. With Glenn to answer my questions, I felt confident to take on this project. Think of it this way: you’re watching this documentary and seeing all these artists ‘talk’ about their art (in this case, music), BUT you don’t see them perform until the end. It made sense to throw this big concert as a way to end the film AND to provide live experience to the young Asian Americans in which most of this film is geared for. We want them to see talented Asian Americans and feel a stronger sense of pride in their race, especially in the arts. This Showcase was where it was at.

So now what? First – get a venue! From our past posts you can see the number of places that were prematurely stated as the location of the Showcase. Something that is indicative of gaining a good turn out is location. Therefore, I called, emailed, and talked to MANY people concerning venue locations. This went 2 ways because some of the suggestions were bars and some were college auditoriums. The bars were immediately eliminated because this would defeat my purpose of underage viewing. Thus I emailed and called almost ALL college/university auditoriums in the Chicagoland area. However, my criteria held me back from getting a place so easily. This criteria consisted of one main word – CHEAP! That’s a big problem. Sponsorships and donations were limiting and venues needed money down a.s.a.p. since this event was in August and here I am in June. Time to venture to new terrain – this led to the Chicago Park District. This was like working with any Chicago governmental department (DMV, paying tickets, jury duty, etc., etc.) – response time was terrible! I couldn’t get a hold of confirmation on any place. Now July is rolling around. I HAD a collegiate place in grasp but fell through due to lack of workers at hand (or so they say). And I also HAD a Chicago park venue in hand but that fell through due to no or overwhelmingly minimal responses to my calls.

Then we had Palatine Park – thanks to Mr. Jeff Greene! This was not verified and signed off until the last couple of days in July. August 12th was practically a sneeze away. How many people can you get out there in about 2 weeks?

Well – “That Asian Thing” Showcase performed in front of a crowd of approximately 75-100 people (in and out). And many people were very generous with their donations, to which I personally (me – Jonald Reyes) want to thank. THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

As for our performances and the feedback from people after the show – it was good. Not over the top spectacular and not terrible, but “good.” And I’ll take that because we didn’t have enough time to prepare and had a lack of funds to make it an even better show. So for what it was worth and how it was compiled in the last possible minute – I’ll take that compliment of goodness.

THE REVOLUTION & D.J. BATMAN:

So much energy and a breath of fresh air to watch! Their breakdancing styles were amazing to watch and a good start to the Showcase. D.J. Batman made the night flow well with his musical improvisation and mix of beats for people to stay attune to. I like these kids cause they use their skills in dancing as their artistic outlet and you can’t get lazy with that or else you’ll lose a step. You need to stay physically fit and agile to move the way they moved and I applaud that. Personal thanks to my cousin, “the incredible, edible Niko,” for hooking up his crew and D.J. Batman. Thanks guys! You were awesome!

JARGON:

This rapper pronounced, “I roll wit Jin!” and that caught my attention as Jin, a.k.a. the Emcee, was the poster boy of this website in its earlier phases. Jargon had a presence about him and had the kids rolling over each other to grab the cd’s he was throwing out to them. His lyrics were pretty tight and crowd participation was adequate. He kept it real and flowed well after the Revolution. It stayed in the vibe of hip hop & rap. Thanks Jargon for your last minute appearance.

STEPHEN MUNOZ:

From the responses of people that have come up to me after the show or from post production emails – Mr. Munoz, I believe you were voted as the fan favorite. As Jargon had left the stage, Steve came up to set up shop to which I tried to kill as much time as I could…and then it happened – he kicked it immediately into high gear with a guitar instrumental that wow’ed the audience. Then he continued on with a song that we had captured from our personal interview for the documentary. The highlight for me was when he asked, “Jonald – how we lookin at time?” I said from behind D.J. Batman’s table, “7 minutes.” Then Steve gets into his ever evolving instrumental entitled “Canonball.” And when he strommed the last chord of his guitar, as I kept an eye on the clock on my cell phone, he hit 7 minutes exactly! Unreal!

Thanks Steve – good luck in Japan buddy!

SONS OF THE ORIENT (SOTO):

A blast from the past for these 4 men. When they hit the stage, it was like reliving old times and being in a world that they knew far too well. Now it was a reunion of harmony and to many people, it seemed like they never stopped performing from the way they sounded. Luke, Gary, Tobey, and Jesch still flowed to their vocal blends with no sounds of missing a beat. They also performed a couple of a capella tunes to show people their roots of performing. I can still see the old tapes of their performances in my head of just pure a capella. They still got it and I’m happy that they were able to fly in to not only hang out with my cousin, Jesch, but to also do what they had a passion for 24 hours a day at one time. Thank you guys and please come back anytime!

INSPIRED BY U (I.B.U.):

The headliner and long awaited performance of the night. Tommy, Jonathan, and Mikey held down the fort and brought it home with a 45 minute performance. They varied it up with ballads and upbeat tunes. What I personally appreciate of the guys from IBU is that they have the ability to write their own songs. They also perform their vocal talents with choreography. IBU, like Jargon, had a presence on stage, as they talked to the crowd in between tracks. They gave insight on history of the song, after party plug, and the project at hand (thanks for the props guys!). Also having the crowd rolling around to grab some free cd’s, they still looked out for the next generation by handing one to a father and his young baby. Good looking out guys. Thank you to IBU and Glenn Bermejo!

AFTERTHOUGHT:

I was completely done when the show was done. Being stressed for the past 2 weeks beforehand and carrying as much weight on my shoulders as I possible could made me irritable and consistently moving. I’d like to thank everyone who supported me and helped me along the way.

VOLUNTEERS:

Lia and Renee – thank you girls so much for walking around during the show and gaining fundage. I owe you a meal! Trust me – I’ll get your backs soon! Don’t hesitate to pop “That Asian Thing” Showcase on your resume as volunteer work. It’s considered canning and gaining funds for the Asian American arts!

Alex, Claudette, Yimin, and Wayne – of course! The support of all 4 of you with your insight and helping hand made this flow smoother and easier for me. Thank you….aw, you know what I mean!

And here are your quick shout-outs & props:

--Jeff Greene & the Palatine Park District (B.J. & Crash rule!)

--Jim Purrazzo Insurance Agency

--Bruce from Dance All Night, Inc. for the wireless mics

--D.J. Batman for getting my back when I had nothing to say on the mic

--Lou Malnati’s for feeding my volunteers and performers

--Dollar Tree for having cheap snacks, drinks, and tableware

--Michaels, Office Max, Kinkos, and Blick Arts for our marketing, promotional, decorative, and staffing needs

--to anyone and everyone that made it that night! Thank you – I can’t stop saying it because without you people, this idea would have been a waste of a nervous system. Take care all and interviews are on their way….WE’RE NOT DONE YET!!

P.S. You can get "That Asian Thing" T-shirts and other stuff at our online store:
http://www.cafepress.com/asianthing

Good looking out!

2006-08-07T22:54:00.000-05:00

In less than 5 days, "That Asian Thing" Showcase WILL BE HERE! Grab your picnic baskets, good times, friends and family, as you make your way to Palatine, IL, and view musically talented Asian American artists. Just as a reminder - here's your web flyer once again:

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

2006-07-31T11:54:00.000-05:00

A unified voice.

A unified race.

A one night show.

Be part of the concert event to be featured in "That Asian Thing" documentary. Live and experience the talent of Asian American artists!

"That Asian Thing Showcase"
Saturday, August 12, 2006
7 pm - 9 pm

Fred P. Hall Amphitheater - Palatine Park District
262 E. Palatine Road
Palatine, IL 60067

Cost: FREE!
There will be a sliding scale donation of $5-$15 to help fund the completion of "That Asian Thing" Documentary.

NOTE: This will be an outdoor event. Please bring a lawn chair, blanket, or just yourselves and enjoy the music!

More info @ http://www.thatasianthing.com

http://www.palatineparkdistrict.com/amphitheater.html

The countdown has begun! From today, July 31st @ 7 p.m. tonight will be 11 days till "That Asian Thing" Showcase. A beautiful day on grass, with friends, and good music makes for a great summer excursion AND the best part is that all these people will be part of the documentary. Not just the acts themselves, but all the people in attendance. I enjoy gaining footage of "the people" because obviously this is for "the people" and about "the people." Aren't all documentaries in some form or fashion a take on social cultures or actions? Therefore, this will witness the congregation of the masses....

Apologies for the recent lack of update as it's been VERY hectic the last couple of weeks. I'm only one person and taking an idea and working with it towards a bigger reality is hard work that makes time limited. Priority, scheduling, and time management works wonders with huge projects. Please keep that in mind for all you filmmakers starting out. I know as an "artist" it can be very easy to go with the flow and work with what comes your way. It's sorta the artistic mantra that makes it tre shiek. However, if you're really trying to make a business out of this, then you definitely have to be on top of opportunity or create it for yourself. A lil'FYI for ya! This is probably how a lot of young filmmakers get weeded out - when they have to start dealing with the business side of things - it's just not as fun as filming.

"THAT ASIAN" FILM:

We've been very busy lately and have gone out to interviews every weekend for the past 2 months. It's been great, but chaotic all at once. I do enjoy meeting new people and getting an in-depth take of their thoughts about my documentary. I would personally like to thank the following people who have sat down with us in the past couple of weeks: Mia Park, Dr. Romeo and Soly Munoz, the guys of Quartermile (Phil, Jon, Shinya, Mark, and Bruce), and Rob Biesenbach. Everyone had awesome feedback and each interview had it's own pizzazz which I thoroughly enjoyed. So here's your insight:

Mia Park rocks! Mia regularly hosts a dance show entitled Chic-A-Go-Go! but still freelances as a musician and actress. She acts with the anatomy collective and will be a few plays this summer. Go and check her out! The environment of our interview added a more lax feel during our conversation. With the Ambrosia Cafe being very accommodating to our film, we were able to get our morning caffiene and munchie. I like interviewing versatile artists because I can play my tangencies according to talent. She was able to talk about playing in Tatsu Aoki's re:ROOTED project, which I thought was a success in the rain.
Mia has experiences w/multiple bands and if you know of Tatsu Aoki's reputation within the Asian American community, it's an honor to work with him. She also told us stories of being part of the band Kim, which is an 3-women all Asian-American rock band. Some of the proposals she's been a part of from some men were pretty ridiculous.

Continuing on, Mia talked about situations she's been through concerning roles that she's played. For instance, imagine watching a play that takes place during the time of settlers and the land of America being young in development. There are many pioneers and young kin making ends meet. The children attend classes at the local school house and then.....this Korean American teacher walks in.

To some, it can be accepted as an actor playing a role, but to others, the race of this actor can add a dynamic to the perception of the scene. Sometimes art is not colorblind and for Mia, the research on her character involved reading up on how Asians made their way into America and how her character in specific made it to where she is now. This was exemplified in the small history lesson that Mia went into concerning that role. It takes lots of dedication and imagination to create a back story for characters. So I commend her on her efforts and hard work to make this character work the role.

This brings me to Rob Biesenbach, an actor/writer based out of Chicago. I've known Rob since my Writing Program stint at Second City. I've always enjoyed his works and thought it would be a great opportunity to get the take of a non-Asian American artists just trying to get more exposure. Again, working from a different atmosphere, North Park Tap had the ability to induce cool, relaxing spirits on a hot, summer day. We were able to talk about acting as a whole and then get into the hub bub of theater production. After getting the feedback from Mia, I was able to play off of that and see the difficulties in acquiring a role. Auditions are pretty crucial for actors and when a director has a specific look and feel for a character, it's up to the actor to try and hit it on the mark during that one shot. When you have that already against you and to add on the interface of being Asian American - sometimes roles are few and far between. We were also able to get into the Chicago scene and how it's a good place for actors to get their chops. Chicago is thick into the theater community and has so many well known arenas to play with that get national recognition. Biesenbach was also able to give insight on the perception of Asian Americans and how stereotypes are somehow formulated. All great feedback from someone that's been so heavily involved in this artform for only 3 years. Thanks Rob!

Speaking of dedication - Quartermile's sound and vibe certainly displayed it's effects. Thanks to Jon for setting this up and having our interview before their gig at Wise Fools Pub. What reminded me of my old college fraternity days - we held the interview in the basement of the bar. Not that it should be so lavish, but it definitely gave it that indie, rock edge to the interview. The members of Quartermile, in my opinion, can be summed up as "loyal." Although 3 members of the group are of Asian heritage and the other 2 were Caucasian, they completely look beyond that fact and stick with the brotherhood of the band. What seemed repetitive but was really an emphisis on the foundation of the group was that it didn't matter what color or culture was present (with no means of disassociation) but as long as the 5 of them are making good music and respecting each other as an individual, they can reach success in all aspects.

That's the honesty I found within this interview and that's what always shines more than the overembellished drama found in some documentaries. As for the show itself - WOW! These guys already have a following in Chicago and they played to their satisfaction. Check out their website to see future events cause they're really good and down to earth. Thanks to all the guys and my friends for coming out to watch them perform.

"THAT ASIAN" CONCERT:

Thanks to Mr. Jeff Greene on working with us per the Palatine Park District. It was a VERY rough road as not many venues would get back to me or price was over our very limited budget. Just to reiterate - this concert is FREE, WITH a sliding scale donation of $5 to $15. We were originally going to charge $15 tickets, but with the date and amount of time we have to work with, it just wouldn't fly very well. So come out and enjoy the summer weather with awesome music.

Check out the Showcase link on the main website: http://www.thatasianthing.com. Tell all your friends and family! It's itchin to be a good show!

Right now, I'm seeking some assistance with running the actual production. We're looking for about 10-15 volunteers to help behind the scenes. I've sent out emails of inquiries and have already gotten some replies. Please don't hesitate to inquire if you're interested. I appreciate all the help and support that I can get. Also - if you're looking for the "What do I get in return?" aspect - you'll get goodies on your way. Just email me to find out (asianthing@gmail.com).

And in goods sportsmanship quality - thank you to all the other venues that I called up. To all the helpful people that directed me to more accommodating places, good luck with other bookings and may your work play to your favor. I know from personal experience that setting up shows and events can be hard work (i.e. any Livingston Concert Organization stuff, AKL events, or family gathering over 20 heads, etc.etc.). Props to y'all and keep keeping it up!

We'll be plastering Palatine this weekend with flyers and posters. Keep a look out and spread the word peoples! This is all for the arts!

"THAT ASIAN" BUSINESS:

I want to personal thank my cousin, Brian Bondad, for looking out for me concerning the financial aspect of "That Asian Thing's" production company - Groovy Ghost Films, Inc. For you young filmmakers, if you know of any places that offer classes about financing a film, I suggest you take it because there's a lot of detail that goes into making movies. Even as independent and low budget as "That Asian Thing" is, there are a lot (A LOT) of things that can add up [film, equipment, paying to go to events, meals for volunteers/participants, marketing, legal set-up, etc., etc., etc.]. In order to become successful, you need to have a precise business plan and budget. Then you gotta stick with that budget and cut corners wherever applicable. Even when that's all said and done, you still need to pay the people that helped you realize this. It's all a giant game of monopoly and you are always looking to pass go.....

"THAT ASIAN THING!" :

I'm getting worn into. Nerves are becoming shot and sleep hasn't been on my side for a couple of months. Sponsorships are few, footage is overwhelming, and editing/writing will be my final challenge. This Showcase will soon be off the list of things to do. Groovy Ghost Films, Inc. will need to learn to stand on it's own two feet in order to survive. The business aspect is starting to show it's devious face to me and no...it's not pleasant.

I actually have the support of my cousin, Wayne, a.k.a. my cameraman by letting me talk a muck before each interview. These are trying times peoples....trying times....

There's still a writer in there....

2006-07-18T19:31:00.000-05:00

“…a level playing field.”

This is what Jeff Chan wished for as an Asian American artist. He felt that if talent were up for comparison, there would be no question that his skills would carry him further. Not that there are definite answers to why or why not these talented artists haven’t excelled beyond their marks, but there are multiple conclusions and opinions. This is the reason behind “That Asian Thing.” This documentary is being made to find out why such talented artists haven’t broken over this invisible hump to be part of the lucrative star of mainstream America.

However, as Chien Yuan from Actually, Records has shared with us – sometimes it can be uncool to be in the mainstream. But the measurement of what’s acceptable and what’s not acceptable is just as a mystery to why talent isn’t breaking barriers.

However, (again), as some other previously interviewed artists have mentioned – their talent should know no barriers.

So then what’s right and what’s wrong? This is something “That Asian Thing” is trying to figure out.

As I’ve been starting to write up the narrative overview for “That Asian Thing,” I’ve been getting into little twists like this. Although it can come off as a block in theory development, it’s actually been an exploration in an area that I’m sure many, many Asian American artists have faced before me.

What’s great about this, as I’m a person that welcomes awkward situations because it becomes unforgettable experiences, is that this could either unravel as a beautiful script or a giant typo. I guess we’ll never figure out all the mysteries, huh?

SHOWCASE:

We may have a new venue contender in the midst for this Showcase – Riis Park Auditorium. Now I know what you may be thinking – the park? Are you serious? Well – yes, I am serious because of the fact that you need to take those lemons and stir up those cups to sell at 25 cents a pop! Also the fact that we’re coming down to the wire and we’re down to less than a month. I’m a witness to this new arena and it can be magnificent with a little elbow grease. Once the paper work gets solidified, WATCH OUT! Marketing, ticket selling OVERLOAD! Tell your friends to save the date:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12th from 7 to 9 pm!!!!

FUTURE:

We have a mix of interviews in the rear view mirror while the big show comes our way. The following is your informational portal:

--Miss Mia Park. We met her through the Tatsu Aoki interview. She’ll be drumming at the re:ROOTED concert (July 27th @ 6:30 pm @ Jay Pritzker Pavillion Millennium Park). She’s also part of Chic-a-go-go on the public access network. She’s probably one of the more veteran artists that we’re about to interview. Should be good times and lots of good insight.

--We’ll be doing a follow-up interview with Dr. Romeo Munoz, with his wife, Soly. If you remember, Dr. Munoz wrote the book Filipino Americans: Journey from Invisibility to Empowerment. He and his wife have been very active within the Asian community – especially to newly arrived immigrants from the Philippine Islands. They have been very generous and supportive since we’ve met them. I’m glad they agreed to do another interview.

Please check out these links of future interviews:

--Quartermile @ http://www.quartermiletheband.com/ who have a show at Wise Fools Pub on July 28th. Be there!

--Alexander Selma of the musical Wicked (Chicago)

--my ol'buddy from my Second City days - Robert Biesenbach --a fellow actor within the Chicago theater community that can give insight on the trials and tribulations of getting gigs - check out his blog to get a feel -- http://robbiesenbach.blogspot.com/

SPECIAL THANKS:

--“That Asian Thing” made a blog spot in the well known “Angry Asian Man” website. Here is a .pdf of the entry (as the site gets updated on a daily basis):

http://www.geocities.com/mrbrown19/angry-asian-plug.pdf

Look for the 2nd to first entry under the 07.13.06 date. ROCKIN!! Thanks Angry Asian Man!

KEEP IT UP:

I'd like to thank the generous people that have donated dinero to "That Asian Thing." The list is growing and I appreciate any little funding that comes this way. You'll get your thank you letters in the mail! And please make it out to "That Asian Thing" Showcase if you're in the Chicago area!!

BE GOOD!!

NEWSFLASH

2006-07-04T13:44:00.000-05:00

SHOWCASE NEWS:

An occurance of a misfortunate event has caused us to relocate our venue. Due to circumstances beyond our control, Northeastern IL University has pulled out of hosting "That Asian Thing" Showcase. I repeat:

"That Asian Thing" Showcase is NOT at the Northeastern IL University Auditorium.

Since this is such a tight schedule, I've been inquiring of multiple places non-stop and, since sponsorships and donations are few and far between, I've been hunting for more economical stages. Staying within a low budget is difficult, but not far from having a show with class and style. Per the documentary, we've been able to make more of what is at our disposal. If anyone out there has an inside connection with an inexpensive stage that can accomodate to approximately 200 to 300 people, please email us and your feedback will be acknowledged.

Continuing on - I made a personal appearance at the San Pablo City Association - Chicago Chapter picnic to talk about the film and Showcase. Through donations, I was fortunate enough to acquire a small amount of money. "Hey, every dollar gained is $1 more than zero..." I would personally like to acknowledge their support and thank them for taking the time to listen. (It was also good practice pitching the concept of my movie to a larger audience.)

More emails and sponsorship packages have been emailed and mailed out. Please remember that checks can be made out to "Groovy Ghost Films, Inc."

CONCERNING THE FILM:

As you can see, we've become incorporated (just because it's the "movie thing" to do). Hopefully, Groovy Ghost Films, Inc. will be a bigger production company name in the future. Right now, it's main focus is "That Asian Thing."

This past weekend was a great interview with a big staple in the Asian American community - probably across the nation - Mr. Tatsu Aoki.

Tatsu is very well known in the jazz community as an accomplished bassist and is practically the starter of the Asian American movement in the midwest. As the Artistic Director of the Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival and re:Rooted event, he was very acknowledgable of the ins and outs of "the business." He gave such great insight regarding the community in Chicago and how there's a difference in vibe compared to the east and west coast. Aoki said that the east coast reminded him too much of where he came from (Japan) and the west coast was in the same regard as an overabundance of Asians. He felt that Chicago was just the right medium and a great opportunity to flourish Asian Americans.

Also, through question, he shed light on the struggle of the Asian American as compared to the African American, who has also faced issues of discrimination. When talking about music, he brought up the famous name of Charlie Parker and how there would be pictures of this Asian American man on the piano behind Parker. [Charlie Mingus' mother was part Chinese.]From then till now, who has gained more recognition and respect? As we know and per this documentary, Asian Americans are still few in numbers as far as mainstream knowledge.

Tatsu was also very encouraging in terms of saying how Asian American artists need to stick together to help each other out. And as we taped the re:Rooted rehearsal session, I was approached by drummer, Mia Park. "That Asian Thing" hopes to get feedback from Miss Mia soon enough. "See - don't doubt Tatsu..."

re:Rooted by "That Asian Thing"

PRIOR TO THAT:

Speaking of connections - we also have on film the thoughts of Carly Oishi and Jon Monteverde a.k.a. XYZR_KX.

Carly works with Jon as a singer. Together, they have performed live concerts and have composed good music. She was very down to earth and delightful to talk to. A comfortable interviewee helps to bring up questions that may be difficult to ask other artists.

She talked about the issues that arise from Asian American politics and how it can be overwhelming. This came from one observation that I pointed out while seeing her live at Gunther Murphy's. Her audience was very diverse and wide in range, as far as age and race was concerned. It was different to the other events I've attended as they were more or less 95% Asian American audience to Asian American performer.

In the same regard, but seperate interview, Jon also touched on the same thought of politics. He extrapolated on the thought by stating that it's important to acknowledge one's heritage and racial affairs, however, in order to understand it better one needs to explore other racial cultures. Good point!

Continuing with Carly, we also talked about the Asian American female. The obvious stereotype of excessive sexuality was brought up. She additionally went into detail on how interracial relationships can throw a whole new dynamic for ignorant people to assume. Something funny that she pointed out was the "offering of food" in households. Use to Asian customs to always offer food to guests, she was confused when there was a lack of offer at her boyfriend's home (who is Caucasian). It's all a matter of differences in culture and households...isn't that what we're learning here?

Monteverde was also a relaxing interview as we conducted it outdoors. One of the earlier questions I asked was musical influence. Since Jon has been more involved with electronica/rock music, he went through his multiple phases of who he listened to. A wide range to help develop his own sound, I ask this question to artists to see how they evolve music they know into "Asian American music."

Thank you to Carly, Jon, and Tatsu. Everyone was very accomodating and a joy to interview. I appreciate all your feedback and look forward to seeing you again...

NETWORKING:

"That Asian Thing" has met so many Asian American artists and has found so many resources on the web that it would only be right to acknowledge them. So please check "That Asian Thing" Linx as often as you check this blogsite to see how there are so many Asian Americans making differences.

Also, if you haven't noticed - this blogsite is now the "News" section of the main "Asian Thing" homepage - http://www.thatasianthing.com . SPREAD THE WORD!!

"A little help from your friends"

2006-06-25T22:50:00.000-05:00

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!!

and with these words....

2006-06-17T18:08:00.000-05:00

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!

It's getting hectic now....

2006-06-09T12:25:00.000-05:00

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...

The Pinoy Show!

2006-05-23T08:02:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was full of work towards the documentary and talent show. Currently I am now editing a small preview of the film with the footage I have thus far to post on the upcoming website. Hopefully it can help gain the film some exposure and much needed funding. “That Asian Thing” would like blog readers to remember that these are the filming production notes. It’s sort of like an insider’s journal to seeing what goes into making a personally budgeted, independent film. So here are the important parts that can easily be overlooked:

-film releases. Whenever you’re filming anything, you need to watch your back in terms of having the permission of people you’re taping. You can’t just go and tape any ol’person and then feature them in a movie without them knowing. Doesn’t work out legally and you never know when you’ll be filming a wanted criminal.

-production company. Continuing with the legal mumbo jumbo – having a secure company name to be the entity that produces the film is better than Joe Schmoe taking the fall if things don’t go right. Again, having this will watch your back in terms of money, footage, and professionalism.

-legal and financial advice. If you can, try to get advice on both aspects because making a film is as much of a business as it is an entertainment. You need to know the ins and outs of what is legal to do and what isn’t. Then you need to know financial matters considering how much it will take to make the film, what can be taxed, and how to handle a budget.

I believe these are very important aspects to making a personal, professional type company. And for any info on any of these things, don’t forget that the internet is at your fingertips. Google has become a part of the English language and I’m not talking about the number 1 with a bunch of zeroes after it. I recommend:

Lawyers for the Creative Arts

Moving right along....

On Sunday, we were fortunate enough to attend Northwestern University’s Kaibigan event – the 4th annual Filipino cultural show known as The Pinoy Show (2006). This had a more sincere feel as I’m a Filipino and it dealt with my culture for “That Asian Thing.” Since the inception of the film, I’ve always been very open to all Asian classes and have been (and continue) to get a vast array of them on film. However, as most people can relate, when it has to deal with the race you know so well because it’s yours…well, that’s just some hardy pride. However, I was happy to find some non-Filipinos attend the event. Hopefully we can get a good turnout for “That Asian Thing” Talent Showcase.

I would like to thank Lesley Arca and Jon Maloto for being so helpful with my project. We appreciate their generosity and support! As for the show, I was very surprised how long it felt as opposed to how long it was. Personally, I felt as if time flew by so quick – which usually means a good time. The Pinoy Show featured mostly dance numbers that derive from the Philippines. Better known ones are Pandanggo Sa Ilaw, which is a dance with lit candles being balanced on the head and arms, and then the Tanikling, which is a dance done with rhythmically closing bamboo sticks.

I’d like to applaud Kaibigan on putting up a good show to present to people that aren’t very familiar to the Filipino culture. It was also a good way to teach heritage to some Filipino’s that might not know better. The running theme of the show was the hunt for their image created friend, Paolo Pinoy, thus making the other title of the show, “Case of the Missing Identity.” That Paolo taught us all about Filipinos! THANKS PAOLO! And thanks Kaibigan!

"That Asian Thing" Talent Showcase

2006-05-20T07:56:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, Children of All Ages - now introducing a spectacular event you don't want to miss out on. A one time show featuring an array of talent. A gala of artists performing on one mainstage for a night to remember. The one and only....

"That Asian Thing" Talent Showcase

Working with Mr. Glenn Bermejo of IBU, "That Asian Thing" will put on a show of the artists that have been interviewed. Target Date and Location will be solidified in weeks to come. Please keep an eye open and pass on the good word....

A thought to think about:

-we're currently working on getting more artists to share their thoughts on Asian Americans peeking through the door of mainstream America. For this blog post, we will feature one artist who we've been in contact with.

Ms. Czerina Salud - an aspiring opera singer who has shared her thoughts about American born, Asian decent classical performers. Here's an excerpt from an email speaking of "old money" and how it effects her realm of the arts. Please read through it and think about what she's saying. Check it out:

"Where is the representation of the American born, Asian decent singer?

The one who would walk into a concert hall with an unromanticzed version of what the American operatic institution is about.

The one who knows that most opera in this country is funded by old money and that most old money in this country was made off the backs of exploited immigrant workers (much like their family or ancestors) & slaves.

The one who also has the knowledge that the humanistic values of brotherhood, love & inclusion that many of these operatic composers were trying to explore in their work is, sadly, only available to those who can afford that $100 ticket to the opera. (An idea that may turn them off of opera all together.)

The one who met with resistance from their parents because they needed to pursue a “real” education – not music – if they wanted to survive in the classist and racist climate their parents understood America to be.

The one caught between two worlds & two different value systems, which only enforced how every independent thought or action they ever had failed to live up to the standards of either world.

THAT Asian person is the representation we have very little of in opera – at least not to my knowledge.

And why is that relevant?

Because if the old money with its old prejudices are still in charge of the institution then what does that make its “exotic” little underlings? Is it just enough that we are there or does it also matter that we are regarded as equals? Does it “mean” something when there is a dearth of Asian singers in the opera that may actually have criticisms about how the whole institution is set up because they grew up right along side it?

Maybe Asian-Americans in my generation are just not widely interested in the opera. I rarely meet any people in my age group of ANY race that are. And I do see a lot of Asian-Americans my age gravitate toward more contemporary expressions (like hip hop). But if I were a student of art & social change, the opera is EXACTLY where I’d be looking. It’s one of the oldest institutions in the country & has evolved from being an expression that was once accessible to everyone in its indigenous community to being considered an elitist trapping. I see the future of hip hop barreling toward the same future. As that genre of music becomes more and more commercially successful it seems to get farther and farther away from its original expression (which I’ve always understood to be a voice of triumph for the powerless in society – hmmm, much like the message found in many opera story lines.)

Now, all this aside, I don’t think the situation is completely hopeless. As I am student of my discipline I am, of course, influenced by its teachings. And one thing my voice teacher taught me was that in the operatic repertoire, even in the saddest song, there is always hope. And hope is what I am always rediscovering again and again in this music. Though the institution itself may fall short of representing all the ideals the music brings us – the music is what endures. It’s lasted this long for a reason and has managed to reach across boundaries of race and class and religion and sexual orientation and political affiliation throughout centuries of human progress. How can you not find hope in that?"

----Thank you Czerina! We look forward to getting your thoughts on film.

-More to come people! Also - look out for our website to be established soon. WOO HOO!!

Spring is in the air!

2006-05-04T11:51:00.000-05:00

May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month - as opposed to April being Asian American Awareness Month. To some, it may depend on when the college or university is celebrating and recognizing the efforts of Asian Americans. Personally - 2 months of representing is better than 1 month! So try and check out as many events as you can!!

UP TO SPEED:

Last month's events were overwhelming and full of artistic interpretation. The highlights include:

India Night: -the Skokie Performing Arts Center was packed with South Asian American students cheering for their friends on stage. The last dance routine was astonishing and so fast paced that it was unreal to realize that all those steps could be learned. Bhangra dance was amazing to watch and the use of sticks and eccentric colored costumes made me wish we could establish an aerial shot. The use of small sketches to introduce the acts was a good way to keep the show flowing, rather then just having someone come out and introduce people. (This sometimes causes breaks in a show.) UIC's Indian Student Association even made their own 10 minute Bollywood film. Hillarious stuff and it literally was a 10 minute Bollywood film. Kudos on the editing! The night in general went well and "That Asian Thing" would like to give them a CONGRATS! and THANKS! - especially to Ravi Talati and Shital Patel for their help.

UNTRANSLATABLE!: YAWP - you may recognize this from a Walt Whitman poem (or quoted in the movie, Dead Poets Society). "I too am not a bit tamed, I too am untranslatable, I sound my barbaric yawp over the roofs of the world." This Y.A.W.P. (Young Asians With Power) event was great and very powerful in terms of the spoken word performances. A couple of the YAWPers were very vivid with their imagery and painted this picture of being put down because of their race. Some performances were of identity issues that were faced and of family problems that were learned. These moments sometimes take a lot of courage for writers and I commend them on their ways.

"That Asian Thing" was lucky to see Tatsu Aoki perform there. The jazz vibe made the whole room stand still - listening to great music. Also other talents, which include Xyzr_kx (pronounced "Scissor Kicks") and the atomic shogun herself, Anida Esguerra. "That Asian Thing" was very happy to be a part of this event and grab such great performance footage. We'd like to thank everyone for their cooperation, especially Jed and Anida.

ON THE CUSP:

-"That Asian Thing" is working on multiple projects to obtain on film. Right now, we're working with I.B.U. manager, Glenn Bermejo to try and set up a 3 group performance. On a previous "That Asian Thing" post - we had interviewed Jesch Reyes, member of former group S.O.T.O. (Sons Of The Orient). Hopefully a reunion can be established and a perfomance in Chicago can be obtained. Keep your fingers crossed!

-ASIAN PACIFIC HERITAGE CELEBRATION at Northwestern University:

http://www.northwestern.edu/asian-american/Heritage_Celebration_2006_Poster.jpg

Please support the Asian American organizations and celebrate!!

-Here are a list of websites "That Asian Thing" looks unto for research. Read up on some of the sites and learn of Asian American influences. Also, hopefully it'll help many of you attend some Asian American events that will happen across the nation or Chicago. Enjoy:

http://angryasianman.com/

http://www.angrylittlegirls.com/

http://www.desiclub.com/

http://www.indianparty.com

http://panasia.uchicago.edu/index.shtml

April is....ASIAN AMERICAN AWARENESS MONTH!

2006-04-12T12:43:00.000-05:00

There was a scene in Eve and the Firehorse where Eve is speaking to her sister, Karena, on their walk home from school. A girl was being ridiculed by a bunch of boys calling her "P.W.T." Eve asks her sister, "What's P.W.T.?" And Karena explains to her sister of the racial slur - "Poor White Trash." Then Eve, young and innocent in her questioning, asks, "Are we P.W.T.?" To which her sister simply replies, "Don't be stupid."

This scene can be associated with the fact that we're Asian American and that's that. We're not trying to be a different race because we're simply NOT a different race.

"That Asian Thing" was lucky enough to meet many filmmakers (producers, writers, directors) this past weekend at the Asian American Showcase. Julia Kwan's story of Eve was delivered in a heartfelt storybook fashion. The spoken word and extreme urban behavior in Punching at the Sun showed what it was like for an Indian teenager to live up to the hype of his brother's b-ball playground legacy. Red Doors hit relatable issues within a family that just happens to be Asian American - this is what I loved about the film. Georgia Lee didn't play up to the "Asian" factor but rather to the fact that they follow an American lifestyle. And Bill Tapia's story of his love for the ukulele and his close, somewhat controversial, relationship with his 24 year old manager, Alyssa in To You Sweetheart, Aloha. A documentary that puts commentary on the relationship of people and how outsiders perceive these relationships.

The Asian American Showcase also introduced events that are up and coming as April is Asian American Awareness Month. Working with Anida Esguerra in the past, I was able to get a hold of Y.A.W.P. (Young Asians With Power). Thanks to Jed Dulanas, Apple, and George for helping make this more solidified. YAWP will have an event on Friday, April 21st, called Untranslatable. Please come out and support the organization. It's for a great cause. YAWP holds workshops for teenagers who want to strengthen their voice in writing. "That Asian Thing" will be there to capture some spoken word performances.

THIS WEEKEND:

-the University of Illinois - Chicago's Indian Student Association will have it's India Night @ the North Shore Performing Arts Center in Skokie, IL. I'm excited to get more South Asian footage for my documentary. Sometimes people only associate Asians with the Chinese, Japanese, or Koreans. People tend to forget all the branches of Asia - which also leads to interracial differences. "That Asian Thing" wants to give all talented Asian Americans from different decendents their fair share. Come out and catch the show!

WE'VE GONE PUBLIC:

-If you're in the New Jersey area, please pick up a copy of Exit Weekly Magazine. There should be an article about "That Asian Thing." I'm going to post the article here, but PLEASE pick up a copy to show that you're supporting me. I'd like to personally thank Greg Pallante and Amy Kuperinsky for making this happen. THANK YOU!!

http://www.exitweekly.com/entry.php?id=137

I feel that if the magazine gets a high percentage of pick up for this particular issue because of my documentary, then it'll pick up more coverage or recognition.

PASS THE WORD TO YOUR PEOPLES!!

Yes - more support!

2006-03-31T12:24:00.000-06:00

First and foremost - from March 31st to April 13th, FAAIM and the Gene Siskel Film Center will be featuring the 11th Annual Chicago Asian American Showcase!! GO! I triple dog dare you to! You may even run into me there, filming some Q&A from directors after the viewing of their movie. If you think its me (Jonald Reyes - Writer/Director of "That Asian Thing"), please don't hesitate to say hello.

I wanted to take this time to thank the festival director, Mr. Tim Hugh, for being so cooperative during his busy schedule. Thanks Tim! Hopefully "That Asian Thing" will be a part of the Showcase next year (...it's a matter of how long it will take us to edit...).

I'd also like to thank all the filmmakers who I've contacted and who have responded back. I can only imagine how hectic it may be to promote your film, do interviews, attend viewings, and still answer all your emails. I appreciate the support that I've gotten from many of them. As compliment to my blog and to help promote their project, here are their films and links:

The 11th Annual Chicago Asian American Showcase 2006
[http://www.faaim.org]

Americanese, Written/Directed by Eric Byler
[http://www.americanesethemovie.com]

What's Wrong with Frank Chin?, Directed by Curtis Choy
[http://www.frankchin.com]

The Achievers, Directed by Abraham Lim
this is from the San Francisco Asian American Film Festival:
[http://www.asianamericanfilmfestival.org/films/film_detail.php?i=6]

Asian Stories (Book III), Written/Directed by Ronald Oda
[http://www.asianstoriesmovie.com]

Purity, Directed by Nahee Ahn
[http://www.myspace.com/puritymovie]

Eve and the Fire Horse, Written/Directed by Julia Kwan
[http://www.eveandthefirehorse.com]

Red Doors, Directed by Georgia Lee
[http://www.reddoorsthemovie.com]

To you Sweetheart, Aloha, Directed by Mercedes Coats
[http://www.walking-iris.com/sweetheartaloha/]

Kieu, Directed by Vu Thu Ha
this is also from the San Fran Asian American Film Fest
[http://www.asianamericanfilmfestival.org/films/film_detail.php?i=66]

Puzzlehead, Directed by James Bai
[http://puzzleheadthemovie.com]

Buy tickets now and go!! Hopefully I'll see ya there!

We are Asian American and there's no hiding it...

2006-03-22T12:12:00.000-06:00

Cynthia Lin (http://www.cynthialin.com) Unplugged at the Ridge Street venue was a great success! I want to personally thank Cynthia and all my friends and family for coming out to this fun evening. It rocked and so did Cynthia's performance!

After playing email tag with Cynthia about a live performance, we decided that a small set-up could be accomplished at the house I live at. With some furniture rearranging, candles, and the right lighting, I transformed our living room into our own personal, VH1 Storytellers. All our regular house guests walked in and were amazed at the "new look" for the evening. After some finger foods, mingling, and drinks, we had our first live performance.

Instead of holding a one-on-one interview with Cynthia like I've done with my past artists, I decided to give out questions to my guests and have them ask her in between songs. Something that Cynthia Lin touched upon (which I've posted in a past update) is the playing up or playing down of her "Asianess" to sell records. Her honest answer was - "Well, I'm Asian American and there's no way of hiding that..." and that's what "That Asian Thing" wants the world to know. We, including myself, are Asian American artists and in the lime light we may look different and have different tastes, but there shouldn't be an assumption that all we can do is math or science. Let our art and talent speak for ourselves and like all other artists of any race, give us the equal opportunity to let it shine.

Sorry to get so Asian American patriotic on y'all, but those simple words of not being able to hide our Asian American look made me proud. Proud to be an artist and proud to be an Asian American. Also - to keep going! We, as artists, and NOT just Asian American, need to keep trying to do what we love to do and to not listen to those naysayers that assume that we don't exist. Cause we do exist and a bunch of us are pretty damn good at what we do!

Continuing on - Cynthia talked about multiple things, such as the minimal amount of Asian American artists out there right now and how more and more are becoming apparent, how Asian parents have taught more of their children to go towards the path of better paying jobs, and how artists (like I said before) should let their art speak for themselves.

Cynthia was even cool enough to get to know her audience members more personally before signing the cd's to a name with no personality. That's a very down to earth singer and I whole heartedly applaud her.

Thanks Cynthia!

Unsung Heroes

2006-03-07T15:05:00.000-06:00

Dr. Romeo Munoz - author of Filipino Americans: Journey from Invisibility to Empowerment. He, himself, is an example of his own book (whether he knows it or not). First I would like to say how kind and welcoming he and Mrs. Munoz was to myself and the Wayne. Dr. Munoz was very accomodating and assisted in anyway that he could - to which I greatly appreciate his help.

Thank you so much Dr. & Mrs. Munoz!

Here are some points we touched upon:

--Acceptance. To go along with my documentary and the backroot of how teenagers persuade the masses into what becomes the mainstream, there is a force of acceptance that has to be made. Acceptance in all aspects. There is the acceptance of what teenagers think is cool. The acceptance of people - to have friends and to be welcomed into a group. Then there is the acceptance of recent immigrants who want to be part of this American lifestyle in full nature. They want to be accepted by American society and to receive the same opportunities as everyone else. However, how can you be accepted as another face in the crowd without standing up for yourself through sticking out?

--Education. Dr. & Mrs. Munoz hold workshops for under privileged adults and children that are willing to learn language, history, and culture. There isn't enough Asian American history in the schools to help relieve the ignorance that grabs a hold of people when it comes to purchasing Asian American entertainment. Sadly enough, some people are just not willing enough to open their minds to different cultures and when an Asian American artist tries to nurture their unknowing mind, it becomes very difficult to overcome an invisible barrier. More Asian American education in the high schools can help children of all races get some sort of starting point or new understanding of the "rice culture." Dr. Munoz believes that there should be some sort of bill passed to alieviate this problem.

--Parenting. Dr. Munoz is a very proud parent. He is going against the grain of most Asian parents who have children born in America. He son, Stephen, is someone "That Asian Thing" knows well - he is a musician/singer. His daughter is a filmmaker. Thus, he is the father of a couple of 2nd generation Asian American artists. He and Mrs. Munoz show nothing but support, even if they worry about money matters. Of course, money is always a factor in our American culture and art gets a shaft when it comes to talented people that aren't greatly recognized for it. So I commend these parents for supporting their children and breaking that model minority myth.

I must say - these 2 people are VERY active within the filipino community. Mrs. Munoz even said that they have dinner gatherings for nurses that recently arrive to America. They teach and try to make a difference. Please applaud these two for their efforts and grace....

NEXT IN LINE: Storytellers with Cynthia Lin.

Chalk another one up!

2006-02-28T22:43:00.000-06:00

Another successful interview captured on film this past weekend. The victim: Mr. Stephen Munoz. Thanks for hanging out with us Steve and playing a couple of songs for the Wayne and me! We had a great interview session and Steve was very accomodating in playing a couple of songs on his acoustic. Hit up his myspace website to listen to some of his songs. He's a very versatile musician and never took any formal training, which is a amazing if you were to see him live. Something that we touched upon during our interview involved the upbringing of Asian American children. Stephen's parents are both teachers and he talked about how they taught he and his siblings what it is to be Filipinos and how to embrace their difference. I had mentioned how great that was because a handful of my own peers didn't have that experience due to their parents just trying to provide them with what was best. To some - being in America means trying to be the best American, and with that, losing a sense of Asian heritage.

We also touched upon environment of upbringing. Stephen grew up in a more suburban area and was not surrounded by many Asian Americans while growing up. This influenced him as a person and he even wished he were able to understand what it was like to grow up in a high school where Asian American cliques formed. I had to share my own experiences. Steve continued on to say that his current audience have been more open to his music and haven't severly neglected him due to his "asianess." He related it back to the environment he's in and how they have been more welcoming on his merit of talent. Let him play you some Irish folk songs - "Have you ever heard of an Asian American playing Irish folk songs??"

Thanks Steve - it was a great interview and your insight was very down to earth and genuine.

Next in line, coincidentally, is Stephen's father - Dr. Romeo Munoz. He wrote the book Filipinos: Invisibility to Empowerment. He has mentioned that he's working on a new book that is very close to my documentary. It deals with 2nd generation Asian American artists. I'm hoping we can talk about that, as well as other subject matters. This includes the pros and cons of the model minority label, a stronger sense of identity - especially in terms of younger generations, education, and some methods on how to become empowered. I'm looking forward to meeting Dr. Munoz, especially after talking with Stephen. His feedback should be nothing less than interesting.

ALSO, Cynthia Lin is generously giving a private concert for a few of my friends and family just for "That Asian Thing." We'll be setting up the living room alla VH1's Storytellers - adding a comfortable, relaxing feel to the atmosphere. With finger foods, live music, and close friends - how can you not have a great time?! I'm excited for this event and I urge you guys to check out Cynthia's music and website.

Through Cynthia - I have been fortunate to get in touch with an aspiring Asian American opera singer named Czerina Salud. She has opened up a whole other realm by questioning her art and the impact Asian Americans have made on that. The opera is one of the oldest institutions of entertainment and sadly enough, has been pushed away by the younger audience. Yes - I am guilty of not going to the opera recently, HOWEVER I am not guilty of never going. I have been to multiple performances in my lifetime and found them to be an experience different from other theater productions. As far as how it relates to my film and where it can contribute - think about it - an Asian American opera singer? It's like Steve and Irish folk songs. They're proving how talented Asian Americans are prior to judgement on eye shape, color, or heritage. We're different, yet we're all the same AND IN ANOTHER LIGHT, we're all the same, yet we're SO different.

It'll all make sense when you watch the finish product...

And now this!

2006-02-16T21:17:00.000-06:00

Here we are once again to attempt to release the sounds in an isolated box. A yell that no one can understand. A talent that no one can see. And a song that no one can hear. "That Asian Thing" wants to unite these forces and make it unbreakable and unmistakable that Asian Americans are here, making waves bigger than people can imagine. Its a pool of talent vibrating underneath the visible, mediated normalicy that people are "comfortable" with. These people need to come and seek the new. Once they get a taste of it, there's no turning back....cause simply...

...it's just that good, if not great.

--we have conducted our Stir Friday Night interview last weekend and might I impose by saying how cool these people are! Not all in attendance, but only missing 3 people, the crew provided in-depth stories of how actors can be shun away by their Asian American eyes, how parents can push for a better future than "acting," and how sketches close to the heart can still be funny (etc. etc.). This is just skim milk compared to the whole dish that we ensued that day. The crew in attendance (Harrison, Andy, Melissa, Ron, Jennifer, Foo, and Aimee) gave feedback about how it is being an Asian American actor. Points touched upon were lack of opportunities, a difference of perception and representation, and performing in areas that don't have many Asian Americans. It was all very interesting to hear some of their personal experiences that related.

We talked about their current production, "Yellow," and what process they went through to see how far they can push the envelope in terms of stereotypical humor. "Yellow" had a lot of sexual innuendoes planted, to which the crew explained that as Asian Americans, we're no different from any other race out there. We have experiences in that 'oh so' taboo issue known as s.e.x. And they also talked about sketches that were about assimilation and losing heritage. All great insight...

Special thanks to Jennifer Liu and the rest of the cast of Stir Friday Night. Such down to earth, helpful people in terms of my documentary. I look forward to touching base with them again in the future.

NOW UP TO BAT....

-Stephen Munoz.

-Cynthia Lin.

Listen to their goods on myspace. Get their albums, tell me what you think, and know you won't regret!

AND NOW THIS ARTICLE:

I read this quickie on the Goldsea Asian American Daily website. It's an old article, but still relates to why I'm concentrating my documentary in Chicago. Here it is for your viewing pleasure through the miracle of what they call "copy and paste." Indulge your mind....

"Is Chicago the Most Underrated City for Asian Americans?"
(Updated Sunday, Jun 6, 2004, 11:04:28 PM)

It may be the nation's third largest city but to many AA Chicago is terra incognita. The first question it provokes is, Why would an Asian American want to live there? They are surprised to learn that, in fact, the greater Chicago area hosts the eighth largest Asian American population. Of the area's 8.4 million population, Asians comprise 5.4% or 450,000.

Chinese began settling the area in 1870. Most were railroad workers at loose ends after the last stretch of tracks were laid on the Transcontinental Railroad. More began moving out to escape the extreme anti-Asian racism raging out of control on the west coast until the mid-1940s. Their first visible community was the area now known as South Chinatown on Chicago's South Side. At its height this original Chinatown, centered around Wentworth and Cermak, was lively enough to support 170 restaurants. Now, that number has shrunk to about 43, in part due to various redevelopment projects that cut the area down to less than a quarter its original area.

The new wave of Asian immigrants that began arriving in the 60s and 70s has shifted the Asian action northward. A second Chinatown, populated mostly by Vietnamese Chinese, has grown up around North Broadway and Argyle Street. A few blocks to the west a Koreatown is emerging along Lawrence Avenue. Nearby Devon Avenue is home to thriving South Asian establishments. There's even a small Japanese enclave closer to downtown along Clark and Halstead, right alongside a budding Thai area. These ethnic enclaves give the Chicago area's Asian Americans a tangible connection to their heritages but they are home only to the newest of Asian immigrants. Most established AA have faded into suburbs like Skokie, Evanston and even Highland Park.

Enough young Chicago-area AA professionals and students cherish their cultural ties to support the nation's only Asian American Jazz Festival, a popular annual event that draws healthy crowds. Other AA organizations include the local chapter of the National Association of Asian American Professionals, the Asian American Artists Collective, an AA Film Festival and various student groups based in local university campuses.

Chicagoland AA have begun to recognize the need to organize if they are to avoid becoming political casualties and orphans as during the various redistricting battles of the early 90s. But the Asian population remains dispersed, lacking the concentrations needed to consolidate political power in the form of viable candidates. This lack of concentration is the factor most often cited to support the view that Asians remain irrelevancies in the Windy City's socioeconomic landscape.

Is Chicago really a cultural wasteland suitable only for Asians indifferent to their heritages? Or is it just the most underappreciated city among AA?

Not too far from now....

2006-02-11T16:34:00.000-06:00

...we will have an interview with Stir Friday Night. I'm intrigued to see the struggles that Asian American actors have faced. I'd like to know if they're comedy has hit either a good tone or a bad tone from other Asian Americans. Why would it be bad when they're doing something good? Well, surprisingly, sometimes people perceive comedy in a negative aspect and some might actually view some of the sketches performed by Stir Friday Night as an incorrect depiction of Asian American lifestyles - saying, "we're nothing like that!" However, that's the work of art at its finest - to be able to initiate those thoughts. So, I'm looking forward to getting the crew's feedback about things like this.

...myspace.com has created connections with future interviews. There are communications in the works and right now we have some good prospects arising. "That Asian Thing" has discovered the music of Cynthia Lin - a singer/songwriter in the genre of acoustic jazz and folk. Her easy style and smooth playing reminds people of Joni Mitchell. She responded to one of my emails and enclosed these thoughts about what we need to do as Asian Americans to make a bigger impact:

CYNTHIA LIN WROTE:

"1. let the culture change – this is purely a matter of time. you see more and more young Asian Americans pursuing untraditional careers, and as the 2nd generation gets older, we’ll become the role models for the next generation, who’ll take more risks and make a bigger impact and create more role models, and so on.

2. increase the support network – in my own experience, young Asian Americans are the biggest supporters of other Asian American artists. they understand the struggle, and they understand how important their support is for the future of Asian Americans in the mainstream American culture. building the support network will encourage more risk taking and more ventures to gain visibility.

3. get Asian Americans into the decision-making positions – perhaps this is a matter of time as well. in both the arts and in politics, the few Asian Americans involved and visible are relatively young. as they gain experience and clout, they will be in more powerful decision-making positions."

Hopefully we'll hold an interview with her in the near future.

...we will be holding an interview session with Stephen Munoz. He is also a singer/songwriter. Stephen does solo stuff but also performs with the band, Midstates. I'm excited to see the takes of these solo Asian American artists - who perform in a realm where it is majority caucasian. I'd like to know what they're reception has been by non-Asian Americans and what things they have faced with record companies that try to market them as this Asian entity (without the American part). I'm sure Stephen has thoughts about Asian American art within music and the perception of "selling out" cause he's not a rapper or R&B singer. So, "That Asian Thing" is psyched to meet up with Munoz and grab a little acoustic session on film as well.

...and even more to come later...

Opening the Lines of Communication

2006-01-29T17:56:00.000-06:00

In this new era of communication, there has been a growth in the people that use websites to connect with others by signing up to a Friendster or a Myspace. "That Asian Thing" has created a spot on Myspace and welcomes people to check it out, as well as request to be a friend. We want to grow interest in the cause of this documentary and every bit helps.

Going along with this - we also wanted to throw out an open invitation to artists that feel that they fit the description of our documentary. If you're an Asian American actor, singer, part of a band, or any other branch of entertainment to the masses - please don't hesitate to inquire by email. We're always open to anyone and anything. Remember - I'm always learning new things as this continues on and that's the best part of this journey. Finding new things out and building this deeper sense of pride for my race. I hope you can comply. SO, if you think you can help out - send your thoughts, questions, suggestions to asianthing@gmail.com. We always like hearing from people...

A Stirrrrring Friday Night!

2006-01-25T22:37:00.000-06:00

Yes my friends, after many of you know-of's have asked me if I've had the pleasure of getting in touch with Stir Friday Night....you can betch'er bottom dollar that the "Asian Thing" has documented their second to last show here in Chicago. Thanks to Jennifer Liu of the Stir Friday Night crew, me and the Wayne were able to record a show in front of a packed house. And not only that (dare I say again...NOT ONLY THAT!...), we will be holding an interview session sometime in February with a couple of the cast members themselves.

The show, Yellow, was a very good mix of sketches pertaining to quick Vaudville-like joke telling, quirky singing and dancing, hilarious scenes and relationship situations, ALL dealing with Asian Americans. Stir Friday Night has been around for 10 years - using comedy as their tool to teach people of Asian American stereotypes and myths in the pursuit to disperse them.

I know what some of you are thinking - but, but, but Jiggy Boy...weren't you going to write up a show like this for stage? Well kiddies, who's to say that I can't? People can always hit up the same topics for comedy. It's just a matter of how you approach it and how you deliver the goods. I think I have more of a "dramedy" in my head as I've been jotting down my sketches along this documentary ride.

ANYHOO, I look forward to sitting down with the masterminds behind the show. I'd like to see how their writing process for their sketches went and what messages they had hoped to convey. I'm also interested in their feedback as actors in the theater community here in Chicago - how difficult it is to get gigs where the casting call people weren't thinking of filling a role with an Asian person. Hey - it can happen. I'm sure someone out there can comply.

Sign up for the Stir Friday Night newsletter on their website and be sure to catch their show when it comes around. DO IT!

Music and Art

2006-01-16T11:51:00.000-06:00

Greetings and Salutations,

This weekend was full of documentary work, so let me indulge you with our happenings:

-On Saturday, we had the pleasure of meeting R&B group - I.B.U. (Inspiration By U) at the Hataw Pinoy Television Studios location (a Chicago based television studio used for The Filipino Channel / ABS-CBN ). Filming on a big set was more majestic and such a bigger profile from the other places where we've filmed thus far. But like I've said in the past - footage is footage and we'll take it where we can get it. Through the generosity of their manager, Mr. Glenn Bermejo, for setting up the interview and reserving the studio, we were able to attain the viewpoints of a young pop group attempting to surge into everyone's homes. A point that they made explicit during their interview session was the need for more Asian Americans to support their music. How interesting it is to know that a group that is built on talent rather than racial focus has difficulty getting the interest of their own race to listen to their music. Not that I should assume that all African Americans listen to all music produced by African Americans (or even Latinos listening to Latinos, or Caucasians only listening to Caucasians). But with such a small Asian Ameican population in America, it can get quite difficult to get a good majority of them to pick up the products of Asian AMERICAN entertainment, especially the younger generations - which tend to assimilate with more of what's on MTV.

ANYHOO, the guys were very helpful in getting feedback from their point of view as an accolated group that is still trying to get noticed by a larger audience. Try to check them out live whenever you have the chance. They gave us a live performance and proved to have vocal talents. Thanks to them, Mr. Bermejo, and Mr. Dave Tiu (who we will be in touch with in the very near future).

-Sunday we fell into one of the more insightful interviews I've conducted thus far, with Ms. Laura Kina. She is an artist and an Assistant Professor at DePaul University. Her art work exemplifies Asian American culture. Her feedback was impecable and made me raise more questions after our interview about what exactly I was doing with my documentary. Some points she raised concerning the small impact of Asian American culture in mainstream American culture is that people just aren't looking. Rather than think that there isn't a small impact, there is a bigger impact in front of us more than what we think. Even her home is not far from a fully South Asian/Indian community. Places like that and Chinatown exist because there was a push by people to have their restaurants and stores in place. She brought up the issue of economy, not far in relation to the low population of Asian Americans in America. Laura also talked about history and how her herself has helped to create Asian American history classes available at DePaul University. And the kicker that made me have to turn around and rethink my plan of action was instead of asking why Asian Americans should care about their culture, we should think of why any race should think/care about any other race - sometimes it's just a matter of taking care of our community. Man helping man and letting people be able to say what they want with no difficulties because of race.

And as a sidenote, for all you Asian Americans out there - can you recall the first time you saw an Asian American on television or film? How was he/she depicted? Try to think about it hard....it was really difficult for me. In fact, I'm still trying to think....

Thank you for all your generosity and thoughtful answers Laura Kina! We will definitely touch base again in the future!

-Digest these interviews as we're making ways with more in the near future. Things are starting to pick up at rapid speeds....

HOLIDAY HIATUS IS OVER!

2006-01-02T20:37:00.000-06:00

Fellow "That Asian Thing" followers,

My deepest apologies for being completely missing in action for the past couple of weeks. I did the family thing over the holiday season and time had become limited, therefore updating was scarce. However, things were still in the mix and now that the holiday chaos is out of the way, let's bust out this documentary!! Here's what we got going:

-the Wayne and I had the pleasure of getting insight from the director of Stir-Friday Night's current production, Yellow! - Mr. Brian Posen. Brian is also the executive producer/founder of Chicago Sketchfest (a sketch comedy festival held over a 2 week span featuring over 100 events). He has worked with many comedy sketch groups and also teaches at the Second City Training Center. With a slew of experience and theatrical background, he was able to give us his thoughts on how comedy can be conveyed to pass on a message to people. Mr. Posen also talked about how Asian American performers can attempt to make a bigger impact, especially in the theater community -- basically good shows make people pass on good comments and through word of mouth, more non-Asians would likely turn up to see what the hype is all about. Being a writer myself, I talked about problems that I've come across in writing specific Asian American sketches and how premises need to be more relatable for audiences to laugh at. We dug deep into this and even came to mind stumpers every now and then, but that's what I love about documentaries -- how raw emotions, thoughts, and ideas come out of nowhere. I would like to thank him for his time (especially with Sketchfest coming up soon) and look forward to working with him in the future again. Thanks Bri!

-I.B.U. (Inspired By U) is an Asian American R&B group hailing from Chicago. They are winners of multiple music festivals and have performed across the nation. Formed in 2001, this group is still making their name more prominant in the music industry. I am in the mix of getting together with them and their management to get an insight on the music industry and how Asian Americans are slowly solidifying a face within mainstream music. I hope to touch on any struggles that they may have faced thus far and how non-Asians have perceived them until hearing their talent. I think we can also get an accapella performance on tape too, which I'm psyched for. I love the performance footages! I also look forward to hearing from their management and how the music industry works with "looks" to sell to the public - if the Asian American "thing" helps, doesn't help, or may not even play a roll at all. There should be some great footage in this one.

-Laura Kina is an artist and an Assistant Professor at DePaul University. Her art conveys thought of Asian American identity. Going along with this train of thought, I would like to dip into identity problems that Asian Americans have and what ways we can go about to be more aggressive. Through our emails, she has already thrown out questions of what exactley is "Asian American culture" and what is "mainstream American culture?" Two things that I hope to find answers to (or come close to) along the way of my documentary. She has also touched upon issues of Power and Privilege behind my question of impact or influence. I feel that she will be very fruitful and look forward to sitting down with her to get her words of wisdom.

-Over the break, I received some comedy footage from Mark Britten a.k.a. the Chinaman. His comedy styling comes strong with musical inspiration but he definitely touches on his Asian American heritage. What's wrong with a Chinese guy listening to country music, huh? But seriously, his stand-up is full of music, jokes, and thoughts on being half Asian. I wanted to thank him for his footage and wish him luck on his endevours. I hope we may be able to meet in the future concerning my documentary. Otherwise, thanks Chinaman! Where mah ninjas at?!? HOLLLLLA!!

That's good for now. Don't want you all to spoil your dinner with all this dessert! Things are lookin good and hopefully this Asian Thing will be on lockdown by midyear. Thank you to all the people that have helped me in any way, shape, or form - trust me, you got your little credit at the end of the movie. Thanks!! ...and before I go - HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!

The weather outside is OH SO FRIGHTFUL!

2005-12-07T11:44:00.000-06:00

My peoples - SO sorry to be MIA from updating the production blog but with the winter season and holidays amongst us, scheduling interviews and capturing performance footage is to a lower degree. However, we stay persistant and let the hits keep on coming! Therefore, here's your insight with "That Asian Thing" :

-Many many thanks to Mr. Dobie Maxwell for sitting down with us and giving insight on Asian Americans in comedy. Mr. Maxwell teaches stand-up comedy at Zanies Comedy Club. He's been in the stand-up business for about 20 years and his input was very enlightening. The take I went with this interview touched upon such things as how far can you go with stereotypical jokes, why there aren't that many Asian Americans in comedy, and what Lenny Bruce thinks. Dobie was also very nice enough to let us get some footage of him teaching his stand-up comedy class. So I'd like to thank the class for not being imposed by the presence of me and the Wayne with our solo digital8 camcorder (even though I'm sure they had no clue what we were doing there). Also thanks to Warrick for his assistance and comp tickets to a show at Zanies. Just remember folks, the root of this project is to get the perception of how Asian Americans are in America, so less not forget that in order to get this sort of feedback, you need to interview non-Asian Americans who are experienced in their field. Hence my interview with Mr. Maxwell. His feedback was awesome and very comprehensive, which can totally relate to our topic at hand.

-I'd actually like to thank my family for letting me tape them over our Thanksgiving dinner. This is what I figure about documentaries -- they get a little personal with the person who is in charge of the whole shabang-ah-bang, and in this case that's me. The thing with this is that I'd like to show people what it's like to grow up as an Asian American and reveal some things such as traditions, typical foods, and how we relate with each other. With this aspect, I hope people can understand that customs make races unique from each other and instead of pushing it away because it's the unknown, maybe learning about it will entice a curiosity to try new things. If more people understand the culture, then more people can understand the people, and from that an acceptance can start to grow, therefore widening a slimly opened door to the mainstream. Understand? Good...moving right along...

-with the weather being in single digits of late, on the street interviews aren't looking very promising. I think we'll resume more of this when mother nature lightens up with her winter wand.

-there are more things in the mix, but I'd hate to jinx anything unless it were pretty concrete. However, please believe me as I say that interviews and more footage is being taped. Now if I can only get the flux capacitor to work again...we could travel back in time with our Delorian chugging up to 88 mph....

OH, and as usual - if you have any information with Asian Americans making ways into the mainstream, please don't hesitate to contact me. I will not overlook credit where credit is due. Thank you! (asianthing@gmail.com)

Schools that should be heard!

2005-11-25T03:35:00.000-06:00

"That Asian Thing" recognizes the following schools and their Asian American/International Organizations:

-Salem International University
-West Virginia University
-University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
-University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
-University of Wisconsin-River Falls
-University of Wisconsin-Stout
-University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Make some noise guys and send in your thoughts/opinions!!

The City of Wind

2005-11-25T00:20:00.000-06:00

Thought: Much like many other metropolitan cities, there's a feel to Chicago and the people that are in it. "Outsiders" say that Chicago people are nicer; it seems to be more blue collard; there's more pride for the city; and in the aspect of "That Asian Thing," there aren't that many Asian Americans in the entertainment industry (compared to New York or L.A.). And yes, there are many, many, many Asian Americans in California in general. Therefore, I think another little aspect that I want to have embedded into this film is the Chicago flavor. How being one of the bigger, well known metropolitan cities in the middle of the nation strives to be more recognized. And in this case, how the Asian American population is trying to be more noticeable.

With the Thanksgiving holiday granting more available time away from my day job, I decided to grab some footage of downtown Chicago. I was in the mix of Millennium Park and the Art Institute. Another edition is the brisk weather that Chicago is known for. So my footage contained people with frosted breath and decorated in their winter jackets. I feel really good about the imagery that I grabbed, so I hope that it will play a good role within my film. We'll see how editing treats it when all is said and done.

On the runway:

--We still got Stir Friday Night on the wings, ready to be interviewed (date TBD). We should also be going to get some show footage along the way. As usual, I'm pretty psyched for this (...I pretty much get excited for any good material that we grab).

--It's a little difficult right now with the holiday seasons out and about. For some reason, cold weather makes people a little more sleepy (hibernation sydrome?). So things are slowing down for a bit. Surveys will be out and about.

THANK YOU!! to all people that have submitted a survey about Asian Americans. Please keep on passing it (the email) unto others, so that we can get even more insight and feedback. I appreciate all the help and input. If you know of Asian Americans who you think would be good for this documentary, I'd appreciate you dropping a line with your knowledge.

With this, I just wanted to give a shout out to director and writer, Theophilus Jamal. With all your wisdom and input, you've helped direct me on some leads within the entertainment industry around Chicago. Please check out his latest project, The San Miguel Family Reunion.

Also check out Jenny Witham -- a half Korean Country Singer! Crazy...to think that an Asian American is trying to make it in a predominantly Caucasian music industry. She has music on her website that has the more traditional taste of country and an awesome rendition of Patsy Cline's "Crazy."

Good luck to all Asian Americans who are trying to make their dreams come true...

A productive weekend with footage!

2005-11-20T17:39:00.000-06:00

What did you do this weekend, "That Asian Thing?"

WELL, we...

-partied it up with hip hop group, The Pacifics, last night at Morseland. Primeridian opened up for them and they were really good. Got the crowd up on their feet and set the tone for a flavor of old school rap. The Wayne was sick (so send him your love!) and I was geared with both cameras to capture the scene. I think I did pretty well without the use of the tripod (due to small spacing). I kept one shot on close-up, focusing on each performer, while also taping a wide shot of all performers on stage. Capturing footage of the crowd every once and awhile helps to give the viewer a good feel of how it was to be there. All of this couldn't have been done without the set-up and assistance of their manager, Jona. So I'd like to thank her and The Pacifics for all their help and friendly,down to the earth attitude. Good peoples...good peoples....

-had a sit down interview with Mr. Martin Manalansan, an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His studies include Asian American history/studies, Anthropology, and Sexuality. He had great insight and knowledge of Asian American identity, assimilation, and the impact it has upon pop culture. One of the main points he made was the fact that there weren't many Asian Americans in higher up positions within the entertainment industry, thereby making it difficult for other Asian Americans to excel at "getting that part," "making that record," or "creating that film." More of a difference needs to be made and other Asian Americans out there (even ones that have nothing to do with entertainment) need to help support these artists. A sad truth acknowledged was that in order to make these production companies foundated, there is a need for money. Nothing happens without funds. I brought up the example of what Spike Lee did for African Americans. Hopefully, (if not myself) someone can forefront as big an impact as Spike did.

Thank you so much for your knowledge and expertise Mr. Manalansan!

-got in contacts with Stir Friday Night. Stir Friday Night is an all Asian American sketch comedy troupe. Interestingly enough, one of the plots to my documentary -- to write up an Asian American sketch comedy show. No harm though...as we're always up to making something a little more different and unique. I actually know their present director, Mr. Brian Posen, the man behind Chicago Sketchfest. He also teaches at Second City Training Center. So, I'll be attending one of their performances, as well as an interview with the cast and director. I'm excited to be able to talk up some comedy issues relating to Asian Americans. I also look forward to watching their show. Thanks to Jennifer of Stir Friday Night and Brian Posen!!

-had a roundtable discussion with the Filipinos in Alliance at the University of Illinois at Chicago. This was technically last Tuesday, which was their last general meeting for the semester. They were very friendly students and understood where I was coming from with my documentary. I received very good feedback and was glad to know that there were so many of them. They have a pretty big exec board which shows that many of them are very active and help out as much as possible. Nothing but props and thanks to their president Daryl Blanco for hooking this up. The thing that made me raise one eye brow up was the fact that UIC did not offer Asian American Studies as part of their curriculum because there are so many Asian American clubs/organizations. Don't they know that Asian American studies isn't just sociable interaction, but rather actual education to how we are a part of society?? Hopefully this will change in the future. Thanks FIA!!

AND NOW we welcome the Thanksgiving holiday this week. "That Asian Thing" will still be working to find the truth, so please pass the word and pass some knowledge. Thanks!

And now this...

2005-11-13T21:13:00.000-06:00

First and foremost, special thanks goes out to the South Asian Student Alliance at Loyola University for all their hospitality and great insight. Thanks to Rohit Paul for helping me lead a discussion concerning my documentary. Everyone that spoke had good feedback and were very friendly afterwards. The Wayne came late, but everyone was so laid back that it made for funny and there was no urgency to be super professional. Thanks to Anup Alexander for taking the camera while Wayne was finding parking. Good luck to them for the rest of the school year! Hopefully our paths will cross again if TakeOut Comedy is able to perform there.

Continuing on with college/university organizations, I'll be meeting with the Filipinos in Alliance at the University of Illinois at Chicago this Tuesday. I'm pretty excited about this because I'm Filipino American myself and I'd like to see what the young Filipinos think about the mainstream.

Inquiring?:

-- in an effort to get established Asian American actors, I've sent out emails inquiring if they could give some feedback on the documentary topic. I started with what I knew and worked from there. One of my favorite movies is Better Luck Tomorrow and I decided to work that crew. I started with Parry Shen and then John Cho (yeah, yeah...the Milf guy from American Pie...but more recently of Harold and Kumar fame). John actually has a band named Left of Zed, which I'm intrigued about because he's the lead singer. This means that he should be the more recognizable person in the band and should make people think because he's Asian American. Sometimes record labels like to try to work some kind of angle to amuse the kids in order to sell more records. It's all about conforming to whatever the "norm" might be. And not to leave Parry out of the mix, but he actually has an online journal to which he addresses being an Asian American actor. What a coincidence, eh?

-- magazines are a part of mainstream culture. Therefore, I sent inquiries out to the following: Giant Robot, Generation Rice, Yolk/Chopblock, Jade, Hyphen, Theme, and Ricemen. I'm hoping they have Chicago representatives or perhaps might be planning a trip to Chicago for business. I can definitely get great insight on the inner depths of what Asian Americans are up to in the entertainment industry.

-- going along with the Bollywood thought, I'm in pursuit to see what Aishwarya Rai feels about Asian Americans in mainstream American culture. I'd like to get insight on how it is being one of the more recognizable Indian actresses and how she is transitioning herself into more mainstream films. May I also say...she is one beautiful lady...

Continuing College/University Shout Outs:

-- this weekend, I was only able to send surveys out to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Make some noise guys!!

On the brink.....

2005-11-09T07:50:00.000-06:00

Sorry to be MIA, but documentary business has been working its ways (....I just haven't been around to updating the production notes....mah bad). SO...here's what's on the brink:

--The Wayne and I will be attending the South Asian Students Alliance at Loyola University meeting tomorrow for a roundtable discussion. We have about 15 minutes to talk about the impact of Asian Americans in mainstream culture and in their case (to be more involved with their ethnicity) I would like to talk about Bollywood. Bollywood is very big in their culture and I believe it produces the most movies at a consist level. However, I also believe that there's a format involved and the ingredients involved with "Hindi films" are that they have music, some sort of love affair, and dialogue mixed with regular English and Hindi. This might be a factor as to why it doesn't appeal to a bigger audience. We'll dip into this at tomorrow night's meeting. Many thanks to Rohit Paul for hooking this up!!

--After talking with Zanies, I was referred to the person that teaches their "funny" classes -- Mr. Dobie Maxwell. Mr. Maxwell has helped me get insight on Asian Americans who have attended his classes and who have attempted to pull the funny from their culture. I like this viewpoint as part of my documentary because of the fact that I'm writing up a sketch comedy revue. Dobie has mentioned a few names and even an Asian American comedy troupe. So, I'm gonna follow up on that this weekend and see if I can get a lead into more interviews. Note to self -- credit due to one, Mr. Dobie Maxwell. Thank you sir! Hopefully we'll have a sit down interview soon enough.

--Next week, I'll be attending the Filipinos in Alliance at the University of Illinois in Chicago meeting. I'll be going solo because the meeting is still during normal work hours. This works out well because it will probably be a smaller group compared to SASA at Loyola (Rohit expects about 90 people to show up). A smaller group will be easier to handle though and can prolong the good discussion. Also....these are my peoples! If you haven't figured it out from my prior posts -- I'm a Filipino American. Therefore, I'd like to see how they relate and see how much history they know. Pretty excited for this one. Thanks Daryl!!

--The weekend before Thanksgiving, I have a scheduled interview with Mr. Martin Manalansan. From previous posting, I have mentioned that he is an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. I look forward to getting his feedback concerning the possibilities of why Asian Americans can tend to assimilate with their surroundings rather than stick out to be defined. It relates to an identity crisis and could support theory to Asian Americans needing to be more secure with their tradition in order to help people learn differences between specific Asians. Werd -- intelligence yo!

still kickin' it:

--My cousins/friends and I will be attending the Pacifics performance at Morseland come Saturday, November 19th. If you can go -- GO!

--TakeOut Comedy is making their way to get some performances during Asian American Heritage Month (which is in May, but since college/universities are on their way out during that month, they celebrate it in April....so in a way, we celebrate it for 2 months....woo hoo!). Jami Gong and I have been working to get them out here and make a laugh riot in the city of wind! Stay posted when things get more concrete...

OTHERWISE, I'll be workin on stuff tonight. Like Levar Burton from Reading Rainbow would say at the end of the show -- "We'll see ya next time!"

Stirring up goodies

2005-11-02T23:39:00.000-06:00

The past couple of days have been email collaborations and meeting set up times. The cameraman Wayne and myself are ready for future roundtables, interviews, and on the spot question sessions. Thus in the mix is:

--an interview with an Associate professor of Anthropology and Asian American Studies from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Through the help of Mr. C.N. Le (Asian Nation: The Landscape of Asian America), I was able to contact Mr. Martin Manalansan. I'm very excited to sit down and talk about things that relate to the question of Asian Americans in American culture. This includes things like identity and assimilation. These are areas that will help "solve my mystery."

--still attempting to get the "funny." Chicago is immersed with theaters and comedic havens, so since I'm writing up a comedy sketch revue focusing on Asian Americans, might as well ask the experts about it. Comedy is part of mainstream American culture -- look at shows like SNL, the Chappelle Show, and even South Park. Therefore, I'm now in the search of "funny experts" -- people who have been in the comedy business for awhile (either teaching, doing stand-up, directing, etc.). This will give insight in the direction of 'regular joes' not "understanding." Hence, my association with TakeOut Comedy.

--TakeOut Comedy is in conversation with college campuses in and around the Chicagoland area. Please don't hesitate to inquire if you're interested in seeing these guys perform. Be sure to check out the website and by hook or by crook - they'll be performing in Windy City soon 'nuff!

--roundtable discussions with Asian American organizations at colleges/universities in the Chicago area. I want to see what the future of American society/working world has to say about where Asian Americans are presently. This could give a look at how we are as beings presently and what we may look forward to in the future.

--surveys being filled out by college clubs/organizations. Something about the surveys (N. Naghme inquiry) -- although this is a topic about Asian Americans, my viewpoints aren't ONLY Asian Americans. My surveys help give me feedback from all different ethnicities/races so that I can see how everyone "looks" at Asian Americans. This is why I urge people to forward it on to everyone you know. It's to raise Asian American awareness and realize that "Man...there aren't really that many Asians in regular movies. or music. or t.v. show." Hopefully people will realize that Asian Americans are talented in things that they're into.

"That Asian Thing" recognizes the following schools: Univ. of Wyoming, Beloit College, Marquette Univ., Milwaukee School of Engineering, Univ. of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Univ. of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and Univ. of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Be heard peoples!! Thanks!

Good footage

2005-10-30T23:54:00.000-06:00

SO, first things first -- nothing but props and thanks to the Pacifics for taking time out to talk some Asian American issues. They threw out really good insight concerning why they think Asian Americans aren't stirring it up just yet in the mainstream. Being in the mix of the hip hop world since the mid-90's has made these guys "blue collard" rappers (-Rex). In other words, they've been working hard at their craft while still doing the day job thing. Something that I found to be a pure thought in general was that they're in it to just make good music. When it's all said and done, they just want people to acknowledge their art and by them being them, they're still representing Asian Americans (w/out all that karate, stir fry, or stereotypical ching chong crap).

This was a thought that was initially dropped for my documentary through my cousin, Jesch. If you're into the underground Asian American pop music scene (or were about 4 or 5 years ago), my cousin was an original member of an R&B group named S.O.T.O. [Sons Of The Orient].

The name is now owned by the record label, so he doesn't know the guys who are in it now if you do you're google action. However, he did sacrifice about 2 or 3 years of his life to try and pursue his music dream full time. When I say sacrifice, I mean he literally picked up and moved to Atlanta. He was already a teacher in Florida with a house and everything, but he was in it to grab what was his dream. After their little run, things didn't happen and time was becoming an essence. Let's just say that my cousin is now a highly accolated teacher at his school who recently won a nationally recognized award. Imagine if he used that energy if he and his boys got a shot into the big time...

I commend the Pacifics for still rollin with the punches. They said that there were times when they didn't know what to do in terms of moving forward, but they still stuck with it. And that's what you gotta do -- just keep on pushing forward.

They were really down to earth and easy to talk to. I feel like I got some good footage tonight and already have some thoughts in my head of where to edit their stuff in the whole picture. Again -- nothing but appreciation to Jona (their manager) and the Pacifics. Wayne and I will be hitting up their show on November 19th at Morseland. I urge y'all to do the same!!

BEHIND THE SCENES:

--Multiple, multiple, multiple surveys were sent out to Asian American organizations in Alabama, Alaska, and Arizona. If y'all are reading this -- please drop a complete survey at asianthing@gmail.com . You're werds will be heard and taken account for. Don't miss your opportunity to be part of a documentary!!

Chugging through....

2005-10-25T23:25:00.000-05:00

Of late, I've been doing more research and emailing than physical interviewing. This is because you need to set things up before making moves. I've been contemplating this and figured that I don't want to create one of those documentaries where I instigate people and portray them in a wrong way. SURE, people do bad things in the world, but again, they also do good things and depending on what I show the people, that's how they'll get portrayed. This documentary is like a live essay paper that may or may not figure out why there's some sort of block in the road for Asian Americans. I mean -- we make good music, we can act (uh...some of us...), we can write (...I know I can!), and yet we're still no more than a small speckle in America's mainstream. I'm beginning to venture into an intellectual aspect to this documentary -- identity. Do we stick out far enough to even be recognized as our own people in the mainstream? It's all very interesting actually...

Another aspect that people have thrown my way through email are Indian Asian Americans (Hindu, Pakistani, etc.). Most of the surveys that I've collected have only given input with East Asian American stereotypes, but to some (and associated with college Asian Coalitions) the Indians have been regarded as Asian American as well. I think I want to dip into this thought and associate it with the problem of identity. Read this article on "Who is exactly Asian American?"

Getting into the Hindi scene and mixing with my question of mainstream culture -- I've begun to read up on Bollywood. This is the Indian film industry's push on their format of film (which involves some sort of love story and some singing). With a force like Bollywood, it's actually a wonder why one of their numerous films hasn't made it unto the big screen. At least one of them has to appeal to the masses...no? I personally haven't seen one, so I may be assuming...but it's optomistic assumption!

WHAT WE GOT GOING:

--sent out numerous surveys to random collegiate organizations. HOLLA OUT -- Rutgers University (my alma mater), NYU, and UCLA!! I'm slowly going to hit up this damn nation and get this word out. NO DOUBT! i AM a force to be wreckin wit, sucka...

--got the Pacifics interview. werd...

--doing some production purchases. we need better mics and some camera to computer cables. i'm looking into editorial software. but this is way early...right now, we need to just get as much footage as we can.

--inquiries on the way out to high school organizations, more actors/musical groups, and college/university professors.