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!
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