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 fabulous filmmaker Kevin Chew! Like the last several featured artists, Kevin has competed several times in the 72 Hour Shootout, consistently placing among the top films. Listen to a few words from Kevin here and read on to hear what he has to say!
1. In a short paragraph, please tell us a little about yourself, your background and your work
Actor turned filmmaker and stay at home Park Slope Chinese American Dad. I love everything about movies so I've devoted my life to it. Acting credits include The Blacklist, Step Up 3D, Blue Bloods and Caesar's Palace Atlantic City commercial where I met my wife on set. Award Winning 72 Hour Shootout films include "One Chinese Dude," "My Two Faces," and "Good Morning America."
2. What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of your work and why?
The lack of Asian roles limits my opportunities so it's a privilege just to be able to get an audition. And when you get the role, that's when the fun begins.
3. How do race and/or gender and/or diversity play into your work?
It's an obstacle that I try to make something positive out of.
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?
The best and worst thing is getting cast for a role without auditioning for it. Being the token Asian is sometimes the only way in.
5. If you could share a single sentence of advice or insight for others in the entertainment business, what would it be?
Make your own path because no one else is going to do it for you.
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?
They need to represent the reality of the world.
7. 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)?
Having no budget is a challenge so I try to use it as a strength.
8. What are the most sage words of advice you can offer to new and emerging filmmakers?
Being resourceful can unlock your creativity.
9. What is the single most fun moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry?
Seeing my character's name on my dressing room door, having a stand in, stunt double and a translator and getting to shoot a gun on "The Blacklist"
10. What is the single most obnoxious moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry?
Meeting one of my heroes and realizing that he's kind of an ass. Maybe he was drunk? Maybe I was kissing his butt too much?
11. What lies ahead for you in terms of the entertainment biz?
Apply for late nite tv show writer.
12. What does the phrase "Ethical Is Beautiful Be Beautiful" mean to you and your work, if anything?
It's the world we live in!
I'm delighted to be able to share the insights of fabulous filmmaker Kevin Chew! Like the last several featured artists, Kevin has competed several times in the 72 Hour Shootout, consistently placing among the top films. Listen to a few words from Kevin here and read on to hear what he has to say!
1. In a short paragraph, please tell us a little about yourself, your background and your work
Actor turned filmmaker and stay at home Park Slope Chinese American Dad. I love everything about movies so I've devoted my life to it. Acting credits include The Blacklist, Step Up 3D, Blue Bloods and Caesar's Palace Atlantic City commercial where I met my wife on set. Award Winning 72 Hour Shootout films include "One Chinese Dude," "My Two Faces," and "Good Morning America."
2. What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of your work and why?
The lack of Asian roles limits my opportunities so it's a privilege just to be able to get an audition. And when you get the role, that's when the fun begins.
3. How do race and/or gender and/or diversity play into your work?
It's an obstacle that I try to make something positive out of.
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?
The best and worst thing is getting cast for a role without auditioning for it. Being the token Asian is sometimes the only way in.
5. If you could share a single sentence of advice or insight for others in the entertainment business, what would it be?
Make your own path because no one else is going to do it for you.
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?
They need to represent the reality of the world.
7. 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)?
Having no budget is a challenge so I try to use it as a strength.
8. What are the most sage words of advice you can offer to new and emerging filmmakers?
Being resourceful can unlock your creativity.
9. What is the single most fun moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry?
Seeing my character's name on my dressing room door, having a stand in, stunt double and a translator and getting to shoot a gun on "The Blacklist"
10. What is the single most obnoxious moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry?
Meeting one of my heroes and realizing that he's kind of an ass. Maybe he was drunk? Maybe I was kissing his butt too much?
11. What lies ahead for you in terms of the entertainment biz?
Apply for late nite tv show writer.
12. What does the phrase "Ethical Is Beautiful Be Beautiful" mean to you and your work, if anything?
It's the world we live in!
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