July 27, 2006

• “Finishing The Game”

  
  

  For several years, Justin Lin has been working with his long-time UCLA Film School friend, Josh Diamond, on a script called, “Finishing The Game” — a mockumentary set in 1973 about the call to arms for Asian Stuntmen to finish the film “The Game of Death” after Bruce Lee died – having just completed 12 minutes of the film.  (Ironically, this is what exactly happened 20 years later when his son, Brandon Lee, died while filming “The Crow” in 1993).

  
  

  And for years, Justin said he would bring back all the ”BLT” boys for “FTG” and having me in mind for this great part — to play an American Vietnam Vet who is mistakenly left for dead by his American comrades when injured on the battlefield, thinking he’s a Viet Cong.  And he wears a glass eye. 

  
  

  Last month, I finally got the call that the project was actually going to happen and that I’d be shooting during the first week in August!  

  
  

  “That’s Awesome!”  I said.  Followed by, “Wait… when does it shoot?”

  
  

  They always say in this business, if you want to book a gig — just book a un-refundable vacation and it’ll be guaranteed you’ll book something to shoot during that time.

  
  

  And it happened just that way. 

  
  

  The one week I was to shoot my scenes (mind you, my schedule’s been free since January) was in direct conflict with my one week family reunion in Toronto where relatives from Hong Kong would be flying in.  Family outings were already planned for the week.  My Grandmother would meet her Great Grand Daughter for the first time, etc.

  
  

  A few years prior, I’d probably just cancel the trip but now as a Dad – priorities change.  My Grandfather passed in Nov without ever meeting Avery and there was no way I was going to let something like that happen again by changing plans last minute. 

  
  

  So a few days ago, I shot a tiny cameo appearance for “FTG” where I play an Asian-American Activist – Robert Chang, President of the N.I.A.A.C.T.J.C.K.V.A.A. making an announcement at a press conference.  Here’s me in full costume and hair.

  
  

  It was a great time and so much fun to see everyone again.  Even though it’s a small part, I still wouldn’t change anything and there’s always the next one (which I’m not saying anything for the record – but could possibly be one already in the works ).

  
  

  The only thing I’m jealous of is not being in on all the inevitable stifling laughter that will occur behind the monitor when these guys do their scenes. 

  
  

  Everyone’s back for this one: Roger Fan, Sung Kang, Jason Tobin, John Cho with Leonardo Nam and Brian Tee - and a bunch of A-Listers, who I’m not allowed to mention as of this entry, that wanted to be a part of a Justin Lin project.  It’s going to be a hilarious film with an underlying social commentary as well.  The plans are for a Sundance submission in time for the ’07 Festival in January.

  
  

  However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that none of this would have been possible had pioneers such as Mako (who passed away this past Friday) not paved the way for us.  Check out his performance in 1966′s “The Sand Pebbles” if you haven’t (for which he was nominated for an Oscar) — really progressive stuff in terms of Asian performances captured on screen.  Thank you and rest in peace, Mr. Iwamatsu.

  • 5:21 pm
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