Jennifer Betit Yen
Actor, "Recovering" Attorney and Author
  • Home
  • Press
  • TV/Film
    • TV
    • Film
    • Commercials
    • Hosting
    • Interviews
    • Readings/Theatrical/Stage
    • Voiceover
  • Photos
  • Media Links
  • Bio
  • Publications
  • Ethical Is Beautiful. Be Beautiful. A Blog.
  • Companies
  • Contact

What's Your Story?  Part 7:  Christina Jun

1/12/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Thanks to a generous grant from the New York Department of Cultural Affairs, the Film Lab has commissioned a special project to highlight the works and voices of amazing new filmmakers across the country.  I am thrilled to be able to use this blog to help.  This innovative project involves sharing the works, stories and voices of diverse filmmakers using their art in ways they feel will effectuate positive social change.  The featured artists have independently created works and are committed to sharing and collaborating with other like-minded artists. 
 
I'm delighted to be able to share the insights of writer and director Christina Jun.  Christina has competed several times in the 72 Hour Shootout, consistently placing among the top films.  Listen to a few words from Christina here and read on to hear what she has to share:

1.  In a short paragraph, please tell us a little about yourself, your background and your work.
After earning my B.A. in creative writing, I moved to NYC to pursue a career as a theatre actor. I was fortunate enough to work with theatres like the Miami Theatre Center, the Goodman and the New American Theatre. Simultaneously, I wrote and directed a number of films, which earned screenings at multiple festivals including the Asian American International Film Festival and HBO's Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival. Two years ago, I made the switch to directing and writing full time. I am currently an MFA candidate at USC’s School of Cinematic Art and recently completed the theatre directing summer workshop at the Yale School of Drama. I current reside in Los Angeles.
 
2.  What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of your work and why?
I think the most challenging aspect tends to result in the most rewarding aspect of my work. Because my films are often Asian American or female centric, a lot of hurdles can arise in the process. Everything from casting to distribution is more difficult because you have to dig a little deeper to find the right collaborators and platforms. But the most rewarding aspect is when you’ve completed the film without making any compromises and having kept the integrity and your intention for the story intact.
 
3.  How do race and/or gender and/or diversity play into your work?
Race, gender and diversity are the driving forces behind everything that I do and this exists in my work in two ways. First, because I’ve been in the industry both on and off camera, I am acutely aware of the lack of representation in both areas. As a result, I make it a point to find the appropriate voices to tell each story that I am working on. For example, if it is a female-centric story, then both talent on and off camera will reflect this.
 
Ironically, the second way race, gender and diversity plays a role is the blatant opposite of this: complete color blind casting and hiring.  When a story is nonspecific to any gender or race, I cast and hire the best, most talented cast and crew regardless of their ethnicity, sexual preference or gender identity. What happens as a result of this is a gathering of unique and diverse artists that strengthen the story in ways that I could never have pre-planned if I had sought out a specific cast/crew based on gender or race.
 
4.  What are the best and worst things that have happened to you, within the context of race or gender issues in entertainment, and what did you learn from them?
By 2012, I had been a professional actor for roughly 4 years.  Though I had worked on several theatre productions and commercials, it was evident that in a majority of them, I played stereotypical Asian characters like, the manicurist or the concubine. The auditions I was called in for were no different. In the rare case that I auditioned for roles that were not Asian or Asian American specific, I usually didn’t book it. I remember often questioning my own talent and wondering if I would ever be good enough to play anything but stereotypes.

Then in that summer, AAPAC NYC released an article (read it here) with a statistic that reflected a mere 3% of the roles in the past five Broadway theater seasons went to Asian American actors. This works out to 54 roles of the 6,639 that were cast.
 
This was the best and worst moment of my career. I realize for the first time how dire the situation really was. I think before seeing the numbers, it was more of a vague feeling rather than a concrete understanding. But it made me realize that first, I wasn’t the problem but rather the industry that I was trying to maneuver in. Secondly, it made me realize my true goals as an artist. It became evident that this brick wall I was up against was a battle that a majority of Asian and Asian American actors were fighting and that as a writer and director, I could do something about it. That was the beginning of my shift from working on-camera to behind the camera full time.  
 
5.  If you could share a single sentence of advice or insight for others in the entertainment business, what would it be?
If you’re in this business, you’ve clearly chosen a life of art and expression over practicality. So, DON’T COMPROMISE and never let the current shape of the industry dictate your voice and vision.
 
6.  As you know, AAFL TV promotes works that seek to effectuate positive and constructive social change through the medium of film.  Do you think filmmakers have an obligation to create diverse and/or morally and socially conscious content?  Why or why not?
Yes, because film is not purely entertainment. The portrayal of communities and people in film/TV directly contributes to the society that we live in. For example, I played a Chinese character in a theatre production in Miami where there is little to no Asian community. After a show, a Caucasian woman approached me with her adopted 3-year-old Vietnamese daughter and asked if she could meet me as she has never met an Asian woman in person before. The mother was concerned that because of the lack of an Asian community in Miami, her daughter would never have a tangible access to her culture. I believe Film and TV have the power to bridge this void and absence of identity and culture in our society. With authentic representation, Asian and Asian American culture and people would be more accessible to our society and stereotypes and misconceptions would be eradicated.
  
6B.  What are the biggest challenges you face as a filmmaker and how do you deal with them (please list only non-criminal means of dealing with said problems)?
I think like many independent filmmaker, financing and exposure is the biggest challenge. But as an Asian American, female filmmaker, I believe the industry is making a great effort towards inclusion. So there are countless grants, labs and initiatives available that will support you in cultivating your vision.  

7.  What are the most sage words of advice you can offer to new and emerging filmmakers?
Take everything with a grain of salt. Every rule that you learn may not work for you. So definitely take the time to understand how things are done but don’t forget to figure out how they can work for you.
 
8.  Does your advice change at all if I ask you to focus on women and/or minority filmmakers?  If so, why and how.
I would also add that though the feeling of being disadvantaged or marginalized because of your gender or ethnicity is completely valid, what you do with it is completely up to you. It’s important to understand the current state of the industry that you are a part of but never let that be a reason to be discouraged. Rather, let it be the motivation behind the stories you tell: so you can change the game rather than be its prisoner. Every time someone tells you your Asian American centric story isn’t relevant because it’s niche and has a limited audience - instead of giving up or compromising your vision, let that be the reason why you tell that story. So that through it, you can broaden the audience and make Asian American stories mainstream.
 
9.  What is the single most fun moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry?
I think I have the most fun when I am directing on a set where there is great artistic chemistry among the cast and crew. Because though I believe what we do is vital to the progression of our society, at the end of the day, we are doing what we are most passionate about: storytelling. So, it’s important to enjoy the process and not take it too seriously.  
 
10.  What is the single most obnoxious moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry?
I often find myself in conversations with straight Caucasian men about the difficulties of being a minority woman in the industry. They counter the conversation by saying that they wish they were a woman or a minority so they could have a specific voice. These are, hands down, the MOST OBNOXIOUS experiences I have on a regular basis. Because this solidifies the misconception that they are not participants to the issue at hand. That discrimination, stereotypes and just the sheer lack of representation is our battle alone. When in fact, it is an issue that everyone should contribute to, in fixing.
 
11.  What lies ahead for you in terms of the entertainment biz?
As a director and writer, the subject and story are what attracts me most. Because of this, I find myself drawn to a variety of projects including fiction film, documentary and theatre. In the next few months, I will complete a short film, begin production on another as well as start development on a full-length play. 
 
12.  What does the phrase "Ethical Is Beautiful Be Beautiful" mean to you and your work, if anything?
It means to not compromise your integrity or your vision. Often it’s tempting to accommodate or abide by how the industry currently is because it’s easier to not make waves. But standing by your beliefs and acting on them in a steadfast way is vital to the growth and progression of both the industry as well as our society.

Want to learn more or connect with Christina?  Check out her SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Website: www.ChristinaYRJun.com
Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user7779014
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stinajun/

0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Jen Yen

    Actor, Author, Attorney
    www.jen-yen.com

    Book cover image

    The Ethical is B ...

    Jen Yen

    $12.95

    Buy Now button

    Archives

    December 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    April 2022
    October 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    Acting, Writing & Producing
    Activist Thor Guest Blog
    Amplifying Underrepresented Voices in Film
    Arts & Activism: Why Representation Matters
    Audition Disasters
    Achoo Moment

    Cre8ing in Isolation
    Hint of an "Asian American Accent"
    Immigrants:  We Are Them.  They Are Us

    In Defense of Eddie Huang
    Just Noise
    Marci Phillips on how to Enjoy the Ride
    Movies to Watch

    Multi-Sum Game
    Production Journal: Stone Soup
    Production Journal: Prison Sandwiches

    Thank You
    The Opposite of a Fairy Tale
    Welcome to the New Normal

    What's in a Name?
    What's Your Story?  Paul Leach
    What's Your Story? Alex Chu
    What's Your Story?  Kiyun Sung
    What's Your Story?  Sean Lea
    What's Your Story?  Myra Sito Velasquez
    Wha's Your Story?  Allan Tsao
    What's Your Story? Christina Jun
    What's Your Story?  Kevin Chew
    What's Your Story?  Katherina Filaseta
    Words Matter:  Remarks to Filmmakers
    ​  

    Beauty/Health
    Barrier Creams to Protect Skin
    Beat Inflammation

    Beauty
    Beauty Bars To Go

    Brightening Toner
    Chocolate Cake w protein and NO flour
    Clean Beauty Sans Plastic

    Coconut Oil Skin Therapy
    Ditch the Plastic

    DIY Accupressure
    DIY Beauty
    DIY Eyelash Strengethener

    DIY Natural Household Cleaners
    DIY Scrubs
    DIY Skin Brightener
    Eating Organic
    Energy 
    Energy Bars to Go
    Fashion

    Facial Masks in Your Kitchen
    Forward 
    Garden/Green Space
    Herbivore in Hawaii
    Holistic Health

    Just Noise
    Lead
    Marci Phillips on how to Enjoy the Ride
    Medicinal Plants of Costa Rica
    Meditation & Stress Relief
    Nickel Allergy Food, Skin Care & Cosmetics 
    Oh My Skin!
    Oils for Your Skin
    Organic Eating

    Outstanding Oils
    Plant Based Eating
    Plastic-Free Beauty
    Recycling
    Serendipity in a Cup
    Save The World
    A Shorter Save the World
    Traveling and One's Face
    Vegan in Vail
    Water, Keeping it Potable


    Food
    Adzuki Beans
    Beauty Bars To Go
    Calamari, Vegan
    Carrot Cake
    Cauliflower Pizza Crust
    Ceviche, Vegan
    CHEESE, for the Love of
    Charcoal Drink
    Chinese (Vegan Dim Sum) Food
    Chinese (Veggie style) Food
    Chickpea  and Quinoa Combo
    Chocolate Cake (flourless w protein)
    Chocolate, Hot
    Crab Recipes, Vegan
    Crackers 
    COFFEE!!

    Comfort Food
    Cookbook Author Charity Bratz
    Crispy "Rice" with sweet "sashimi"
    Detox Bars To Go
    Detox Drink
    Dim Sum in NYC

    Easy Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake
    Eating Organic
    Energy Bars To Go

    Foods to Fight  Inflammation
    Herbivore In Hawaii
    Holistic Health

    Hosting a Vegan Wine'n Cheese
    Hot Chocolate
    Best Baked Potato Ever

    Bok Choy Mushroom Stir Fry
    Let's Eat
    Marci Phillips on how to Enjoy the Ride
    Meat Lover Guide to Delicious Noshing
    Medicinal Plants of Costa Rica
    Mofongo 
    Nickel Allergy
    Nickel Allergy Cookbook
    Octopus and Calamari, Vegan
    Organic
    Pasta Alfredo
    Pizza 

    Plant Based Eating
    Plated:  An Environmental Nightmare
    Protein-Packing for Dinner
    Protein Crispy Rice "Sashimi"
    Rice, Crispy
    Sashimi
    Scallops, Vegan
    Seafood, Vegan

    A Shorter Save the World
    Shrimp, Vegan

    Souvlaki
    Squid, Vegan

    Strawberry, Thyme & Lemongrass Tart
    Summer Sips and Snacks
    Sushi
    Thanksgiving

    The Best Nom Noms
    Vegan Brunch
    Vegan Dining in NYC
    Vegan in Vail

    Vegan Mexican
    Vegetarian Thanksgiving
    Water

    Yummy Deliciousness

    Gender
    Activist Thor: Guest Blog
    Arts & Activism: Why Representation Matters
    Beauty
    Bitch
    Cre8ing in Isolation
    #FemicidioEsGenocidio
    Just Noise
    Me Too ... Part I
    Me Too...Part II
    MeToo...Part III:  If You See Something, Say Something
    Micro-Expressions of Sexism at the Gym
    Normalizing Gender Based Violence
    Playing with the Boys
    Real History
    Sorry Not Sorry
    The "Myth"(?) of Women Backstabbers

    Interviews
    40 by 40 with Jennifer Gabriel
    Alex Dabagh, Upcycled Luxury Totes
    Cookbook Author Charity Bratz

    Cre8ing in Isolation
    DIY Beauty Tips from Jackeline Velasco
    Holistic Health w Dr. Anna Folckomer
    Immigrants:  We Are Them.  They Are Us
    Marci Phillips on how to Enjoy the Ride
    Meditation Tips from Lisa Barcelo

    What's Your Story?  Paul Leach
    What's Your Story? Alex Chu
    What's Your Story?  Kiyun Sung
    What's Your Story?  Sean Lea
    What's Your Story?  Myra Sito Velasquez
    Wha's Your Story?  Allan Tsao
    What's Your Story? Christina Jun
    What's Your Story?  Kevin Chew
    What's Your Story?  Katherina Filaseta
    ​

    Race
    Are You Angry?
    Arts & Activism: Why Representation Matters
    Amplifying Underrepresented Voices in Film

    Colorblind
    Cre8ing in Isolation
    Did He Deserve It?
    Does Race Matter?

    Hint of an "Asian American Accent"
    Immigrants:  We Are Them.  They Are Us
    Immigrants:  Homeland by April Xiao
    Immigrants: Not Quite by Ada Cheng
    Immigrants: Home of the Brave by Avantika Rao
    Immigrants:  George by Riti Sachdeva
    Lhasa Apso by Roman Sotelo
    Immigrants:  A Story by Rosa Soy
    Immigrants:  A Story by Valery Valtrain
    Immigrants:  Us me vs. Them ME by Widelyne Laporte
    Immigrants:  No, I'm OK

    In Defense of Eddie Huang
    Normalizing Gender Based Violence
    Real History
    Remedial Race Education
    The Math Professor who Gave Me a Back Massage
    What's in a Name?
    Who is Chloe Wang and Does it Matter?
    #YellowFace
    Welcome to the New Normal
    White Supremacy, The Irony of
    Words Matter: Mirror
    Words Matter:  Language


    Reviews
    Airbnb
    Health Care: Forward
    Mirror
    Movies to Watch
    Renovation
    Restaurants


    Travel & Adventure
    Airbnb
    Allergic to Delta
    (aka Allergies and Air Travel)
    Costa Rica
    Eco-Friendly Commuting
    Herbivore in Hawaii

    Kilimanjaro
    Santorini in 4 Parts:
    Santorini I:  When and What to Bring
    Santorini II: The Food
    Santorini III: Adventure
    Santorini IV: Relax and Spa
    SeaWorld:  An Open Letter

    The Maldives
    Traveling and One's Face
    40 before 40
    Vegan in Vail


    Misc Mayhem
    A Despot for the Holidays
    A Lobster Tale
    A Love Letter
    Animal Experimentation

    A Shorter Save the World
    Atonement
    Catching Kindness

    Chemical Catastrophe
    Chemical-Free DIY Household Cleaners
    Christmas Lesson
    Closing the Loop: Plastic and Luxury Bags
    Consumer, Thoughtful
    Ditch the Plastic
    Don't Hurt the Baby - Animal 
    Experimentation
    Don't Let Cruelty Kill Kindness

    Energy 
    Eco-Friendly Commuting
    Friends
    G19:  When Subtracting Adds to the Whole
    Garden/Green Space
    Je Suis Charlie
    Just Noise
    The Knockout Renovation TKO
    Larry Lee on Father's Day
    Movies to Watch

    My Mortifying Victoria's Secret Swimsuit Moment
    No, I'm OK
    Ode to Nice People
    Oils for Your Skin
    Raymond Betit, The Family Man
    Recycling
    Save The World
    SeaWorld:  An Open Letter
    The C Word
    The Safety Pin and the Nazi
    The Soldier Poet
    Upcycled Luxury Totes
    Welcome to the New Normal
    What's in the 
    Water?

    Other Categories

    All
    Acting
    Writing & Producing

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.