Quest for Jackie Chan! Selected for the in Metro Screen Pitching Competition

More good news have come my way dear “Quest for Jackie Channies”, I’ve just been selected as one of the 10 (out of hundreds of submissions) to go into the Metro Screen pitching competition and pitch “Quest for Jackie Chan!” on the 28th of September, 2010. Seriously, this “quest” is snowballing and I guess after countless of knockbacks that this journey of mine won’t work, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel.

I’m getting really nervous thinking about this one. The prize includes the winner taking home $3,500 worth of hire and post production services from Metro Screen, free SPAA Fringe Conference rego and mentoring from Metro Screen in preparation for the national pitching comp. I know the competition is fierce and I the $3,500 post-production in-kind use of their facilities to help me edit the final product will suit me quite nicely when I start to go into the edit phase of my project.

And then there’s the National Pitching competition for the winner that they would have to prepare for! Gosh! Lots of pitching and so many stages!

Alright. I must also work on this during my tour. Ah...the workload....

We did it! We reached the “Quest for Jackie Chan!” target of $2,000!

I would like to thank you all so very much for believing in the project and taking the time out and donating to the “quest”. Every dollar counts and every contributor will forever remain the group of people that made my “Quest for Jackie Chan!” FUNDBREAK a reality.

I just like to acknowledge and throw special thanks and bagfuls of good karma to:
Elizabeth Vu (the sister who thinks her $1 is a lucky one)
Tseen Khoo (from Melbourne and is a uber cool Azn-Oz blogger)
Rick Chen (1 of the founders of Fundbreak)
Alan Crabbe (I think he's on Fundbreak too)
Warren Coulton (Funny man from Canberra who owns a Stunt studio)
Ilaria Vanni (Deputy Director of the Transforming Cultures Research Centre)
Indigo Willing (doctoral student at the University of Queensland)
Bang Tam (Professional photographer)
Robt Clements (An artist and a philanthropist)
Ben Teoh (Coordinator for Adelaide Flashmobbers)
Anna Lee Nguyen (Artist, Coulture Card and badge designer)
Tony Ong (Facebook friend)
Roxie Vuong (Filmmaker and multimedia artist)
Steve Lee Nguyen (Canberrian supporter and friend)
Emily Mellon (Foundation for Young Australians)
Simon Cook (My first Quest for Jackie Chan twitter pal!)
Ali Kadhim (Parkour artist and trainer 9 Lives)
Anney Trinh (Long lost friend that I've been trying to track down for years)
Maria Vamvouklis (Slick Parkour girl)
Shaun Chang (optometrist and good friend)
Sumie Tyler (Quest for Jackie Chan fan, my first US supporter!)
Laurent Boiteux (keen actor and colleague)
Gary Phuong (known through Vietlish initiatives)
Gary Paramanathan (ICE colleague)
Rachelle Mercado (Canberrian supporter and friend)
Johnny Le (Multimedia extraordinaire)
Marie Setiawan (the girl that got me the extra 1%, great screen writer!)

Also kudos to Ms Anney Trinh as being the highest contributor for the “Quest for Jackie Chan!”. Her contribution makes her the project’s Associate Producer!

All the funds raised has helped me subsidised costs of equipment (audio, tripod, lighting, backpack, steady grip, tapes etc...) as well as the cost of running FREE workshops for the different communities across Australia. In a nutshell, without your support, it would have been majorly hard to get this project on the road.

In the meantime, I’ve got one more sleep to go till I fly to Brisbane for 3 days to uncover as many linkages in that major city.

I’ll be interviewing a master, stunt people, organisations, Jackie Chan “First Strike” Sets as well a running a FREE workshop “Ideas to Realities” to share my experience, journey and knowledge on running a transmedia project.

Please keep in contact! My email is maria.tran@questforjackiechan.com and 0433803449 if you have any ideas or comments to contribute.

Also, as a FUNDBREAKER, I would like to invite you to join the “SMS Quest for Jackie Chan list”, which I will be updating you throughout my 19 day journey.

Another note, I do deeply apologise for not doing the mail outs yet. :( I know its slack of me and even today I tried to put out some time but I don't think it will happen till I get back. Don't worry, I've locked in 1 day on the 20th September to do it! :)

Below are some of the graphics work I did for some of the major contributors.

Quest for Jackie Chan! Adelaide Flashmobbing!

Source: Ben Teoh August 27 at 7:27pm
With just three weeks to go, things are really starting to pump. Maria's all set for her adventure, we've got some great fliers that will be going up around Adelaide and the instructions are all ready to go.

We're revisiting some favourite flashmobs with this event, but with a bit of a Jackie Chan theme.

Hopefully you should have heard by now that mob is going to be part of a filmed project by Maria Tran and will hopefully be making its way to Jackie Chan himself! This is Adelaide's chance to send him a message in our very own style.

Bring your friends, spread the word and help make this the best Adelaide Flashmob event yet!

QUEST FOR JACKIE CHAN EVENT:
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/event.php?eid=147406975276133&ref=ts

IN FOCUS : MARIA TRAN :: QUEST FOR JACKIE CHAN

For the source, click here.

Maria Tran is on a quest for Jackie Chan. The filmmaker and actor has a love of the martial arts action adventure film genre and is journeying around Australia and Hong Kong in a bid to meet Jackie Chan. Maria’s odyssey will be captured and reflected as a reality documentary, in a multimedia project which also unearths and celebrates other fans of the martial arts cult hero.

Employing “all things creative and guerrilla with the power of web 2.0 and social media”, Maria has honed and developed her skills through her involvement with ICE, gaining valuable experience and training in her role as the Youth Digital Cultures Coordinator. Before immersing herself in this world, Maria always showed creative flair but her output was more firmly grounded in old-school diary writing and reflection. Film and multimedia provided an outlet for Maria’s imagination and her fantasy worlds were given a platform on which to take shape.

The Fairfield local is inspired by storytelling and “people from all walks of life who are passionate about life, people, and have an active mind in social change”. She is passionate herself, and a keen advocate for young people from culturally diverse backgrounds. A lot of Maria's work considers the energies and vitalities of young people, and the way these strong feelings are often questioned by adults or those in higher positions, warning “young people may feel disempowered about realizing their dreams.”

Demonstrating a way through, showing that dreams can become a reality, with Quest for Jackie Chan! Maria will showcase her own journey as a young aspiring filmmaker taking her message, and that of her comrades to Jackie Chan. In doing so, she aims to “invigorate young people’s minds in being able to achieve their aspirations, becoming more self-aware and take charge in creating opportunities.”

Quest for Jackie Chan! isn’t Maria’s only bold project. After building her guerrilla filmmaking skills she went on to be an integral part of Australia’s first urban action comedy Maximum Choppage: Round 2, which was screened around Australia and in Hollywood. This led to the Ninja micro TV series Downtown Rumble. She also made the award winning short film Happy Dent – a true story about a young street kid and his day-to-day work selling chewing gum.

Having people to guide her along the way has been important to Maria, who, at 25, is off to a flying start: “Having mentors such as Antony Szeto (director of Jackie Chan film “Wushu”), Khoa Do, Mike Leeder (Hong Kong Action Cinema Critic) has helped me define my path in filmmaking”. And in a way Maria completes the loop by creating projects - particularly Quest for Jackie Chan! - which are both pioneering and motivating, demonstrating that ambitious projects can be achievable, empowering and fun.

Maria’s audiences often include many young people from culturally diverse backgrounds who are frequently disadvantaged. “My work aims at empowering them with thought, concept and ‘thinking outside the box’”. She believes that creativity “is accessible in everyone and to not take the risk and use it is not living life to the fullest.”, and she strives to not just bring this out in others, but takes it one step further and makes it happen. The Quest for Jackie Chan! project includes profiles and stories of hundreds of Jackie Chan fans around Australia, and as part of its next stage Maria will be touring with the project around Australia through most of September.

The Quest for Jackie Chan! reality documentary transmedia project will tour Australia (Brisbane, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart) from 1-19 this September. As part of the tour, Maria will be running “Ideas to Realities” workshops for the local communities there.

These workshop sessions are all about the new revolution of D.I.Y guerrilla filmmaking, how to engage global audiences, reveal marketing strategies, the art of pitching and ways to get your project off the ground.

And for those who are Jackie Chan fans and action film fanatics, this is will be a chance to send your personal video messages to him!

Creativity is a simple process of plucking ideas from the mind and finding ways to make things a reality. I think it’s important that at a young age people invest in giving their creative potential the most attention to develop. - Maria Tran

For more info, check out http://www.questforjackiechan.com/

Quest for Jackie Chan! hits Brisbane!

Date: Saturday 4 September, 2010
Time: 9am-12pm
Location: Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre, 120 Main St, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane

MEDIA RELEASE Chan Fan Fest Downunder!
Get ready as Australia is about to be captivated by guerrilla Sydney-based filmmaker Maria Tran who is revving up for her reality documentary “Quest for Jackie Chan!” to hit Brisbane!
Quest for Jackie Chan! is Australia’s first transmedia explosion that follows the trials and tribulations of young filmmaker Maria Tran, who after finishing grassroot Kung Fu movie “Maximum Choppage: Round 2” and ABC/ TV micro-series “Downtown Rumble”, her next project is in one of global collaboration and a response to the explosion of young filmmakers and their DIY guerrilla attitude of You Tube and Facebook generation.

After launching in Sydney featuring special guest, Hong Kong Action director Antony Szeto, she will be making her way around Australia, with Brisbane as her first destination.

Antony Szeto is the director for Jackie Chan produced film "Wushu" starring Samo Hung. Check our the trailer here.In partnership with Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre (BEMAC), she will run a workshop session on the new revolution of D.I.Y guerrilla filmmaking, how to engage global audiences, reveal marketing strategies, the art of pitching and ways to get your project off the ground.
And for those who are Jackie Chan fans and action film fanatics, this is your once in a lifetime chance to send your personal video messages to him!

Quest for Jackie Chan! “Ideas to Realities Workshop” will be held at Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre, 120 Main St, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane on Saturday 4th September at 9am. Spaces for this event is strictly limited so to be sure not to miss out, please RSVP to BEMAC on (07) 3391 4433 or email admin@bemac.org.au.

Then she will nation trot to Darwin, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Melbourne & Canberra. By mid-November she intends to hit Jackie Chan’s Hong Kong office in the bid to score a one-on-one meet.

Quest for Jackie Chan! offers people from all walks of life from Australia’s major capital cities of Australia to showcase their self-initiated projects and groups and how that relates to Jackie Chan.

Quest for Jackie Chan! “Ideas to Realities” has been proudly supported by Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE), Fairfield City Council and Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre.
Check out the trailer at http://www.questforjackiechan.com/

MARIA TRAN'SMEDIA RELEASE The less formal....
So I can't wait to hit Brisbane as the first destination for the Chan Oz-style tour. Mine you, I'm a proud Bris-Vegas, born and bred and recall going to school at Camira State Primary School, Dinmore State School, and for 11 months in 2001 at Sunnybank High School so I would definitely be reminescening back to these days.

Not to mention, all my family and extended families live here so it will definitely be a great trip to reconnect.

But I've done other things in Brisbane before with BEMAC. A few years ago the Rumble Pictures group and myself ran a workshop on something a long the lines of "Guerrilla filmmaking and social change". Ah... the good times. I love workshop facilitating and shedding light to the other passionate emerging creative producers of this country. So much to learn and share! Here's some happy snaps back then.

At Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre (BEMAC) and having a community screening on "Maximum Choppage: Round 2"

And for the shoot of ABC/ JTV TV micro series "Downtown Rumble", we had Brisbane-nite Laurent Boiteux and Bill Giang on set.

Okies...back to my waffly point. I'm still keen to find out more people who have some "Jackie Chan" linkages or even interesting projects to showcase. I'm still in the midst of organising an open ended "vox pops" of Jackie Chan fans so do stay tune for more details.

Fundbreak 50% Half-way Mark!

Hi there everyone!

Yes...I didn't think it was possible but it's finally reached the mark of $1,000, which is indeed, the 50% mark and I have 37 more days till the Fundbreak scheme is over.
I just wanted to do another shout out to the list of supporters

Special thanks to the current QUEST FOR JACKIE CHAN! FUNDBREAK SUPPORTERS: Thank you to Ilaria Vanni, Warren Coulton, Rick Chen, Dr Tseen Khoo, Alan Crabbe, Elizabeth Vu, Robert Clements, Bang Tam, Ben Teoh, Tony Ong, Anna Lee Nguyen, Quan Tran, Roxie Vuong, Indigo Willing, Ali Kadhim, Simon Cook, Anney Trinh, Emily Mellon & Steve Lee Nguyen.

These people made a difference that contributed to the goal of "half-way" Yay!

Just an update, there's 11 days to go and I'll be off to Brisbane first. I'm currently at home, booking in interviews, running workshops and updating the websites and social networking tools.

I'll probably be heading out today or tomorrow to purchase some sound, lens, lighting, cable equipment that will go with the HD Canon camera that I will be using on my journey (blimey costly equipment Grrr!). At first I wanted to forgo these expenses and really make the project "guerrilla" but Antony Szeto and after several consultations, people suggested that it is a no-no to blur guerrilla as being "cheap quality" so I must invest to make this film project, at least, watchable.

Then I'll be booking in the car hire as well all around Australia and that is cropping up to being a major expense, moreso than the flights!

Mum's been having a go at me today. She's getting worried and think her daughter is going mad with the project.

"Why no job?" she keeps asking.

"I have to work on this project, Ma" I reply.

"But no money? 2 months no job!"

"Etc...etc...etc..."

You get my drift. Why on earth would someone revert to unemployment to do the a bizzare project like this right?

And yes..mum would even add that it is really "Bad-Asian/Un-Asian" to do so and Jackie Chan would think I'm crazy and take out some AVO or kick my ass before I could ever say Quest for Jack....Owww!"

Imagine that, Jackie Chan kicking my ass....well, at least it will mean that I've made it.

Okies...so don't forget...I'm selling bagfuls of "karma" for as little as $1! Click here. And for you "Asian-Australians" who wanna do crazy projects....you can! Just get out there, quit that engineering, accountant, doctor, lawyer, solicitor job, and lose some money in working towards your dreams.

BLOG BY INDIGO WILLING: More Chan-tastic News

I just wanted to turn your attention to Indigo Willing and her blog and support of "Quest for Jackie Chan!". You can also find her "Quest for Jackie Chan!" profile here

Wednesday, August 11, 2010
More Chan-tastic News

Last month I posted 'Jackie Chan made me do it' as just a fun way to support a cool young Vietnamese Australian filmmaker, Maria Tran, who is looking for Chan fans to send messages to him as part of her Quest for Jackie Fan project. For another part of this project she also wants to tour Australia doing filming and has just sent out a call for support using Fundbreak.


I've used Fundbreak to support several emerging Asian Australian and other artists doing some really fresh, interesting and sometimes really funny stuff that just makes you smile and is well worth supporting . It's very easy to use and you can donate as little or as much as you can afford. This is great if you're a cash poor student like myself who is currently juggling three casual jobs as well.

I look forward to the day I have some more cash flow to direct towards the many dynamic individuals and groups who want to make a difference in this world. This includes those working in the arts who I really feel will strengthen everyone's ability to see more diversity on screen and therefore, more opportunities to explore, appreciate and understand the world we live in and people we share it with.

And sometimes, we just need a laugh and to enjoy some good energy. I think that's what I like best about Chan and I'm glad Tran is trying to get him here to Australia. Hope you can support the Quest for Jackie Chan Australian Tour*.

*I note that someone who has is Tseen Khoo, an amazing force for Asian Australian representation and networking and blogger of The Banana Lounge (see the rather groovy little graphic titled 'Super Star' in QFJC blog).

Posted by Indigo Willing at 1:30 AM Source can be found here.

Indigo Willing
PhD student, Sociology. Involved w. various research/film/writing projects for diaspora, cultural & transnational adoption communities. Personal homepage is: http://www.beingandbecoming.info

13 days to go...Please support "Quest for Jackie Chan!" through Fundbreak.com.au

Arrgh! With only 13 days left I am slightly going into an alarm mode. So what have I've been up to the last few days? I've been taking Hong Kong action film director Antony Szeto around town to meet up with some of the potential partnerships for a number of feature films he and Ace Studios are thinking of making.

I have to admit, my league of support of funding seems like a speck of dust when these head honchos discuss logistics and how much Jet Li and Daniel Wu would cost.

"Jet Li is out of our price range, he's 10 mil US to hire" annoymous says.

"Hmmm...that's our total budget for our next logo budget film [did I mention 10 Mil?] ...Who else is affordable?" says another.

O_o was my reaction. Australian filmmakers would pride themselves if they got to see 2.5 million after major warefare with the major funding bodies, private investments etc... that could take years (5-10 years) while the outside world is playing with massive amounts of money? So wouldn't it be a bit smarter if Australian filmmakers start to venture abroad and think about their international audiences, that way, they can too, play with big budgets!

Antony has been a great mentor, always throwing all those hard questions about what I want to do in my life. My focus is to guerrilla my way as an "action film girl actress" but so far he thinks I've got the tick of approval as an emerging producer.

But still, being stubborn as I am, I will find more ways to develop myself as a undertrained actor and use the filmmaker road to leverage this.

Ok. Back to the "Quest". To date, I've got $410 raised so far! Kudos to Ilaria Vanni, Warren Coulton, Rick Chen, Dr Tseen Khoo, Alan Crabbe, Elizabeth Vu, Robert Clements, Bang Tam, Ben Teoh, Tony Ong, Anna Lee Nguyen, Quan Tran, Roxie Vuong & Indigo Willing. These people have been on my signiture emails for the last week and I do take pride on having their support.

But still more work is needed to be done and I do hope that more people who can take "action" and lend a helping hand on my project but donating as little as $1! Just imagine if 2000 people did their bit and donated $1, then my crowdfunding would be a success! There's only 38 days to go and if I don't make it to this amount...well the funding goes back to the initial supporters.

http://www.fundbreak.com.au/beta/index.php/archive/index/50/description/0/0

WARREN COULTON: Thanks for your FUNDBREAK support of "Quest for Jackie Chan!"

Thank you so much Warren Coulton, ACT - Australia! for your support of the FUNDBREAK Quest for Jackie Chan!. Warren has been an ongoing supporter and advisor for my project in the initial stages when my idea was just formulating 8 months ago. He's also been featured in the trailer and garner loads of laughs on his cameo intro of Clear Vision Studios.

But for those who want to get to know his intiative Clear Vision Studios, click here.
His space is cutting edge and is a focal point for many action-pack activities such as stunts, martial arts and filmmaking initiatives.

Here's my graphics dedication to him!

WARREN COULTON is the managing director of Clear Vision Films – an action film producer and stunt training company having trained with Australian legendary stuntsperson Richard Norton, Brad Allen, Grant Page and Benny – The Jet.
Clear Vision Films is a Canberra based studio and has achieved many levels of success including awards and international sales of our first action feature film "Yakka Oy", and great reviews for the action short "The Transit".

Support the "Quest" for $1!

Its been 5 days so far of my Fundbreak.com.au launch of "Quest for Jackie Chan!" and I guess its been a little quiet. So far, I've got 4 supporters and have raised $150 of my $2000 goal mark. Guess what?!? And I'll know who hasn't as well! :) So to all my "Quest for Jackie Chan!" verbal supporters, its time to make your mark and let the world know that you are a 'supporter'. If you think about it, $1 is such a small amount to be on the bandwagon.

Here are the rewards for the higher amounts:
$1 - Good Karma
$5 - Good Karma x 10
$10 - All of the above + a public thank you on facebook and twitter
$20+ Reward - All of the above + a mini Quest for Jackie Chan badge that will be posted to you.
$50+ Reward - All of the above + Quest for Jackie Chan Shirt silkscreen printed by Maria Tran
$100+ Reward - All of the above + acknowledged on Quest for Jackie Chan website
$200+ Reward - All of the above + Lunch in Cabramatta with Maria Tran
$500+ Reward - All of the above + Major Sponsor/ Associate Producer Credit + Maria Tran interviews you & your personal message to Jackie Chan

So it's that simple! Just go to the Fundbreak website sign up with your payment details (Mastercad, Visa or Paypal (to be safe, make a Paypal account, which is free, and pay through there).

But if you want to you can also donate in person at my Mum's bakery, Swan Bakery, 144 Wattle Ave, Carramar, 2163 and buy shirts and badages if you want!

SHAUN CHANG'S BLOG: Quest for Jackie Chan! Urban Action Film Forum

Director Antony Szeto is directing three movies in Hong Kong this year. He started off as stunts coordinator. Funny guy and shared the inside story of life as a director. Awesome.

On Saturday August 7 2010, I had the pleasure of attending Maria Tran’s Action Film Forum as part of her ‘Quest for Jackie Chan’ Compaign. The event was a huge success. Special thanks to all the people who supported Maria to make it happen like Jack, Marie and Lauren.

I was given the task of picking up special guests:

• Antony Szeto – Hong Kong director/producer/writer and stunt coordinator

• Wang Fei - lead actress for Wushu (2008) and currently here in Australia for “Shanghai Lady Killer”

• Chris Pang – who stars Lee in “Tomorrow, When the War Began

• Joy Hopewood – former presenter of Play School

After three hours on the road from Canberra to Sydney starting at 6am in the morning, doing my errands - I was exhausted. That all changed after picking up Antoni Szeto - a truly energetic and delightful person to talk to. We had many interesting conversations, laughs on our way to Fairfield – three hours worth in fact. It goes to show that all these famous people are just ‘human’ at the end of day. Antoni told me Jackie Chan was no different. Gee, one wonders if I can ever drive him back to Canberra.

The sofa in the middle of the stage was an interesting take. Maria who was dressed up and in high heels reminded me of Oprah. Her mother seems very proud. The audience were shown various works and talents – the one that impressed me the most was from Ali Kadhim & his team 9 Lives. Good work guys, keep it up!

Perhaps the biggest highlight of the night was watching the old generation of filmmakers pass on inspiration and advice to the young. I found myself being recruited as Wang Fei’s translator for the evening as she could not speak much English. She attracted quite the crowd and it kept me busy, but it was very enjoyable. Wang Fei told me that she was impressed by the enthusiasm and promised to attend one of Ali’s parkour sessions. The Nine Live team was very happy to hear that indeed. They eventually got to Antoni who was swamped with questions after his talk. As I watched, I wondered if I was witnessing the first step these young talented kids were taking to make it big on the world stage.

When I was leaving, I bumped into one of the guys from Nine Lives who couldn’t stop bowing and thanking me. I now understand how much all of this meant to them. At the end of the day, the person they should be thanking is Maria Tran who made all this possible.

As a behavioural optometrist who works with kids with learning difficulties – I believe in opportunities. This is clearly something that Australia lacks in the action film industry. I saw a lot of door opens that day and I could not help but smile as I walked away.

Good Luck Maria Tran. I think your dream is closer to reality than you really think.
Wang Fei & Ali's Parkour Team Nine Lives

MARIE SETIAWAN: UAFF & Q4J: Action films get discussional

Source: http://mariesetiawan.wordpress.com/2010/08/11/uaff-q4j-action-films-get-discussional/

Last Saturday (07-08-2010) local guerilla filmmaker and good friend Maria Tran held an event: the Urban Action Film Forum, where a number of special guests arrived to join in the festivities and the discussions. Among them were Chris Pang (Tomorrow, When the War Began) and Wang Fei (Shanghai Lady Killer), but the honorary guest of the night was HK director, Antony Szeto whom has graced us with his presence. It was amazing that a small local suburb like Fairfield would be honoured to have Szeto’s company at this forum event, and to have him discuss his experiences in the film industry, especially in regards to the action genre itself.

The event held a number of guest speakers who joined Antony Szeto up on the panel, including:

■Craig Anderson, writer/director/actor of ABC TV series Double the Fist.
■Ali Khadim, local filmmaker and parkour artist of Team 9Lives.
■Warren Coulton, actor/stuntman/director/producer of shorts Yakka Oy! and The Transit, and managing director of Clear Vision Films.
■Igor Breakenback, actor/stuntman/filmmaker of upcoming film Good Luck With That, and managing director of Breakenback Films.
■Peter Castaldi, managing director of distributor Pack Screen.

T-Shirts anyone?
We had our laughs, but we got down to the real nitty-gritty about the action film industry, especially the prevalent (and problematic) lack of such genre films in Australia. In fact, it was the main focal point throughout the night. It did bog me down that action films don’t get any attention or say in the Australian film market, and even if they did, it would never get picked up due to the ever-prevalent ‘gods’ of the industry saying “No! You shall not pass! It’s too stressful!” It reminded me of a short conversation I had with a stranger, and with this night fueling that train of thought, it’s only given me this sense of passion and duty to write and make an action genre film… actually, that’s what I’ve been doing this whole time! I have so many ideas that they haven’t been properly written or typed down yet! What the hell am I thinking?!

But I digress, the fact that Australian funding for an action film is rare, it IS possible! Just have a look at Daybreakers and tell me that it wasn’t Australian-funded. It’s a start, but it’s possible! The decline since the late 1980′s is probably the reason why no one’s even thinking about action genre films in Australia. Perhaps the film industry needs to understand the popularity that action can bring, especially in an international market.

For most of the night, after the discussion forum, everyone mingled. Unfortunately, I had to man the front desk, but that didn’t deter the fact that I sold a number of Q4J tees on the way. At least I was useful for something, right Maria? Thanks goes to Lauren Maher for taking a snapshot of me all on my lonesome that night. And yes, those are her balloons. I know a number of familiar faces had attended the night, if not for the forum then for the media coverage for the night. It was abuzz with life, and probably the most I’ve seen people in the PYT.

After the night, it made me think about where I’ve been going with my writing, and a majority of the writings that I have written or kept in backburner in my head. I will still hold onto them dearly, but there will come a time when I want these stories to be told and made for an audience that’ll appreciate them. If not for the bad-assery laced in it, but for the complexity of story-telling itself. Action is what I’m aiming for, just for now.

At the end of the day, I say: “Good on ya Maria!” Best wishes and heaps of luck on your Quest for Jackie Chan!

… see what I did there?

Quest for Jackie Chan! Australia Tour - Support now on Fundbreak!

I've finally got a Fundbreak account to "crowd-fund" my "Quest for Jackie Chan!" project online. With only 22 days or less to go, there's an aspect of me choking on uncertainty on how on earth I'm going to pull this crazy baby project of mine. I know one thing, and that is, either way, whether I rob Commonwealth bank or their competition - Westpac, I will still have to commit to what I've aimed to do in the first place.

But anyhow, fundbreak seems like a very good idea to spread the word about this project and to rally up some communal support. So far, its been like 2 days into it and I must say, I am very excited to have made 6% of the funds!

I recall launching the project on the website and waited patiently for the first $1 to trickle in. I would alternate between emails, internet surfing and horescope readings and back to the account in the anticipation for that "first" dollar. 7 hours passed by - nothing, 10 hours - nothing, 24 hours...still nothing.

My spirits started to dwindle. The past year has been highlighted by 30 major corporate knock backs and 2 major network grant application failures, hence, my last attempt may be coming to a stand still. Maybe the idea of "Quest for Jackie Chan!" was just too novel or silly?

But then it happened.

$20! From my weird little sister!

"Err...I'm not supporting you Maria. I'm just buying $20 worth of karma", she says.

Woah...my first 20 bucks....that is 1% funded on the project! And I can tell you, it may not be much but its means a lot to me, even better! From my little sister who thinks she's smarter than me. Thanks sis!

Meanwhile, Dr Tseen Khoo from Monash University who has done some extensive work in the field of Asian-Australian identities has been my second supporter of the "Quest for Jackie Chan!".

I was so excited that I had to make this in dedication to her.

Quest for Jackie Chan! delves into the action film genre!

Quest for Jackie Chan! Urban Action Film forum was a massive success with a crowd of more than 100 people packed into the Fairfield School of Arts to watch filmmakers showcase their projects and discussion of the action film genre that is emerging in Australia, featuring Hong Kong action film director, Antony Szeto.

Joining him was a show-stopping speaker line up including names like Craig Anderson (ABC TV series “Double the Fist”), Peter Castaldi (managing director of PackScreen distributors), Warren Coulton (Clear Vision Stunt Studios), Igor Breakenback (creator “Good Luck with That”) and award-winning multimedia parkour artist, Ali Kadhim who discussed issues such as funding, independent filmmaking, collaboration, audience development and the potential of online distribution and marketing.

Additional special guests include Joy Hopwood (former “Play School” presenter), Chris Pang (lead cast for “Tomorrow When the War Began”), Wang Fei (martial arts actress in “Wushu”) and Renee Lim (TV series “East West 101”).

Finally, Maria Tran updated the audience with the “Quest for JackieChan!” project and her September travels through Brisbane, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Melbourne & Canberra in the search of Australia’s Chan fans and action film fanatics who will send their personal video messages to this Kung Fu larrikin. By mid-November she intends to hit Jackie Chan’s Hong Kong office in the bid to score a one-on-one meet.

Quest for Jackie Chan! is a project that offers people from all walks of life from Australia’s major capital cities of Australia to showcase their self-initiated projects and groups and how that relates to Jackie Chan.

Guest Speaker - Craig Anderson
Craig showed comedic snippets of his TV series ‘Double the Fist” and spoke about the comedy genre in Australia (e.g. – the new wave of mockometries ) and also some of the theoretics of what makes something funny. His preference is “subversive comedy” which means “turn the situation upside down” and finding the humour in the most unlikely of situations. The debate that occurred was “Is Australian humour funny to the rest of the world?” or it is purely for Australian audiences? Craig also touch-based on what the mainstream networks are looking for and its about understanding what funding bodies want in terms of content.Guest Speaker – Ali Kadhim
Ali revealed his tightly edited 9Lives showreel that received tremendous roars as the audience were held captivated by his dynamic cinematography skills and the fact that he is a local and with no-budget, Ali and his team are still able to create high production value action content for the world of you tube to see. Guest Speaker – Warren Coulton
Warren introduced the audience to his Clear Vision community stunt studio based in Canberra where it is equipped with features such as an oversized green screen, stunts/ martial arts/ weaponary training facilities. Here, he spoke about the lack of support from mainstream funding bodies for action genre films. Hence, he and his community of independent filmmakers have been tailoring film projects to be self-fund and/or pool funded to tell those stories that they feel appeal to them. Don’t burn bridges, commit to what you say.Guest Speaker – Igor Breakenback
Igor comes from a stunts background as well and talked about his similar experiences with the hardships of getting funding bodies to turn their heads to invest in action. Igor has also developed and shared his passions with his core Breakenback followers based in the surrounds of Bondi.Guest Speaker – Peter Castaldi
Peter’s 30 years experience in marketing, exhibition and as a distributor revealed the number crunching realities of the business side of filmmaking and how producers and content creators need to truly define their captive audience before seeking the backing. A lot of investors want to see a well thought out strategy of how to get their returns for every dollar invested into a serious film production. Peter’s emphasis is the “online” mode of distribution is a popular and rising trend which may avoid the issue of the filmmaker surrendering all rights to the film, and to still maintain control of where it goes.Guest Speaker – Antony Szeto
Antony screened his recent movie trailer “Wushu” and spoke about his own journey into the world of filmmaking. Antony revealed being Sydney born and bred, he eventually came to a realisation that Australia itself, was too small and that more opportunities exist internationally. He emphasised that Hong Kong alone, makes far more films than the whole nation of Australia. Also there is more to play around when it comes to film budgets. Having travelled and worked internationally, Antony expressed his concern to why Australia seems to be falling behind, and while “action” is still an ever popular genre overseas, Australia just still hasn’t quite caught on.
Antony also gave strong words of advice to any emerging artist that if they are serious about the craft, then they should get the training and treat themselves seriously in the business. Also to think internationally and not just locally.Finally I got the chance to screen my “Quest for Jackie Chan!” trailer to the audience in hopes of contributing to the “action” genre. Although I yet to have any impressive stunts (besides a rabbit suit slip downstairs which wasn’t really impressive at all), guns blazing, car hits and beer bottle smashes, I would like my grassrootsy film project to instill some sort of manoeuvre in people’s minds that “Anything is Possible” and for people to get out their cameras and starting shooting.

Overall, I’m so glad to have all the people who’s words and wisdom inspire me in one room. Everyone one of these guest speakers have helped throughout the years by giving me the time and day and giving me their truthful experiences in the industry. I’ve seriously learnt valuable lessons from these people and hope that whatever I do, I can give back to them and pay-it-forward to other people who may need my help along the way.

Hence, from my experience, mentorship has been my growth and that filmmaking is a collaborative artform that requires great emotional intelligence and opportunity spotting.

Profiling the other artists

Shaun Cheng, Action star Weng Fei, Kim Do & Bradley Graves

The hardwork crew: Ok Chop, Maria Tran & Thuy Nguyen

Videographer: Jack Ngu

The Urban Action Fim Foum

Antony Szeto, Joy Hopwood, Wang Fei, Maria Tran, Warren Coulton, Igor Breakenback & Chris Pang

Our favorite Fairfield City Council Mayor Nick Lalich and his jovial welcoming

Maria Tran introduces the format of the night

9Lives boys (including Ali Kadhim) and Wang Fei

Managing director or Clear Vision Studios - Warren Coulton & Maria Tran

Antony Szeto, Jackie Chan bear, Maria Tran & her mum

Lead cast of "Tomorrow When the War Began" Chris Pang and Ok Chop

Dorothy Lily Nguyen, Trammy Pham & Friend

"Good Luck With That" director/ writer Igor Breakenback & Maria Tran

Maria Tran, Mayor Nick Lalick, Del Bennett and Antony Szeto

Special thanks to the following people!
[Guest Speakers] Craig Anderson, Ali Kadhim, Warren Coulton, Igor Breakenback, Peter Castaldi & Antony Szeto, [Sound technician] Andy Ko,[Event Coordinator] Thuy Nguyen,[Event Assistant/ setup] Ok Chop, [Reception] – Marie Setiawan, Laurent Boitex, [Vox pop artists/ event set up] Bradley Graves, Kim Cuong Do, [Videographers] - Jack Ngu & Quoc Do, [Curiousworks video documentation team] Eleanor Winkler, Anna La, Alan Lao [Hospitality & catering] Betty Thi Tran (Mum), [Photographer] Linh Trinh, Dorothy Lily Nguyen, Mike Kang, Kim Cuong Do, [Balloon artist/ set up] - Lauren Maher.

Quest for Jackie Chan! Urban Action Film Forum was proudly supported by Fairfield City Council, Information & Cultural Exchange (ICE), Powerhouse Youth Theatre, Community First Step and Packscreen.

Also, I'm still looking for support for my "Quest". Please donate at q4j.fundbreak.com.au. Any amount is appreciated.