Yeah, I'm not sure if I have mentioned this before.... But back in 2005/2006, I worked on a student action film called "The Setup."

There are been a lot of changes and problems we encounter during pre-production, but neverless. We were able to pick up pieces, re-arrange the scrīpt, and completed the shoot. Now, the Director finally finished editing the footage and uploaded them online.

There are scenes shot in the winter of 2005, and then scenes shot in Spring/Summer/Fall 2006. So don't be surprise if you see my hair changed from Short to Long and back to Short. (It's always easy for the GIRLS - they just have to tie their hair up and then they looked the same. My hair grows F A S T.)

The Setup Movie Trailer: Theatrical Version

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6 Part 1
Chapter 6 Part 2
Chapter 7
Chapter 8


To be honest, I didn't like my acting too much in the film, at least, in the scene shot in 2005. (Compare Chpater 3 to Chapter 8, You will see a difference). I didn't have enough experience under my belt, and I wasn't committed to the role, and to the scene.

So, watch the movie for it's entertainment value, not for MY acting. (Julie Jei protrayed the character Yumiko in the film... She was sooooooo good and dedicated to the production)

Seriously, I have met so many cool people in the production, and some I still keep in close contact with. :)

Right now, I'm aiming to do more theatre projects before the end of this year. (If I'm lucky, I might be able to do two shows!) Tonight, I have an audition for The Tale of the Black Veil 6. (I know, it does sounds like a Erotica Reading, isn't it?) But I did a little research and found some online videos of the past show. It's actually a collection of monologues/scenes/1-Acts involving characters who are Vampires, or those who are their Lovers/Victums/Supporters/Hunters. Very interesting. I know for sure, that I will have fun doing to cold-reads with them. I have never done a Vampire-character piece before.... So, we'll see.

*** Got offered a small (but fun) role for the short film "SEXTREMITIES" (Deidre Britter Dir.) - Production date TBD....

Well, a wrap for my scene.

It was definately a hot, hot, hot, and sweaty night for everyone. (No. I'm not talking about orgy.) There were lights, fog machine, equipments and a bunch of crew stuffed in a living room... Of course it'd be hot and sweaty and humid.

One of the HIGH-Note of the evening, was seeing a familiar face on set. Mr. John Hudar, whom I previous worked with in "Passengers of 7d," is the DP for "Mi Amor for My Family."

Everyone has a different style when they are working on set. When you are familiar with someone's style, it makes things easier on set. (Plus the actors will have more confident on the scene, without having to think about how he/she will look on screen) John is very professional and knows his stuff. Some might find his style and sense humor a bit 'uneasy.' But that's just how he works. And he produces quality work, there's no doubt about it.

I have to say, overall, the scene went pretty smoothly. Personally, I struggled a bit in staying with the character during the first few shots. I'm not sure why... Maybe it was because I had a long time at work... Or that I just couldn't focus. (I did give myself space and time to prepare... But appearently, that wasn't enough) I tapped into the character easier during the rehearsal than the actual filming... It was not until later in the evening, I was able to maintain and really involved myself within the story. The Director (Andre Maffioletti) seemed pretty stressed in the evening, and I didn't receieve any directions from him (in terms of character work, not physical positions)... I really hope that I gave him enough...

This Sunday, I have some pick-ups to do for Megaman. (Yeah... I'm not done with the film...) Oh, did I mention that there's a new message board for Megaman?! Plus an awesome banner featuring ROCK (protrayed by the super talented Jun Naito).

Definately, it has been a while since I last update this blog. Well --- the news is, that I have gotten a new day job. A corporate position - lots of paper work, lots of typing, lots and lots of spreadsheets and this and that and more.
It's driving me nuts.
But hey, it helps to pay the bills...

N-E-Ways, this Sunday will be my last day filming Megaman. So, that will be a wrap for my part - I've also recently finished my last scene for Chinadoll. I'm going to miss everyone in the production...

*AHEM* But wait, don't think that I have nothing to do next - for those of you who knows me... I'm always out there auditioning and working... Right now, I'm involved in the following projects:

Mi Amor for My Family (Web Series)

An urban drama centered on Michael, a young Hispanic man who, due to a disastrous turn of events finds himself struggling in between fighting the state of NYC to keep the custody of his two sisters and the lure of a criminal life that can bring in enough money to save his family, but rob him of his liberty and humanity in the process.

I got offered a principle role of "Luke." Who originally was written for a Non-Asian cast. But I guess I looked thuggish enough at the audition, I landed the role.
But did you know that when I submit my headshot & resume, it was for another part? (well, the only part that I could submit at the time)
At the audition, I as offered two sides with character names that I didn't recongize.
One is for a WHITE BOY, and the other is a JEWISH MAN.
But neverless, the audition was great - I was in a great mood. Mentally and Physically, I was ready.
"Luke" only has 1 scene in the series - but it's a very - very - very - good scene. When I first read the updated part in the scrīpt, it got me very excited. I started to do my "Actor's Homework" right away. It will be a challenge though, because I have never done a scene like this. (Similiar character, but different choice)
If everything turns out well, it wll definately be part of my reel.
I will be filming the scene in the 2nd week of August.

Once the web series is available to view online, I will defiantely annouce it to the world - and will be looking for your support to the production. (Did I mention that the producer and the director are super nice? And *VERY* professional.)

Concerto (Short Film)

'Concerto' Shot on Super 16, Sets built and provided by Sets and Effects A highly stylized, hypothetical 1950's sci-fi idea of a modern future, a society on the brink of a Golden Age. 'Concerto' follows a young applicant, Brice Windsley, pending acceptance into Codones, the elite Institute of Modern Sciences; the future of health. A utopia/dystopia exploration of ambition, bureaucratic red tape and the pressing matter of progress- a social commentary on complacency, obedience, and the perversion of science in mankind's quest for ultimate control.

If you haven't check out the website, then you should. The beautifully concept art for the film really made you wonder... how exactly this film is going to turn out visually?

I also got a principle role, but it's more of a scene within a scene in the scene. Uh, does that make sense? I mean, my scene will be part of a "Television" program that will be played on a Television in a particular scene.
To be honest, I'm very lucky and greatful to be offered the part. I did not like my audition at all. The audition required the character to be very energic, like a bomb about to go off. However, the day job drained me, plus I had another audition before this one.... I really had to dig whatever that was left in my body to perform... I didn't feel real at all...
I will also be filming the scene in the 2nd week of August.

Kari Kari (Short Film)

Independent film series by Swiss student filmmaker
Experimental film project with global theme, taking a cross-cultural look at immigration, identity, visibility and personal space.

Yes. I have a principle role in this film. Several rehearsals have took place, and we are aiming to film in late August or early September. Believe me, the film involves a HUGE cast - and a LOT OF things going on at once. Just within the scene that my character will be involved, it's already a handful.

The director is still looking for more ASIAN MALE Actors to be part of the ensemble. If you are in NEW YORK, and fit the descrption, and like the idea of an experimental film, please send your headshot & resume to: djarriamedia@yahoo.com and tell the director that you're referred by me.

Well, that's it... 3 projects and probably will all be done by the end of August.... ah...

Today, I had the pleasure of watching my friend, Pauline Cheung, performing her first Cantonese off-off Broadway show, "My Others."

It is so rare, to see a production that consist equally "star power" of both Asian actors in their senior age range, and the younger ones. Personally, I really enjoy watching the more mature talents performce, because they bring years of experience, solid training, and emotions to the stage - to the character.
As for other actors, it's always see how they're able to bounce off the energy of their co-stars, and bring something to the table.

With limited budget, I think the show was well put together. The scrīpt is very neat, and story line is easy to follow. (And YES, they have English Sub-titles)

So, if you are interested in the show, and want to support a low-budget fun performance, please.... please check it out:

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My OTHERS Playwright/Directed by Kit Sing Chao



Returned home from the Spring break one day, Lily, a quiet and reserved girl who has a hard time communicating with her father, found him sleeping on the couch. Or did he? According to her aunt, Lily's father has been killed recently in an auto accident. So who was the person she just saw in the house? That night, while she was cleaning up her father's room, a stranger appears - her mother's dead twin sister. Through this unacquainted relative, Lily is able to travel back in time and witness the events that took place after her mother's departure up until her father's last days. The haunted experience has helped Lily to expel the demon that has been living inside her, and finally resolve the differences between herself and her father.

Showtimes:

July 25 (Friday) 8pm
July 26 (Saturday) 3pm & 7pm
July 27 (Sunday) 3pm

Admission:
$12.00, senior citizens half-price
(Print out this poster and bring it to the box office, you will get $2.00 off)

Location:
Flamboyan Theater
CSV Cultural Center - The incubator of the arts
107 Suffolk Street at Rivington
New York, NY 10002

Direction:
Located at Lower East Side of Manhattan between Rivington St. and Delancey St.
(By Train:) F train to Delancey St. or J,M,Z to Essex St. Walk to Suffolk St., then make a left.

For more information regarding Four Seas Player, please visit: http://home.4seas.org
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Pauline's performance was great. I thought she did a wonderful job protraiting a ghost from the ancient past. Her movements, gestures, and expressions made her character believable.

I was shocked that after the show, when she greets me off stage, she asked me for my opinoin with her performance. I was very flattered - since I'm not really a stage actor, and definately not at the level to "coach" other actors. But I find nothing wrong with her performance. (Not that she's my friend or anything. I'm a very straight forward person, if someone asks me for my option, I tell it the way it is)

She told me that she couldn't get her tears to fall during a certain scene. (In rehearsals, she was able to turn on the flood gate and let everything go out)

My first instinct was, "Spirits don't have tears." And I told her that. I mean, after people die, all liquid within our body are either extracted, or dried up. How could a corpse cry?

One of the actors, she told me, cried during their scene.

I said... "I didn't notice."

Paulne: "He had tears."

Wayne: "Pauline, I was sitting in stage right, 4th row, right behind the person who does the subtitles. I didn't see tears. He looked white." (His character had WHITE theater makeup on his face)

Pauline: "You couldn't see?"

Wayne: "Nope. He's supposed to cry?"

From my personal point of view - Being able to cry (on cue) doesnt' prove an actor is professionally trained, or a 'real' actor. I mean, after all, this is a show, not a crying contest. If the tears come naturally within the character during the performance, then let them flow. But don't force yourself to cry. It doesn't work that way. (Plus, for stage performance, it's hard for the audience to see if a character is crying or not from far away. Tears are more effective for TV/Film close-up shots... but for Theater.. I think the focus should be voice projection and movements ---- yes yes yes, feel free to disagree with me)

Quoted from my acting teacher, Sande, that when you're on stage, you "live" in the situation. You express whatever it is, that *you* are feeling - in the content of the scene.

I think Pauline had no idea that her performance really showcased the years of training she had. She needs to have more faith in herself. I mean, she didn't realize how natural her movements were? The way she placed her handkerchief below her cheek, how she tilt her head side-ways... I personally think she outstaged her peers on stage.

Unfortunately, our team (Team Daft) did not make it to the top 10.

There had been high expectations.

There also had been lots of prayers.

But none of them were met, during this past Sunday's award show.

I know that some of the team members were disappointed. But for me, even though I'd felt a little down, but over all, I'm happy for the top 10 team. Because I enjoyed watching every single one of them.

This is the first time, of all 4 Shootout that I participated, that the production process went smoothly. Everything was on time, on schedule, and under control. The actors and production team worked really well - the chemistry was there, and all of us had fun in the process. (And the gossip said, there were teams there had issues with each  teammembers.)

I certainly hope this is a good learning experience for our team, and hopefully, this year's disappointment will drive us to victory next time around.