Actress Jenny Wu Interview (C) 2016 Dan's Movie Report Exclusive!!!

Greetings Dan's Movie Report readers. Later in 2016 will see the release of the female centered action film "Lady Bloodfight" Actress Jenny Wu will have a prominent role and sits down and chats about the film's production process and also her involvement in the Jackie Chan film "Dragon Blade". Time to unwind, grab some tea and get ready to be Wued! By Jenny Wu!

 Share a story not on your official site about your background and desire to act? Was there an event that made you say allright this is what I want to do?

I always knew I wanted to be an actor and there was never going to be another backup career or alternate plan. I remember my parents were always very much against me pursing acting, as I come from a traditional family background. And I can recall that the more they prevented me, the more I persisted. Sometimes breaking through the limitations others may place on you gives you more courage and determination. And so here I am. And of course, these days they are very supportive…. well… I guess they have no choice. Ha!

 I saw you did a short film called" Drown", what is that story about? Concepts, share a story from production. Is it available in the US?

If you call it a short, Dean Francis, the director would be very upset. Took him a long time to pull it together. Drown is an Australian independent feature film and I had a very small involvement in it, most of it ended up on the cutting room floor. If you blink you’d miss me. So make sure your eyes are wide open throughout all 90mins of the film if you want to see me. It is essentially about homophobia and so the story follows three boys. I believe you can find it on DVD in the States.

Lady Bloodfight, how did you become involved with the production?

Luck? Haha! I often ask myself, did I land this role because I’m lucky? That I put myself in the right place at the right time? Or is it because I’m good? A talented actress? You know Katharine Hepburn once said, “most of the people involved in any art always secretly wonder whether they are really there because they're good or because they're lucky.” I guess a combination of both. And I believe you can always create your own luck. A lot of hard work goes into what I do on a daily basis so when the opportunity presented itself I was prepared. Success is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

In fact I was auditioning for Wai, but when I met Chris Nahon, he felt I was too young for Wai, and so I read for Ling. And the rest was history…. well not really…. the rest was several months of hard work.

What attracted you to the script?

One of the biggest attractions was the characterization of Ling, on the page the role just jumps out, but of course, this is very biased because it’s coming from me and I played her.

When I first read the script, it was unfinished, two and a half acts, without a third act, but I was already drawn in by then, I read it in one breath, without having a coffee break in the middle, so that says a lot. We reworked several scenes while we were on set, as with a lot of movies, nothing is set in stone, until it gets finished.

Your character Ling, describe her, she is a bad girl positive force etc.. seems her character is steeped in mystery.

Hmmm…. I wonder how much I should talk about her without giving her away. Maybe I’ll let her be steeped in mystery.

Ling’s journey parallels Jane’s in that she goes through a transformation and then faces off with Jane. She’s a street baby, a wild baby, an alternative baby, with a fierce heart, but deep down, she’s just trying to survive.

You could call her a bad girl, I mean she likes doing naughty things. I won’t describe what these naughty things are, you’ll find out in the movie… Yeah she’s bad, she’s real bad, but cool bad, if there is such a thing. She’s super cool, and super bad. So she’s cool bad.

What was your favorite aspect of working on Lady Bloodfight, the fighting, or the interplay and the fact it was all female characters?

Haha, my favorite thing on Lady Bloodfight is….. drumroll…. all the sexy ladies, because the cast were all so sexy. To be fairly honest, it was a tough set, most of the fight choreography were changed in the last minute with very little rehearsal before shooting, sometimes, actually most of the time, we were doing new choreography and stunts on set, I guess a very Hong Kong method.

So I was doing my first ever wire work including a difficult stunt on the day of shooting without any prior practice or training, I think everybody was praying for me! So at times it can be very stressful, because you are doing something dangerous without really knowing what you’re doing at all, and all you have is your gut instincts, and of course lots of instructions thrown at you in the last minute, thrilling as well as numbing.

I remember on Dragon Blade, Daniel Lee said to me that you exceed your usual abilities when you are working under stress. In that if you are a normal woman, then under stress, you become super woman. That couldn’t have been more true for Lady Bloodfight, I have to say I have never performed, fought or acted so well. The stress lifted my game. Thanks stress!

 Any situations or setbacks from Lady Bloodfight you had to contend with? Anything you would change?

I think you are fetching for goss.. here. What happened on set stays on set. I cannot reveal who hooked up with who, haha, my lips are sealed.

HK and Asia market question, how is the landscape for filming now?

I am no Asian film market expert so it would be wrong for me to comment on the filming landscape or give you any statistics. I will give you my opinion though, hehe… Chinawood is very exciting, it’s bustling, they are producing a couple of hundred films a year, and it seems everyone wants to jump into bed with them, especially Hollywood, and maybe Bollywood too. So I guess I’m a crossbreed, born from the sheets of Chinawood and Hollywood.

Chat about upcoming projects in Asia. What films are you working on new projects?

In a nutshell, I have a Chinese feature film about to be released in China this year, its literal translation is “That Year When I Promised You”, there’s no fighting in it, only love, lots of love.

I have a TV show airing in China, date not yet locked in, which I star in opposite two major Chinese celebrities, lots of love in that one too, actually I play the love interest.

I have a new project coming up…. I can’t talk about it at the moment… maybe save it for the next interview, otherwise I may run out of things to talk about.

And oh, of course I’m always on the look out for new projects.

Dragon Blade, Share a story from the massive production,what was your responsibility as it is listed on as Asst Director, were you involved in other aspects?

Dragon Blade is the biggest budget Chinese blockbuster to date, so yeah it’s massive, lots of actors, lots of crew, lots of extras, lots of atmos, lots everything, we have up to 1000 people on set everyday. I was on the project for almost 7 months, and you know what that is like in terms of film set time, it is like having been in a 7 years relationship. So much happens in one day, in one hour, in one minute, that you can be loved one minute and invisible the next, and no body remembers what drama happened in the morning because they are dealing with the drama happening right now. And yesterday? Huh? What’s yesterday?

My responsibilities grew throughout the production, they must’ve thought I was super woman. At one point I had to teach this song to 100 or so Roman Soldiers, most of them from Russia or Ukraine, so they couldn’t really understand English or Mandarin, I mean what the heck, the song was in Latin anyway, so it didn’t matter. Music transcends languages.

Share an funny or unusual story from production about Jackie, and perhaps about Adrien Brody and Cusak, must have been very interesting on set, and how long did it take to shoot the project?

The first time I saw Jackie was the first day of shooting, and I was very star struck, I was like OMG that is Jackie Chan!!!! Then before I knew it, I was sharing a lift with Jackie, I was in the same hotel as Jackie, I was invited to dinner by Jackie, Jackie was talking to me… huh? Yeah he was talking to me. I was riding in Jackie’s car. I was in Jackie’s trailer, I was giving Jackie advice on script and dialogue, he was asking for my opinions….. oh wait…. what had the world become? The world had just turned upside down!!!! Jackie Chan was asking for my opinions on script and characterization???? That’s unreal. The world had turned upside down!!!

Jackie is like a child, he’s over 60 years old, but he’s just about the most energetic person you’ll see on set. He’s always on the go. And he cares about everybody, he genuinely cares about everybody, he offers drinks and food to crew and extras. The guy is a legend. I’m so lucky I get to learn off a legend early in my career, let me rephrase, THE LEGEND!

Shifting gears to chat about Jenny. What producers and directors in the future would you like to be in films with?

Wow this is going to be a long list if I list all of them out… I’m very open at this stage because I cannot chose to be picky.

I’ll list a few, James Wan, Luc Besson, the Wachowski Siblings, Zack Snyder, Guillermo del Toro, Eli Roth, Martha Coolidge, J.J. Abrams, Gareth Evans, Lars Von Trier, Wong Kar Wai, Robert Rodriguez, or anyone else who is interested in offering me a challenging role, haha!

Are you eventually looking to aim to the US market or is Asia your main focus?

The million dollar question… Hollywood vs Chinawood… Spray and pray baby! Spray and pray! Why not do both? I’ll combine the two!

You know I’ll go where the work is. If one of my movies open in Nigeria and gets a warm reception there, and I get invited to do a movie in Nigeria, hell yeah, I’ll do it. There is nothing more exciting than shooting in exotic places you’ve never been before.

Closing thoughts, chat about what is coming in the future,  goals and ideas. in a decade Jenny Wu is?

If you had asked me this question a decade ago about where I would be now, I would have said I don’t know, maybe a decade older? I would have never guessed so many adventures could have been crammed into the last two years of my life. I think life is very funny, it never ceases to surprise you. And of course the experiences are priceless, they are what makes up the sum of you. All I could hope for is that this trend keeps up.

And I wish I have fortune telling skills but I simply cannot tell my own future. I know I have a goal, and I persevere. They say “perseverance is a great element of success, if you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake somebody up.” I guess I’m on the right track then. Phew!

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Ashley Park Interview (C) 2015 Dan's Movie Report

Actress Ashley Park is fresh off of winning a Miss Asia USA pageant and sits down to chat with Dan's Movie Report about her recent projects, pageant win, and upcoming films in 2016.

I read in your great interview in Search My Trash website that you were very athletic when you were younger. What were some of the sports you participated in?

Yes, I was a competitive athlete for many years. I ran cross country and track for my high school. I won multiple state championships and set some records in both cross country and track. I was also on my high school swim team. I went on to run cross country and track on a scholarship at the University of Oklahoma before I transferred to the University of Arkansas to compete as a Lady Razorback.

I saw recently you have been doing beauty pageants. Perhaps share some behind the scenes stories from the beauty pageant world.

Miss Asia USA is actually my first pageant! I was scouted to apply for the pageant, and seeing what a great opportunity it was, I decided to accept the honor and challenge. I was then designated the title of Miss Korea USA 2015, and I was fortunate enough to win the title of Miss Asia USA this past Saturday. It was a great honor for me to have represented Korea. I have to say that participating in this pageant was one of the best experiences of my life, and I have made some wonderful new friends in the process.

What are some of the pressures you have being a contestant in a pageant? 

Competing in anything is going to demand a certain amount of determination, discipline and dedication. There is more to competing in a pageant than meets the eye. Being a contestant reminded me not only of my previous athletic and academic competitions, but also the ever-competitive Hollywood industry. 

You mentioned you are analytical about characters you play in films. Do you ever read a script and adjust the character in your mind before filming?

Yes, I am a very analytical person, so naturally, that translates into every area of my life. In order to take on a character truthfully, every actor has to look for clues in the script that help define the character. Then you have to make choices that work for you while remaining true to the circumstances of the story. It’s important to already have made your choices when you show up to set, but I think it’s equally as important to be flexible so that you can react and be present in each moment of every scene. And the director and other actors may throw you a curveball at times! You have to be ready for that.

Share a story from the set of 'All American Bikini Car Wash'.

We had such a great time on set! The chemistry of the cast was amazing, and we all had a blast shooting this film in Las Vegas. Having the opportunity to travel together was such a great bonding experience. While the weather was generally mild and sunny, we had a rather unfortunate day while shooting the car wash scenes outdoors. It was incredibly cold that day, with no sun and a random thunderstorm that blew through our set. In between takes, we were all huddled around a tiny heater in the corner in a rather sad attempt to stay warm. When it was time to shoot, we’d stay wrapped in robes and blankets until the very moment the cameras turned on. Now that I look back on it, we must have been quite a funny sight to behold!

What are your thoughts on nudity in film, if given the chance to play a complex character and as part of the story she had to disrobe, would that be in tune with your ideas?

Nudity can be a part of a complex character in a film, especially when it’s included as an integral part of the story. As the reigning Miss Asia USA and a proud representative of Korea, I take my responsibility as a role model for young women seriously, so nudity is not in the cards for me.

When is Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter going to be released? Looks like a cool project. Can you shed a bit more light on your character Rhianna? Is she a fighter?

Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter will be released in early 2016. It stars talented actress Tracey Birdsall, who is also the producer. Neil Johnson is the director, and I was fortunate enough to be cast to play the integral role of Rhianna. Yes, I would definitely say that Rhianna is a fighter and a survivor, using every tool known to man (and artificial intelligence!) to stay alive in a post-apocalyptic world.

Back to the beauty pageant world. Is there some camaraderie in the pageant world or is it more everyone for themselves?

It’s a competitive environment, for sure. However, I found that many of the women I have met while participating in Miss Asia USA are not only gorgeous, but also kindhearted, intelligent women who radiate with beauty from the inside out. I have definitely made a few friends for life.

How about new projects after Rogue Warrior? What is on the horizon for 2016?

I am preparing to shoot a new sci-fi film in late January. I am very excited about this project, and will be taking on the role of Kat. As soon as I read the script, I knew I had to get the part. The film is called Trapdoor, and it’s a desert sci-fi that blends elements of action, horror and adventure. Another feature film I was in is being released in early 2016, called Day for Night. It’s a film noir starring many wonderful actors, including Peter Bogdanovich, Lin Shaye and Sally Kirkland. I am currently working on multiple projects, and am preparing to shoot three web series in early 2016 as well.

What charitable organizations do you support?

I worked alongside my mother for over a decade helping to hand out food to the homeless every Saturday. It's an area that is very near and dear to my heart. I am also a big fan of Mercy For Animals, and have worked with them quite a few times over the years.

Wrapping up, what advice for young aspiring models and actresses, is there something you wish someone in the biz would have told you before you started that you can think of to tell people just getting started?

My advice for young people would be to study. Study everything, and become a master of your craft in every way. I was so anxious to get started before I was ready, and it really shows in some of my projects. So many people told me to go learn on set, and to take any project that comes along as a learning experience. I really don’t recommend that, because you have to live with that footage for the rest of your life. It won’t go away. I think that the classroom is the best place to hone your skills, and that actors should wait until they’re truly ready to step onto a set.

Check out Ashley on her IMDB page @ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3844430/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Pharaoh Movie Review 2015 (Short Film)

Greetings Dan's Movie Report readers. As you all know from time to time I review short films that I feel represent an achievement in film making and interpret a budding creator's dream to achieve his or her goals.

Thanks to Tamiko Brownlee, who plays Doctor Ramos, I became aware of a new film called 'Pharaoh'. Created by Tim Storms, directed by Fabian Garcia and Lohan Buson, the 6 minute short follows Tim Storms as the 'Pharaoh' who is lead away in cuffs. He wants his weapon, a staff and an Ankhe, with a crystal eye.



'Pharaoh' is a collaborative effort between Creative Action Development and Z Team Films. The feel is a bit like the original 'Mummy' film only darker with more of an action feel. Tim Storms did a solid job as the deap voiced Pharaoh, combining a menacing attitude, and backing it up with some crafty, lightning quick moves.

 Tamiko Brownlee's portrayal of a scared and frazzled Dr. Ramos is spot on. She looked the part. Tamiko is really talented and it is great to hear her speak on film. Often stuntwork is a job in the shadows of film. If the performers are doing thier job to perfection they often go unnoticed. In 'Pharoah' the stunt performers are all deservedly noticed. Hopefully Tamiko and the others will land some meaty speaking roles in 2016 and beyond.

The technical aspects of 'Pharaoh' are very professional, definitely could be used as the basis for a film or series. The dark surroundings added to the mystery of the location. The audience is actually thrust into the middle of the story, and as we watch Dr. Ramos walking 'Pharaoh' through an entrance way near the end, a swirling realm of possibilities could transpire.

With the rise of Netflix and Amazon original programming, new potential series creaters have increased outlets to display their craft. Creative Action Development and Z Team Stunts have the tools prepared for the next step. 'Pharaoh' rates an 8.5 out of 10, a must watch.

The entire film is available to watch on Youtube @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfG7EpIes6M
Definitely subscribe to Z Team Films @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-QAigzmrfuiGp2leV0GapQ
and Creative Action Development @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE9XglEWnaqPGi7h5obwmvw

Facebook like Creative Action Development @  https://www.facebook.com/creativeactiondevelopment/?fref=ts
Z Team Films @ https://www.facebook.com/ZTFilms/?fref=ts

For more info on Tamiko Brownlee check out her exclusive interview on Dan's Movie Report @ http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2015/01/exclsuive-tamiko-brownlee-interview-c.html

Black Salt Movie Review (2015) (Short Film)

Above Photo: Black Salt Poster (C) 2015 Ratti Entertainment (Used for promotional purposes)
Feature film was provided by Owen for Dan's Movie Report for review purposes only.


'Black Salt' proves the power of Indiegogo and the short film. Producer Owen Ratliff and Director Ben Ramsey ('Blood and Bone') bring the full force action short 'Black Salt' to the festival circuit after a successful crowdfunding and marketing campaign. The screenplay written by Philip Daay features Kinyumba Mutakabbir as Samuel Lincoln Tharpe, a man searching for answers. He was raised in Asia and has to return to locate this WMD called The Exterminatus.

Skirting the line between drama and action the 30 minute short forms a solid stepping off point to a story which can progress in any number of directions. As a short film 'Black Salt' is a table setter, there is enough action and story to begin a series on cable or broadcast TV. As a series of films, 'Black Salt' could follow the back story of the various characters, and flesh out some of the secondary characters and how they intersect with the WMD.

Many mysterious characters permeate 'Black Salt'. Sultry Sheena Chou plays Li Jing. Her character has informational map tattooed on her back detailing the Exterminatus, location and how to activate it. Li Jing is shrouded in mystery and the audience is never given a chance to learn more about the 'sect' she mentions she would be betraying if she divulged the information. Action actress and all around adorable bad-ass Michelle Lee plays Horse Ripper. Apparently her character lives in the ether, a realm cloaked in shadows. In 'Black Salt' Michelle's character, fights with Tharpe, but it is an enigma, an internal mental fight.

The action in 'Black Salt' is creative, each fight is a tightly choreographed ballet of punches and kicks. Some fights use weapons, and obviously each fight is tailored to the skill of the actors involved. The fight Michelle has with Kinyumba at the end is not only entertaining to watch, it is creatively filmed, artistically lit, and has perhaps the coolest theme song playing in the background "When the World is Blind" an original tune written for the film.

Above Photo: (C) 2015 Ratti Entertainment Michelle Lee and Kinyumba Mutakabbir bring the action to 'Black Salt'


The film ends in mystery, leaving the viewer wanting more. Fresh off the "Black Salt' win at 'Urban Action Showcase' in NYC, watch for more from the cast and crew of "Black Salt'. In a recent phone conversation with Owen, he told me some of the creative ideas he has for a feature film and how he wants to market the film. 'Black Salt' director Ben Ramsey knows how to direct an action feature and just released his director's cut of 'Blood and Bone'. His direction on 'Black Salt' is tight , but never heavy handed, he lets the events unfold and the viewer maintain engagement throughout.

'Black Salt' represents the proper way to market a short film and tie in all aspects of marketing, Owen is a master marketer, he knows how to keep the audience wanting more. With a comic book tie in, clothing line, and over 35,000 FB likes 'Black Salt' is positioned for a monetary jolt from a network.

Overall this is a great stepping off point for all involved, I am actually curious how a big budget 'Black Salt' feature film would be received nationally. The superhero interest seems to be at an all time high, and the lack of new action heroes is actually quite staggering. "Black Salt' is a modern hero, steeped in the past tradition, and should play well with teens and adults who enjoy the comic genre. 'Black Salt is the culmination more than a half decade of hard work from creator Owen, and his team, and rates a 9 out of 10, my top short film of 2015. 

For more information on 'Black Salt' check out the official Facebook Page @  https://www.facebook.com/blacksaltthemovie/?fref=ts
For the official site kick your browsers to: http://blacksaltfilm.com/

Sound Cloud for 'When the World is Blind'  https://soundcloud.com/black-salt-1/when-the-world-is-blind
Video for 'When the World is Blind' @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-Uqd6F3bL8
Watch for more on the film in 2016 on the number one home for action exclusives on the web: Dan's Movie Report.

All American Bikini Car Wash Movie Review

At times it is good to just sit back and watch a good irreverant comedy that takes the mind off of the daily struggles of life. 'All American Bikini Car Wash' which I will refer to as "AA Bikini Car Wash' is a surprisingly good throwback to the old school 80s fun romp sexy comedies. The film is shot in Vegas and follows the exploits of student Jack and him failing his final and having to run the professor's car wash company for a week at a profit to pass the class.

This 'leave your kids in the other room comedy' is chalked full of nudity and bad language, and that is what makes it enjoyable to watch. Characters Jack and Vex  Jack Cullison and Jason Lockhart are best buds, and they come up with a scheme to run the business. Of course what would a bikini car wash company be without bikini clad sexy women, enter Kelly and Tracy. I was pleasantly surprised how cool the acting was by the ladies of the film Kayla Collins as Kelly and Mindy Robinson as Kayla had some fun lines and were a bigger part of the movie than in most sexy comedies, which was a great thing as both are very pleasing to gaze at and have clear speaking voices.

Of course other ladies graced the screen, most notable, was current Miss Korea Ashley Park as Brittany, she played a video-grapher wanting to document the happenings at the car wash for her film school project. Her character had a pretty major part in the film, she was flirtatious and fun. Ashley has the girl next door fun quality in her acting, I hope to see more of her in future films. What 'AA Bikini Car Wash' does better than most sex comedies is have some entertaining characters, thus keeping the viewer interest throughout the film.

Aesthetically the film print is clean and clear, the sexy shots are well lit, and I feel the need to pull my car into this 'All American Bikini Car Wash' for a shiny new clean! Seriously, this film is definitely worth a rent or buy if one needs to escape life for awhile, especially as it is getting cold in many parts of the world.

Overall this is a solid effort into the adult comedy genre, 'All American Bikini Car Wash' rates a 7 out of 10. Respect to all involved for taking me back to the 80s, style of film comedies!