The Last Air Bender Thingy...

Some of you might have been aware of the live-action movie of the Cartoon Series, Avatar: The Last Airbender, are in the pre-production stage. In April, they will begin production in Philadelphia.

But anyway, there have been protests, and even more upcoming protests to the Production company in regarding to their decision of casting Non-Asian actors for the leading roles.

When I first read the news on AngryAsianMan, I felt a bit uneasy. Because I have seen the cartoon more than a dozen times - it's clearly that the leading roles are Asian. I mean, the whole thing is Asian.

I can only assume that in order for an Action film to be successful at the box office, they have to cast what appeals to the mainstream audience. Along with named stars, pretty face... etc.

Honest to say, being Chinese, I did get send out to audition for a samll-small role (along with every other Chinese Actors in New York), but lost the part to Brian.

Over the last couple days, a bunch of friends sent me casting information on the up coming New York Open Call for Asian-Background Talents for the film.

I really have a mix feeling about this... Really.

From a business-oriented point of view, of an Asian American Actor who is struggling in getting more principals roles and more works... I can careless about the whole racial issue. If I got the part that I auditioned for, there's NO WAY I would turn it down!! I want to work on a feature film. I need the money. When will there be a film that calls for so many Asian Actors? For those of you who are Non-Union, this could be an opportunity to get all your SAG-Waivers. Because when they are desperate for more Asians... It's very likely they will give out Waivers like water.

From a more moral-oriented point of view, this could lead to many other films that will never feature an Asian talent for the leading role. As long as the production company features enough Asian backgrounds, Asian tiny parts here and there... They can get away from manipulating any ethnic materials. I have been a long time supporter of the Asian/Asian American Acting community... I have always trying my best to help out fellow Asian talents (or anyone) to get them more works... To be more visible in the media. There are times I have auditioned for films, but turned down the role after I read the entire scrīpt, because I felt the material reflects the Asian culture in a negative way. I always support Filmmakers who embrace a multi-ethnic cast.

I guess it's really down to being Selfish or Selfless.

If you would like to follow up on the status of the protest... Please check out " Saving the World with Postage."

The following is the casting information for the film:

Based on the hugely successful Nickelodeon animated TV series, the PARAMOUNT PICTURES & NICKELODEON MOVIES live action film is set in a world where human civilization is divided into four nations: Air, Water, Earth, and Fire. The film's hero, the reluctant young Aang, is the "Last Airbender." Aided by a protective teenage Waterbender named Katara, and her bull-headed brother, Sokka, Aang proceeds on a perilous journey to restore balance to their war-torn world.

Currently, we are looking for:

(Boys & Girls 6-16 Yrs. Old and Men & Women 18-65 Yrs. Old) of the following ethnic backgrounds:

Full Korean Descent

Full Chinese Descent

Full Taiwanese Descent

Full Vietnamese Descent

Full Mongolian Descent

If interested, send email us at: lastairbendercasting@gmail.com

Please include your ethnic background (in the subject line), contact information, and a photo.

Thank you!

The Last Airbender Casting

lastairbendercasting@gmail.com

Information Hotline: (215) 574-7878

THE LAST AIRBENDER - NEW YORK OPEN CALL

Casting: Asian Americans. Men, women, children ages 5-85. Dress casually.

Must be available March 09 - July 09. All positions are paid, including per diem, travel and accommodations.

When: Sunday, Mar 1. 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Where: Flushing Town Hall. 137-35 Northern Blvd. (at the corner of Linden Place). Flushing, NY 11354.

The Last Airbender casting

We are looking for Chinese and Korean actors for principal roles in M. Night Shyamalan's new film, "The Last Airbender."

“The Last Airbender” is a new Paramount Pictures production, written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. The film is an epic adventure story based on the Nickelodeon TV series, “Avatar: The Last Airbender.”

Needed are Chinese and Korean actors- MEN ONLY , age 30-60, SAG or non-Union.

All roles are paid under a SAG contract.

Shooting begins in Philadelphia in April 2009.

If interested please e-mail a picture/resume to: airbendercasting@gmail.com

NO Phone calls please.

I will filming an Indy Short Film over the weekend. So, open call or not, I wouldn't be able to go anyway.