Quest for Jackie Chan

Behind-the-scenes/ Vlog - Quest for Jackie Chan! - "First Strike" Scene

2011-12-17T02:01:00.001-08:00

Date: Sun, 11 Dec, 2011
Time: 9am-6pm
Location: Marrickville, NSW, Australia

Another day and another fight sequence to complete. Jackie Chan made two films in Australia, one being "Mr Nice Guy" and the other "First Strike". I chose to do a playback of the scene where he uses all sorts of things to fight back the other guys and I've even gone as so far as making the overalls! (literally dyed yellow and painted black).

This was the first time I worked with Alan La, James Nguyen, Kevin Tran and David Wong, together in a group fight sequence with flying paper, sticks, tables and a ladder. It was great to be under the supervision of Adrian Castro (co-producer and fight choreographer) and also the DOP work of Justin Gong.

We had extra support from a hard working production and camera support team: Guido Gonzales, David Cheng, Thuy Ng, Wendy La, Teresa Pham, Ben Cao, Jane Le, Tony Dinh. Special thanks to Craig Anderson (Craig FX) for letting us use the studio and a backdrop.

I think the vibe has been going strong with the quest. Despite being no-budget, the production itself showcases individual characters in team work situations. With that in mind, the spirit of making something out of nothing, venturing through the hard yards to get to where our dreams live.

There is still plenty more to get involved and still a lot of work to do. But this is my destiny project shared with my many comrades who have the same vision and comes with me on a journey to present something epic in action comedy from downunder.

If you like what we represent, support our page! http://www.facebook.com/QuestforJackieChan

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

2011-11-29T13:15:00.003-08:00

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

2011-11-29T13:15:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-05T19:28:00.000-07:00

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. :)

CALL OUT: Quest for Jackie Chan! "Man With a Deadly Stool" Shoot

2011-06-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

Old School; Yuen Biao vs Jackie Chan

I'm looking forward to another awesome and fun shoot this coming 18th & 19th June, 2011 (9am-4pm) around Cabramatta/ Fairfield shoot for movie-in-the-making "Quest for Jackie Chan!". This shoot will feature renown "Fruit Ninja" actor/ martial artist Andy Minh Trieu as "Brown Ninja/ Yuen Biao".

I'm kind of feeling slightly nervous as I'll be getting even more ballsy with directing the action and production of this scene, hopping from location to location and collaborating with some new faces in the martial arts action scene. It will be a tight shoot, only two days to deliver a top notch scene with 3 mini fight battles in between as I physically versus Andy Minh Trieu in this early film showdown.

So if you are interested in coming on board as a PRODUCTION ASSISTANT, drop me a line at maria.tran@questforjackiechan.com.

Check out the last shoot here

FILM SHOOT: Quest for Jackie Chan! ~ Funding Bodies

2011-06-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

Date: Thursday, 9^th June, 2011

Time: 8.30-2pm

Location: Parramatta Diocese

Another great experience for my first time newbie attempt at making feature film “Quest for Jackie Chan!”. It was great (but stressing day) with lots of challenges thrown at my crew, cast and I as we truck it forwarded to complete this scene in the film – “Funding bodies”.

Picking on poor Maria Tran

Now originally, the whole movie concept was not going to include something of this sort, but after so many knockbacks for support on this project from what I call the mainstream filmmaking mafias, I’ve decided to take destiny into my own hands and amplify what it feels to tackle to Australian Film Industry. And why not have a cameo of it?

Quan Tran and Saber Baluch

It was a good feeling to have my brother from a different mother, Quan Tran and his gear on board; Adrian Castro (guerrilla VFX guy and 1^st AD for the shoot), Saber Baluch (Cinematography/ DOP) and once intern but now gungho film maker Thuy Ng (Production Manager). These guys were my eyes and ears for the production and had extrasensory abilities that made my job easier.

Now, I would also like to extend my welcoming to new crew (whom I just met on the day): Rushan (Sound guy) who was probably the only guy that had enough stamina to keep that boom stick up for that long (well done!), Kleo & Sophea (Production assistant), who were such an asset to the film shoot, they were on the ball, quick thinking and generally fun (with the vlogs) to have around (Keep it up girls!).

Also, Ms Thao Le (Glamour World Beauty Hair & Make Up) made such a difference to how the actors look like on screen. Big ups to her!

Thao Le of Glamour World Beauty

After lots of searching high and low for the “funding bodies” cast, I finally found the right kinds of people who made the scene a bellyful of laughs.

Introducing, Bruno Starrs (“Main director”), Danielle Antaki (“Female Director”), Christian Tancred (“Jock Director #1), Scott Cantrill (“Jock Director #2) and Felino Dolloso (“Asian Director”) who were all brilliant, patience and professional to work with.

Overall, I was very happy with this shoot. There is still lots to learn after but I’m proud to say this shoot is pivotal to many more great shoots (the key is bringing out the best in people, in return they will make a great shoot). There was a sense of team spirit and constant learning. Post shoot, Adrian Castro called to remind me of what I’m doing – my first, movie! No budget, unconventional, gungho, Jackie Chan style (director, producer, actor) and with such great energies to make “something from nothing” (as Saber Baluch would say).

What I learnt: Directing/ producing/ writing/ acting is some darn crazy mother of a multitasking head spin. I had to juggle a shoot in the conservative boardroom church, get away with bring in mock AK47s and other weaponry, remind the crew not to use the “F” word too loudly (because we are in the house of God – the Catholic one), and remind composed and focus on getting the actor’s performance (including mine).

What I will continue: Using the making of this movie as my way of getting schooled in the filmmaking progress.

What is next: Long weekend is up and I’ve postponed the shoot with Farid Farid, Ali Kadhim and the parkour crew till end of July. There’s so much potential for that shoot to develop and honestly, I don’t have to rush into things. There’s no actual deadline for the project to finish (only for it to premiere in Feb 2012). This weekend, I’ll be working on costume design and the major fight sequence shoot with Andy Minh Trieu (renown onscreen “Ninja”), which will see some new collaborations with VSS Studios (Vanna Seang) and David Nguyen (Filmmaker and Dong Tam Association). Bring on the collaborations and let more learnings begin!!!!

Also, check out Adrian Castro's blog!

Check out the full photo album!

EVENT: Short Film "Hot Bread Shop" screening at 2011 Colourfest Film Festival, 4 Jun, 6pm

2011-05-30T08:13:00.000-07:00

Here's some excitement. My Vietnamese-first mockumentary is being screen at the 2011 Colourfest Film Festival this Saturday, alongside with Vinh Nguyen's "The Tech Effect" and Marie Setiawan's "Fairytale". I'm definitely dragging my "Film Club Mob" out to this event after we finish our first shoot of movie "Quest For Jackie Chan!".

Colourfest is Australia’s first and only national film festival dedicated to the works of culturally diverse Australian film makers. Screening in three cities, four venues with a total of eight sessions, Colourfest is the upcoming festival worth checking out!

Each venue is screening two sessions, both featuring the best of culturally diverse Australian screen content. We would love for you to join us in celebrating the best of film, culture and expression, representing the realities and dreams of all Australians.

The Sydney session details are below:

3rd of June – Red Rattler Theatre, Marrickville (Sydney). Session 1: 6pm to 8pm, session 2: 8pm to 10pm For Tickets: Session 1 and Session 2.

4th of June – Riverside Theatre, Parramatta (Sydney). Session 1:3-5pm, session 2: 6-8pm. (This is my session!)

Click here for Tickets

For information on films click here.

CREW CALL: Looking for a volunteer Hair and Make Up Artist for "Quest for Jackie Chan!" movie

2011-05-29T18:30:00.001-07:00

"Secret Palace Test Shoot Production"

Action comedy transmedia movie, Quest for Jackie Chan! is in its final stages of film production. We are looking for hair and make-up artists to be a part of the production team.

Funding Body Scene - This is one of the main comedic, slapstick and over-the-topness on film funding bodies going all Hong Kong style when the genre chosen isn’t stereotypically “Australian”.

You'll be apply make up to 7 people, all who are wearing power suits and need to have a very bland look.

Date of the shoot is 9am-2pm, Thursday, 9th June, 2011.

Please email your CV, mobile number to maria.tran@questforjackiechan.com

Location: Parramatta Diocese, 10 Victoria Rd, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia.

Note: Must have own equipment

FILM FAMILY: My Dad is So Cheap....

2011-05-28T08:12:00.000-07:00

My Dad and his handy skills

With only 7 days till I start filming my first ever feature film, my whole family have been super supportive as always. Mum is doing her bit spread good word-of-mouth to her customers about my film, my sister is sending me random e-marketing tips, and Dad...making me a no-budget film dolly out of the neighbours junk that he's picked up and dragged back to home garage.

I rocked over to Dad's place to enquire about how to make a dolly and he quickly scurried to the garage and pulled out a whole heap of junk, spanners, measuring tapes and an array of wheels to make me the ultimate film dolly for the epic no-budget venture. You can imagine that professional film dollies are expensive as and with the time I had left, I couldn't afford a couple of grand to splurge on some fancy pants equipment. But I really really want to get these particular shots. There were some scenes that in the movie that I wanted to achieve a particular feel through these cinematic movements. But after seeing Vanna Seang (another film colleague of mine, getting all innovative) I thought, why not call on handy man dad to see if he can do the job.

I have great faith in Dad for building me something cutting-edge (even though it will probably look cheap ass junk) I'm sure it won't undersell in performance (and will be burglar proof, they'll probably mistaken it for some transformer junk kit).

Well, if I got "no-budget" to work with, might as well make the most of it. To date, ICE has agreed to support the movie through their camera gear and lighting loan (EX3 and light panels), Dragon Vision Production (Canon 5D, 7D and sound kit), VSS Studios (Dolly tracks and jibs) and lots of talented cast and crew to ensure that project will be something innovative.

So "no-budget"? Yes! But lots of love!

Signing out,

Maria Tran

Actors 40 - 60 required for feature film – Quest for Jackie Chan!

2011-05-23T18:28:00.001-07:00

Action comedy transmedia movie, Quest for Jackie Chan! is in its final stages of film production. We are looking for actors 40-60 y.o to be featured in the film.

This is one of the main comedic, slapstick and over-the-topness on film funding bodies going all Hong Kong style when the genre chosen isn’t stereotypically “Australian”.

Date of the shoot is 9am-2pm, Thursday, 9th June, 2011.

Please send a quick showreel/ clip of your abilities, CV and headshot.

Location: Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia.

Payment details: no pay

Note: Must have own suit

Applications to this casting call require:

A phone number

A profile photo

Board of Directors

Any gender, aged 40 to 60 from New South Wales, Australia

Min Acting experience:	No previous acting experience
Languages spoken:	English
Accents spoken:	Australian

FILM CLUB - Session #1

2011-05-22T21:19:00.000-07:00

I'm very proud of the organic turnout of FILM CLUB #1 - Brainstorming Session. We had a turnout of 16 people of all levels of film, performing arts and graphics design background attend this intimate yet productive planning session.

Half were new to the little space of "The Shed" (some got lost), but the 2.5 hours came across with some serious introductions and a lot of inspiring visions of the development of Western Sydney and storytelling from culturally diverse.

Most was intrigued to have a "Film Club" a weekly place to connect, share projects on both from a hobbyist and also a competitive perspective. A few reported back with their independent year long project such as Adrian Castro's impressive short film "Django", which later was screened during night. Dragon Vision Production head director, Quan Tran spoke about is collaboration with Poohead Productions, Vinh Nguyen, on a recent documentation of a local Buddhist community event.

Stephanie In, a local emerging illustrator and comics designer expressed her visions wanting to develop herself as an artist via collaboration with other peoples projects. Thug Ng, a 2nd year film student, expressed her frustrations and censorship throughout her training of making "mainstream" content, which she feels does not represent her voice. We were later joined by Youtuber Tuan Le Dang (emerging youtuber and CCD worker), David Vo, Sam Gosper and the crew from Team 9Lives.

MY BACKGROUND

With the inception of an initiative of my very own FILM CLUB, I've started to believe in the film spirit once more post Rumble Pictures. For those who didn't know the story of Fairfield and it's film forte, it started bubbling in 2003 with the head crews of Rumble Pictures, Team 9Lives and Trinity Productions. These teams would battle it out year after year at the local shortcuts film festival held at the Fairfield School of Arts, dishing out action and the comedy genre. Ebbs and flows occurred during my years with Rumble, seeing the success and completion of "Maximum Choppage: Round 2" and "Downtown Rumble" and my long employment at Information & Cultural Exhange (ICE) as the Youth Digital Cultures coordinator. Now, I'm wrapping up with ICE soon, and will be making the transition to SBS commissioned program "Once Upon A Time In Cabramatta", a 1.7 mil epic TV production that is due to air in 2012. In the meantime, the "Quest for Jackie Chan!" is still on, the first shoot with Immi Ho Anh Mai is around the corner (4th June) and I'm so proud to have a team of uniquely skilled and dedicated team of multimedia & filmmakers, whom I believe, will be the future creative leaders.

CALL OUT: Quest for Jackie Chan! Martial Artists/ Acrobatics/ Parkour Artists

2011-05-16T19:22:00.000-07:00

With film production just around the corner for the "Quest for Jackie Chan!", the production is casting for Western Sydney-based Male, Asian 20-30 y.o. Martial Artists/ Acrobatics/ Parkour Artists for a Hong Kong 80s style merged with the experimental fight sequence that is scheduled to shoot on the 16th/ 17th of July, 2011 in Fairfield.

The outcome of this will be part of the movie in the making "Quest for Jackie Chan!", to be launched in Feb, 2012.

Please send a quick showreel/ clip of your abilities, CV and headshot to maria.tran@questforjackiechan.com.

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.

UPDATES: "Quest"

2011-05-16T06:37:00.001-07:00

Loads of work whirring at lightning speed and its been quite a funky challenge. I spent the last 10 days renovating my new little Quest for Jackie Chan! office (back of mum's bakery) with loads of painting, cleaning, moving and building things to accommodate the ever growing film project paper work, props, and large wardrobe and collection of wigs.

The next few days I'll be decking it our with white boards, pin ups, signage and of course, doing the final cast call outs for one major acrobatic fight display that I've written into the film.

There's definitely growing interest amongst the film community and once I've locked down who's who, then I can start pairing them up working in different scenes of the movie project.

To add to the transmedia experience, those who are in on the bandwagon are encouraged to develop their own voice through blogging, photologging, vlogging and other social media components. Just simply being an actor or a camera operator is not enough. For those who think I need them and my call out for talent is exploitation, well, I guess they are not visionary enough to see the bigger picture; and so I won't be able to accommodate them.

My priority isn't meeting Jackie Chan (even though he is one of the most awesome person in the world), but to test my own will, push the boundaries and most importantly, seeking likeminded individuals and groups, that I will want to work with in future. So far, in my journeys, its been full of friggin' rocks, but I believe without them, I would of still been in my little snail shell, twiddling my thumbs and just doing whatever.

But at this moment in my life, juggling 3 jobs at once, waking up 8am and finishing at 3am (I feel like I'm going to die sometimes), I feel the drive, I feel the inner venture, I crave to watch, to be inspired by every little thing in life and bit by bit, discover other hidden talents that will join me on my journey of making as EPIC a no-budget production can ever be.

I must admit, I have been very short fused though. Less waffly, but yet less tolerant of waffly people. I've had a string of people who articulate on wanting to be an actor and/or filmmaker who keep saying they don't have the time. Or the classic, "I just want to make it" scenario. That is simply way too vague and does not amount to anything. Hence, I've been spending heaps of alone time and of course, there's work at ICE.

In the last two months, I've been so privileged to have worked with Yassin Alsalman (Aka "The Narcicyst") and multimedia visual arts extraordinare Sundus Abd Hadi. These two are such such great people with a powerful influence in what they think, say and do. There's this element of clarity and universality in the way they see the world and the transmedia ways their activist works have inspired others to see change in their very own life.

No its not a cult, I'm just describing these two. Its hard to explain when you meet people who have an extraordinary energy in them. Yassin's mindset is solid as concrete, and he embraces his own changes, whilst Sundus has a geniune lovely vibe about her; even to the point that I get a bit of worried that I can't reciprocate.

They are both leaving tomorrow. I'm sure going to miss them both. Which takes me to the end of my contract at ICE as an Urban Cultures Program Coordinator, into an Mobile Expressions Workshop Trainer, and then the week after, into my new role on board SBS's 1.7 mil TV series as a full-time associate producer attachment. Everything come in oddly good timing. I was beginning to wish to gain more experience on understanding how big legit budgets and funding works and wanted to set myself right straight after the "Quest" film project. At the end of the day, I can't live off no-budget productions and eventually want to get to a level that I can co-direct and act in my own TV series or feature film.

So when I do start my contract, weekdays will be working at the office on TV series while weekends will be scheduled for the "Quest" shoots. There's still much more to do. Initially I was going to cut up the feature with the footage that I've got, which would have worked out anyways. After an injection of ambition and boundary pushing, the "Quest" will be a wacko of a movie. If I'm haunted every night on it, it means something.

In the meantime, I'm still looking for people to join in to help the "Quest" out. My first shoot is the 4th of June, 2011 and shoots will be scheduled every weekend till August. I'm looking for 10 male martial arts/parkour/ acrobatics for a blast to the past 80s HK fight scene 16th/ 17th July, 2011 (TBC), shooting in Fairfield.

Signing out,

Maria Tran

TREASURE: Quest for Jackie Chan Fan Sketch!

2011-04-18T05:22:00.001-07:00

While working on 3 computers in succession (one on each state of mind), the "recreational" computer was trawling online and landed across this ever so cute Quest for Jackie Chan! dedication.

Sophia A. was one of the audience members of the "Maximum Choppage: Round 2" screening I did in Newcastle earlier this year. I recall driving for like 2 and a half hours north out of Sydney to launch and speak at this event, and always in great spirits that other youngies get inspired to take on the arts field, whether, filmmaking or acting.

At the end of the session, I gave away my last two Jackie Chan shirts I had in stock as well as some stick art. A few responded with their own art works that were sketched on the fly and I guess Ms little Sophia missed out - only to be discovered online.

All the best Sophia! and thank you for your kindness and founded digital piece of inspiration, that adds to the growth of the "Quest".

Intended title: For Maria Tran's Quest for Jackie Chan!

last night i went to the loft in town, and had another Inzine meeting about the current upcoming Inzine, and talked about the things i still have to submit for it. Which are a review on the best ninja game in the world (my opinion) "Red Ninja" and a drawing for a pirate and ninja spot the difference.

After the meeting, me and the other members went ahead watched a movie made by Maria Tran, who is currently doing a project to find and meet Jackie Chan. This picture included in this post is dedicated to her quest. It is a chibi of the legendary kung fu comedy actor himself, Jackie Chan!!

GOOD LUCK MARIA TRAN!! I hope you succeed in meeting jackie Chan.

by ~MangaArtist123

Fan Art / Digital Art / Drawings / Movies & TV

Inte

PROJECT: Meals on Wheels with Adrian Castro

2011-03-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

I get all sorts of emails lately branded with "Quest for Jackie Chan is dead". But wait on a sec, just because I haven't met Jackie Chan doesn't mean the whole quest world has collapsed. Everything I do is purposeful and I don't believe in failure, just obstacles that tests our capabilities.

So the "Quest" has veered its directions to the making of a quality movie of my journeys (as well as many others) on the "Quest". This Sunday, i spenT a solid 3 hours with film buddy Adrian Castro who is committed in recreating the Meals on Wheels Benny The Jet vs Jackie Chan notorious fight scene.

I was lucky enough to meet Benny The Jet last year (through Misha & Warren Coulton) and ever have been inspired to pay homage to the meet up.

So in the month of April, myself and Mr Castro will be dedicating our 10 solid hours a week in full exploration of fight choreography, training, costume design and location scouting all in the lead up to a full 2 day shoot of one of Jackie's best fight scenes of all time. I will be playing "Jackie" (girl version but with the same hairstyle) while Adrian will be donning "Benny". I look forward to working with Adrian because I know his level of pedanticness and "go hard or go home" attitude will surely push this clip (which will be a part of the "Quest") to the best it can possibly be.

MEDIA: The big boss says get Chan on the case

2011-03-15T23:42:00.000-07:00

Thanks to facebooker Gary Phuong, he's quick media scan has brought to my attention of Jackie Chan news that is much closer to home. Looks like Multicultural community-liaison officer Imanuel Choyce has beaten me to it in meeting Jackie Chan. But I'm pretty proud to see a local Cabramatta-based person connecting to the Chan man himself and the news that "if" Jackie was coming to Australia, he'll be sure to visit Sydney's Asian hotspot. Next week I'm scheduled to have a meet with Mr Choyce and get some advice on what he thinks are ways we can connect and make it even a bigger reason for Jackie to come to the Western burbs. I mean, we got parkour, our own Cabramatta made "Maximum Choppage" Kung Fu movie, and now in development "Quest for Jackie Chan!" to ride this wave.

The big boss says get Chan on the case

MELANIE KEMBREY

15 Mar, 2011 07:42 PM

HE FLIPS. He dives. He demolishes doors and climbs backwards down palm trees.

Brave — nay, foolish — is the acrobat who tries to outflip him.

And then he turns, he stares and he delivers the verbal kick in the stomach.

"Discretion is my middle name, sir," he says with a glint in his eye.

Jackie Chan might be discreet by name, certainly not by nature.

It's why the kung-fu king is the proud new ambassador for crime prevention in Cabramatta.

And get ready to flip out because the international superstar promised to visit next time he is in the country.

Cabramatta police officers approached Mr Chan — no doubt cautiously given his propensity to kick — to ask if he would like to accept the off-screen role.

Multicultural community-liaison officer Imanuel Choyce went to Hong Kong to chat with the star of the recent hit remake of The Karate Kid.

Mr Chan didn't toss and turn over his decision and was quick to accept the new mission.

He was presented with an appreciation certificate signed by local area-commander Superintendent Ray King.

Superintendent King said he hoped this appointment would strengthen the relationships between the local police and the community.

"Many residents are hesitant and fearful of talking to police about crime," he said.

"I think Jackie Chan is the perfect person to have as an ambassador. He's a good role model for people to look up to. We're always looking for new ways to build up relationships with the community."

As the face of crime prevention Mr Chan will be taking up a new kind of fight.

He will encourage Cabramatta residents to report crime and promote a safe and harmonious community.

Superintendent King said that the command would maintain regular correspondence.

Fairfield might have missed out on a visit from Oprah but Mr Chan promised Cabramatta will be on his list when he next heads down under.

Forget The Karate Kid. Now he's the Cabramatta kid.

PHASE: The Epic Writer's Block

2011-03-02T23:58:00.001-08:00

I seriously hate the mocking blankness of the writer's block. Its like the mind is drawn towards a vacuum of nothingness and what is left is a dazed out stare at a black piece of paper or computer screen, with the tools (pen or keyboard) left untouched.

I've recently delved into writing for the sake of my long term project "Quest for Jackie!". I've been squirming away from it for a long time but my recent meet up of first film mentor, Fadia Abboud, who was outwardly shocked that I haven't even scripted it was evident.

Yes. I'm kind of backwards with this project and now have to pull my act together and set the record straight.

I must write!

But that was easily said than done. After 2 hours of desk cleaning, three large coffees, throwing pegs at the balcony pigeons and googling images of Takeshi Kaneshiro, my screen remains blank.

This happened for four days straight and I was becoming desperate. It was such an annoying experience, I knew the story, I knew what I want, but it didn't come out. Each time I'm about to commit to an action, a little gremlin inside would be snarling and hissing and telling me I don't know what I'm talking about.

So what’s with this W.B? How does it come about?

Here’s some of my discoveries. It can come about when you start writing. I guess if you are not intending to ever write, then you won’t get it.

But I’ve made a decision that writing it a very significant skill that I must develop now, and for the future.

It’s conditions does vary, from a trivial matter to one that would take years to get over.

The course may come from within, such as the creative running out of inspiration, or they may feel distracted like they have to do something beforehand.

External factors include those that impact on the creative’s life or career: illness, deaths, relationship breakdowns, financial crisis etc…

Then there’s the perception thing, writers may feel the pressures of writing “perfection” and are just waiting for the right moments to feel confident to begin.

So what are some if the remedies? I can’t pinpoint one as such, but recently, facebook friend Kevin Lai responded to my outward cries of “Writer’s block” with good link for people to check out. http://www.theartistsway.com/pdfs/basictools.pdf

Morning Pages: A daily exercise where you begin the day by writing 3 pages of nothing, something, and anything. It is a stream of consciousness that comes out onto your paper, regardless of how you feel and what you think. This exercise is suppose to be a creativity recovery and breaks down our internal censorship mechanisms so that we can think freely.

Our censorship centre is all that negative whingey, whining garble that makes us literally feel crap and deters us from our basic random fun instincts.

Unfortunately, the world encourages this mode of thinking because imposed fear on people allows them to be more easily controlled and society in one consensus way of thinking makes things run much smoother. Or so we think.

I’ve just recently started using this technique and already feeling the blocks moving and the words slowly flowing through. I taught it to the HSC high school kids today and they see the benefits in it as well.

WEEKEND: 18 months since my last haircut

2011-02-26T00:52:00.001-08:00

If anybody knows me, they would know that I'm all "dag" with a bold caplock. But this weekend I ventured 30 mins down south to Campbelltown to finally come face-to-face with those snippers. My buddy and "beauty mentor Sophea Moeln treated me to a good relaxing hair wash and treatment, cut and loosely curled on the house. Sophea can probably vouch for my "tomboyness" but I guess there's some commonalities this this foxy lady as she, herself, admit to being one in her earlier years.

I look up to her, she's down to earth yet daring and she is bloody hard working. From being a bikini model to now a full time business owner of "Design for Pleasure" she's definitely boldly independent, even with two very young kids of her own.

Let's recap the week. Its been hectic. Lots of work demands (juggling two jobs - coordination and school teaching) as well as keeping up with the connections all over Australia and some fantastic

film projects that are in the pipeline.

I had some deep and meaningful moments with some of film colleagues who were upfront, "Maria Tran! Start finishing the Quest for Jackie Chan!". Yes...I've procrastinated, knowing at the back of my head that the clock is ticking and that this project's bold, daring and adventurous nature will make it a hit. But of course, that all depends on me. I've been trying to get over some confidence issues lately.

There are times that I'm just overthinking the whole thing and just don't feel quite there to make it happen. Deep down, I'm afraid of failure and seeing that it will be my first feature film that I direct/write/ produce, it makes

me feel like I just want to crawl into a hole and die.

A good chat with Adrian Castro provided me with that wake up call. We ended Friday night with watching some more old school Jackie Chan snippets on you tube and it made me feel better that what I'm embarking on is actually quite unique. We brainstormed on some of the old school scenes and how the "Quest" can recreate some of it to pay homage to Jackie.

So in the next 7 days, I'm going to nut out the whole movie on paper. I have to do it once and for all. No fear.

WORK: Back at Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE)

2011-02-21T23:27:00.001-08:00

After my 6 months of travels, I've settled back at my comfy workplace at Information & Cultural Exchange (ICE) as the Urban Cultures Program Coordinator. Until June, I'll be working on one of Australia's exciting projects and hosting two international artists.

If it wasn't for ICE, I don't think I would have sustained pursuing film, arts, and media. I'd probably be stuck in doing

something I didn't want or trying my hardest to make use of my psychology degree. I started out as a participant about 5 years ago in their film introductory workshops called

"Active Flix". This was run by Fatima Mawas and Fadia Abboud. Fatima since have left to pursue further studies in film school and Fadia is regularly contracted to work at this same organisation.

Anyhow, check out the new arts space that ICE lives out of. I simply love it! It so stimulates me to be creative and innovative.

Quest for Jackie Chan? Still working on it. My colleagues at ICE have been very supportive of my project from its inception in early 2010 and still continuing. Especially when I'm surrounded my filmmakers, media artists, marketing people etc... who are seriously always buzzing with innovation and edgy projects themselves.

To them, Quest for Jackie Chan! is more than any little gimmick, it may be another breakthrough project that cuts across the borders. This is particularly relevant, if Australia itself wants to break ground and connect across Asia (whether its films, arts, business, politics etc...). But I have to admit, the more the project and buzz develops, the harder it is to find sleep!

Every night I'm on the phone talking and discussing projects with a host of the connections (Lots from Melbourne and Darwin) that I've developed throughout the "Quest" in Australia. People and groups are wanting to plug into my head to figure out what the whole general direction is.

That's the beauty of this unfinished project. It is creating what I call "critical mass" of energy thinking about one thing "action film genre", hence, I'm able to share information and as well as learn about other people's projects and how to "cross wires".

Random Play at work: So cool! they have chairs made of cardboard!

THOUGHTS: Thinking of Law of Attraction

2011-02-16T07:55:00.001-08:00

Before I start this blog, I just wanted to say thanks to all the people (David Lee, Naomi Lynch, Nghi Huynh, Kane Wilson, Martin Landauer, Ridwan Hassim, Quan Tran, Gentle Storm, Gary Phuong, Igor Breakenback & Daniel Whyte) who connected with my status update: Law of Attraction: What's your thoughts on it? Comment now! :) Monday at 2:09pm.

Your comments really got me thinking a bit more about "bigger picture" learning and how one spur of the moment thought can spark a whole different way of thinking.

I've been carrying my copy of "The Secret" around lately (to work, the gym and around the place. I haven't finished it though.) ever since my Melbourne-based film buddy Somchay Phakonkham has sent me a copy (even though he himself hasn't read it).

Its a handy little book and I guess essence of "The Secret" is the simple "Law of Attraction". Prior to this, I heard about this Law of Attraction in fleeting conversations about the metaphysical, but in general, its means "like attracts like" , positive thoughts brings positive results and negative thoughts brings negative outcomes.

Take for instance, if you thought out there the statement "I need more time" then you will continue to "need more time". So if you were to change this statement to "I will find more time", as in, you move away from focusing on it as a problem but more as a goal, then things will change.

In David Lee's response of "There is no such thing as true love!" Monday at 2:14pm, then apparently through the Law of Attraction, then this statement will continue to run true.

Nghi Huynh "If there is something you really want then your subconscious will work overtime to find opportunities for you to achieve it. That is why it almost seems like magic that you find just what you are looking for" Monday at 2:19pm.

I think so too with Nghi's comment. I don't know why, but like a year ago, I put it out there in the world that I wanted to meet Jackie Chan and through one thing after another, things all started connecting and opportunities showed around every corner from my Australia travels and even to Hong Kong, Beijing and China. Personally, I think if I really tried harder I could of met Jackie through my last visit to Hong Kong as I met so many people who were connected to him (personal and professional). But, my subconscious did hold back, somehow I felt the timing was off I started to delve into my own personal journey and to why I've come about to making the "Quest for Jackie Chan!".

The book, the concept and the facebook posting comments really changed my perceptions of my "inner and outer adventure", from just trying to prove a point to meet one of the world's recognisable superstar to more of a creative plight and a nation-wide wide platform and showcase of the independent filmmaking, multimedia and arts scene in Australia.

So my directions have changed, I want to make "Quest for Jackie Chan!" an epic movie. My apologies, I will make "Quest for Jackie Chan!" an epic movie.

Naomi D Lynch "Forget the details- dont be too hung up on exactly what, and let go of how and when... But if you can create, by visualisation and imagination, (just pretend!!) the way you will FEEL once you achieve/receive whatever it is you want, then you have a goal your subconscious can work with, and like Nghi says, you will recognise opportunities and take actions that will inexorably lead you towards it. :)" Monday at 2:36pm

Naomi's comment reminded about how I first started with the idea. But I'm sure everyone else have experienced it when you get so bogged by details of the "how is it going to happen" and bringing up an exhaustive list of how an idea won't happen. I mean, our society is geared towards the fear of failure, hence, ideas that are "deemed as far fetched" are often discouraged. But hey, how would have Thomas Edison invented electricity without some "What if" thinking.

Kane Wilson "...Now if humans were magnets we could all just stick together. But we don't! However some people are repelled.This may be a deodorant thing. In conclusion! I really have no bloody idea!" Monday at 6:27pm.

Kane's mention of some people "repelling" rings true to some of my experiences. I have come across people who I just simply cannot gel. Its not that they are a bad person or anything, I came to accept that people are diverse and can have different wavelengths. At times it can be frustrating to get them to see the "picture" of the project, but at the same time they are vital as they highlight unforeseen challenges that I will eventually have to confront.

Martin Landauer "Game theory seems more reliable." Monday at 6:48pm

Martin has a point. Law of Attraction suffers from the scientific perspectives. Its is a concept that is unfalsifiable and untestable and most evidence are all subjective, personal and story-based. I guess, we are living in a world where having control and the ability to replicate things are successful is important to maximise efficiency and productivity. It is a worldview perspective choice though, and I have to side with this comment:

Gary Phuong "....And it's easier when you feel good about yourself." Monday at 11:05pm

I definitely prefer to be seen a an agent of change rather than a bunch of swirling atoms randomly hanging around and waiting to be hit by a bunch of bigger swirling atoms (like a bus) or something.

Here are also some other to add:

Ridwan Hassim "If u believe it and see it and feel it and hear it, with great repetition, it becomes a reality." Monday at 7:17pm

Quan Tran "You can't runaway from it but time will tell how long it will last." Monday at 7:40pm

Gentle Storm "Laws are undeniable truth! Especially this one. ;p" Monday at 8:58pm

To keep things on a light note, this is Igor Breakenback's visual interpretation titled "Law of Attraction At Work".

I also got this awesome link from Melbourne-based actor/ martial artist Daniel Whyte (who's met Jackie Chan before) and he stars in the feature film "Being in Heaven", which is on the concept of Law of Attraction. Check out the trailer.

My final note, I think the Law of Attraction works for me. From thoughts, words to action, even in a simple facebook status, I'm able to map out people's thoughts, experiences and projects that has pretty much been the "Star Wars - Yoda" at this point in my life. Everything I've thought up has gone pretty much how I wanted, and all the people I've connected with are the "gold" in my life.

Thank you for everything!

Signing out,

Maria Tran

DEFEATED: Jackie Chan flies out to US to meet Obama

2011-01-21T16:03:00.000-08:00

Location: Beijing, China

Yes, I do feel like I'm chasing a dragon's tail. So many near encounters and yet, at this point in time, so far. But nevertheless, so many meetings with close JC personnels is quite an experience. I think at this point, communicating my project can be a little hard.

Quest for Jackie Chan has morphed into something quite hard to to describe. How do I explain "transmedia" in Chinese? What does global multiple levels of storytelling mean? Anyhow, my "quest" so far has added another dimension to my visions in the film realm. Of course it means I have to work harder, never sitting back to relax, just always keeping my momentum on high.

At this point in the project I have also learnt more about why JC has become more exclusive these days. After years of fans stalking, threats to staff, bizzare incidents, I think he's had enough and in his best interest to protect his staff, being exclusive is the way to go.

I was reading his official blog today as well. He is kind of like I would be like if I met him - Jackie Chan. In his blog he recollects dropping everything and heading over to Washington for a dinner with 4 presidents in one room, how he contemplated on bringing his panda icons into the White House and how excited he was. Exactly what I would be going through too if I met Jackie. I would bring Jackiebear along with me though.

So I guess this point in time, the "Quest" is wrapping up - without the meeting of Jackie Chan.

NEW PLACES: Guangzhou, China

2011-01-16T09:20:00.000-08:00

I slept at 4am last night (like most nights in Hong Kong) and a woke with a warm phone call from Chris and talks of my our final day together before we go on.

I haven't told you the story of Chris Gill yet. He's a 30 year-old soul from the regions of East

London. He too, wanted to escape the mundane and explore himself as a singer/songerwriter musician.

After a morning of running around and trying to prepare for my trip to Guangzhou, an idea hit me. Previously, one of my newfound friends (whom I haven't yet met) Kevin Transent me a verying encouraging email with some pointers on how I should approach people about my project.

Kevin Tran is Melbourne-based but moved to Hong Kong a year ago. He based himself here for 1-2 years as an emerging actor who scored a string of uber cool TVC commercials, short films as well as movies. One name through his connections is Patrick fromwww.alivenotdead.com

LEADS: Shaun Chang

2011-01-16T09:18:00.000-08:00

Shaun Chang, my Canberrian-based buddy just called through moments ago with some further news about Jackie Chan leads.

He and Anney Zoey Trinh are my associate producers for the project and are both the main contributors of Quest for Jackie Chan! Fundbreak. It's a funny thing with Shaun. When I met him a few years ago he was this straight line optometry student set on his path in life but still curious about the things i do like films, art and culture.

Not too long later, Shaun got into the business of making a creating, having done his first short film as well, taking up film classes and creating synergies with people in Australia and abroad. So with only 8 days to go, there could be some things bubbling to make the "Quest" a success.

By the way, check out his short film below.

PEOPLE: Professor Salem Assli and Bruce Lee

2011-01-15T10:15:00.001-08:00

Maria Tran, Elizabeth Yang, Bey Logan, Salem Assli & partner

Date| 9th of Jan, 2011 Time| 7.30pm Place| Kiyotaki Japanese Resturant, 13 Gough Street, Central.

Thanks to Bey Logan and his lovely partner Elizabeth Yang for taking me out to dinner with Salem Assli and his partner. Mr Logan is also so connected in the industry and one of his greatness is that he will connect at all levels, from eager beaver newbies like me to actors, filmmakers, martial arts etc...I think if Bey ever starred in a movie it should be called "The Connector" and he's so good at pitching people moreso then themselves.

Anyhow, back to the dinner with Salem Assli.

So a little bit about Sifu Salem Assli. Now, if you know much about Bruce Lee, his legacy was left down to 3 certified Bruce Lee instructors: Taky Kimura, James Yimm Lee and Dan Inosanto.

Salem is a student of Dan Inosanto, and he was in Hong Kong this time round to do a seminar on Bruce Lee's martial art of Jeet Kune Do (styled by straight forward and direct movements) in Hong Kong.

Again, like most of my trip, I was fascinated to be sitting with someone connected to the great Bruce Lee, whom is iconic to martial arts cinema.

Bey and Salem discussed all sort of things from Bruce Lee's 70th Anniversary Birthday that was commemorated all over the world, Bruce, Be My Brother (2010) and The Bruce Lee Estate as amongst the few.

Again, I always keep my eyes and ears open during these types of meets, because as a youngie like me, you learn so much and I guess when you get closer to any inspirational source (like Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan), innately you become more aware of your sense of directions and that you want to become your own agent of change.

PEOPLE: The Dauz Stunt Brothers

2011-01-15T09:15:00.000-08:00

I've finally meet Andrew Dasz and his twin brother Steven for a quickie interview on the streets of Tsim Sha Tsiu the other day. These two have such a happy-go-lucky vibe. They both came from Shanghai to Hong Kong to be interviewed by me (with a shonky camera and no interview set).

I met Andrew online while googling action stunts and hong kong. Andrew would repeatedly cropped up, despite not being any Donnie Yen or Jackie Chan, Andrew knew a thing or two about online marketability and getting yourself out there (or my attention).

Andrew's career is emerging ever since he landed in Hong Kong (8 months ago). These two boys did the hard yards of going for endless castings and auditions and their eager attitudes really got their foot in the door and in front of the cameras.

What I love about these two is that do job is too big or small, everything was greeted with enthusiasm and charisma. Despite not being well versed in the language of English, these two b

oys impressed me with their upbeat recollections of working with a range of projects from TVCs to action flicks.

Steven Dasz had an impressive profile of doing a fight scene with Hong Kong well known actor/ mar

tial artist Gordon Liu (adopted brother by the Shaw Brothers, main actor in 36th Chamber of Shaolin, Pai Mei in Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004), and as Johnny Mo

in Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003).

Andrew Dasz, on the other hand, also had good range of projects that he has been involved in under his belt, such as Contagion (2011) and he steers the Kung Fu Action Fight Choreography Group in Hong Kong and also Spain.

In Andrew's interview, he points out Jackie Chan's perseverance in the industry and how his attitudes and traits should be applied to castings and auditions for those serious in the business.

I've been very much inspired by these two to settle in Hong Kong in the near future. Its seems like there is so much happening, so much buzzing and Hong Kong is the place to make it happen. Australia, seems so slow in comparison to HK. Less opportunities, less funding, less synergies between people and production companies happening. I can only identify a handful of groups and initiatives (Clearvision Studios, You Cake! Productions , Perth Film Group and others) that are really pushing it to the forefront.

RANTS: Random....

2011-01-14T09:22:00.000-08:00

Feel so much uncertainty today, I woke up late, however I praise the higher above for making sure I get to the meeting with online HK based blogger - Phil, otherwise known asorientalsweetlips.

Okies I'll finish with that later. I'm at the gym at the moment lying inactively on the ab equipment contemplating about whether I'll see Jackie or not. It seems like everyone who has gone before me like Bey Logan and others, meeting Jackie was easy. But in my case I want to meet him at his possibly most unpopular periods in Contenporary HK.

I just finished up the ab machine and now grabbed a coffee. I needed that hit. Chris G who is an emerging singer/ song writer just SMS ensuring another fun night in town again. Gosh! He is a very cute "Gweilo" and semi psychic (understand my wavelengths).

5.26pm - Sailor Moon is on the gyms tv. I need to go sauna as 6pm is just around the corner.

WORKSHOP: From Ideas to Realities

2011-01-11T11:21:00.000-08:00

This is perhaps 7th workshop on the Quest for Jackie Chan! Ideas to Realities Workshop/ Session. After Quest for Jackie Chan! Urban Action Film Forum in Sydney, workshop in partnership with BEMAC, in partnership with DCA, Perth Film Network, CANSA, Footscray Community Arts Centre, Salamanca Community Arts Centre, it has finally hit Hong Kong, rolling out at the University of Hong Kong, as granted by the Comparative Literature department.

Come join in the discussions of how simple ideas become a reality and how any project begins with a "Quest" from within.

PEOPLE: Drunken Master producer - Ng See-Yuen

2011-01-07T08:54:00.000-08:00

Another day, another spur of the moment adventure with Bey Logan and his meeting with one of Hong Kong’s finest filmmakers - Ng See-Yuen.

About Ng See-Yuen (be blown away by his IMDB)

If you are a Jackie Chan fan you will certainly be familiar with Drunken Master (1978), Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow (1978) & Twin Dragons (1992). These are films that Ng See-Yuen produced/ co-wrote.

Ng is one of Hong Kong’s treasured filmmakers, having made over 40 Chinese films,

including (Drunken Master (1978), Andy Lau in God of Gamblers (1991), Once Upon Time in China, I, II, III, Game of Death IIand Stephen Chow in “The Saint of Gamblers”.

His film “No Retreat, No Surrender” (1986), which he wrote and produced was a cult classic that marked the beginnings of martial art films in Hollywood.

This man was responsible for discovering talents of Jackie Chan, Jean Claude Van Damme, Woo Ping, Billy Blanks, Tsui Hark, and Corey Yuen.

Bey then retold his comical early years of chasing down Mr Ng for an interview, after being so persistent, leaping onto Mr Ng’s boat (at the same time, almost missing it), and finally achieving the task that he set out.

“Epic fail, Maria!,” my internal voice kicked in. How did I not know this?

I sighed with relief that there was no action film entry test to get into Hong Kong; because if I'd failed I could imagine border security would of unleashed their band of Kung Fu fighters and beaten me to a pulp.

And here I am, sitting wedged between Bey and Ng, while my insides were jello that I had a hard time eating the scrumptious Yum Cha at Ecky’s (Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui).

I must say, I’m quite impressed with Bey’s Cantonese, prior to that, he even impressed an older lady in the elevator – who was shocked that I knew nothing and a “Gweilo” was so conversationally versed in it.

Anyhow, back to the table. The conversations between Bey, Ng and the committee was engaging. Even though, I didn’t speak Cantonese, I can pick up bits of what the conversation was going. It was about, films galore – the past, the present and the future, in Hong Kong, China and the world.

I got to hear what’s going on in terms of the market, the who’s who of what and future directions for the next generations. Then this hit me, if it wasn't for the 'Quest' I would of been at home speculating like most people. I would of still moaned and groaned about the industry and its lack of support. Of course the industry doesn't support moany or poor-me attitudes but perseverance and hard work.

The people who are at the top like Ng have worked bloody hard. I believe they develop extra sensory mechanisms to detect the energy levels of their stakeholders, colleagues and audience. I mean, if they don't, then there is such a high chance of "missing it", whether through the cast, crew, investors or audience.

Intriguing isn't? High Emotional Intelligence (EI) and low EGO (Energy that Goes Over-the-top). [I made that up...].

It interesting though, being amongst people who are constantly churning stuff out, good, bad or weird, doesn't matter, but the level of energy to surpass a "one hit wonders" but "many wonders" consistently is amazing.

And in the magic of HK cinema is, its seems once your are in, you are family. Everyone knows each other, and while sometimes sibling rivalry may occur between companies or people, there are still tender moments where team spirit plays out.

The conversations then lead to Cynthia Rothrock, Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen, Maggie Q, Tony Jaa etc…Imagine…these are some of the hottest properties in Asian action pictures, and I’m here listening to it (My ears! I ain’t washing them).

Bey even mentioned “Maximum Choppage” to Ng (Timothy Ly, that’s one to you, and if you got a copy to spare , send it over so he can check it out).

12.33am....comfortably alone...amongst the greats of knowledge...and kick ass DVDs

Just had dinner and now doing some transcript work for the documentary for “The Blood Bond”. This is perhaps B&E Productions film release of their film and will be hitting cinemas across Hong Kong from the 27^th of January, 2010. Check out the trailer here. The book is a good read and you can check it out at Dymocks or HMV in Hong Kong.

Me? How am I feeling? Its been almost 6 months of my travel time (across the states of Australia, country New South Wales and now Hong Kong). I’m missing home, and feeling very rugged. I have literally been leaving out of my suitcase and my wardrobe attire has been less than pleasing. I wash my panties Jackie Chan style (in the bathroom and air dried). My sleep patterns are unpredictable when there are strange things that I share a space with go bump in the night.

By the way, I haven’t heard much from Dad or Mum, they must of replaced me with that cactus I bought them a year ago. Well...at least it won't fight back.

Only 3 weeks to go and then home time. Then I got to plan to for “Quest for Jackie Chan!” production shoots, post production, marketing and promotions and epic launch at Information & Cultural Exchange (ICE) state of the art exhibition centre by December, 2011. Then, of course, the nation-wide screenings that I have to secure and the to wrap up the project and move on to bigger and better things.

Yea..you must be wondering, what the hell is “Quest for Jackie Chan!” all about? A doco? A movie? What’s its feel? Where’s the script? Lol! All I can promise you is, I will deliver. Whatever the outcome is, there will be a story told. I'm crazy, visionary, and pedantic and I never settle for failure. I think that is a trait that became more so evident during this project. Every moment is precious....

So stay tuned and stop asking so many questions!

Signing out,

Maria Tran

Bey Logan, Maria Tran & Ng See Yuen

MEDIA WATCH: Asian Australian Newsfeed (AAusN) on Facebook

2011-01-07T03:17:00.000-08:00

Shout out the the Asian Australian Newsfeed (AAusN) and their repostings of the "Quest" showcase trailer!

In response to the comment about Chris Pang and his movie stunt....we actually got a body double (jks).

And the truth with Mr Tom Lo is, he is...a good fan...and a savvy digitally aware entrepreneur that knows a thing or two about ebay [3.05mins in the clip].

Signing out,

Maria Tran.

P.S - For those who don't know what clip I'm referring to, clip on the link to watch it and find out.

Quest for Jackie Chan! Trailer

MEDIA: Movie man Bey Logan is back in action!

2011-01-07T03:01:00.000-08:00

Guess who's featured in Timeout! Hong Kong. Yep that's right. Its my Hong Kong mentor Bey Logan. Check it out!

Infamous Asian film impresario Bey Logan tells Patrick Brzeski how Hong Kong cinema can live again on the page.

Owing largely to his bad-ass, action movie-ready name, Bey Logan’s biography could easily be the setup to a pulpy kung fu flick. Born to working class parents in the humdrum English city of Peterborough, Logan became obsessed with martial arts movies as a young boy. While his friends let their Bruce Lee worship wane in their teens, Logan dug in deeper, devouring mail-ordered martial arts mags, watching every kung fu film he could get his hands on, and finally fixing his fantasies on the source of the action movie culture he had come to adore: Hong Kong. “I had no qualifications, no film degree; my dad was an accountant, my mum was a nurse,” Logan explains at his new offices in Sheung Wan. “Imagine their excitement when they asked what I wanted to do for a career and I said, ‘I’m going to move across the world to work on movies with this guy named Jackie Chan.’” Despite his mother’s protestations, shortly after his 19th birthday in 1980, Logan set out to do just that, embarking on his first solo trip to Hong Kong. Cue montage: Fresh off the boat, a bright-faced teenage Bey Logan approaches the big studios of the Hong Kong movie industry and gets politely rebuffed at every door. Undeterred, he hits the cinemas, watching Hong Kong action movie after Hong Kong action movie, literally taking notes in his theatre seat, sedulously studying his genre, preparing the outlines for a new project. Cut to Logan sitting down with various Hong Kong directors and stars, interviewing them for his popular new martial arts magazine – Impact. Next see Logan charming PR people and coyly slipping scripts to directors at the end of interviews. Now he’s on set. Now he’s practicing Hung Kuen on the Hong Kong docks with old-school Canto martial arts choreographers. Suddenly he’s at lunch with Jackie Chan discussing future co-productions. Then he’s making action movies with his own company, Shankara Productions, cofounded with Maggie Q. Next he’s getting hired by Harvey Weinstein as a Vice President and Asian Rep for the Weinstein Company. Ramping up to the present day, Logan approaches an active middle age, rolling out yet another new venture of his own, B&E Productions, which will release three films this winter and spring – the Michael Biehn action vehicle The Blood Bond, the 3D animationLittle Gobie, and Beach Spike, a kung fu volleyball romp starring Chrissie Chau. As the montage music runs down – most surprisingly of all – observe Logan launching an all-new book publishing operation. “I’ve always felt that if I found the time and patience, I could write fiction and it might in some ways be more satisfying than writing scripts,” he says of the new publishing wing of B&E Productions. “Because so often scripts don’t get made, or if they do, they end up getting made entirely differently than how you imagined them.” As The Blood Bondwas in production, Logan found himself generally agreeing with director Michael Biehn’s departures from his script, but he lamented that his original vision of the story would never reach an audience. Experimenting at his desk at night, he decided to see how his script would work as a novel. “Hong Kong cinema has this very unique energy that can be interpreted in different ways. What I’ve tried to do is say, if you were to tell the story of a Hong Kong action film as a novel, how would that play?” Action film ethos indeed runs deep through The Blood Bond the book. As the story begins, a revered religious leader by the name of Karmapata is vitally wounded in a failed assassination attempt and requires an emergency blood transfusion within 12 hours to survive. The leader’s enemies learn that he has a remarkably rare blood type and immediately execute all of the potential donor matches in Asia but one – John Tremayne, an alcoholic former Special Forces operative living a life of dissipation in northern Thailand. Karmapata’s loyal bodyguard, a female martial arts warrior named Deva, must retrieve Tremayne before her master’s time runs out. Battles, hijinks, and an unexpected bond between this odd couple ensue. Like every great Hong Kong action movie, the plot is shaggy, and the style scrappy, but Logan’s Blood Bond is also instantly addictive. After all his years working within the confines of the movie business, Logan says the freedom of novel writing came as a revelation to him. “Basically, if you’re a script writer and producer, everything you write is structured towards making it real in the three-dimensional world; you’re thinking: who’s going to play that part, how are we going to shoot it, what’s your location, what’s our budget, and so on. But when you’re writing a novel, the only place it plays is in the theatre of the mind, so it’s like working on the ultimate movie set – you’re totally free. That was a really fun thing for me to discover.” Logan is now at work on companion versions of a sequel to The Blood Bond, one for the screen, one for print. He’s also spending an hour or so each morning writing a semi-autobiographical book entitled, My Life in 36 Chambers. “I’ve chosen 36 of my favourite films and I’m describing my personal experiences with them, along with analyses and discussions of the role they played in the history of Hong Kong action cinema.” On top of his film work, Logan has always maintained a parallel career as an expert in Hong Kong cinema, consulting on various projects and lending commentary to over 100 action movie DVD releases. “I’m hoping that the world of Hong Kong film buffs that I’ve been a part of for so long will be curious to see what I can do with these books. I know I am.”

New home with B & E Productions

2010-12-30T22:50:00.000-08:00

After a string of wacky and unwanted events from staying from one hostel to the next. Executive producer of B & E ("Breaking & Entering" and/or "Bey & Elizabeth" Productions) Bey Logan has offered me a nice place to stay and be more focused on the "Quest for Jackie Chan!" until my departure on the 26th of January, 2011. I'm so glad as I was being to wonder if I was to survive another week of small tight and flea infested spaces.

Its been a challenging and new learning curve at the B & E Productions. I've been interning for the team (Elizabeth, Vicki & Bey) and doing a series of office tasks, from coffee making (Bey likes it hot, two equals and good decent dollop of milk. You'll be told if its shitty), running office errands to film concept developments, research, script readings and film budgeting. I've been sitting in to quite a number of his meetings as well and also learning more about independent, yet commercial, realm of filmmaking in Hong Kong.

Bey is a quirky character indeed. He has is moments of highs and lows, but at the end of the day, he is quite focused on the things his straightforwardness will certainly get to the bottom of any dilemma. If anyone wants to work with this man, you need to be almost psychic and be able to tap into the chakras to figure out this individual.

But overall, Bey's taught me a whole bunch of new things and it is very rare to meet people that are willing to give you a chance in the brutal HK filmmaking/ entertainment industry.

He's been in the industry for a very long time so knows all the who's who and is always on the lookout for up and coming talents entering the field. Of course, he reminds me that young people may have fresh ideas and passion, however, sometimes a little too much arrogance and ego will see them walking out the door as quickly as they got in. So to break into this industry, there has too be a high level of persistence, following through with what one sets out to make and collaborative thinking.

Ideas are always in abundance, they are everywhere and can also be found under a rock. Its whether or not the individual has enough guts to risk all to lift that idea and bring it to life.

So what is up with B & E Productions? Well, "The Blood Bond" is releasing soon in January 2011, Bey's book is currently available in selected Hong Kong bookstores (Dymocks & HMV). Bey's producer credits on the "Little Gobie" is visible on Hong Kong billboards and bus stops. Also at certain restaurants Cafe De Corale, have partnered up with "Little Gobie" movie so their marketing and promos is also visible here. He's also juggling between concept developments on "Snowblade" as well as further developments of "Red Dawn Rising".

At the end of the day, I'm grateful to be surrounded by inspiring people and also resources (you should see their library collections of action films and books! *Drools).

On the Quest...

I'm currently working on a string of interesting events to be unfolded around Hong Kong in the next few weeks in relation to the "Quest for Jackie Chan!". News over here on "Jackie Chan" himself have been quite negative lately, hence my "Quest" has been not well received by the general public. But I will not be disheartened and will continue on my own journey and self discovery and see this project through to the end.

INTERNATIONAL: Quest for Jackie Chan! India Club

2010-12-26T08:25:00.000-08:00

If I haven't mentioned earlier, as much as Quest for Jackie Chan! was born in the isolated country of Australia, the fans from India have been my source of drive and inspiration. It started from simple emails that sparked insightful discussions and reflections on how collaboratively we will go about meeting Jackie Chan. My deepest love goes to Aswin Kumar & Ranthjitha Gopalakrishna who have contributed in their own unique ways to this epic project.

I must admit, I still have many moments of doubt, but I'm always reminded by lovely Ranthjitha that she is praying for me. Aswin on the other hand, a moderator for the Official Jackie Chan Fansite, consistently emails, twitters and facebook me asking if I'm ok. Physically far a part but digitally united, I can sense their passions burning as they are the representatives of the Quest for Jackie Chan! India.

YOUR COMMENTS: On Encore Magazine - Filmmakers go to China

2010-12-24T15:27:00.001-08:00

I thought a revisit to an online article about our Australian filmmakers sent to China to promote the local industry was an interesting read. I'm still wondering what the outcomes were? Any potential co-productions yet? Meanwhile Mario Andreacchio’s Australian-Chinese co-production, The Dragon Pearl aka The Last Dragon has been going steady but winning the bid to score some major synergies with the China film industry. I recall meeting up with Mario at his office based in Adelaide South Australia, during my "Quest for Jackie Chan!" project and he has been finding his own initiatives to make his film projects happen. For those of you who don’t know, he directed Napoleon (1995) check out his impressive bio on IMDB.

I'll come clean, I couldn't help but put my two cents of "Quest for Jackie Chan!" commentary at the bottom. To my surprise, we have some supporters!

So you can do your bit too! The power of participation. Join in the revolution! Comment today!

MEDIA: Has anyone seen Maria Tran?

2010-12-24T15:04:00.001-08:00

SOURCE: http://www.ice.org.au/newswire/2010/12/has-anyone-seen-maria-tran/

She’s on the Quest for Jackie Chan and has sent ICE a video update of her travels across Australia and now beyond to Asia.

Her “Quest”, it is an adventure she embarked on about a year ago to try and meet Jackie Chan. She’s really into action film and thinks that the Aussie film industry could do with a little more Kung Fu. Perhaps if she just gets to meet the legend himself … well … who knows what could happen!

For Maria it is more about the journey than the destination.

Throughout her journey she has come across linkages and synergies that branch out from the stories generated from “Jackie Chan” that crosses over to martial arts, action film genre, comedy, independent filmmaking, stunts, youth culture, globalisation, pop culture, generation XYZ, the list is endless.

You’ve heard of the term ‘Transmedia’? Well, no pun intended but Maria Tran’s a perfect example of how new media techniques coupled with storytelling can activate global messaging and participation.

Here’s what Wikipedia says: “Transmedia storytelling is a technique of telling stories across multiple platforms and formats, recognized for its use by mass media to develop media franchises.”

Check out Maria Tran’s (media) video and follow her on Twitter

CALL OUT: Quest for Jackie Chan! Interns based in Hong Kong

2010-12-23T10:48:00.001-08:00

URGENT: Looking for 1st or 2nd year student camera operator/ DOP/ photographer or any other keen enthusiast for volunteer work on guerrilla film production "Quest for Jackie Chan!". Availabilities varies from 2-15 January, 2010. Email Maria.tran@questforjackiechan.com.

TRAINING: With actress Rachel Poon & Bey Logan

2010-12-23T10:26:00.001-08:00

Yup. I'm starting to get little bit more proficient with the sword under the guidance of Mak Sifu and Bey Logan. Its been a big sweat out everyday at midday but fun! Also, meet Rachel Poon, whom Bey thinks looks like my twin sister (Not all Asians look the same! :P)

RETROSPECTIVE: Downtown Rumble on ABC/ JTV Australian TV

2010-12-22T09:18:00.000-08:00

Oh man...retrospective thinking time!

In late 2008 I recall winning Best Film, People's Choice and Achievement in Directing at the 2008 Shortcuts Film Festival with short film 'Happy Dent".

I recall from that I scored a meeting with one of the honchos of ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). During this meet, I remember slipping in a Rumble Pictures DVD showreel and to my surprise he called out another head producer Josh Reed to examine our products. To my surprise, the next thing you know is the ABC head pitching myself and the Rumble Pictures crew to be commissioned out to make a 6 part series interstitial for ABC/ JTV on Saturdays for 6 weeks.

We had a limited time frame of 2 months from concept to product to come up with something slick and uber low budget, hence we came up with "Downtown Rumble".

I must admit, I think we kind of taken things for granted back then, it may have been hard work, but with the help of Craig Anderson (writer/ director of "Double The Fist") we got our acts together to make the following:

It had good reviews too based on my judgement of the message boards with fans across Australia wanting to see a part 2. But after that, opportunities drained up, and I think we appeared to have hit a ceiling effect of some sort.

Ah... the good times... and that is why my final attempt will be "Quest for Jackie Chan!".

PEOPLE: Face to face with Bey Logan

2010-12-22T08:03:00.000-08:00

Having spent a couple of weeks familiarising myself to the Good, Bad and the Weird of Hong Kong, I have finally come across the infamous Bey Logan. My first interactions with Bey was when Timothy Ly, a colleague of mine on the production of Australian indie flick “Maximum Choppage: Round 2” in 2008. Since then, independent filmmaking in Australia for the team have slowed to a snail’s pace, but with the words of wisdom and encouragement of Bey, I’m determined to keep on going.

A little bit about Bey…

Bey is like the expert on Hong Kong cinema. He’s also a whole bunch of different things, such as an active screenwriter and film producer. Actually no amount of my writings of Bey will cover it so please tune in to his Wikipedia page for further discoveries.

My first instance of meeting was at his office based in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, about 10

minutes by train from where I was staying. We immediately has a good chat and catch up about the filmmaking realm and also his own exciting horror slasher flick “Snowblade” that is productively in development.

I am fascinated with how things work here in Hong Kong. In particular to the synergies between people and projects (good or bad) gets churned out. Unlike Australia, we would possibly struggle for 5-10 years in getting a project backed up, made and distributed.

Bey and his B & E Productions (its stands for “Breaking and Entering” funky hey?) have also

wrapped up on action flick “The Blood Bond”, which Bey has kindly given me a copy of. I spent 6 hours on a lonely night,

locked away in my Mirador Mansion (its really a shoebox) reading all 26 chapters. It’s a very good read and I enjoyed Mr Logan’s style of writing and character development of Deva (Phoenix Valen) and Tremayne (Michael Biehn). I must admit, I haven’t seen the feature film of it yet, but the book seems like a much better and thorough version of the story.

For the electronic version of “The Blood Bond” click here.

Anyhow, I’ve been spending some time with Bey training in the

art of Hung Gar Kung Fu at the Star Ferry Pier, under the clock tower at 12 noon with Mak Sifu and a number of actors/ actresses.

Quest for Jackie Chan! Continues…

Bey has helped me out by calling around to Jackie Chan’s management team to see if I can book in an interview session for my project “Quest for Jackie Chan!”. No response as yet, but I hope I get something before I leave Hong Kong. I guess, if not then, my project wraps up with a failed expedition….

With love and signing out,

Maria Tran in HK.

PREDICAMENTS: My Ultimate Financial Crisis...

2010-12-20T08:18:00.000-08:00

Speaking of financial crisis... I'm about to experience another cycle. You might have known that since my Australia tour, I've hit literally rock bottom in terms of the piggy bank.

When the networks and production companies decided that a project of this calibre was just too "weird", "risky" and "unaustralian" I decided to step up and waved my voyage flag that "I will do it" and "I will prove that it can happen". "Anything is possible, right?". Little did I forsee the impact it had on my piggy bank (I worked in community arts, so I didn't have much to start off).

So I stretched what I had, and with a little help from the Fundbreaker supporters, I'm able to start the ignition.
Rock bottom phase 1 hit after the Australia tour. I quickly reacted by grappling any job I could grab - leading me to two months travelling across New South Wales representing Integral Energy.

I recovered enough funds for my second stage - Quest for Jackie Chan! - Hong Kong and booked in two month stay to get use to HK and also find ways to meet kingpin - Jackie Chan. I spent a good 10 days editing a snippet trailer, it was also the first time that I actually checked out what footage I had.

Anyhow, back to the financial crisis, I went through more problems, such as my money being stolen and now the last time I checked my $$$ are dwindling at an all time low that any accommodation costs would kills me for the rest of the 35 days left of HK stay.

* Yikes!

My Banner

2010-12-08T05:42:00.001-08:00

More graphics work...I know...but hey, I think I'm getting pretty slick at it. "Quest for Jackie Chan!" project has forced me to learn about graphics, video, multimedia and interactive lines of storytelling. So much, that sometimes, my head hurts a little from trying to keep up at it.

O_o

Quest for Jackie Chan! Showcase Snippet Trailer

2010-12-08T04:51:00.000-08:00

Click here to check out the clip.

SUPPORT THE QUEST! PLEASE LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS! oxox :p

Hi there everyone!

It has been one year since the inception of the idea with the goal of meeting Jackie Chan and now looking back, I've come so far from idea to so many connections.

Through this "quest" I've become more aware of the links that the subject of "Jackie Chan" crosses over to martial arts, action film genre, comedy, independent filmmaking, stunts, youth culture, globalisation, pop culture, generation XYZ, the list is endless.

Thank you to all those people who have believed in me, in my vision, keep in mind, its beyond meeting Jackie Chan -- it's a life philosophy that ABC; Anything is possible, Its about becoming aware and creating opportunities.

But will Jackie Chan meet Maria Tran?

The clock is ticking....

TRAVEL: Journey to Hong Kong…

2010-12-08T03:59:00.000-08:00

It’s been a good 10 days now since I’ve landed in Hong Kong. Unfortunately for me its been a very sickly one. For 10 days, I spent most of it staying at the New Hong Kong Hostel and only rarely emerging outside these walls. I’ve had a severe (possibly pending) cold/flu as well as now some sort of massive migraine.

And this is the ugly side of the “Quest”. Since September this year I’ve been travelling non stop without any problems and now, since I hit Hong Kong, it has slowed down completely. I know I’m so close, yet my health is really getting in the way. I keep telling myself that I schedule to get better in the next two days so I can actually meet some really cool Jackie Chan linkages. But it just keeps getting pushed back and back and back. Now day 10 and I’m still here.

Anyhow, so far the journey to Hong Kong has been a very enlivening one. I’m staying at the Chungking Mansion. It is not a mansion. Very far from it in actual fact. It is possibly the most seediest looking places in Hong Kong with a crazy 4,000 people living in the one building! Its like a whole town or something enclosed in a concrete jungle.

HK in general, woahhh! So much stimuli! So many things happening around, people walking pass, things being bought and sold, so many restaurants and shops in any places, every nook and cranny. Everyone means business, whether its big or small.

Anyhow, just a little bit of an update.

Much love,

Maria Tran

FACEBOOK: Jackie Chan?

2010-12-03T08:42:00.000-08:00

Digitally manipulated by Facebook pal Dorothy Lily

Lol! Just recently my friend from facebook created this image using her iphone4. I think its super duperly awesome and kick ass! Although, I am still in the midst of scoring this meet with Jackie Chan and making sure his office knows what is about to unveil...stay tune people!

Quest for Jackie Chan! Urban Action Film Forum Video Upload

2010-11-26T23:13:00.000-08:00

With a little over 24 hours till I head to Hong Kong, I've finally had the time to tweak up my intern Thuy Nguyen video edit of the Quest for Jackie Chan! Urban Action Film launch back in August this year.

To come to think about it, I've been through quite a bit over the past 12 months since the inception of such a bizzare pet project. Still, there's much more to come, in particularly meeting the legend himself - Jackie Chan.

Finger crossed!

In the meantime, click on the image link to watch the event!

Quest for Jackie Chan! 9 days to Hong Kong Style!

2010-11-18T17:08:00.000-08:00

After 19 days across Australia - coming home to $40 in the bank, rushing off to work inthe country NSW region for two months to replenish the funds and now, as I write this, sitting in Mc Donalds Cafe in Melbourne leeching wifi internet setting up all my media equipment - I wonder how the heck did I let one project get so far.

It started out as a "what if?" idea that sprawled into a network of other ideas that grouped together as a crazy drive to see if a nobody like me can meet one of the world's most iconic action superstar - Jackie Chan.

I haven't met him yet. But boy...have I bumped into a host of extraordinary people who have! Seriously! The country of Australia is enriched with some exciting people from stuntspeople, academics, die hard fans, martial artists etc... who have contributed to my project via their interviews and also great support on my online initiatives (Redbubble & Fundbreak).

Now, I'm on a tight deadline - with only 9 days left, I've wrapped up my sideline job in Coffs Harbour, train tripped it back to Sydney to bid my parents farewell (and get the washing done) and flew to Melbourne for the final batch of interviews (Richard Norton, Chris Pang & Daniel Whyte) and film shoot. Then I'll be heading back to Sydney, only to prepare for my road trip to Canberra to score an interview with Benny The Jet.

I will then return to Sydney (wash and pack the clothes) and fly out to Hong Kong!

Stay tune....the adventure continues....

Quest for Jackie Chan! 3rd place at Metro Screen Pitching Competition

2010-10-01T02:23:00.000-07:00

Quest for Jackie Chan! Team Maria Tran, Thuy Ng & Jack Ngu
Quest for Jackie Chan! takes out 3rd place for the 2010 Metro Screen SPAA Pitching Competition! The project was selected out of over 70 submissions and was amongst the top 10 finalist competing for 3 prizes.

THE FINALISTS ARE:

•Jiao Chen with 'Remembering Six-Four' – Transmedia documentary
•Brianna O’Donohue with 'Godsville' – Animated television sitcom
•Adam Lemmey with 'Creepy Weekly' – Children’s live-action television series
•Richard Attieh with 'Outback Skies' – Travel and adventure series
•Maria Tran with 'Quest for Jackie Chan' – Feature documentary
•Rick Viede with 'All the Way with Glace' – Transmedia project
•Julie Noever with 'The Kingdom' - Feature documentary
•Katie Hickson with 'Horse Talk TV' – Factual television series
•Shanon Wilson with 'Parita’s Journey' – Historical drama feature
•Roy Weiland with 'Barton the Ghost Catcher' - Children’s transmedia project

Good Pitch
by Cara Nash September 29, 2010 11:29 Edited September 29, 2010 11:31

The winners of the Metro Screen's SPAA Fringe Competition have been announced.

Metro Screen's SPAA Fringe Pitching Competition held September 28 saw ten unique projects pitched in front of seven industry leaders and a capacity audience.

The project which took out the top prize and is now representing Metro Screen at the national SPAA Fringe Pitching Competition on October 23 - an event designed to find the best projects in the country - is Roy Weiland with his children's transmedia project Barton the Ghost Catcher.

The project sees class weirdo Barton tormented by ghosts until he discovers he is the only person who can stop them and save the world.

"I'm really excited to pitch in front of the movers and shakers. To be put in front of them is why I do it. It's a long quest as a filmmaker, this is really amazing," Weiland said.

The winner of the SPAA Fringe Competition will then compete as one of only two finalists at the Holding Redlich Pitching Comp at the SPAA Conference in mid November. This winner will receive an airfare to the Cannes Film Festival or a TV market in 2010/11.

Second place on the night went to Julie Noever with her feature documentary The Kingdom and third place was awarded to Maria Tran for her feature documentary Quest for Jackie Chan.

Also highly recommended by the judges were Rick Viede's Transmedia project All the Way with Glace and Brianna O'Donohue's animated television sitcom Godsville.

The panel of judges included independent Producer Trish Lake whose credits include Gettin' Square and The Burning Season, Distribution Executive of Verve Entertainment David Dombrosky, and Megan Simpson Huberman who is Director of Creative and Enterprise Development at Screen Australia.

For more information on Metro Screen and the courses available, visit their website here. For more information on the SPAA Fringe Pitching Competition, click here.

Picture caption:Winner of Metro Screen's SPAA Fringe Pitching Competition, Roy Weiland.
Posted by Maria Tran at 4:26 AM
Labels: 2010 Metro Screen Pitching Competition, Barton the Ghost Catcher, Filmink, Maria Tran, Quest for Jackie Chan, Roy Weiland

Day 16-18 - Quest for Jackie Chan in Hobart

2010-09-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

Day 14 - Quest for Jackie Chan in Melbourne

2010-09-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

Day 13 - Quest for Jackie Chan in Melbourne

2010-09-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

Yup that's right. My Quest for Jackie Chan! tour has landed me Melbourne "Jackie Chan" tour by the up and coming acting sensation - Chris Pang from Tomorrow When the War Began. So far, blogger BENTS has gone gaga on him as well a brewing TWTWB diehard fans and young teeny boppers. Me on the other hand, well... I have been very well behaved and let the man do the talking when I finally hit his home turf on my Quest for Jackie Chan!

I've met Pang on his past TWTWB party late last year, only to be reaquainted at the "Quest for Jackie Chan! Urban Action Film" launch early in August this year, featuring my mentor Antony Szeto.

Let me tell you, this guy has definitely fun and charisma brewing and is so utterly down-to-earth that you just couldn't imagine.

Anyhow, I thought I'd edit together a quick snippet vlog so you can preview what Q4JC was all about in Melbourne. Shout out to the Pang family for letting me stay over. You guys rock! :)

Also, the Quest for Jackie Chan! Ideas to Realities Workshop ran in the after session with a moderate turnout. All the best to the attendees and I hope you continue pursuing your dreams!

Day 12 - Quest for Jackie Chan in Melbourne

2010-09-12T05:38:00.000-07:00

Today I headed to my 5th destination – Melbourne. I’m not a stranger to this city and have visited it on numerous occasions such as for ......

This time round I had a workshop as well as a list of interviewees to contribute their thoughts on the “Quest”. On the plate we have Van Thanh Rudd (political activist/ Kevin Rudd’s nephew), Chris Pang (“Tomorrow When the War Began”) and others which I will announce later on. This region will definitely will be as exciting and I can’t wait to get started.
I took some chill out time at West Airport’s Westfield Shopping Centre before heading over to a Laundromat in Brunswick to get my clothes washed and dryed.

I thought it was smart of me to change into new clothes to wash my current ones as well. Now, having no convienient change rooms around, I decided to pull over and changed my undergarments. Now here’s a lesson to be learnt. Two cops pulled over and came across to my vechicle. Having been told by friends that there has been cases where cops shot a suspect because they thought that they were about to pull a gun on them in response.

Hence, I froze. Underwear halfway and next thing you know I had to get out the vehicle and explain the situation not only to the cops, but also have a crowd of amused shopkeepers witnessing my predicament.

Day 11 - Quest for Jackie Chan in Adelaide

2010-09-11T05:43:00.000-07:00

We wrapped up with a quick photoshoot and then myself Ben Teoh, Ben and Tommy headed out to grab a bit of grub before hitting our Quest for Jackie Chan! Adelaide Flashmobbing event at Hindmarsh Park.

The turnout was great. Approximately 30 eager enthusiast rocked up in their jeans and black top and Ben began distributing the Jackie Chan mask that was then incorporated in a series of flash mob exercises later.

I ran a couple of energisers to get everyone into the mood of fun, spontaneity and randomness and pretty soon everyone got the drift of the fun vibe that they had to harness to enjoy the event.

We then hit the streets around Rundall Mall and prepared for our a series of missions. They included running sneaking up on Chibo coffee buyers and orchestrating a Jackie Chan chant that broke out in a series of shouts, cheers and claps before dispersing back into the crowd. There was also “ghosting” which is following awkwardly close to passerbys. My favourite is when we interrupted tourists and photo takers by jumping into their photos causing confusion, fun and plenty of laughs.

Of course, we had the typical jeers from some onlookers who slip in comments that it was “weird” but I guess subconsciously one could wonder how much fun it is to be uninhibited and celebrate life with the power of spontaneity and fun.

The day started with an early 8am out of the house, heading to CANSA to run my workshop “Ideas to Realities” Workshop. The morning was slightly cloudy and cold but I had a good turn out of 8 eager beavers who made the commitment to having their lives enriched with new mind tools.

Somehow, I think 3 hours isn’t enough when it comes to the format of a workshop. Its went way too quick and people had a lot of off load and discuss as well. I just love the amount of storytelling each person presented as well as the host of interesting ideas and projects that they were developing along the way.

I would like to send a major shout out to the Adelaide Flashmobbers who are so bold, innovative and daring in their approach and wish them all the best in continuing to inspire the world, connect with the next generation and engage with the world with more fun and excitement.

I drove around Adelaide for a bit before parking out a Christian Church and passing out due to exhaustion in the car. I was awoken an hour later by a young Christian and the next thing you know I was rocking it at one of their services. I just can’t help it, their song was so catchy and I couldn’t tell if it was something from video hit’s chart top 40.

Now, here’s the juicy bit. My newfound churchy friends then took their enthusiasm to the clubs and boy....did they know how to move! Instead of the conservative sways that I so envisioned appropriate in my head, these guys were pumping, krumping and wriggling in places that you don’t want to know. Lol!

I got home at 3am.

Day 10 - Quest for Jackie Chan in Adelaide

2010-09-10T05:06:00.000-07:00

Gosh! I had over slept till 10am. All the lack of sleep has finally given way and made me force myself to take in an extra 2 hours before I began the day.

Today I really appreciate car hire. I couldn’t imagine the trip without it. It would have been super hard lugging around 8 kgs on the back and dragging 24 along the ground to places. Public transport would of sure killed me (or other people) if I pulled a Miss Congeniality and knock a couple with my lethal luggage.

So up again to the city to Master Leong’s studio for more yarns to be told and it ended up me being sent away as Master Leong was not yet ready. Oh dear....

I ended up hanging it the city, feeling such a loner for the next few hours until Cuong invited me to the University of Adelaide to check out his hip hop dance troop as they prepare for the public display on Saturday night.

We wrapped up and got home at 12 that night and I got to bed at 2am.

Day 9 - Quest for Jackie Chan in Adelaide

2010-09-09T05:34:00.000-07:00

I left Perth early in the morning to Adelaide, only to arrive and to quickly get myself over to my first interview with Dr Gerry Groot who, not only is a senior lecturer in Asian Studies, but was an extra in the original making of Drunken Master 2 (1993). Imagine that, being on set alongside Jackie Chan! Funny enough, how I found Dr Groot was through a google research of “Jackie Chan & Adelaide” and he popped up. I was definitely intrigued to find out the realities and hardships of the JC set Dr Groot retold how a 10 second clip that he was in took 12 hours to shoot in freezing weather!

Jackie Chan’s film set was intricate and precise. They spent enormous amount of time with aspects of lighting, cinematography and of course, numerous takes!
Dr Groot played one of 8 imperialist guards and felt honoured to have flaunt a real British guard uniform and rifle. This contrasted his other experiences in the Chinese film industry, where props were very flimsy and low grade.

Wrapping up, he signed the Jackie Chan postcard and away I went to meet up with Master Leong of the Wing Chun & Tai Chi Academy in central Adelaide.

Master Leong introduces himself one of the family descendants of Grand Master Ip Man and continued his introduction with a hierarchy map of the who’s who of Wing Chun. He spoke about his journey setting up a martial arts dojo and the hardships of it, fending off competing rivals, triads and even the taxation office. Nevertheless, what he built is his pride a joy flaunts numerous students of the Adelaide region. So what did he think of Jackie Chan? Well, I believe less favourably. Master Leong referred to “negative energies” that surround Jackie Chan and that it is evident amongst the word of mouth generated by his colleagues.

Tough account, but it is a perspective thing right? I haven’t met Jackie so it really doesn’t matter to me. Master Leong then sent me away, telling me to return the next afternoon for I guess, more stories.
I wrapped up the day by heading to Parafield Gardens to my host family Banh for an Italian dinner and a good yarn to tell.

Day 8 - Quest for Jackie Chan in Perth - Late Nighter

2010-09-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

I spent the last nighter in Perth at the Murdoch University with Steven Liew and a couple of his mates. Steven and his martial arts action film collegue Robert Chen are very talented shooting and choreographing kung fu action.

Day 7 - Quest for Jackie Chan in Perth - Perth Film Network

2010-09-07T07:18:00.000-07:00

Shout out the Debbie Thoy and the Perth Film Network for their arrangement of the the Quest for Jackie Chan! Urban Action Film Event in Perth! Great discussions amongst the panelist of leading independent film makers and their plight in continuing forth with the action film genre in Australia! These guys are the ones to definitely look out for!

Day 7 - Quest for Jackie Chan in Perth

2010-09-07T07:03:00.000-07:00

Finally I got to do my laundry after more than a week of harbouring stinky clothes in the luggage. Cleaniness is next to godliness!

Then Alan and I did a bit of driving around Perth. Perth is a nice a spacious city with lovely wide roads and a great place for those who want to settle.

Alan insisted on checking out the Perth trains...some attraction...O_o
Me in front of the windy backdrop of Perth! Nice!

I love Exomod Coffee!
Perth is still under some major city constructions.
Me rashing up after some bad seafood...

Day 7 - Quest for Jackie Chan in Perth

2010-09-07T06:39:00.000-07:00

This was my first time in Perth and I actually arrived at 8.30pm on day 6. Perth was remarkably much colder than Darwin and I wished I stashed another jumper somewhere. Day 7 was more laid back and checking out the what's what of Perth with my long time friend Alan Truong. I did a bit of shopping and prep work for day 8, which was the much anticipated Quest for Jackie Chan! Urban Action Film Event hosted by the fabulous Perth Film Network.

Visiting filmmaker not sitting up like Jackie

2010-09-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

For source, click here.
BEN LANGFORD

September 7th, 2010

DARWIN has been mined as a potential source for links to an international martial arts superstar.

Do-it-yourself filmmaker Maria Tran was in the Territory capital searching for links to the incomparable Jackie Chan.

The 25-year-old Sydneysider is making a documentary about Chan and will travel to Hong Kong in December to try and meet him.

She is tracking down people who share Chan's name, or are linked to him in some way. And she sends him postcards from each town she visits in her quest.

Do you know any Jackie Chan's? Let us know here.

But looking for Jackie Chan connections in Darwin didn't prove as easy as in some cities.

Tran couldn't find any namesakes and had to pursue a few tenuous links to the star of Rush Hour and Shanghai Knights.

Darwin alderman Bob Elix made it into the documentary as a representative of the Chan Ward. And Tran was photographed with Ben Little, perhaps Darwin's biggest Jackie Chan fan, on Harry Chan Ave in Darwin's CBD.

She hadn't tried any of the 12 Chans in the NT phone book but planned to chase them up after she left.

Her quest may be made harder by the fact she's been blocked from the inner circle of Jackie Chan's Facebook friends.

But she's not short on enthusiasm.

"There's all sorts of ways I'm trying to find the linkages," she said.

"At the minute it's all been a social media campaign."

Tran last night headed for Perth and then Adelaide, where a "flash mob" will descend on a surprise city location for an impromptu Jackie Chan theatrical performance.

www.questforjackiechan.com

Day 5 - Quest for Jackie Chan in Darwin

2010-09-05T06:23:00.000-07:00

Now here’s another issue I faced. I hadn’t prepared accommodation and had the idea of sleeping in the car for the next two days in Darwin. The thought of this came with slight excitement as well as anxiety as of all the stories of car muggings that frequently occurred in this city.

Here’s the magic of the story. At the same time, a major Jackie Chan fan travelling back to NT overheard my conversational rants to my sister over the phone about (1) no accommodation (2) lack of at least one JC fan in Darwin.

He turned around and said “I’m a Jackie Chan fan...”

The rest is history. We found out we had a lot in common. Ben Little, was a comedian, voice over artist, scriptwriter and works for Channel 9 volunteered his place to stay.

IN THE MEDIA: Living legend tribute

2010-09-04T20:29:00.000-07:00

For Source, click here.
SYDNEY filmmaker and martial arts fanatic Maria Tran was at Sunnybank last week to recruit helpers for a documentary she is making about Jackie Chan.

Quest for Jackie Chan follows the 25-year-old’s journey across the country as she leaves no stone unturned in her search to find out all there is to know about the martial arts star and his links to Australia.

From filming part of his 1996 movie First Strike in Brisbane, to stories of him working alongside former prime minister Kevin Rudd on construction sites in the 1980s, Ms Tran said that she had already uncovered a few surprises.

“The idea of the movie was to pay homage to Jackie Chan but ... it’s starting to become more about the journey,” she said.

612 Brisbane ABC Radio: Breakfast with Spencer Howson

2010-09-04T17:38:00.000-07:00

Check out the radio interview I did with Spencer Howson in the early morning in Melbourne!

I found Spencer via my early google research of "Brisbane & Jackie Chan" and found out this previous link. I guess the more I think about it and the more probing I do, Jackie Chan linkages in Australia is quite vast and maybe finding him might not be as dreary as it's once thought to be. But what do I want to achieve when I meet him? Stay tune to find out!

Signing out,

Maria Tran

Day 4 - Quest for Jackie Chan in Brisbane - Last Day

2010-09-04T06:05:00.000-07:00

Today was the last day of my Brisbane Q4JC trip and it began with the farewell of my cousin and the wonderful hospitality they provided on my journey.

I then made my way to the Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre (BEMAC) to run my newly designed workshop “Ideas to Realities” with 6 local participants for the next 3 hours. I was intrigued to see the light bulbs of this small intimate group begin to brighten up as start reclaiming their sense of direction and capacities in life.

Even though it was an early Saturday morning, these 6 step outside their comfort zones to develop their ways of thinking as a part of the workshop. Shout out to Daniel Crosland, Colin Fong, Connie Mc Laran, Amy Wang, Wei Jian Kong and Gladys Miles whoa rea all on the road to be potentially amongst Australia’s creative producers.

Next stop was a quick lunch at the Fish Bar down the road in Kangaroo Point, before stopping over to the different locations to grab the cut aways of the bright and sunny Brisbane CBD.

By 2.30pm, myself and Colin headed to Spring Hill to meet up with Raamon Varcarro and his Urban Action mob for a quick fight choreography experimental session. These guys were fun to hang with and I got the chance to muck around with my action camera grip and develop my cinematography skills.
We wrapped up by 4.30pm and I suddenly discovered that I lost my car hire keys! I never felt so screwed up in my life and the “Quest” was definitely in the midst of being compromised. Fortunately for me, I had Mr calm, cool and collected Raamon (also “Jerds”) who took the reins and problem solved the situation.

RACQ came by at 6.30pm (my flight was at 8.30pm) and got me out of the dilemma.
But my problems didn’t end there. I found out along the way that my GPS road maps were outdated and kept sending me off track and so I spent the next 40 minutes lost in trying to locate Brisbane Airport.

At the same time, I was busting to go to the loo; I began doubting whether or not I’ll make it to my next destination.

I eventually got there at 8pm (close call) and quickly returned the car hire and off I went from Brisbane to Darwin (3 hours).

Day 3 - Quest for Jackie Chan in Brisbane

2010-09-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

Day 3 started with a 7.30am round up of the Brisbane Quest for Jackie Chan! team, picking up Colin then Patrick and then road tripping it up 1 1/2 hour north of Brisbane to visit Underwater World. This was the place where Jackie Chan's First Strike (1997) was shot and here we met up with one of his original colleagues who worked on his production.

It was a surreal experience to actually go out of my way to visit one of the two only JC film's in Australia and I was honoured to have a tour of the space. Mr Q. was indeed a passionate man himself. He's also a martial artist of many forms and have been inspired by Jackie Chan during that time to go out there, live life and make things happen.

After that, we headed back to West End, Brisbane to meet up with Master Tom Lo, who has trained with Bruce Lee, Yip Man as well as Jackie Chan in his old school time.
Finally, we hit back to Chinatown for Colin to retell his experiences of what it was like to witness remnants of Jackie Chan's First Strike shooting in Chinatown.

Day 2 - Quest for Jackie Chan in Brisbane

2010-09-02T07:14:00.001-07:00

Day 2 started with a 9.45am meeting at Fortitude Valley where Brisbane's Chinatown lives. Here, a work colleague at Chinahouse Resturant tells the story of Jackie Chan's fondness for the resturant and his Australian bum chum Dave Chen.

I got a chance to really have a look at the carpark and also the surroundings of where the set of "First Strike" in Australia was based. Could you imagine what it would have been like seeing the film shoot in 1997? I know Colin & Andrew Leavold may have witnessed a bit of Jackie Chan's back of the head of kind of story.

Then I prompted right over to the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) where I interviewed one of the curators of the APT5 event that headlined featured Jackie Chan as a part of the selection of works.

The day continued also with the dramatic lost of my iphone (home to those valuable Jackie Chan contacts) that otherwised would have made my trip a living hell. Of course, both my mum and dad found out about it as the library lady dialled "mum" and dobbed me in.

Day 1 - Quest for Jackie Chan in Brisbane

2010-09-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

Oh dear, after two nights of sleeplessness in Western Sydney, I dragged my coffeed up body to the airport at an early 4am. I was feeling it. Its was happening, "The Quest" that I dreamt up and now being a mover and shaker had to embark on it. Amongst me were all these other suited business people, all either heading home or to work and all leering me as I strutt around the air port with all camera gear and all.

The first meeting was with Colin Fong, a film student from QUT who found out about the quest via his university noticeboard and wanted to also join in the fun. We had a newspaper photoshoot with the Southern Star and that was good fun as the photographer kept snapping to find the seller shot. He was pressed on about having a Jackie Chan picture in the background so poor Colin had to rummage through his house for a couple of old school JC DVDs to blue tack to the wall.

Our first meeting was with Andrew Leavold from Trash Video (Australia's largest cult video store) and as much as he is a little wacky, he a really cool and retold his journey on "The Search for Weng Weng" (A Filipino midget martial artist) and shared his pain of how mainstream networks don't get these kinds of personal stories.

Then we had a meeting with Shilpa from the Ethnic Communities Council Queensland who spoke about the culturally diverse and their representation in mainstream Australian media.

Colin then had a lecture at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) before we head for our last meeting for the day at 8pm with the Urban Action Parkour group.

Woah...big first day....I got home at 11pm...and seriously crashed...

Check out the clip here.

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

2010-08-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-30T19:19:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-28T00:12:00.001-07:00

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

2010-08-27T02:37:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-21T19:07:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-08-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

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!"

2010-08-12T23:28:00.000-07:00

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".