SAVING FACE

This Tuesday I'll be keynoting at Oregon State University's APASU Asian American Heritage Event.  It'll be nice to dress up after being covered in dirt/mud/rain/blood for the past 3 weeks of shooting! 

But more importantly, this Friday, May 27th -- the romantic comedy  "Saving Face" opens on both coasts in New York and Los Angeles -- (Boston and San Francisco Bay Area on June 3rd).

You've all heard the spiel before: It's a limited release film that requires huge support on the first weekend in order to survive and expand the next coming weeks -- to send a message out to the studio (Columbia/Sony) and the movie industry that there is a paying audience willing to see 3-dimensional Asian-American characters.  Characters that will serve as molds to inspire future budding writers and directors (see previous entry) -- and to just open and challenge the impressions the public has on Asians in general. 

Don't wait till next weekend to buy a ticket because it just might not be there next week.  And when you watch "Revenge of the Sith" buy a "Saving Face" ticket if it's playing at the same theatre and then hop into Lucas' last installment of the Star Wars Saga -- every little bit helps. 

If it's not it your area, inform others you know in those areas --  it's an easy thing to do towards helping to change the tides... and many hands make light work.     

And it's not a "support it just cuz it's Asian" thing -- nothing I ever mention or publicly plug is ever done blindly.  I have to have either seen it, read it, heard it, eaten it or have had an inside track on it.  And just like "BLT", it was at both Sundance and Toronto Film Fests.  

I saw this film at the VC Film Fest a few weeks ago and it was one of the best films I've seen in a long time.  Very solid from beginning to end and really sweet.  It stars Joan Chen, Michelle Krusiec and Lynn Chen.  

Although Lynn's a relative new face to the game, you won't be able to tell and I'll go on record saying that she's gonna be a star -- and that you guys (and gals) out there are gonna have someone new to crush on.  The interplay between her and Michelle is just perfect -- my favorite is their scene on the balcony learning "how to fall".  Adorable. 

To Accent, or Not to Accent?

Man, I am wiped.

Today was my first day off after shooting six nights in a row.  In sleeping during through the daytimes, I think I've lost a little bit of sleep each day.  So during my one day off, I slept in for like, 15 hours -- many guests had even visited my house, talked to my wife, played with the baby and left without me being none the wiser.

I've got about 3 more nights of this and then I'll be wrapped.  The cool part is that I've yet to see "Hatchet" in full makeup yet since the writer/director, Adam Green, wants to get a shot of an honest first reaction.

And speaking about the director, he's been a very, very cool guy to work with. 

At first the role called for a Chinese Accent that was kind of integral for my character's setup.  However, in my auditions, I did a Bostonian Accent in lieu since my character mentions that he's from Boston.  The director loved the choice but once he booked me for the part, asked if I would change the character back to speaking with a Chinese Accent.

I talked to him about being uncomfortable doing a Chinese Accent and not wanting to perpetuate such a stereotype after "BLT" and that I would not have accepted the part if I had to do so (since I always maintained the Bostonian Accent throughout all my auditions). 

The director entirely understood and immediately made arrangements to take out all references of a Chinese Accent entirely. 

However, without giving away any plotlines, I was able to come up with a solution that was able to incorporate the director's original vision while still maintaining a progressive Asian-American character onscreen -- as well as keeping my self-respect. 

John Cho did something similar when offered his role in "Big Fat Liar".  I remember he was troubled on whether or not to take the role because it called for use of a thick Asian Accent.  His solution: To give a different take on the character (sans Accent) that the producers wound up loving.

I address this during a portion in my speaking engagements:  That the line of stereotypes and racism these days is so subtle and minute.  The obvious situations are hate-crimes and bigotry -- but most of the time it's just plain 'ole ignorance. 

If a certain image or archetype is constantly exposed to a mass audience -- that's all they will know.  You can't really blame them.  And in turn, this exposure also gets into the minds of the future writers and directors of tomorrow.  I've lost out on a lot of parts because my initial choice wasn't to use an Asian Accent for the character.  And no, I wasn't told or forced to do one by the producers -- I just wasn't hired.  And someone who was willing to make the choice of doing an Asian Accent was.  Hence the vicious cycle. 

And what I mention in the speaking gigs is to not be militant or soapbox-ish about correcting people but working from within -- doing your small part when the situation arises, towards changing the way things have been ingrained in our society for decades. 

My stunt double on "Hatchet" (who is Asian-American and has seen a lot having been in the business since 1989) was very surprised when I told him about my request to change the character because he's so used to seeing the path of least resistance taken in such situations.  You usually just wind up just swallowing it and dealing with the lump in your throat later.  But in doing so, ironically makes it that much harder for the same actor in the future. 

In an alternate universe, if John Cho hadn't spoken up on "Big Fat Liar", there forever would've been yet another "ching-chong" example of an Asian character for the mass public to reference.  And say, a budding writer would unknowingly create a similar character based on the stereotypical humor because he was a fan of the film.

But because John spoke up, now that budding writer can't.  And with the adjustment on "Hatchet", that budding writer still can't either.

However, it's also a huge testament to the director, Adam Green, that he listened.  Because he could've just as easily fired me after my talk with him and hired some other Asian kid to replace me.  Someone that probably would've just shut up and taken the money... and the thing is -- I wouldn't even blame the actor for taking the part. 

Because honestly, how often does anyone (non-actors) ever worry about the betterment of their community whenever they're hired for a new job?  Therein lies the rub.  The title of this entry should be changed to... To Eat/Pay rent or Not to Eat/Pay Rent?      

Fanboy

Just to clarify something to many readers, the movie that I am shooting is not based upon the novel Hatchet by Gary Paulsen; read and loved by children over the ages. 

The "Hatchet" that I'm shooting is based upon the Lousinana Urban Legend of Hatchet Face. 

Quite a difference in terms of content when you click on the two links, don'cha think?  Sorry to dissappoint. 

So far the shoot's been going really well and I'm still in the zone of staying up all night and sleeping all day.   And can I just say that besides air conditioning and NYC Pizza the other best thing ever invented is: a wetsuit.  Since everyone gets caught in a downpour the cast has gets sprayed down with water every night we shoot - and the wetsuits underneath our costumes have been a lifesaver.

My favorite part working on any project is immediately looking up the credits of my fellow colleagues and then listening to their on set tales of my favorite films they've been on.

One actress in particular on "Hatchet" is Patrika Darbo.  Patrika is currently a regular on Days of Our Lives but she also played Pam Magnus -- the banklady opening a checking account for John Malkovich in "In the Line of Fire".  Her character meets an untimely death when she can't squelch her curiosity and shut her big mouth.  The scene goes like this:

Throughout the whole scene the audience is just thinking:

"Lady, shut up." 

"Lady, what are you doing?!" 

"ShutUpShutUpShutUp..."  Man, what a treat!

Next up to face my line of questioning: Richard Riehle -- on his exerience shooting "OfficeSpace"...

Then maybe Deon Richmond on his role as Rudy's Pal: Kenny aka "Bud" on The Cosby Show... I could go on with the entire cast but then there wouldn't be much time left for shooting.

The Experiment

Today will be my first night shoot (among 10 more in a row) on "Hatchet".  Since the night shoots will involve running around in the woods/swamp, being rained upon and submersed in cold water on top of a 12 + hour day, I've been trying to figure out how to get the maximum amount of rest.

So last night I reverted back to my college habits and stayed up all night and actually got a lot of stuff done:  Took care of Avery's feedings/changings throughout the night as my wife caught up on sleep.  Sterilized some baby bottles.  Watched "Kill Bill: Vol 2".  Learned my lines for the upcoming shoot.

I finally crashed around 5:30am and just woke up right now around 2pm.  My calltime is at 6:45pm so I was hoping to wake up closer to 4pm.  But the way I figure, most working folks wake up around 7am, go to work for 8 hours and then sleep at around 11pm for a total of 16 hours (being awake) --  which is about how long I'll be up for. 

I don't know why I'm being so "O.C.D." about tallying the hours of how long I'll be awake but I think it's mostly because there are so many unknown factors about how much of a toll all the running around, rain, cold nights and 90 minute roundtrip commute will take on my body. 

It shouldn't be too bad as the production has got wetsuits & thermals for us as well as heaters and heavy coats to toast us up in between shots.  

One great thing about this production is that they really have taken care of us every step of the way.  Each production will always differ depending upon the chemistry and tone the director and crew sets.

When I first got on set, I was greeted by this cool lunch box packed with all sorts of Louisiana Bayou-themed goodies (voodoo dolls, alligator pork jerky, plastic snakes) along with practical stuff like hand warmers, insect repellent, thermos and beanies embroidered with our character's names.  

The bad thing is, being so off-schedule, I'm already getting a little sleepy just writing this entry.  How do people that work the graveyard shift do it?  Not interacting with anyone in the daytime, etc. 

Anyway, worse comes to worse the production has secured some condos near the set if I really need to crash (another thumbs up on thoughtfulness).  But of course I want to get back to the family whenever I can.  To be continued on the results of how wrecked I will be (if at all)...         

Slicin' it Up

A few days ago I finally received the advanced schedule that shows the days and scenes I'll be working on "Hatchet" in the upcoming weeks.  Personally, this is when I can really start working on memorizing my lines. 

From my past experiences, I've discovered it's a poor use of my energy trying to
memorize the entire script from beginning to end.  Each scene in a shooting script is numbered.  In the schedule I just received, it reveals what scenes will be shot on which day and which actors will be needed for that particular scene.

The way I like to work is: Have a good general understanding of the material and make all my character choices ahead of time.  Then I work towards being "off book" (lines memorized) 1-2 days before each scene.  Without knowing which scene is coming up and when -- memorizing everything is just a bit daunting.  

I remember on my first movie, I had no clue about the advance schedule and basically came into work having the entire script down pat.  Or so I thought. 

And as Murphy's Law would have it, the first day of shooting had my character giving a tour of a house and spewing out a 2-page monologue accompanied with lots of blocking (staging) pointing out "this and that" of the house.   Needless to say, the pressure along with the other 50 pages of needless dialogue (at the time) I had crammed into my head -- affected that first day performance-wise.  Had I known about the advanced scheduled and saw which scenes were coming up... I would've focused more on that 2-page monologue the night before.  

I'd compare the process to a Thanksgiving Turkey... you wouldn't eat the entire thing in one sitting, right?  You've gotta slice it up and slowly digest it - one piece at a time.  No different here... unless you're lucky enough to have a photographic memory. 

Barbarians, Heathens and Trash, Oh My....

When I travel to speak, I spend more time than I normally would at fast food places whenever I need to grab a quick bite.  And I've taken notice to a nationwide epidemic at these eateries.

Folks leaving behind their trash.

During a layover at a Las Vegas Burger King last week, a father and his 10 yr-old son quietly chomping on Whoppers happened to catch my eye for a few reasons.  I thought:  1) Aw, what a nice memory for these two.  2) Where the heck are they going that Dad has this kid out at 1:30 am?  3) No way that kid is going to finish that entire burger -- I could barely finish mine!

And surely enough, the kid eventually handed off his valiantly 3/4 eaten burger to Dad.  And once Pop polished off the burger... they both stood, got their luggage -- and left.

Leaving everything you see in this photo behind!

I was appalled and tempted to just blurt out, "So, who are you hoping to clean up your mess?" 

And I've seen even worse time and time again.  Huge families having a grand 'ole time, kids smudgin' ice cream from their faces and directly onto the table.  And when done eating, they simply just up and leave.  I'm talking about at places that have no real official waiter/waitress assigned to service or clean the table (Wendy's, McDonald's, etc) - and the poor schlubs that wind up cleaning the mess aren't ever tipped for it.   

But the part that really pisses me off is that the kids in this whole process learn that this is "okay" behavior -- from their own parents!  And one day hangin' out as teenagers, they'll pass it onto their friends at the local mall's food court and eventually one day... their own kids.  And hence, the circle of crap coming full circle. 

The actual act of parenting isn't brain surgery.  90% of it is just setting good examples to follow.  From observing my wife's students along with my 8 years teaching teenagers:  Chances are if the kid's a little s***, you don't have to look much further than the parents to know why.   

I was always brought up hearing sayings like, "Leave someplace a little better than the way you found it" or "What?  Are your hands and legs broken or something?"

Some may say I'm just more sensitive being a parent now but even while in college, I was always turning off unattended running faucets in the dorms, chastising basketball players for loudly bouncing balls in the community hall and students who just blatantly spat on the floor -- indoors!  On carpeting!!! 

And by no means am I a: monica geller/save the planet/neat freak -- but honestly, where did some of these basic, rudimentary rules of human consideration fall to the wayside with some these people?

This past Saturday I spoke at Washington State University (WSU) in Pullman, WA.  And it was a crazy day.  Here was how the 22-hour itinerary played out:

Why the rush?  Well at the time the reservation was made, I was on "high alert" taking into consideration my daughter possibly being born 2 weeks early.  But with her being born 5 weeks early and already here -- that precaution was pretty much moot... but very exhausting.   I'm still recooping from a fever/chills and lack of sleep.  I'm never, ever going to go on that kind of schedule again. 

And the funny part is, the only reason I'm trying to quickly nurse myself back into good health is because I know I'll get sick in the next 4 weeks shooting "Hatchet" at night... and in the rain.           

So Close...

Long drives have become a staple in my life.  I log in over 20,000 miles/year.  It's something I've come to accept over the years being able to live in an area surrounded by the grass, mountains and away from "Hollywood".

It takes me a good 45 to 60 minutes to drive into Los Angeles for auditions/shoots.  A few years back when I used to work and live at a boarding H.S.- it would take me 1 1/2 hours -- each way.

So when I saw production trailers set up camp at the park across the street from me, I was very excited to say the very least.

I discovered the comedy being shot was called "BenchWarmers" starring: Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider, David Spade, Jon Lovitz, Craig Kilborn and Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite).  With the synopsis being: A trio of guys make up for missed opportunities in childhood by forming a three-player baseball team to compete against standard little league squads.

I immediately got in touch with my agents to see if casting had been completed.  As I awaited their answer, I dreamt of the possibility of being able to roll out of bed and walk to the set in 1 minute (20 seconds if I ran).  Being able to tell the onset 2nd Assistant Director, "If you need me, I'll be in my house".  And getting paid to play baseball!     

But to my dismay, I was informed that casting had been completed and the only roles yet to be filled were the little leaguers to which my agent said, "If I submitted you to play these 14 year-olds, both you and I would no longer be taken seriously in this town." 

Aw man... whatever!    

I'm tempted to show up on set and be an extra, just for the principle of being able to say I did a gig so close to home.  Even though it would be a huge demotion, I'd look at it as getting paid $115 a day for hanging out in my backyard.

THE REEL WORLD

My newly-edited demo reel is finally up on the main www.parryshen.com website.  While my demo's objective in the early part of my career was getting my foot into the door,  I've observed the reels of more experienced actors and learned theirs is to get cast without having to audition.  Therefore you need to have a nice range of your best stuff, while also keeping it short for the attention deficient.

So in deciding scenes, roles where my part was very insignificant or had only a few lines -- had to go.  Unless you want to keep playing the same roles, your reel is to showcase the roles you'd like to continue playing.  So for me, the delivery boy/guy behind the counter roles that didn't progress the storyline were intnetionally left out.  Also, any shows that were canceled had to go as well, to keep it timely.  And any scenes that showcased something already shown on the demo were axed for efficiency; with the rule being--If we've already seen it once on the demo, we don't need to see it again. 

Which left me with the following 5 minute lineup and the reasons why:

-"P" Kermit intro.  (This was something I shot in college incorporating my Kermit impersonation.  I figured it was a unique way to get the reel started.  It's also a good lesson that you can sometimes use stuff you shoot on your own as long as the production values are good.)

-"First Daughter" (3 things make this scene ideal: 1) My character is in control of the scene 2) Having a scene opposite someone recognizable like Katie Holmes is always good 3) The scene has it's own ending.  If you've seen the film, you might recall Katie had more screen time.   But you have to remember that the demo is about YOU and the key to editing scenes on your demo is finding ways to cut/shorten others out and get the focus back onto you.  You don't want to be upstaged on your own reel.  The scene showcased a charming/smarmy side I rarely get to portray.)

-"The Hazing" (A hokey horror film but the production values were very good.  And I also like the performance.  I used this as my "meaty" scene as it almost takes up a whole minute of the demo and I'm framed nicely with a cool camera pan.  Again, if you see the actual film, you'll notice the actress' dialogue is cut out as much as possible while still having the scene make sense.)

-"The King of Queens" (This scene was put in to showcase the comedy aspect.  Deciding to add this scene was a bit touchy because I don't want to be playing grocery boys and the actor opposite me, Jerry Stiller, basically gets the laughs, while I play straight man -- in short, I get upstaged.  But 1) It's a great scene 2) Stiller's recognizable.  3) It sets things up for a great "button" at the end of my reel.)

-"The Privateers" (From a Sci-fi pilot that never took off.  Showcases me as a hip/cool guy in control.  Also, the actor opposite me is Karl Urban - the Russian Villain in "The Bourne Supremacy" and Eomer in The Lord of the Rings': "The Two Towers" and "Return of the King".)

- "Better Luck Tomorrow" or "BLT" (Showcases the romantic aspect.  Sweet interaction with the opposite sex that's not awkward.  I actually could use a better scene but as an Asian male, I rarely get cast as the confident, sexual guy.  So that's something that needs to be added into the repertoire in the future).

- "BLT" (I always loved this scene with Jason because of the way it's framed.  Showcases comedy in a guy's guy, buddy-buddy aspect).

- "The New Guy" (Recognizable actors.  Am the one the scene is focused on.  Showcases comedy and has a nice end to it -- even despite the fact that I am promoting homophobia across the country by saying, "Okay, that sounded gay".)

- "BLT" (Showcases serious/dramatic aspect.  The other guys' dialogue/facetime were edited out as much as possible as well as Virgil's and Han's cussing -- well, as much as could be anyway.)

Then all the cool snippets of my favorite shots that were not long enough to be used as scenes, were put into a quick-cut montage: The slo-mo of me surrounded with the other "BLT" guys, push into me snorting cocaine in "BLT", me dancing/crazy kiss with Zooey Deschanel/getting my butt kicked by Vanilla Ice from "The New Guy", pulling a head off an axe from "The Hazing"... all  backed with an updated, frenetically paced version of "Let it Whip" from "The New Guy" soundtrack that subliminally plays to casting people watching the demo, "Can't you see that I, won't waste you time..."

Adding music is just as tough a decision.  You want something that encapsulates you or what you want to project (fresh, fun, hip) but at the same time certain Top 40 hits begin to grate on people sometimes.  I was lucky with this version of "Let it Whip" because it was recognizable but newer and rarely heard version. 

And then at the end, the scene with Donnie Osmond,  redeems the control of my character from "The King of Queens"-- and brings things back full circle. 

Now a lot of the pros simply just use copies of their film as demos.  For example, Russell Crowe's representation used to just send out copies of "L.A. Confidential".  However, it wouldn't be too prudent of me to do that with "BLT".  There were simply too many good performances from the other actors.  Even though I was the lead character, it was definitely an ensemble piece.  And being Asian-American, even narrows down the field.  If I gave "BLT" to a casting director, I might as well have set up a casting session for him/her!  They'd watch the tape, be impressed with say Jason Tobin's awesome performance breaking down in Han's car and then decide to cast him. 

Now, I'm not saying that hasn't already happened but the point is: If you're taking care of your career, you don't need to be tooting everyone else's horn.  That's the other actor's own job.  And that should be the underlying focus as you develop and select material for your reel. 

Those starting out will obviously not have as much material.  It's all baby steps.  You'll know when you need one.  I didn't have a reel until I did my first 2 gigs.  Sure, the entire tape was all "Caroline in the City" and me playing a delivery boy but it was several good scenes.  Using parts from a well produced independent film is a good source as well.  1-2 minutes of it is just fine. 

Just don't do the ole' "reciting a monologue/scene into a camera on a tripod" -- it never, ever looks good.    

BACK HOME

So I'm back from my Speaking Engagement at Aggieland (Texas A&M).  Having not having done a speaking gig since November, it took a good 30 minutes before I got back into the groove of things.  But all in all, I think it went pretty well judging from this xanga post:  Reaction 1.  (Btw, everyone says, "Howdy" around there - even the automated voice in the elevators!)  Thanks for bringing me out Aggies!   

As most readers know, I log my journeys into my mental rolodex through the indigenous/local food I consume on that trip.  So, Texas A&M will be forever be where I had my first FreeBirds Burrito.  And as a service to future patrons of this eatery, I will pass along the wisdom that was passed onto me: Do not unwrap the entire burrito or it will fall apart. 

Instead, slowly unwrap the foil in a clockwise or counter-clockwise (your preference) as you consume said burrito -- just the way you would a pack of LifeSavers™.

And I received some good inside news last night from a buddy who subtitles DVD's (Btw, he types wicked fast!) when he told me he was working on the "Tru Calling" Season 2 DVD.  Which means more residuals in the near future!  Score!  To be able to squeeze a little something more out of that gig -- which buys me more time not working and more time with Avery.  (Fun Fact:: If any of you saw tonight's "Tru Calling", you might've picked up on actress, Lizzy Caplan's character name:"Avery" -- which is exactly where we got our daughter's name.) 

I have been snapping so many photos of her and I've dubbed my latest 2 artistic pieces: "E=MC²" and "Creamer", respectively.

 In "Creamer", you can actually see her exasperated expression going, "Alright Dad, are we done yet?"