"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!!
November 25, 2005
The City of Wind
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...
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...
November 20, 2005
A productive weekend with footage!
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!
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!
November 13, 2005
And now this...
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!!
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!!
November 09, 2005
On the brink.....
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!"
--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!"
November 02, 2005
Stirring up goodies
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!
--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!
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