Friday, August 31, 2018

Actress Ashley Park Interview (2018) A Dan's Movie Report Exclusive!




Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers. After interviewing Ashley a couple of years back, I was curious to see the direction her career has taken. After viewing Los Angeles Overnight, I had to catch up with Ashley again, and let her chat about her sexy and dangerous role as Abelie. Ashley is perhaps the nicest person in the film business, yet can mix it up as a bad girl, a sign of a real acting talent. Time for me to shut up and get inside the mind of Ashley. Please check out my review of Los Angeles Overnight: https://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2018/08/los-angeles-overnight-2018-movie-review.html


Chat about the audition process. Did you know the director prior?

I didn't know anyone involved in the project before I auditioned. Actually, I had another audition that day at the same location beforehand, and wasn't sure what the audition for Los Angeles Overnight would entail. When I signed in, I was handed a pretty epic monologue and wondered how I was going to pull that off in such a short amount of time! I sat down with it for a few minutes and read over it a couple of times, made some choices, and walked in.



How long was pre-production? It looks like due to the fact there was copious dialogue for most of the characters, some time was taken.

We had a table read with most of the cast, and I recall coming in to rehearse as well as select wardrobe. The director, Michael Chrisoulakis, was a dream to work with throughout the entire process. If I remember correctly, they did do a very successful Kickstarter campaign, and before I knew it, I was on set with one of the most amazing groups I have worked with. Every member of the team had incredible energy, passion and talent. 

How was the initial cast read-through? Also chat about how you learn your lines, both in general and for this film. 

The initial cast read-through was terrific. It was a big group, but already a very supportive environment. I'm pretty sure I didn't know for certain yet that I was going to get the role of Abelie, so there is always some pressure there! I think I was offered the role shortly thereafter. I had such a blast bringing Abelie to life on the screen, so I'm grateful it worked out. 

In general, I like to simply read and re-read the scene in the beginning without too much bias in order to take in every aspect of what I am reading on the page. It's so easy to start making your own assumptions without actually being aware of all the nuanced elements present in any given scene. I start creating who I am within this context, and from that point, I'll start memorizing while trying to always discover new trinkets for the character as I go. 



How about on the fly changes to the dialogue from script to filming, were you able to add any of your own ideas in there?

I am a very by the book kind of person when it comes to the script. I generally try to respect the writer and stay true to the lines unless there is a real reason to bring something up as a potential fix or change. I feel that my job is to do my very best with the lines I'm given, so I'm pretty sure that I stayed true throughout. I know I was asked to make some last minute changes to the script on set, which I'm always willing to do. I love getting direction and running with it. 

Ashley, you are like the sweetest person I know! How did you get into character for this icy villain role?

I think we all have a darker side that each one of us is capable of tapping into. I mean, ride along with someone in LA traffic and you'll undoubtedly see it! I absolutely love the role of Abelie. And I actually really like portraying icy or villainous characters. I think because it's so different than how I am on a day-to-day basis, it's almost surprisingly too easy to go there and get lost in it just for fun. Abelie felt very natural to me. I think the director and writer once told me that they chose me because of how utterly terrifying the audition was. If that's true, I think that's simply the highest praise an actor could ask for. 



Do you scene study other actors who do great villain roles like Al Pacino and Kathy Bates to get into the mood?

I love Kathy Bates! She is incredible. I wouldn't say there is anyone specific I watch, but I do try to take in a wide variety of genres, both as a filmmaker and actress. I really believe in the power of knowledge. I am such an advocate for continuously and avidly learning from both books and life in order to grow in skill and wisdom. 

Chat about the filming process. How many days were you on set filming?

The filming process for the entire movie was spread out quite a bit, but I believe I was on set for a total of 5 days or so, by the end of it. I loved having more time with the script, especially the epic monologue. It was a little indulgent compared to what I'm used to, so that was nice. Sometimes you get a script and you're on set filming multiple pages the very next day. 



Did you have to go in for ADR? It seems like ADR was used a lot on the outside scenes to level the volume. 

I did do ADR. I won't say where, but that is always a challenging yet necessary evil in filmmaking. You always pray that it will be for one small line somewhere and not an entire scene! It can be very difficult to match where you were at as the character the day of filming, especially when ADR is recorded a long time after the film has wrapped. It's never quite the same. 

Chat about the first time you saw the film. Did you guys have a "cast and crew only" screening? If so, was anything changed prior to the premiere?

I was allowed to go to an early private screening for family and friends when the film was still in post, and yes, the film has changed tremendously since that day. The masterminds behind Los Angeles Overnight are brilliant filmmakers and knew just how to cut the film into the beautifully finished product it is today. As a producer myself, I know how challenging film making is, from conception to the finish line, and I am so proud to have been part of such a passionate, hard-working group that got the job done. 

Chat about your thoughts on the film now that it is out, and the feedback you have been getting.

Michael and Guy, along with Camilla and the rest of the filmmakers behind Los Angeles Overnight, did a beautiful job that is worthy of the praise they have been receiving from multiple avenues. This feature is a unique take on film noir that does just what it is intended to do, and the feedback I've heard has reflected exactly that. 

Finally, since we did our initial interview, chat about some of your long-term goals in the business. Have any of your philosophies changed since our 2015 chat?

I think the last time we spoke I had just won the title of Miss Asia USA, which was such a transformative period. I certainly hope some philosophies have changed, but only for the better. I will always be exactly who I am with what I know at any given time, and I do my very best with that. Every challenge inspires me to grow as a person, a businesswoman and a performer. My intention is to simply keep raising the bar, no matter the endeavor. I recently won the Communicator Award of Excellence in Film Production for a film that was self-produced (also a 2018 Tribeca Film Festival Official Selection). I recently received my MBA and started my own production company, Ashley Park Productions, where I am currently in pre-production for a commercial feature with an incredible multiple Emmy Award-winning team.

Thanks Ashley, once again, your intellect and observations allow my readers an inside look at Los Angeles Overnight. For further information, please check out Ashley's IMDB page @ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3844430/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Follow Ashley's Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/xoashleypark/?hl=en




Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Action Star Alexander Nevsky Brings The East To The West with BIG Wins at Action On Film XIV in Las Vegas!!

 
 
Las Vegas, August 27, 2018 - Russian Film Star and Action Legend Alexander Nevsky wins big at Action on Film 2018's MEGAFest over the weekend.  MAXIMUM IMPACT which Nevsky produced and stars in won "Best Action Film of the Year" along with wins for "Best Action Sequence" and "Best Special Effects." 

In addition, Nevsky received the festival's "Breakout Action Star of the Year" Award and co-star Matthias Hues received the festival's Icon Award.

"MAXIMUM IMPACT is the biggest film in my career and I'm so glad it was recognized in such a great way! I'm also happy to receive the "Breakout Action Star Award" and would like to thank "Action on Film International Film Festival" and Mr. Del Weston for this honor. But I couldn't be here without my idols Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ralf Moeller and Matthias Hues so I would like to thank them too for all the inspiration and support over the years!" said Nevsky.

Nevsky received his Awards from Dr. Robert Goldman and Michael DePasquale Jr at the star studded MEGAFest Award Shows which were held at the RIO Hotel Las Vegas and other area venues.

MAXIMUM IMPACT will be released in theaters September 28, 2018, and On Demand and Digital Video on October 2, 2018

Sunday, August 26, 2018

Actress Sarah Chang Interview (2018) A Dan's Movie Report Exclusive!!



Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report Readers. For my second interview with actress and stunt team leader Sarah Chang, I will focus on her upcoming feature Trigonal: Fight For Justice. The new film will be released September 26, 2018 in the Philippines and soon after Worldwide. Sarah chats about working with a wide variety of talents from all over the globe and discusses her various responsibilities on the film. Enough of my incessant babbling, on to the textual action!

Hi Sarah, What is your role in the Trigonal?

I am playing the character of Mei Li.

What attracted you to the role of Mei, what attracted you to the character?

I finally get to be comical, out there, and let myself go. She is very quirky, basically in her own world. I think I can really relate to her. When I read the script, I thought, this is totally me. Nobody really knows that about me because I hide some of it. Haha, but in real life I feel I am like Mei. Haha.



Talk about the pre-production and support prior to shooting Trigonal.

We did acting classes with Gabby Fernandez, to prepare for the role. We also had to do training of course, because Mei does Wushu which is my area of expertise, so it was a perfect fit

Talk about the location of where the film was shot?

Bacalod is in the middle of Philippines on Negros Island. It was different, like a surfer town. The locations on Trigonal are very gritty and grungy and we have to make sure we did not get Denge haha, that was like the first thing that I noticed. I really enjoyed the people here, they are super laid back, very nice, and really talented. They are extremely humble about their skill and talent.

How about shooting the film in your character.

I really enjoyed it, with the workshop with Gabby he went into the character and pulled out all of the details that I was supposed to notice that I did not notice in the script. During the acting workshop I was, whoa (OK) this is where I am supposed to go (in character). While actually doing it on the shoot, I remembered what was going on (there, at the workshop) I pushed into the moment, then it felt so natural, and so much fun. I feel like I can be Mei all the time.

What was it like being directed by Vince S.?

Very comfortable, he gives you simple ques, and then you just follow, he does not interfere with the process, he guides you and then you are there.



On the Trigonal you are the action director, share your experience.

Yes, for the first time I am action directing, I have never done it before, and it was a lot of stress. I was really nervous about it, but I am so thankful to have my team SACHANG Team in Manilla (Sarah has a team of action professionals) and I was also fortunate to have new additions to my team in Bacolod. B the Black Dragon Team Windel Billiones, his son Winsie, and Andre Barayoga, there was also Keno and Kyds Rhey Fuentes, team of Filipino Martial Arts brothers. There are so many amazing martial artists here, hidden gems. There are so many different fighters here, it is easy to work, seems like everyone is a master at their talent. The actors in Trigonal are hand picked because they are martial artists. It was very easy to work with everyone. I was just letting them go at it, and I would say ok it looks good, next scene. It is such a blessing to have such talented actors and martial artists to work with.

What was it like working as an actress in the film?

As an actress I had a great time, because my co actors were amazingly talented. Everything moved and flowed flawlessly. I could bounce off all of the emotions especially with Ian (Ignacio) most of my scenes are with him. It was enjoyable working with him, he always gives you something, and I respond to him. 

 

How about the other actors in the film you worked with the action ones?

Ok we have Capoeirista and Escrimador Mekael Turner who paired up with China's UFC fighter Li JingLiang.  MMA fighter Wu PeiXiu from Taiwan came in and worked with Brian Wilson. He is actually a friend from my stunt team in Taiwan, he came in and worked with Brian Wilson, their fight turned out really well. It was kind of funny because I get to pick weapons, I picked this really cool looking thing, but when it was made it was extremely awkward to handle so we had to change the fight so they would lose the weapons right away As cool as the weapon looked, it was just too cumbersome to wield in battle, so that was one thing we altered. It is interesting to have to deal with all of the aspects of the fight. I never really thought about that aspect, I am usually worried about the choreography, how I am going to make sure it doubles, or hits. Now I am dealing with the whole look of the fight. I am dealing with the feeling and what I want to achieve. Example: This guy comes into a fight, is he the bad guy, what kind of a bad guy is he? Is he a good guy etc... I had to think of all of the acting bits and action bits.

Any specific scene or part of the shoot of Trigonal you remember?

I really enjoyed the acting workshop with the Kung Fu Panda haha, we have a scene about the Kung Fu Panda. It is hysterically funny. During the acting workshop I went crazy with it, but during the shoot I was not as crazy (I was very tired). Still it was so much fun.

Anything you would like to add?

I just want to say it has been an amazing experience working with very seasoned actors Christian Vasquez, Rhian Ramos and Ian Ignacio. They are all so experienced it is easy for them to get it(transition into character) It was kind of cool doing Rhian Ramos first action scene. In the beginning she was like, “Are you supposed to do that, are you supposed to hit them there, won't they get hurt?” Now haha she is addicted to it, I think she wants to do another action scene. Christian Vasquez did really well in his action scenes, and he was really easy to work with. Epy Quizon surprised me with his kicks haha, he did this crazy twirly thing not even sure if I can do that one haha, Paul Allica and Ian had such a long and drawn out fight. It was supposed to be done in one night, and we spent three days doing the fight. Props to them, I know it was a long fight, they had to do a lot of takes, we had to get everything, because it was such an emotional fight. We wanted to make sure it was perfect! (Please view the all new trailer below.)



Thanks Sarah, another amazing interview.

Of course, you have to watch Trigonal: Fight For Justice, or I will beat you up! 

For further information on the film please check out the Facebook Official Page: https://www.facebook.com/thetrigonal/

 

Trigonal: Fight For Justice hits theaters and DVD September, 26th 2018.