UPDATES: Quest for Jackie Chan! "Gangland Showdown" Scene

Things have been trucking along quite well. The project is gaining momentum. Bold ideas have now formulated to action. I've been doing back to back shoots of the film and additional scenes (as inspired by Cabramatta's turbulent history of gang and triads in the 90s). The additional scenes is what blends the past with a reinterpretation that is refreshingly comedic and fun.

After the initial rehearsals of the "Gangland Showdown" Scene on Friday (Check our pic below)

Rehearsal Night

featuring a man with a publicly notorious past, Joe Le ("The Finished People") helped with the authentic touches of what gang leaders who roamed Cabramatta in the bad days were like and particularly why the kids did what they did, which is really much more complex than what the media headlined.

Most of the talent playing these gang member roles were mainly new to the who acting arena, with the exceptions of Quan Tran and Khanh Trieu. But it was great to see everyone giving it a go, exploring their boundaries for the performing arts and reclaiming the streets with something artistic and different.

PRODUCTION: As usual, I was nervous as anything, because I wasn't sure what would go down. 25 actors playing gang members in the heart of Cabramatta (days after some muggings and attempted kidnappings on the streets) was a bit of a risk. Even Joe expressed his surprised, even in the presence of Cabramatta's CCTV cameras that the cops didn't bother us.

The whole cast and crew

Some fun scenes that started the night was Farid Farid's rescue from a migrant bag. He popped out of the bag all topless, and sweaty with a comical response of "Thanks for the rescue". I couldn't stop laughing watching the rushes.

Another one was when we were filming the scene where the gangsters entered the alley way and one of them (Kevin Tran) slipped out of frame on a small cherry.

I was so pleased to have Adrian Castro (co-producer/ camera operator) managed the logistical shots and getting as many different variations for me to explore in the editing room. Thanks also to Justin Gong (who unfortunately was sick) for the equipment.

Other people I saw developed further was Thuy Ng (Production manager), Sophea Ergo (Sound) and Quan Tran (Photographer).

Farid Farid (in bag), Sophea Ergo (Sound), Maria Tran (director/ actor) & Adrian Castro (Co-producer/ DOP)

Quan Tran (Actor/ photographer), Thuy (Production manager/ First AD), Adrian Castro, Maria Tran and Farid Farid

Quan Tran, Kevin Tran, Khanh Trieu, Joe Le, James Nguyen, David Wong and Roger.

Next up is Quest for Jackie Chan! "First Strike" Scene due on the Sunday, 11th of December, 2011, 10-4pm. That one will involve some fully sick action packed choreography with hand to hand combat, stick fight as well as furniture throwing. the production is looking for some production assistants who can help with sound, lighting or camera work. Come on board and learn some more skills! Email me at maria.tran@questforjackiechan.com.

Behind-the-scenes/ Vlog - Q4JC - "Who Am I" Scene | Maria Tran vs Chris Pang

Chris Pang vs Maria Tran. "Like" the Quest for Jackie Chan! on Facebook! 

Time: 7.00am-1pm
Date: Sunday, 13th of November, 2011
Location: Melbourne

I must have had the dragon on my side because it didn't rain during my shoot! After choreographing some of the fight movements in Sydney and practicing it on fellow filmmaker, Adrian Castro, Thuy Ng and Alan La, finally we took it down to Melbourne.

It was a tightly scheduled day but we just had to get the shots (and we did). I would like to extend my special thanks to Somchay Phakonkham (DOP/ Camera - Reinvent Productions), Rob Hammad (Powderman and production assistant), Andy Minh Trieu (Assistant fight choreography), Jack Ngu (Camera Assistant), Quan Tran (Stills Photography) &; Christopher Pang (a.k.a "Tomorrow When The War Began" & "Citizen Jia Li") + Desmond.

Currently, it has been edited and now handed over to Adrian Castro for the sound design. Looking forward to seeing this one in the movie. Please 'like' our page!

Jack, Desmond, Somchay, Maria, Chris, Andy, Rob (red clipboard) & Peter

Mini blog account by Melbourne-based graphic designer - Peter Dang: 

Hi Guys,

Just taking this opportunity to say thanks for having me onboard the 4JC (Melb shoot) It was a very different & fun experience for me personally. I never realise how much effort and love is involved in such a small yet large project.

You guys each have unique qualities which sums up an awesome team. I am more than happy to part take or help out whenever I can, so let's not be strangers ey 

I love the closeness and down to earth personalities you guys posess! I reckon you guys will succeed in whatever you put your mind to. So, In summary I'll like to give you guys my overview on how I see each person I met on the day.

Maria: There is no surprise with you, strong, extroverted and very confident, you've got a lot of balls for a chick! Kick ass personality.. nice seeing you speak @ panel, very lively and engaging with the audience! good stuff!

Somchay: Small world, I've seen your work before but never knew the master mind behind it (because of you vid - youcake)

Flipped out when I saw you spin the camera on one of the fighting scenes, awesome technique and cool personality.

From all the panel speakers on Sunday, I like your style the most.. Keeping it real and say it how it is.

Quan: if I could describe you in one word "Deep" you speak from the heart, I respect this quality about you.

Pang: lol, comedian ...it's good to be working with comedians, it's always nice to have fun in everything we do. Haven't seen your TWTWE yet, but will definitely let you know my thoughts when I do get around to it.

Jack: Jack, a 'strange' character, you make me laugh man.. you also make me question about your sexuality? (do you get this often? lol)

Rob: The secret philosopher, Love @ first site with you.. I throughly enjoyed our conversations and do look forward to seeing your Anchovies movie once it's all ready to go. PS: Sorry, but I filmed your ass crack (BTS) just had to! lol lol lol

And Finally Andy, Hmmm.. pretty boy  love the martial arts; pretty boy perhaps just the coverup, when you were doing the cherography, You were really zoned into your character. Gl with the kids 

Well; Once again thank you Maria for the opportunity, and it was nice meeting you all. Looking forward to more future fun with you guys. All the best ^^

Peter

TEST SHOOT: "Who Am I" Scene #2

Carpark standoff - Adrian Castro & Maria Tran

Take this block...man....

Dammit! Where am I?

I can see you, with my left eye....

Maria Tran, Adrian Castro & Alan LA

Date: Saturday, 5th of November, 2011
Time: 8.30-12pm
Venue: Lidcombe

Today, myself, Adrian Castro and our first time on the Quest for Jackie Chan! Alan La all got together to do Test Shoot #2 - Who Am I. Last week we tested it out indoors with Thuy Ng as the cameraperson and the edits came together pretty well. The time round we had the chance to tweak things up, work in a real environment to get the shots.

I think we most of become a little strokish and I had a hard time remembering bits of the choreography we came up last week. A few injuries here (got punched in the boob and Adrian almost K.O Alan) and there and some external factors that we didn't have control (uneven surfaces that meant the dolly couldn't do a good job.

We decked up a bit. I was in semi "Jackie Chan" gear with a over-the-top wig (that had dramas of it's own) and Adrian Castro was filling in for Christopher Pang.

Check out the vlogs/ behind the scenes for this week and I'm sorry I can upload you the testers, all a secret until the movie comes out. :)