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• 'The Blood Bond' Experience - My Role(s)

  2010-06-23 2:41PM / 標準BLOG / 會員可以看
  

  The production staff was still looking for some actors to fill up roles.  Micheal asked me to read with him and consider me for the role of "Toufang" the student with the 'blood.' Just to get the chance to read with Micheal and hear his thoughts was an honor.  I did and a few days later I got the part!  It was then off to China!
  
  During production Bey and Micheal asked me to take on the role of Assistant to the AD as well as continue to help any other areas needed, I was delighted.  I could be part of the the entire creative process and learn all about the production process and how things flow on the set.  It was real cool too because this being a collaboration of culture production I could put my use of Cantonese and English to great use! 
  
  
  
  I learned quickly from the other AD's especially the Assistant Director how things functioned.  I loved it!  I knew The Blood Bond in and out and could share my enthusiasm for both the movie and filmmaking itself! One day, I even got to help do some writing for a key scene.  I kept telling myself, "this is it! This is what I love!"
  
  One of my duties was to help the actors make sure they are given what they are needed and part of that was helping with their dialogues if they needed it.  One of my fondest memories was working with these actors.  They all had years of experience on some great films and other projects and here I was giving my input when asked. 
  
  Xiao Keng Ye a.k.a. Ken who plays the wise Bagwan invited me to read in his hotel room with him and discuss the scene and character and anything else with him.  I learned so much from Ken my time spent with Ken is timeless, he has a kind of sparkle in his eyes that kind of subtle reminds you how delicate we human beings are to each other...thank you Ken!  Hope to visit you in Shanghai soon here.
  
  
  
  Next was Kong Sifu - ask anyone when Kong is present KONG IS DA MAN!! He had a face that you knew you seen somewhere, but for me I didn't know where.  I found out later, he is one of the first of the Hong Kong stuntmen/actors and also from my own memory Dragon the Bruce Lee story.  Kong was so nice and always had great advice for me.  About marriage (or at that time considering it), the industry, health, and kung fu!  His dedication to perfecting his arts is incredible to watch.  I loved it whenever he brought out his tape recorder and asked me to spell out an English word for him. He is the man!  Thank you Kong for being you.
  
  
  
  Next up, Simon Yam (or as I knew growing up Yam Dut Wa)
  
  I never told anyone this but one of my little ol dreams was to come to Hong Kong or anywhere  to be on the same set as Simon Yam.  Even if I was an extra or a PA running around I just wanted to see him work.  The Blood Bond took this dream of mine and let it explode!  I not only got to watch Simon work I got to work with him. Every since I was a kid I always thought he was a special actor, willing to take all kinds of characters/roles it wasn't until I watched an interview with him that I discovered how much he loves to act.  His character of Luke in John Woo's A Bullet in the Head without saying much....said so much!  There is always a humanity in his characters even the "darker" ones.  When I came to Hong Kong in 97 I was introduced to Johnny To films and when you got Johnny you usually got Simon.  Simon's policeman in PTU had me on the edge of my seat not knowing what he was going to do, but it was Election that reminded me how much I love acting and filmmaking.  The way he portrayed the soon to be Triad leader - to counter Tony Leung Ka Fei's Triad leader...well I'm speechless.  I can watch this movie over and over.
  
  I'll just say Simon, is just a cool guy.  He truly is a great man and actor at the same time.  I think Bey put it best "nobody works harder then Simon."  Watching Simon worked gave me insight to the kind of actor I strive to be not just on the set but off as well.  I hope to work with him again someday and get that picture with him too. Thank you Yam Dut Wa. 
  
  
  
  Lin Dong Fu, was my Captain in many ways.  He was a different kind of guy then the other actors yet he carried the same work ethic towards his craft as the others.  Very professional and smart!
  I really enjoyed my time with him and his assistant and learned the most valuable thing on a film is communication.  He helped me understand things that I couldn't see for myself with portraying Lt. Wuche (see other blog entries.)  And how one needs to carry themselves for a particular role.  I learned a lot of the technical techniques from him.  Hope to see Lin and his assistant also in Shanghai! 
  
  
  
  Ocean, the Tai Chi Master and dedicated actor and martial artist all around sweet guy was one of the first guys I had met and talked to while still in Hong Kong.  Ocean always reminded me of Jet Li...good looks, martial artist, and incredible when you heard them speak.  I enjoyed everyday seeing him and his wife around the set.  Guess we shared something in common how much we loved kung fu, movies, and that this was our first movie!  I was completely fired up when I had heard that Ocean was casted as the father in the town, among other roles.  He is so kind and delicate...like Tai Chi..he can tear things up!