Sep

25

2008

(1) Comments

AAFilmLab at Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival

01:21PM by DavidHou

AAFilmLab is proud to announce the acceptance of several films from AAFilmLab Members into the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival.

This year’s films include:
Kung Fu Granny
AAFilmLab Members: Myra Sito Velasquez (Director), Sunah Kim (Producer), David Hou (1st AD), Peter Chin (Sound Recordist)

Since You’ve Been Ong from the 4th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout

The Top 10 Films from the 5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout:
Drain
Cold War
Miles, Apart
No Holding Back
First Goodbye Cleaning Agency
Killer Headline
Say Goodbye (Team Cinemasia)
Say Goodbye (Team Vision)
Suspense’s How to Jedi Mind Trick the B*itches
A First Goodbye

The AAFilmLab congratulates all the filmmakers for their hard work and efforts!
For more information on the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival, visit: http://www.phillyasianfilmfest.org/

Jul

13

2008

(7) Comments

5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout Award Winners Announced

09:00PM by DavidHou

The 5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout Award Winners were announced live today on stage as a special program of the Asian American International Film Festival in New York City.

Click for full list of winning films.

Jul

13

2008

(10) Comments

NEW VIDEO by Team SOHCAHTOA!

08:22PM by Alvin Lin

This new movie is hilarious, but here is the back story first.  I first covered Team SOHCAHTOA during the 72 Hour Shootout weekend, and after tons of work (and fun), their great video ‘Everyone Everyday’ was submitted to the competition, only to find out their video was disqualified on certain technicalities.  To say this result was disappointing, is an understatement.  David Hou, being the kind soul he is, asked the team last week if they would be willing to create a second video, about this or in reaction to this, which would be shown at the awards ceremony, with no restrictions on what to write or tape.  Here is what the team came up with in ten hours, titled ‘The Asian Hybrid’, and it is hilarious.  It was directed, produced, & edited by Calvin Sun, Brian Foo, Teriha Yaegashi, and the rest of team SOHCAHTOA.

Jul

11

2008

(0) Comments

Shootout Team Leaders: Don’t Forget to RSVP

12:09PM by DavidHou

The Shootout Awards Ceremony is this Sunday, July 13, 12:30pm, as part of the New York International Asian American Film Festival presented by Asian CineVision. Don’t forget to RSVP for your Team’s two tickets to the Awards Ceremony. Tickets will be available day of the event at will call desk.

Location is Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue (at 70th Street), New York, NY 10021
http://asiasociety.org/visit/newyork.html

WHAT IF I LIVE OUTSIDE NYC AND CANNOT ATTEND?
You can defer your tickets to local NYC representatives for your Team.

OUR FILM WAS DISQUALIFIED, DO WE STILL GET TWO TICKETS?
Yes, please come meet your fellow filmmakers and network.

I WANT TO BUY MORE TICKETS, HOW DO I DO THIS?
https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/605182

Jul

11

2008

(1) Comments

Audience Award Voting is Closed

12:00PM by DavidHou

Voting for the Audience Award is now closed. The Winner will be announced live and on stage Sunday, July 13, at the Shootout Awards.

Jul

10

2008

(0) Comments

Shootout Awards this Sunday, July 13, at Asia Society, New York City, at AAIFF ‘08

03:45PM by DavidHou

The 5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout Awards are live this Sunday, July 13, at Asia Society, New York City. Presented with Asian Cinevision as a special program of the Asian American International Film Festival, the Shootout Awards begin at 12:30pm. Find out who will be in The Top 10 Films, who will be Best Of, who will win the Chinatown Award, who will claim the Audience Award, and who will be crowned Grand Prize Winner.
For more information:
http://aaiff.org/2008/content/72-hour-shootout

To purchase tickets:
https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/605182

Reception to follow immediately at Stir NYC, 1363 First Avenue (btwn 72nd and 73rd St).
Free shuttle transportation provided by Toyota.
Get a free beer with your ticket stub compliments of Singha Beer (while supplies last).
http://www.stirnyc.com/

Jul

10

2008

(0) Comments

Time is running out! Audience Award voting ends 11:59am EST, Friday, July 11.

03:41PM by DavidHou

Shootout Audience Award voting closes at 11:59am EST, Friday, July 11.

The Audience Award winner will be announced live and on stage this Sunday at the Shootout Awards.

For details and to purchase tickets:
http://aaiff.org/2008/content/72-hour-shootout

Jul

7

2008

(6) Comments

72 Hour Shootout Interview with Team ‘Pretty Face Six Pack Abs’

06:06PM by Alvin Lin

Hi everybody, Here is an interview with the team behind the 72 Hour Shootout Movie ‘Gone With The Air’.  This all-female team was also briefly profiled in Asience Magazine.  I thought the article about their team was not bad, though as a side note I still maintain that Asience is just a self hating, Uncle Tom, White worshipping magazine that 20 years from now everyone will see for what it is (kind of like the ‘Joy Luck Club’).  Just read some of their old articles and you’ll know what I mean (and sorry, I can’t mention Asience without criticizing them).  ‘Pretty Face Six Pack Abs’, on the other hand, is awesome.

Anyways, here is what the team had to say about the 72 Hour Shootout, the aftermath, and the waiting process.

Introduce Yourselves
-Shuo Zhang, wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the shootout.  Tami Liao dp-ed and edited the film. Shuo met Kathleen and Andrea in acting class with Anthony Abeson. Shuo met Tami when she acted in Tami’s film. Tami is from Taiwan and studied Multimedia and Animation.  Shuo is from Philly and Beijing. Andrea is from Canaga.  Kathleen is from Tarrytown.

Jul

7

2008

(0) Comments

Chinatown Film Project casting call for musical in Chinatown, NYC

11:31AM by DavidHou

Shootout Sponsor The Museum of Chinese in America’s (MOCA) Chinatown Film Project is shooting a musical in Chinatown, as an opener to the upcoming Chinatown Film Project exhibition. Rich Wong (of COLMA: THE MUSICAL) is directing. It’s a great song - really exuberant and will be great fun to shoot!

Shoot Dates: July 18-19
Location: Chinatown, New York
Production Company: Museum of Chinese in Americas (not SAG signatory)
Click for casting details and contact info.

Jul

6

2008

(0) Comments

AAIFF 08: Last Chance for Advance Sales Tickets!

01:44PM by DavidHou

Tuesday, July 8 is the last day to save on tickets for the Asian American International Film Festival ‘08 before prices go up for general sales.

Festival-goers save up to $3 per ticket for individual programs or up to $60 by purchasing a M.A.T.H. Club Package or a 4/3 Pass. If you become a FRIEND OF ACV at the FILM FANATIC level, you will receive a free ticket to our Opening Night Presentation: THE PRINCESS OF NEBRASKA & Gala.

Students save 50% on Opening Night Presentation: THE PRINCESS OF NEBRASKA & Gala (originally $60) and Closing Night Presentation: PING PONG PLAYA (originally $30) tickets. Tickets must be purchased by July 8. One ticket per valid ID. Call the AAIFF Box Office at 212.327.9385 for these special price tickets.

http://aaiff.org/2008/

Jul

3

2008

(0) Comments

1st Annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival Call for Entries

02:33PM by DavidHou

Philadelphia Asian American Film and Filmmakers (PAAFF) is now accepting submissions for its 1st Annual Asian American Film Festival. Held from October 24 - 30, 2008, the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival is dedicated to supporting Asian American films and filmmakers by education, interaction, and participation throughout the Philadelphia area.

PAAFF will be screening the Top 10 Films from the Asian American Film Lab’s 2008 72 Hour Film Shootout.

Jul

2

2008

(26) Comments

After the Shootout: Are You Experienced?

12:00AM by elenastevenson

It was fun to talk with Jim Chu, who headed up Team White Rabbit at the Shootout. Smart man that he is, Jim has found a way to combine art with business--he owns the awesome lounge of the same name that hosted the Kickoff Party. Here’s a ‘lil piece of dim sum: famed AA director Michael Kang used to bartend for him. Many Shooutout participants were born in the 1980s, and a few precocious 90s babies joined the Shootout rank and file. But Jim, like yours truly, has done a little more living--and that colors his perspective on the filmmaking life.

Jun

28

2008

(17) Comments

Stills from “The Savage Lotus” by Team Pork Bun

05:07PM by elenastevenson

Team Pork Bun, headed up by Rachel Lu, with co-producers Leo Kin and Lawrence Wong, has given us some awesome stills. Enjoy. Here’s a few, or you can see them all here:

Stills from “The Savage Lotus”

Nothing like some badass chicks with big sticks! Looks like a spicy entry, Team Pork Bun.

Jun

25

2008

(62) Comments

Short Interview Questions with Team Sohcahtoa/Ballers

04:22PM by Alvin Lin

From your perspective, what was it like making a movie in 72 hours?
Since we’re a team of ballers, making this movie was just like schoolin our haters on the court-- mad easy.  No, but seriously… we were ballin the whole time.

Want to share with people anything about your film?
Not really.

Any tips for future teams?
You should really consider watching our film for any questions you may have

What do you want people to know about Team Sohcahtoa/Ballers that
hasn’t been revealed?
Most of us were born on the set of The Last Emperor and were raised by a nomadic group of gypsy filmmakers.  Some of us went to school for a PBA (professional bad-ass).  We settle most of our conflicts on the court or the dance floor.  Which reminds me, to team ConstipAsian: Step your game up, Oh!

Jun

25

2008

(19) Comments

After the Wrap….ConstipAsian’s Words of Wisdom

09:05AM by elenastevenson

The 72 Hour Shootout peeps have all collapsed in utter exhaustion--or, just grabbed a cup of joe and headed back to their day jobs. But Mark Cheng and Grace Shin of ConstipAsian somehow summoned the strength to share their reflections--and some great pics--with me. And it’s all because of what filmmaking offers them. As overheard on their shoot: “It took 72 hours--what is that, 1300 minutes?--for me to realize that this is it...this is what I’m doing, this is why I’m on this earth, @$#?&!!!”

Jun

23

2008

(0) Comments

Grady Hendrix returns as Shootout Judge

11:11PM by DavidHou

A lot can happen in 72 hours! While you were turning Chinatown into a film lot, Grady Hendrix was in self-imposed isolation planning the New York Asian Film Festival. Now that NYAFF is ready for the seventh year in a row, Grady returns as a member of the Shootout’s Final Judging Panel. Grady is one of the founders of the New York Asian Film Festival, collectively known together as Subway Cinema. He works extensively with the festival’s programming every year, and also writes for Variety Magazine’s Asia movie blog. It should be no surprise that we’re excited to have Grady back again this year!
http://www.subwaycinema.com/

Jun

23

2008

(62) Comments

72 Hour Shootout, Batch 2 of Scene Photos

10:00PM by Alvin Lin

Here is the second batch of pics while shooting scenes. These photos are taken from a scene on an apartment roof top in mid-town, the visuals were stunning.  Can you guess what’s going on here or how it fits into the movie!?  The last photo at the bottom is from a different scene, shot in Chinatown.

There will also be later posts like an interview with Sohcahtoa and possibly a bonus *VIDEO* of some sort, so check back here in the weeks before the awards ceremony!  Also, I wish I had taken pictures of Calvin and Brian break dancing at their impromptu party, that could have been its own video entry.

Jun

23

2008

(0) Comments

Attention NYC Teams: AAIFF08 LAUNCH PARTY

08:23PM by DavidHou

Calling all NYC Shootouters! After you’ve gotten a chance to sleep, done your laundry, called your mothers back and finally put away the DVX100 - it’s time for the Asian American International Film Festival ‘08!

The Top 10 Films of the Shootout will screen (on the big screen) and the winners of the 5th Annual Film Shootout will be announced on July 13, 12:30pm, as part of the AAIFF.

The notorious M.A.T.H. Club invites you to celebrate the launch of ACV’s 31st AAIFF. Grab a drink and discover what cinematic gems to look forward to as ACV unveils the Festival teaser.
When: Thursday, June 26 @ 8PM
Where: Larry Lawrence, 295 Grand Street, Brooklyn 11211
http://www.larrylawrencebar.com/
It’s just a quick ride off the L train at the Lorimor stop. Stop by and join ACV in kicking off a spectacular festival!
http://www.asiancinevision.org

Jun

23

2008

(0) Comments

72 hours later…

08:02PM by DavidHou

JUDGING BEGINS IN 24 HOURS.

Jun

23

2008

(62) Comments

72 Hour Shootout Officially Over!

08:01PM by Alvin Lin

This is the first of two batches of some Team Sohcahtoa photos shot on location.  Consider them tasty appetizers to whet your appetite.  This first set was shot in a futuristic-looking computer lab on a college campus.  Can you guess what this scene could be about or for!?  The very last photo was a later scene shot in someone’s suite.  Next batch up at 10pm.

Jun

23

2008

(62) Comments

72 Hour Shootout, 2 Hours Left

05:58PM by Alvin Lin

There are officially 2 hours left in the shootout! At this point it’s just final touch up work or polishing, though from what I’ve heard a few teams have already wrapped up.  Team Sohcahtoa pulled an all nighter from 9pm-6am editing, took some short naps on a rotation, then woke back up to polish some more.  Hardcore.

To explain the adjacent pic, I actually drove back home from Manhattan very late last night (some people unfortunately have non-movie things to do on Mondays), and when I got back I sent the team a quick note asking how things were going.  To demonstrate their progress, they sent an email reply with that pic as well as another pic at the very bottom of this post.  It cracked me up, I love that that pic, it made my week.

When the clock strikes 8pm, I’ve been waiting all weekend to post pictures from two great looking locations shot by Sohcahtoa/’Team of Ballers’. We need to get a ruling on the name.  How about Sohcahtoa Ballers?  It’s as endearing to me as the ANBM team name, and arguably better sounding than ConstipAsian (no offense!! sorry had to knock the team down a peg after Elena’s cheerleading).  Actually I don’t mean to make fun of the ConstipAsian team, they have some pretty intimidating head shots so I take that back.

Here are some more pics below for your viewing pleasure:
- Taking some general shots in Chinatown
- A scene with Nessie
- Alex’s kitchen scene
- Love it

Jun

23

2008

(2) Comments

ConstipAsian?! A “Special” Situation at the Shootout

02:41PM by elenastevenson

As the 72 Hour Shootout is wrapping up, I’m going to shamelessly use my position as a ningin blogger to promote my opinion on the BEST team...ConstipAsian, headed by Mark Cheng (pictured above). What’s the basis for my completely objective opinion? Not only have Mark Cheng and Co. made a remarkable short in 3 days, but they’ve also looked after Mark’s 1 year old son for the entire 72 hours! “My physician wife is on call the whole weekend,” explains Mark. “Challenges, challenges. No one said filmmaking is easy! But you don’t pick your dreams, they pick you!”

Jun

23

2008

(62) Comments

72 Hour Shootout, Hour 54

02:26AM by Alvin Lin

72 Hour Shootout, more like the 72 hour eat out!!  These pics are several hours old but yeah it’s all I’ve got right now for updates.  Some people in the pics include Teriha, David, Long, and Liza, and also Calvin and Hannah.

Jun

23

2008

(0) Comments

2008 Launch Party Recap

02:20AM by DavidHou

Koba & DJ Boo Kick It Live at Launch Party!
Sponsors Speak! Judges Appear!
Shootout Teams Descend Upon New York City!

Jun

22

2008

(62) Comments

72 Hour Shootout, Day 2, 45th Hour

04:28PM by Alvin Lin

There has been lots of filming done today. I think most of the planned shots are completed, with a few loose ends to tie up or some last minute replacement items.  Some of the biggest items remaining involve Nessie’s scenes.  By the way Nessie is a friend of the ‘Team of Ballers’, from France, who is visiting for the week and is a major character in the movie, who is in the eating photo below this post. 

The lead actor Patrick was finished, in and out in a few hours, and as of right now I think his role is done.  It’s pretty interesting that a lead can come in, do all or most of his takes all in a compressed time frame, and then be done. To briefly introduce Patrick, I think he just finished his first year at Columbia, and he’s the tall guy in the 3rd photo below. There was some heavy rain for maybe half an hour at one point in the day, but then the sun came out in full force.  Anyways it’s been more of the same, getting work done but also having a lot of fun and laughing along the way.  I’d post some of the jokes here, but they are probably a lot funnier in person than in print.  I think the two names of ‘Sohcahtoa’ and ‘Team of Ballers’ give you an idea of their sense of humor, which I incidentally find hilarious.

I’ll be making a larger wrap-up post after the submission deadline.  There are so many production and scene pictures taken that I don’t think I should show until after Monday, lots of new faces and great shots that you haven’t seen yet. I think there may be as many images or collected information simply covering the shootout as there is in terms of the 5 minute movie itself.  There are lots of photos of actors being filmed, and then me taking a picture of the entire scene including set people.  But for now the best I can do is show you pictures of people walking from place to place, or eating!!

The magic of post production and editing will take place probably in a few hours, and I can’t wait to see how the final vid comes out.  Based on the vids from last year and the year before, I would venture that this team was pretty ambitious in terms of production, size, and complexity. There will be a lot of footage and takes to go through, as well as music and other details.  Basically, I get the sense that whatever they end up having, Calvin and Brian will polish it up all nice.  Anyways, here are two more photos of the team doing random non-scene-related things. 

Oh, and in response to readers Hughe and Jekki, yup I’m living with them in their apartment (though I have to head back later before the deadline), and they’ve all been great and lots of fun!  When I showed up at the launch party on Friday I actually had no clue where I was sleeping that weekend.  It’s worked out pretty much perfectly though.  I knew Calvin, not personally, through his vids and through the ANBM facebook group, but here I’m known by some of the extras as ‘the blogger’.

Jun

22

2008

(62) Comments

72 Hour Shootout, Hour 41 Addendum

11:42AM by Alvin Lin

OK it turns out we have more time at this important location, so things are a bit more relaxed now.  I have more time to type as I’m conveniently seated at a computer watching the team film behind me.  It’s fun watching the extras basically just make up random incoherent sentences and phrases for background noise while filming.  If a spectator were to listen to the incoherent babble from all the extras, he or she would be really confused. Long is one of the extras sitting near me at another computer, and he’s reading the blog as I type this entry, which probably only I find amusing. 

The meat of the movie is being filmed right now, focusing mostly on Patrick, just covering lots of different scenes for different points in the film.  Calvin and Brian are behind the camera looking at the shots, debating, thinking, explaining things to Patrick.  There are a lot of scenes still left to film today, but I don’t think the team is behind by any means.  A friend on another un-named team was telling me last night how all their filming from yesterday would have to be re-shot because one of the actors couldn’t be here for the rest of the shootout, which the other team members didn’t know about.  So yeah, I’m sure the hectic flying-by-the-seat-of-your-pants experience is going on all over Manhattan (and the country) right now.

By the way, on a side note, please disregard any messages from me sent from my gmail or my facebook account.  Two days ago a hacker recently used a keystroke virus to get into those accounts, changed the passwords as well as secondary recovery email addresses, hijacked the ANBM facebook group, manually defriended 700+ of my facebook friends so far, not to mention whatever else I don’t know about.  I’m in the process of trying to identify the person’s information or IP, or exploring possible identity theft crimes...if anyone has any ideas on how to proceed I’m all ears, thanks!

Jun

22

2008

(62) Comments

72 Hour Shootout, Hour 40 Noon

10:43AM by Alvin Lin

Last night was all business, which was pretty impressive, an all water night =( It kind of goes without saying but everyone was pretty tired from all the walking, shooting, writing, and general hectic nature of the entire shootout the past two days.  They’ve got a good team dynamic going, Brian is kind of the big idea guy, Teriha keeps everyone grounded and based in reality, and Calvin kind of sets everything in motion as well as knows everybody.  The lead actor Patrick showed up for the first time late last night, and Calvin stayed up prepping him on the script and the scenes for today.  7 people ended up staying over at the apartment.

We have been up a few hours now and am on a college campus right now for some shooting.  MAJOR time constraint as the team only has access to a certain location for less than an hour.  The lead, Patrick, is currently taking a 10 minute crash course in another language from Nessie.  Before that, team Sohcahtoa shot a short scene in someone’s apartment.

[edit 12:30pm] In response to the commenter named ‘Minty’ who asked about how much sleep people were getting, I’d say people went to bed at around 3-4am on Friday and got up at ~10, and on Saturday most went to sleep at around 1am, but a few team members went to sleep at 4am’ish.  Woke up at 9:30’ish.  On top of the physical exertion of just walking to so many places to shoot, team Sohcahtoa has the added bonus of having breakdanced for awhile on Friday.  So yeah people are tired, but it’s going well.  Humor really keeps things going and loose.

Jun

21

2008

(62) Comments

72 Hour Shootout, Hour 29 Late Evening

11:59PM by Alvin Lin

Sohcahtoa (or as Calvin likes to pronounce it ‘Sacatoa’) started shooting after the afternoon.  There were a few scenes filmed from the script; one in Chinatown and another near mid-town.  The team jetted from one location to another in cabs, in a race against time and the sunset.  Afterwards people met up for a tasty Shanghainese dinner, and then regrouped at the apartment for more brainstorming and script/dialogue polishing.  The process has been a mixture of cracking dick-and-fart jokes and serious discussion.  I think people are starting to realize there aren’t too many hours left!

There are lots of great photos taken from today about production and scenes, that will be posted *after* Monday’s submission deadline.  Based on the planned agenda, tomorrow is going to be a full day of tight scheduled shooting. 

[edit update 1:20am] After reading their post about themselves, they no longer want to be the master of angles and want to rename their team ‘Team of Ballers’.

Jun

21

2008

(0) Comments

2008 Shootout Teams

11:58PM by DavidHou

The Teams of the 5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout:

Last Minute Pictures
Team Daft
American Imperial
NYC Filmmakers Meetup
Dramatic Illiterates
Grace,wtf?
Short Round
PhenomeGnome
4ward Motion Films
Asians Not Brain-washed By Media
Duo K Films
General Meow’s Kitten
Melt Papaya
Azn Rejects
Singasong Productions
Argosy Pictures
Blue Mask Crew
Pork Bun
Ying Yang with a twist of lime
Fish Grenade
Sino Plus
team expedition
Soy Sauce Chicken
Inspirasian
The Mac guffins
Color TV
b Camera
I love HK
The Freshc Crew
ConstipAsian
Big Egg
SOHCAHTOA
CinemAsia
Paper Street Soap Company
Stubborn Cat
1000 Hand Slap
Sans Humor
One Stuck Duck Productions
Zeitgeist
Hoot Films
PrettyFaceSixPackAbs
Vision
Surprise Films
Freaking Free
Execute Chimera
White Rabbit

The AAFilmLab wishes good luck to them all!

Jun

21

2008

(62) Comments

72 Hour Shootout, Hour 21 Afternoon

04:41PM by Alvin Lin

The team has finished a rough idea of the script, dialogue, and logistics!! There are so many new people on the project now, I have no idea who everyone is anymore.  Team Sohcahtoa has a good network of actors and volunteer friends from which to tap.  I believe scene shooting will start very soon (finally).  The script is pretty *interesting*; I think it reflects the demographics of the team, basically hormonally charged, humorous, energetic recent college grads =D. 

Here are some random pictures from the past 12 hours… Since the formatting is kind of awkward, here are the captions before the photos:

(1) The line to the falafel food stand late at night.  There is a LINE for this.  “Chicken and Rice”, yummy
(2) A brainstorming session from the early afternoon.
(3) Calvin and Brian going over how some scenes will look.
(4) Finishing up the script in one of the bedrooms.
(5) More people I don’t know.
(6) Script reading
(7) More script reading

Jun

21

2008

(62) Comments

72 Hour Shootout, Hour 16 Morning

11:21AM by Alvin Lin

A real quick update before brunch.  Inspiration and creativity so far has come from an impromptu party, Sohcahtoa break dancing, and street corner food stands (Chicken and Rice!).  There was an idea page posted on a wall for anyone to write on, but, uh, that didn’t seem to work very well.  Somehow a general outline of a story emerged late last night (Brian had an epiphany while lying on the floor), and now team members are talking about who they might want to use as actors, as well as discussing shooting locations and which characters they want.

Jun

20

2008

(62) Comments

Running Diary of the Shootout!!  Day 1

10:00PM by Alvin Lin

I am here in Manhattan covering the 72 Hour Shootout and also following the Sohcahtoa team!  The launch party began at the White Rabbit Lounge, located at the north side of Chinatown.  After a few hours of mingling and an amazing performance by Koba, the theme of the shootout was revealed (A First Goodbye), at which point most of the attendees flooded out of the bar to work on their films.  You can find pictures of the launch party here.

For your reading pleasure, I’m not just following Sohcahtoa but I’m also eating, sleeping, and living with the team as they begin their journey from nothing to (hopefully) glory.  I have no idea how often I’ll be posting, but check back here for updates on how the team is doing as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the film-making process.  For obvious reasons, I won’t reveal certain details about their movie until after Monday’s submissions.  To quickly introduce the team, Sohcahtoa are friends and suitemates (left to right in the photo) Brian Foo, Calvin Sun, and Teriha Yaegashi.  The team’s name is trigonometric (get it!?), because as Brian explained, they have ‘all the angles covered’. Um, yeah. If their names sound familiar to you, Calvin and Brian are well known among certain circles for their great Youtube videos concerning Asian America, as well as their work over showcasing independent films while former students at Columbia.

So far, tonight has involved a LOT of walking around the city, eating some Pho and Chinese ice cream, and dissecting the theme and coming up with a general approach/strategy to their film.  Calvin and Brian will be handling ideas, storyline, filming, directing, and editing, and as of right now it’s still undetermined how many actors will be involved, though they have many available if needed.  One advantage this team has is the team members already have lots of experience with film and editing, so there is definitely a relaxed confident attitude in how they’re going about the project.  On a side note, it appears an impromptu party seems to have sprung up in their apartment just now, with almost a dozen people here.  Good times.

Jun

20

2008

(62) Comments

THE THEME for The 5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout

07:00PM by MatteChi

Jun

20

2008

(0) Comments

THEME to be announced tonight at 8pm EST

12:39PM by DavidHou

The Theme for the 5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout will be announced simultaneously online here and live at the Launch Party tonight at 8pm EST. 

Jun

19

2008

(3) Comments

Shootout Contestants…Meet Team SOHCAHTOA

03:17PM by elenastevenson

Well, if it isn’t the Big Man on Campus. Or second biggest . Calvin Sun of Team SOHCAHTOA is Vice President of Columbia College’s Class of 2008. Methinks he’s a barrel of laughs. I can’t wait to see his short film.

Who are you, Team SOHCAHTOA? Tell us who’s on your team and what they do.
Calvin Sun and Brian Foo enjoy fulfilling stereotypes by being a biochemist and computer scientist respectively while shamefully making films in the cover of night.  Teriha Yaegeshi is a catwoman.

What do you hope to accomplish during the 72 Hour Shootout?
We really just hope to have fun and more importantly bring shame to the other filmmakers’ significant others.

Why are you entering?
Mostly because of leftover teenage angst. The odds of winning is similar to Take 5 Lottery (just a little bit of luck).

Jun

19

2008

(0) Comments

Final Judging Panel update: Sung Kang returns! Benson Lee debuts!

01:20PM by DavidHou

Sung Kang (The Motel, Undoing, Finishing the Game, Fast and Furious 3: Tokyo Drift) and Benson Lee (Planet B-Boy) have been confirmed on the Final Judging Panel for this year’s Shootout. Sung was on the Final Judging Panel for last year’s Shootout. This year is Benson’s first time contributing his time and expertise to the Shootout. We’re all very excited to have them both on board!

Jun

19

2008

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Shootout Contestants…Meet Team Pork Bun

07:34AM by elenastevenson

Hey, ningin community! It’s my pleasure to introduce you to a few of the teams for the 72 Hour Film Shootout. Team Pork Bun is a phat team, led by Rachel Lu, with co-producers Leo Kin and Lawrence Wong. Here’s the skinny on her gang and what makes them tick.

Tell us a little about yourselves.
Rachel Lu, Leo Kin and Larry Wong are actors/writers/producers, as well as kung fu fanatics. We recruited Nam Holtz, Hwalan Yuen and Cate Bottiglione, all talented actresses and kung fu girls, and we’re ready to FIGHT! Also on the team are Brendan Walsh, Jeremy Hu and Jeremie Sautter, all sympathetic friends with God-given gifts in lighting, design, and boom-pole-making skills. Last but not least is Evan O’Reilly, a famous musician/composer.

What do you hope to accomplish during the 72 Hour Shootout?Make a cool, kick-ass short film, hopefully both funny and inspiring. And of course, to enjoy ourselves, and to win.

Why are you entering?This is on my bucket list.

Thank you, Team Pork Bun! Looking forward to a great entry with a side of sauce…

Jun

18

2008

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LAUNCH PARTY Announcing the 5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout

06:52PM by DavidHou

This Friday in NYC at 6pm, come kickoff the start of the 5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout at the Launch Party! If you are an actor, writer, director, or film fan looking to join a team, we will be making team match-ups at the event. Also, if you would like add your Team to the Shootout, we will have Registration on-site, so it’s not too late to sign-up!

At 8pm, the long awaited Theme will be announced at the Shootout Launch Party and posted simultaneously on 72hourfilmshootout.com.

As a special treat, New York hip hop sensations Koba and DJ Boo will be performing live at the launch party. Representatives from Shootout sponsors Asia Cinevision, The Museum of Chinese in America’s (MOCA) Chinatown Film Project, Deluxe, Ningin.com, and Aspire Asian Film Circle will be on hand to meet guests and share a few words about this year’s Shootout and their own projects.

Save the date for the Shootout Awards this year on July 13, 12:30pm, at Asia Society (725 Park Ave, NYC), presented as part of the Asian American International Film Festival.

Jun

16

2008

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NYC Teams: Find Actors at the AAFilmLab’s Casting Workshop, Tues, June 17

12:16PM by DavidHou

NYC Shootout Teams looking for actors should swing by this week’s AAFilmLab Casting Workshop with Susan Shopmaker. Susan has worked as casting director for HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, SHORT BUS, THE MOTEL, RED DOORS, and WEST 32ND.

Jun

15

2008

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72HourFilmShootout.com Website Re-Launched!

01:16AM by DavidHou

Asian American Film Lab and Ningin.com are proud to unveil the new 72 Hour Film Shootout website. You’ll find the latest news for the Shootout, FAQs, registration forms, event photos, team info, and past Shootout films! Plus find new team members or join an existing team in the new AAFilmLab forums.

You’ll also be able to vote for this year’s Audience Award on the new 72 Hour Film Shootout website. The Audience Award winner will be announced at the Shootout Awards Ceremony on July 13 at the Asian American International Film Festival in New York City.

Get ready for the kickoff of this year’s Shootout at 8pm, Friday, June 20. The Theme will be announced live at White Rabbit Lounge in New York City and simultaneously online right here at 72HourFilmShootout.com.

Jun

4

2008

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Early Registration extended to June 6

08:26PM by DavidHou

You emailed us saying the website was bogged down.
You called us and said you were out shooting on location.
You came to the Shootout Social, got excited, stayed way too late and couldn’t make it to the Post Office.

We listened.

Early Registration deadline for the 5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout is EXTENDED TO JUNE 6.
Registration Forms must be postmarked by FRIDAY, JUNE 6. 

Jun

2

2008

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Early Bird Registration Reminder: June 3

06:10PM by DavidHou

Early Bird Registration deadline for the 5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout is TOMORROW. Registration Forms must be postmarked by June 3. Early Bird Registration is only $50.

Download Registration Forms and Rules at:
http://www.72hourfilmshootout.com
Click on STEP-BY-STEP to get started!

May

30

2008

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The Shootout Social, June 3, 7:30pm

06:11PM by DavidHou

The 5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout is only weeks away and the prize list is growing! The top three teams will all now receive copies of Final Draft Scriptwriter Suites, which includes Final Draft 7 and Final Draft AV 2.5! The top team will also receive Final Draft’s ScriptXpert Basic Coverage service!

So it’s time to start making your teams and this Tuesday, we’ll be hosting the Shootout Social! Starting at 7:30pm, the Shootout Social will begin with snacks and refreshments. The AAFilmLab team will be on hand to answer your questions about the Shootout and connect you with other potential teammates at the Shootout Social.

May

29

2008

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5th ANNUAL 72 HOUR FILM SHOOTOUT

06:12PM by DavidHou

The 5th Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout begins on Friday, June 20, 2008. The competition theme will be announced at the New York City launch party to be held at White Rabbit Lounge (145 East Houston Street, New York City) and simultaneously posted online at 72hourfilmshootout.com at 8pm. As a special treat, New York hip hop sensation Koba will be performing live at the launch party!

The Top 10 will screen at the New York Asian American International Film Festival organized by Asian Cinevision (July 10-19, 2008), the First Annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival (October 24-30, 2008), and a special screening event organized by NYC-based Aspire Asian Film Circle.