There’s no doubt that the Asian American community is stronger than ever before and becoming more widely recognized for their contributions to the Arts, amongst other disciplines. At the frontline of community organizations for Asian Americans in Southern California is APEX; a volunteer-based organization that encourages others to do the same, as their mantra this year encourages Asian Americans to live through, “Empowering the Community. Inspiring Change.”
On Saturday Sept. 8, 2012, APEX will hold its 19th Annual APEX Awards Gala; honoring those who have made an impact on the Asian American community. The awardees include the Far East Movement for the Excellence in Arts & Entertainment, Center for the Pacific Asian Family for the Excellence in Community Service, The Gas Company for the Excellence in Corporate Leadership, and Dan Au, Vice President of Planning & Operations (OC) for the President’s Award.
In perfect timing to offset this summer’s heat wave, Aaron Takahashi and Jully Lee of Cold Tofu will be the emcees of the evening. The night which will include a dinner show, live entertainment, and special performances from singers Ryan Fleming & Israel Waahila of HaleAmanO, singer Vy Nguyen, and dancer/choreographer David Lee.
WHAT: 19th Annual APEX Awards Gala
WHEN: Saturday, September 8, 2012
6PM – VIP Reception
7PM – Awards Dinner & Show
WHERE: Sheraton Downtown Los Angeles Hotel 711 S. Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Attire: Black-tie/Formal Only
For more information on Asian Professional Exchange | APEX, please visit www.apex.org.
Earlier this summer, we introduced you to a young and rising Asian American actress, Nichole Bloom (to read the full interview with Bloom in our Summer Issue purchase one here). Bloom, a Japanese-Irish American, was currently filming the Warner Bros. comedy Project X when she signed on to play the lead in Model Minority. Catch Bloom, director Lily Mariye, and the rest of the cast will for the East Coast premiere in NYC!
Photo Credit: Julia Ransom
Photo Credit: Julia Ransom
Continue reading for film details and the trailer!
In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) held a panel discussion moderated by actress Jodi Long (All American Girl) discussing what the new Asian America (and Canada) looks like.
Chris Tashima, Ellen Ho, James Hong, Sandra Oh, Ken Mok and Julia Kim participated in the panel and took turns answering and questioning each other on what it’s like being Asian American* and working in Hollywood.
This year’s Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival was bigger and better than ever before.
I know people use that phrase to advertise things all the time but in this circumstance, it was actually true!
I’ve attended this film fest for a couple of years in a row. Supporting my fellow Asian American artists and filmmakers, some whom I have the honor of calling friends now.
This year, I’m able to truly reflect how far we’ve come as Asian Americans working in the film and entertainment industry. And we’ve come far. Just take a look at these two AA institutions: Wong Fu Productions and Angry Asian Man.
Get your chips, dip and plenty of beer ready. It’s the Superbowl!
And just in time — we have this exclusive, must-see pre-game video of Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers, talking about not just growing up Korean and African American, but why he’s proud to be appointed to the White House’s Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Go Steelers!
If your only glimpse into the entertainment industry is through the boob tube with the likes of The Hills, then you’ve missed out on the panel to the window of the real biz. And by boob tube, I’m not suggesting any part of Heidi Montag.
The Asian Professionals Exchange (APEX) hosted its Career Symposium to help members maximize their career and realize their potential at the Wilshire Grand Hotel on Saturday.
To add to the festivities, a Korean wedding reception was also taking place in the same ballroom, which is a predecessor of the Asian invasion.
I got to attend the last panel I Can’t Act, I Can’t Write, But I Want to Work in Entertainment, which was moderated byAngry Asian Man Phil Yu. The panelists were: Jamie Lai (Teddy Zee Productions),
Melissa Sun (Stan Rosenfield & Associates), David Kang (David Kang Casting)
and Nesa Khajehali (The Hub and Discovery/Hasbro Joint Venture Children’s Network).
Even though some started off in a different field; Jamie was a lawyer and David was a marine, the lure of the entertainment industry is draconian
They dispelled the notion that the entertainment industry is glamorous as they discussed the long and demanding hours that make work a way of life in the fast-paced industry.
They also highlighted that it’s all about marketing yourself and maintaining relations– getting one’s foot in the door with networking with the PIC (people in charge) and taking clients out for coffee is a must if you want to brew your career.
When asked to sell themselves with a single word: Jamie chose hardworking, Melissa chose aggressive, David chose edgy and Nessa chose authentic. Approach-approach conflict is the solution!
The Hills only realistically portrays the catty competition, which reflects Darwinism in the entertainment biz. If you want to reign supreme or at least secure yourself in the industry, then strategize.
