February 25, 2005
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So Close, Yet Still So Far…
As you may have read from the Feb 15th entry, I’ve been prepping the last two weeks for my upcoming test date for a new NBC show called, “The Book of Daniel” that has a 
great Asian-American character as a series regular.
Everything was set. My agent negotiated the series contract, the terms on what I’d make per episode, relocation details, etc. On Wednesday, I was scheduled for a “work session” with the 2 other final picks — which is a rehearsal of sorts, with the producers and director there to iron out any kinks before you go in front of the Network Executives. Then on Thursday I was to go in front of The Studio (Sony) and then Friday to The Network (NBC).
So,
I went into the Wednesday work session with pretty much the same performance I did two weeks prior. The lead actor playing my adopted dad, Aidan Quinn, was there to read opposite me alongside the casting director. After my read, I was instructed to play the character a bit more “cool/natural” and not force the comedy as much. I did the read again with the adjustments and soaked up all the notes the director and producers had to give.
On the drive home, I was relieved to get all that input for the following day’s testing appointment.
And just as I got home, ready to reconfigure my audition by incorporating the adjustments, my agent calls to inform me that the producers just called him and said they were not going to bring me in to test for Sony and NBC – at all.
My agent mentioned that they said my true age played a factor (damn you, IMDB!)with an ongoing debate between the creators on how old this character should be (16-20 yrs.) but no other reasons. So I’m still in a tizzy over what happened in that room for them to be absolutely positive on the spot that they didn’t want to go any further with me after a work session (which is pretty unheard of… but allow me to be the first) – did I just really sucked so bad or didn’t take the adjustments well enough?
But honestly, I gave them the same performance that originally made me one of their final choices and felt I took the adjustments pretty well. But maybe: 1) I’m Delusional. And/or 2) Somewhere along the way, another actor changed the producer’s outlook on the take of this character, which was not anywhere in line with what I presented. I don’t know. I’ll let you know if the show gets picked up, so you can check it out as a bookend to this entry. Afterall, it still should be a really great show and the Asian-American character will hopefully break some barriers.
Although the project would’ve provided much needed creative stimulation and some luxuries (ie: the wife being able to quit work and stay home with the baby) — ultimately it’s not the end of the world and I ‘ve still got a baby girl coming into this world in a few months and a wife that loves me – so it was a ‘win-win’ no matter what happened. 
SideNote: As I’m nearing the one year anniversary of this online journal, I sure hope somebody’s getting something out this because I sure as heck have no idea where this crazy business is going to take me next. All I know is that there’s gotta be lessons along the journey. Right?
Comments (27)
well…. it probably wasn’t your acting skills… but just how you look…
you look damn older than 16-20.
LOL sorry dear!
but thats the truth.
well, to tell you the truth… you dont really look like a 16 yr old…. i could see the 20 yr old though. well, good luck, something will come along soon! and as for the xanga… it’s been great, i’ve gotten so much out of it…. your work is not in vain. and the Asian American International Film Festival in San Francisco is coming up soon. Michael Kang has a film that they’re showing. You should come out. I really want to meet him…. $40 for the reception. yikes! but it would also be great to get his autograph on my BLT dvd! haha! well, all will come when the time is right. take care of yourself. <3 Leanne
Don’t feel bad, Parry. Perhaps there’s something bigger AND better that’ll come your way. And besides, like you said before…you’re blessed in so many ways. (ie soon to be daddy, a wife that loves you, xanga fans that stake out just to be the first to read your entry…) It’s all gonna work out in the end.
you’ll see.
Hey, Parry, here’s my 2 cents from being the guy on the other side of that table,
I know that it sucks to not know why you didn’t land it. But I am sure that it is not because of lack of talent. They called you back because you have talent. If you walk in the room more than once it is because they recognize you have the chops.
But the reason you don’t get the part can be completely arbitrary — from inner producer politics (i.e. I know that if I cast this guy’s son’s gay lover, I will be able to cast these other three parts the way I want) to no matter how talented you are, you just don’t match the rest of the project (and that is not something you can do anything about). I know you already know this from your voiceover post — when you walk into the room, the casting directors, producers, writers, etc. are putting those same labels on you as they do when you put together your voiceover reel. If they are trying to sell Coke and you are Pepsi, it just isn’t going to work out. It has nothing to do with talent. And ultimately, it’s good for you, because the worst thing that could happen is you go on national TV and star in a show where everyone goes, “Why the hell did they cast this guy? He’s Pepsi!”
On a personal note, it broke my heart everytime I had to say no to every actor that came in and auditioned and especially the ones that I called back because I know the reason I called them back was because I saw they were talented. The deciding factor always came down to the fact that they just weren’t right for the part (but I remember them all and when I end up doing something for Pepsi, they are the first people I am going to call). I know it is little consolation because you just want to work, but don’t worry, I know you won’t take this event personally and you will definitely get yours in time. Keep on rocking.
by the way, congrats on the baby!
it’s grea to that u still have a good outlook on life!! of course it would have definitely brought luxuries, but u have 2 of the best and most important things in the world! love and a different kinda love!
good attitude! it’s good to see you’re not putting all your eggs in the show biz basket.
hi parry,
this is my first time commenting on your blog. i’ve been reading it fairly regularly and just wanted to say that i appreciate the time you spend sharing with us. i’m asian-american too and like hear your stories of how you’re trying to keep your career going. i’d like to see more of “us” in the media, so i’m rooting for ya!
Sorry you didn’t get the part, but I’m glad to see that you have such a positive outlook on life..I’m going to have to watch this show now to check out that character, they’d better not pull another ‘Kung Fu’ and hire an ‘Asian-looking’ white guy =P
…actually, if they do, that’ll make you this generation’s Bruce Lee…
the life of a professional… will i ever grow the brains, the heart, and the balls to go for it? you keep me interested.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.. i was REALLLY looking foward to you being in that series AHH!! but i love your blogs and i’ve learned SO much from reading them. Thank You so much~
you have a very interesting life. keep it up. i enjoy reading your blog.
I was going to say something strident and mean but my wife stopped me.
We both are Korean Adoptees and for me this is the “Story of My Life”.
We both grew up in the ’60s with white parents in a white world.
I know white people inside and out.
That’s not funny. Its scary. Trust me. If you only knew the truth! (lol)
AWWW, Parry ! MAN ! I wished you had gotten that role ! NBC…..a great network to work for….and if it was a hit, you’d be set up for awhile with good income. Anywho….still would be a good show to catch and like you said to break down more barriers. I guess as they say, back to the drawing board…… I believe things are meant to be…..maybe something bigger is brewing on the horizon !
HAPPY XANGA ANNIVERSARY !
i would agree. you just look older than a teenager. honestly. the truth.
Aww keep your chin up Parry! Your blog is incredibly helpful to aspiring actors like me!
aw man. that blows… i second everything posted above. meanwhile, your blog is great. keep on keeping on.
Love ur journal entries!! *~eProPz~* Holla back. Later~
hey mr. parry shen
Better Luck Tomorrow was one of the best movies i’ve seen in my life. the acting was very realistic, and i liked how it didn’t go overboard on the drama. i’ve already seen it 4 times. i can never get sick of it
favorite quotes:
“When you have everything you want, what’s next? You can’t help yourself for being happy, that’s a trap…..Everybody needs a wake up call…..time to break the cycle, gotta break it”
Parry, don’t worry about whether anyone gets anything out of your blog. If most of your readers are like me, they enjoy reading it for all the insight into the business and just for your take on things. I always find it interesting and well written. Keep up the good work! (BTW, just wondering, what do you think of HBO’s Unscripted, if you’ve seen it? It’s not a reality show but seems to blur the lines between reality and fiction. Seems to give a realistic view on actors’ lifestyles but maybe you can share some thoughts coming from a real actor.)
your website serves a great purpose, so i hope you will always keep it up…. have a great rest of the weekend!
i think your true age should have no barrier cuz you definitely look like a highschooler in blt. it is acting, afterall.
some good is better than no good. =)
I’m getting something out of this. Recently, I read an article in class about film and television that are notorious for disseminating images of racial minorities which establish for audiences what these groups look like, how they behave, and in essence, “who they are.” Hopefully, the character that you might portray will not generalize Asians.
xanga is good for one’s health! i promise ~_^ i personally love reading your xanga. i think it’s dope that you take time to write all this stuff out for others to read. keep it up! btw, i have a postcard i need to send to you.. i can get your mailing address again from your website, right?
ok, i think i got it… gonna send it to the PO Box 274 address. thanks again for being such a dope guy ^_^
ok i am really disappointed! ok, how old is John Cho? he was in freakin american pie. Not to hate on John but ain’t he getting close to 40 now. Ok, i exaggerate. But remember 90210? freaking Gabrielle Cateris was 30 playing a 16 year old. ANYWAYS! Maybe they wanted to go with an unknown? This is bullsh&t. You should find some investors and start your OWN production company. That way, you can be choosier in the roles you play or even create your own acting opportunities? Just an idea. There are alot of Asian Americans, and I’d sure like to see more of us in the “media” instead of just same roles over and over again.
Don’t feel bad. I am sure everyone in the United States have been declined employment. I couldn’t even get a job at McDonald’s when I was 16. How sad is that?
I’m sorry you didn’t get the role, the sillyheads don’t know what they’re missing out on!! But at least you’ll have time for your daughter when she’s born
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