Review of 2009

So we're almost a week into the year 2010.  2009 came and went by so fast I only now had the opportunity to sit down and think back on the events of the final year of the naughties.............

I had mentioned countless of times how difficult it can be as an actor/performance artist trying to carve a career in Ireland.  Many would argue the same could be said in other parts of the world, but I assure you the opportunities for an Asian (and actors in general) in Irish productions can be far and few.  Plus when you don't possess certain qualities equal to many of the talented talents you find here on AnD, odds can sometimes be really against you to maintain a stable living from what you love to do.........

Being able to reflect back on my year 2009, although I did have my ups and downs, it was certainly a year I really felt like, "Wow, I am a serious working actor!"    Not that I had ever doubted myself before, but in this industry (particularly in Ireland) chances of being constantly active is hard to come by.  I have been fortunate enough to have had numerous opportunities and kept relatively busy throughout 2009, gaining valuable experience, making new friends, and basically enjoying what I do for a living!

I hereby share with you a review of some of my highlights in 2009:

"A-TEAM" (Irish style)TEAM Educational Theatre Company's revival of the awarding winning play Jumping On My Shadow was a real blessing.  I was offered to return on tour for the role of Josip and there guaranteed at least 5 months of work in the start of 2009!!

It gave me the opportunity to work with a whole new cast and crew, giving me a fresh prospective on a production I had worked on for 6 months the year before!  And I also enjoyed touring around the country, allowing me to visit and take in the countryside of Ireland I wouldn't have done so otherwise.  Many beautiful parts of Ireland I had discovered from this experience, and some particular fond moments in Clare. 

Many new friends were made from this tour, and they'll certainly be treasured as much as the the ones I've made from the previous tour. 

Get me to the finest "Clinic"!!!

In July I landed a role in an episode of possibly Ireland's finest drama series The Clinic.  The chance to work on such a high-scale show (of an Irish production anyway) and to appear opposite former Bond girl, Allison Doody was definitely most welcomed

Okay, so in the final edit I was close to being reduced to a blink-and-you-miss appearance..........  But I'm still proud to say I did appear on one of Ireland's most beloved shows!!! 

Welcome to "Jed Wood"!July also had me filming for my feature film debut in the production, A Kiss For Jed Wood.  Regardless of the size of the role (and what it involved! ), I was pleased it was the first time I had landed an actual speaking part for a feature film.  And it was a real pleasure to work with the beautiful and talented young leading lady, Jayne Wisener.A Kiss For Jed Woodis expected to be released sometime in Spring/Fall 2010.... (at least that's what I last heard....) 

I wanna make my "Crib"!!!In 2009, I finally got the opportunity to make my very own kung fu action comedy, Crib of Death!  Never would I have dreamt it would actually happen so soon and in so short space of time, but thanks to Tequila Mockingbird Productions and all the hard working people involved we actually made something I know I can be proud of....! 

The teaser trailer for Crib of Deathcan be viewed here:

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VkcsB_25YA

It has been a tough and hard process making this short film, but one that I would value highly as an extremely fullfilling experience. 

It's a while to go yet till the final product is available to be view by the public.  Our director/editor/co-writer, Craig Woods is still hard at work with the post production.  He is currently a man seriously in demand in the real professional world and truly deserves to be too.  Outside of his work schedule, he worked over the holiday period to bring me fresh rough edits of the fight scenes to be reivewed, making me wonder if the guy even celebrated Christmas and New Years!?!?!    He is a real trooper, and Crib of Death wouldn't have happened without him. 

Although I am now in Toronto and away from the rest of the production team, I am delighted to still have some involvement in the post-production process with the aim to achieve and create the best action short film that we can.  There are bound to be moments I would wish we had chance to do again, but in the end I hope Crib of Deathwould have been worth the wait and people would get some enjoyment out of it.......  Watch this space for further news..................... 

To live and dine in Hong Kong.....It's not like I have never been to Hong Kong before, but my trip in 2009 was definitely one to remember....!!!  Although I have always enjoyed my trips to Hong Kong in the past almost like a tourist, my most recent stay in the country on October 2009 would have proved how much I felt at home.    I really obsorbed the culture and lifestyle, enjoyed the tasty food (like I always do! ), and thanks to AnD I got to know, to meet, and to work with many artists I never thought a guy coming from Ireland would have...! 

With one of the original ALIVE boys (men), Terence Yin.

The always lovely Yu Yung Yung.

A big shout out to Big Mike Leeder, a true gentleman and all round nice guy in and outside of the industry.  Thanks for the sound advices and hilarious stories!  Shall enjoy lunch with you again some day! 

Verteran actress and TVB star, Nancy Sit Kar Yin!   

And for those I actually had the honour and pleasure to work with.....

The lovely sisters, Race and Rosanne Wong. 

The always in demand CB FRESH crew, the talented Derrick Fong and ultra busy man Simon Yin.  Great guys to be around, extremely hard workers and they deserve every attention that they get.

A special mention for my buddy, Rob Lok.  Many thanks to him for bringing me onboard the project with 2R, giving me the opportunity to work in Hong Kong and a taste of the industry there.  It's been a real pleasure, and may we hope to work together again some day............. 

2010....???So 2009 has been quite a thrilling ride.  AlivenotDead had since become quite part of my life too!!!     I would like to thank the fans and friends for all the support I have received through this site.  You guys truly make the difference....     And maybe if fortunate has it I would have the pleasure to meeting some of you people out there in future..........  

I just realized I'm speaking as if this is gonna be my last blog ever...!!!  That is certainly not the case, as it is only the beginning.....  Beginning of a new year..........  What may it bring...........? 

Well it's a journey I look forward to exploring.....    Onwards and upwards 2010!!! 

Peace & Best Wishes,

Alan