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!