Interview with Justin Lee, Asian American Film Lab's New Shootout Coordinator

Today's interview is with Justin Lee. Justin is Asian American Film Lab's new Shootout Coordinator. Justin joins AA Film Lab at an exciting time. AA Film Lab just had the Asians on Film Festival in Los Angeles, which is the first event that it's had in LA. Justin Samuels: What has interested you in working with AA Film Lab?

Justin Lee: I wanted to be around independent filmmakers. I wanted to be around more people like myself, people who are all making sacrifices to be around what they love. That was my initial interest. However, after talking to lovely Jennifer (board member); she made me realize the wider spectrum of the 72-hour shootout. For example, I get to come up with the theme! JS: Have you yourself dealt with the lack of diversity in the media?

JL:Yes. I work at a advertising production company- and the lack of diversity in the whole industry is astounding. Not that it’s on purpose or inherent- it just is. I think it’s backlash from not having more diversity when filmmaking was just coming out, but I’m sure a film historian could tell you more about that.

The lack of diversity isn’t just racial, it’s everything. Their promoting a certain shape: chiseled chin, dark brows, tall, skinny, ripped, big breasts...etc. If you don’t meet the criteria (I certainly don’t), people tend to pay more attention those who do. It makes who you are as an individual, what makes you interesting & good- irrelevant.

I think due to the lack of diversity, people lump minority groups together and stereotype them according to what they see. I deal with the lack of diversity in the media every time someone calls me Jeremy Lin, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Bruce Lee...etc. I want to be defined by me, not by some middle age white guy sitting in some Hollywood exec office saying “This Kung-fu movie is going to be great!”

JS: How do you think the film, tv, and commercial/advertising media can be diversified?

JL: I was attending a panel where Spike Lee mentioned how films got green-lit. He brought up the film Soul Plane, a movie considered hurtful to Black America. It’s a film that basically reinforces black stereotypes.

I remember Spike Lee reeling about how there was probably no black person in that conference room when they decided to make the film. No one in that position of power who can say “Hold on a second, this movie is about what?!”.

We need more diversity among positions of power and influence. We need someone in that conference room saying “You know what? That’s pretty racist. No.”

JS: What can you tell us about the 2014 72 Hour Shootout? Where are the films screened or shown?

JL: The screenings are usually run through Asian American International, and a theatre will be provided to the shootout as time gets closer.

I can tell you that I’m super excited for it! I’m a big advocate for individuality and visual expression. I can tell you that we’ll probably see some form of those two as the 10th annual theme for the shootout.

JS: What does the Shootout Coordinator do?

JL: I think the most exciting thing about being the shootout coordinator is how much of our personality/work can be put into each shootout. We get to come up with a theme, a promotional video, do interviews, and basically represent each years shootout.

Usually when I coordinate it’s to support the producer. A lot of bookings, budgets, and a logistics (Which I will also be doing for the shootout). It’s kind of refreshing to be able to put some of my personality into this job.

JS: Have you ever worked with a non profit film organization before?

JL: Yes! I volunteered for the Asian American Film Festival back in 2011- but I think that’s it.

JS: Do you have any additional work planned with AA Film Lab?

JL:I really hope so, but you should get back to me at the end of the shootout!

Natalie Kim and the Asian American Film Lab Team Up for an Industry Spotlight Focusing on Social Media: "There Are No Gatekeepers: How to Make Kick-ass Web Content (That Takes You To The Next Level)"

New York, NY, February 14, 2012 – The Asian American Film Lab (Film Lab) is pleased to announce that actor, writer, and creative entrepreneur Natalie Kim will be providing a gratis workshop teaching creative people how to best utilize social media/technology to support their creative efforts in a special Film Lab Industry Spotlight on March 14, 2013, in New York City.

In this panel discussion: "There Are No Gatekeepers: How to Make Kick-ass Web Content (That Takes You To The Next Level)" Natalie Kim will moderate a discussion about current web series and web content creators. 
By the time this panel is over you will have a better understanding of what kind of content audiences want to see, how you can do it without going broke and how to use your content to build relationships and [potentially] make money.

The Industry Spotlight, “There Are No Gatekeepers: How to Make Kick-ass Web Content (That Takes You To the Next Level)” will take place on Thursday, March 14, 2013, 6 – 8pm. This event will be free and open to the public although RSVPs to industryspotlight@film-lab.org are required.

About Natalie Kim

Natalie Kim (www.NatalieKim.com) is a comedic actress and writer and loves the intersection of creativity and business. She wrote her comedic solo show, YO GIRL! about growing up a Korean adoptee which, she performed in the Midtown Theatre Festival (Producer's Award), HERE Arts Center and The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She also produced in and starred in the comedy web series SuperTwins! (www.SuperTwins.TV), which she co-wrote with 2 time Emmy winning comedian, Josiah Madigan (with Trevor Zhou).

About Asian American Film Lab and Industry Spotlight The Asian American Film Lab (Film Lab) began as collaborative of New York-based filmmakers whose goals were to hone their craft and to share their knowledge, experience and resources. The membership has grown to comprise professionals, artists and other talented individuals who all share the common goal of creating great film and promoting Asian American filmmakers and the visibility of their stories and characters in film and television.

The Film Lab's Industry Spotlight program features industry professionals who wish to promote and encourage diversity in film and television and includes filmmaking how-to seminars on everything from cinematography to sound, casting workshops, film screenings, and more. The Film Lab is run under the direction of President Jennifer Betit Yen. Board members include screenwriter and director, Aaron Woolfolk, actor James Kyson Lee, actress and director Bea Soong, producer Erik Lu, attorney Peyton Worley, and advisors cinematographer, Eric Lin, and Director of Asian CineVision, John Woo. Industry professionals interested in providing a seminar, class, screening, or other Industry Spotlight should contact Perry Tsao at IndustrySpotlight@film-lab.org.

The Film Lab’s programming includes filmmaking workshops with industry professionals, screenwriting contests, and film competitions including the annual 72 Hour Film Shootout. This annual competition has inspired hundreds of filmmakers by helping nascent talent take brave steps towards a filmmaking career.

The Asian American Film Lab is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Membership and all contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

http://www.asianamericanfilmlab.org info@film-lab.org

Cinematography in its Infinite Possibilities: Update

On Jan. 17th, at AARI CUNY, the Asian American Film Lab hosted an event with cinematographer Eric Lin. The event was moderated by Erik Lu. Both Lin and Lu are board members of Asian American Film Lab. The film lab works to increase diversity in the media and to provide workshops for members of the film community.

Eric Lin spoke in great deal about the technical and artistic aspects of cinematography. He was very informative about the active phase of production, filming, and also about the collaboration between directors and directors of photography during pre production.

Lin showed clips of two of the feature films he directed. The two were Exploding Girl and Arcadia. His work is excellent, and Lin spoke on how they set up the lighting, worked with other crew members such as the sound team, etc. This event would have been excellent not only for seasoned members of the film community, but those just entering the film industry would have benefited from attending. Lu asked Lin questions as moderator, and Lin also took questions from the audience.

Cinematography in its Infinite Possibilities

As Conrad Hall famously said, cinematography is "infinite in its possibilities." Join the Asian American Film Lab as we host the first Industry Spotlight of 2013. On January 17th, we are inviting acclaimed director and cinematographer and AsAmFilmLab Board member Eric Lin for a not-to-be missed Industry Spotlight panel discussion, where he will be sharing his work and providing insight as a cinematographer working in the industry. The event is free and open to the public. Special guest Erik Lu, producer, director and founder of Descendant Films and AsAmFilmLab Board member, will moderate the event.

Eric Lin studied film criticism and sociology as an undergraduate at UC Berkeley. He went on to pursue his passion for visual storytelling and earned his MFA at New York University's Graduate Film Program. He has shot numerous short films, including: “Missing” by director Kit Hui, which premiered in competition at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival; and “Franklin and Matilda” by Paul Dano, starring Eddie Redmayne and Zoe Kazan. His feature film work includes Hui’s feature debut, “Fog”, which premiered at the 2010 Edinburgh Film Festival; and Bradley Rust Gray’s “The Exploding Girl”, which premiered at the 2009 Berlin Film Festival and was released theatrically by Oscilloscope Laboratories. His most recent production, Olivia Silver’s “Arcadia” featuring Academy Award Nominee John Hawkes, premiered at the 2012 Berlin Film Festival, where it was awarded the Crystal Bear for Best Film. Lin’s other features have taken him abroad to Hong Kong, Cuba, and Haiti. Other works of Lin include music videos for Gaslight Anthem, Asobi Seksu, a concert video for Madonna’s 2012 World Tour, as well as projects for Nickelodeon, Google and SAP. Eric is also a member of the Board of Advisors for the Asian American Film Lab.

Erik Lu is a graduate of the film production program at University of Southern California where he studied writing/directing under faculty such as Michael W. Watkins (The X-Files, Monk), Nina Foch (Spartacus, An American in Paris), and Gordy Hoffman (Love Liza). He has a natural eye and extensive training in cinematography under Earl Rath, ASC, (Raid on Rommel) and John Tarver, CSC, (Mothman, Seance). He has also done videography for Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, CA. Erik has made over 50 films in the last few years that have been distributed both domestically and internationally. Recent collaborations also include work with director/cinematographer Daniel Zhao (Far East Movement/Cali Swag District) and Emmy Award winner DP Dan Wills. Since moving back to the east coast, Erik has directed/shot several music videos and commercials and is currently writing a feature to direct in 2013. Erik is also a member of the Board of Advisors for the Asian American Film Lab.

Asian American Film Lab Workshops Chakra Media's Film Project Breached

The Asian American Film Lab (501(c)(3)) hosted one of its long-running Unfinished Works programs on November 8th, featuring Chakra Media's "Breached," a feature film script that follows an American couple who, while posted on a project in India, hire an Indian surrogate mother to carry their baby. But the project pits them against their surrogate in a high stakes battle of corporate greed, corruption, murder and deception. Written by Genevieve Castelino and Kiran Merchant, "Breached" made it into the 2nd round of the 2013 Sundance Institute|Mumbai Mantra Writers Workshop. Castelino's plan is to begin pitching Breached in the Q1 of 2013. She stated, "It would be a tremendous help and support to workshop the screenplay to help us refine and rework the screenplay as we approach the next rewrite effort." The event took place at AAARI-CUNY in New York City. After the filmmakers were introduced, the actors took their places and began the reading. After the script was reading, Unfinished Works host Jean Goto moderated questions on Breached. Castelino and Merchant said the screenplay was inspired by events actually taking place in India, such as the surrogate mothers renting out their wombs, the killing of protesters,and corporate abuse. The actors themselves also commented on the script. The actors during the reading were the following. Michelle Ang, Jennifer Betit-Yen, Perry Tsao, Monisha Shiva, Geeta Citygirl, Jinn S. Kim, Kamran Khan Imran, Javaid Marissa Carpio, Ron Voz, and Julie Pham. Both the Asian American Film Lab and Chakra Media have other interesting things going on. The next Asian American Film Lab event is the Holiday networking gala, featuring live music, raffles, and other fun things. For tickets and more info, go to the film lab's site. Chakra Media's previous feature film "Quarter Life Crisis," stars Lisa Ray (Academy nominated Water), acclaimed comedian Russell Peters (Sourcecode) and Maulik Pancholy (Hitch, 30 Rock, Weeds). The film was in six festivals, distributed worldwide and is currently playing on Showtime in the U.S.

Asian American Film Lab 2012 Holiday Fundraising Gala

On Dec. 15th, the Asian American Film Lab has its Holiday Fundraising Gala. The Film Lab is a 501(c) non profit committed to increasing diversity in film and in all media. Sponsors included Asian CineVision, The Korea Society, MyJennyBook, Veatery, Ollies, The Mill, Baked by Melissa, Mayday radio, and more. The funds raised at this gala all went to diversity outreach and programming in the entertainment industry. A number of sponsors and participants gave away free prizes during the raffle, to those who had winning tickets. Asian CineVision gave away a free gold pass to the Asian American Film Festival in 2013. Michael Cinquino provided a free two hour professional photo session. The Korean Society gave away free membership. A pack of 10 free seminars at Actors Connection in New York were given away. A number of films with Asian or Asian American writers, directors, producers, or stars were distributed during the raffle. Clairvoyant and life coach Julia Morgantini did free readings. This event also included live musical performances. Students from Pratt Institute performed Chinese classical music. The highlight of the musical performances though, was Jeff Ting of Mayday Radio. Ting’s music and songwriting have recently gotten him acclaim from the Huffington Post.

ASIAN AMERICAN FILM LAB TO HOST “HEARTS SUSPENDED”

Contact: Jennifer Betit Yen, President
Asian American Film Lab
jennifer@film-lab.com

Perry Tsao, Director
Industry Spotlight Program
perry@film-lab.org
“Hearts Suspended” 201-682-8480

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ASIAN AMERICAN FILM LAB TO HOST “HEARTS SUSPENDED” SCREENING AND WRITER/DIRECTOR Q&A

New York, NY – September 25, 2012 – The Asian American Film Lab (AsAmFilmLab) is pleased to announce that it will be hosting a special screening of the award-winning documentary, “Hearts Suspended,” followed by a Q&A session with writer/director,Meghna Damani, and domestic violence victims’ advocate Maneesha Kelkar. The event will take place October 25, 2012, at 6pm in New York City and will be open to the public, although RSVPs to Industry Spotlight program director will be required for admittance. AsAmFilmLab President, Jennifer Betit Yen, and Industry Spotlight Officer and Director, Perry Tsao, will be moderating the event. The discussion will explore how film can be used as a vehicle to effectuate social change.

RSVP to IndustrySpotlight@film-lab.org.

About “Hearts Suspended”

“Hearts Suspended,” is a short autobiographical documentary that brings to light the troubled world of thousands of immigrant women in the United States on dependent spouse (H4) visas. Educated and once financially independent, these women, are in the country legally but are denied the ability to work, resulting in loneliness, depression,identity crisis, strained marital relations and, in extreme cases, exploitation and abuse.“Hearts Suspended” has traveled festivals and universities around the world, aired on National Television in India, featured on NPR’s “Here and Now” show, POV’s “To The Contrary,” CUNY Television, and the Washington Post.1 This exposure, combined with social media outreach, has given an impetus to this once unspoken issue and more affected women are speaking up in the South Asian community. The issue also affects a large number of women from China, Southeast Asia and some parts of Europe. For more details, please visit www.Facebook.com/AAFilmLab (https://www.facebook.com/events/255171294573650/).

About Asian American Film Lab

The Asian American Film Lab (AsAmFilmLab) began as collaborative of New Yorkbased filmmakers whose goals are to hone their craft and to share their knowledge, experience and resources. The membership has grown to comprise entertainment professionals of all types, artists and other talented individuals who all share the common goal of creating great film and promoting filmmakers of color and promoting and supporting gender and ethnic diversity in film and television, with an emphasis on the visibility of Asian American stories and characters in film and television. AsAmFilmLab’s programming includes screenwriting workshops, table reads, screenings and seminars with industry professionals, social networking events, and filmmaking competitions including the annual 72 Hour Film Shootout. This annual competition, hosted by Asian CineVision and the Asian American International Film Festival, has inspired hundreds of filmmakers by helping nascent talent take brave steps towards a filmmaking career. 2012 judges included Russell Simmons, Marci Phillips, Teddy Zee, Eric Lin, Brian Yang, James Kyson, and Michelle Krusiec.

The Asian American Film Lab is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Membership and all contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. http://www.asianamericanfilmlab