MARIE SETIAWAN: UAFF & Q4J: Action films get discussional

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

… see what I did there?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Profiling the other artists

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

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

Videographer: Jack Ngu

The Urban Action Fim Foum

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

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

Maria Tran introduces the format of the night

9Lives boys (including Ali Kadhim) and Wang Fei

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

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

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

Dorothy Lily Nguyen, Trammy Pham & Friend

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

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

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

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

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

Quest for Jackie Chan! Launches Urban Action Film Forum

If you are a filmmaker, production company, casting director, agent, action film buff then this even is not to be missed. My Quest for Jackie Chan! project will launch featuring Hong Kong Action film director Antony Szeto on the 7 August, 7pm at Fairfield School of Arts, 19 Harris St, Fairfield.

Quest for Jackie Chan! is Australias first transmedia explosion that follows the trials and tribulations of my story in chasing the dream of one day meeting the iconic Kung Fu larrikin Jackie Chan. Since January this year, I realised that my dream is a shared dream of many Australians and internationally of coming face to face with him. Through this project, so any different stories have unfolded and no one fan of JC inspired person is the same.

I am also pleased to announce that Mr Antony Szeto will be joining us for the event! This man is talented and amazing. Hes made the worlds first martial arts CGI movie Dragonblade as well as the Jackie Chan produced movie Wushu and currently has plans to develop projects on an international scale. He has worked with famous actors such as Maggie Q and Sammo Hung. Mostly importantly; he's been one of my most treasured mentors from abroad who continue to give me insight into the action film industry.

Quest for Jackie Chan! Urban Action Film Forum on Saturday 7th August, 2010 will see up-and-comers of all ages gather together for a FREE event which is a must on the calendar for all aspiring Sydney Action filmmakers and enthusiasts.

In a forum-style event, Quest for Jackie Chan! guests will hear first hand from industry experts both local and international about all facets filmmaking to discuss film ideas and ask all the burning questions!

This event celebrates a daring, bold and innovative film project that is fuel by lots of passion and vision, scoop on how to interact and support as well as invaluable networking opportunities.

Discussions will be on the future directions for martial arts action films in Australia, people will get a chance to meet Australian film makers and check out local productions.

With the show-stopping speaker line up including names like Craig Anderson (ABC TV series Double the Fist), Peter Castaldi (managing director of PackScreen distributors), Warren Coulton (Clear Vision Stunt Studios), Igor Breakenback (director of "Good Luck with That") and award-winning multimedia parkour artist, Ali Kadhim, it is sure to be a fantastic event!

Quest for Jackie Chan! Urban Action Film Forum will be held at Fairfield School of Arts, 19 Harris St, Fairfield on Saturday 7th August at 7pm. Spaces for this event is strictly limited so to be sure not to miss out, please RSVP to Maria on 0433 803 449 or email event@questforjackiechan.com.