STRANGER NOW PREMIERE

The short debuted at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival on Tuesday, May 3rd to a packed audience inside the CGV theater in Korea Town. The cast, crew, and the supporters really enjoyed the whole experience from the photo call to the hanging out afterwards. 

ETTV, a global Chinese news outlet interviewed me and Cody, the boy actor, on the red carpet. We discussed the film in the context of the homelessness problem and the economic recession. I also spoke about the wonderful collaboration with Collin, who was filming in China and couldn't attend.

Abe, the co-director of the Festival & a true friend of filmmakers, conducted the post-screening Q&A. He asked some very thoughtful questions, and I thought, "Man, I better step up to the plate."

Many people stayed afterwards to chat. Here I'm with my collaborators, some of them couldn't make it for the photo call. Honestly, it was a hectic evening for me. Wave after wave of people approached me to talk. At the same time, seeing the big smile on everyone's faces made this a night impossible to forget.

Best,

Ignatius Lin

p.s. Shout out to Loïc for becoming #100 fan on my Facebook page. The page is full of breaking news, insightful analysis, updates about my adventure in filmmaking. 

STRANGER NOW PREMIERES TONIGHT

97 Facebook shares, 5-star rating on the festival page.

STRANGER NOW (sponsored by NBC-Uni & FIND, starring Collin Chou) PREMIERES IN 12 HOURS at the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival. It is a story about an unlikely friendship between a boy and a homeless man.

We are very fortunate to be receiving international press coverage for this movie. Here are links to some of the articles, if you're interested: Ovation, SingTao, and World Journal.

Tickets are still available. We love to see you there and truly appreciate your help to spread the words. And please consider following my FB page, twitter feed, or this blog - if you aren't signed up already.

Launch Party - Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival

Had a GREAT time attending the festival's launch party at the swanky Solair's Sky Deck in Koreatown, courtesy of the festival.

My short, Stranger Now, is premiering at the festival on Tuesday, May 3rd, 9pm. I feel very honored. Invitations to parties are one of the perks. My wife, my friend (Joseph), the producer/writer (Paul) and I had a blast. DJ setting the right mood. Open bar. Free appetizers. I had a Kirin, and we ate crab cakes and sweet pork buns (my fav. at the party).

The best thing was I got to hang out with my wife, my friends, and some AMAZING filmmakers. People come up with creative names for their projects, like Kosher Pig and Confession of a Nice Guy.

Next week, I'll be doing some press interviews for the film. Very excited and a little nervous. Wish me luck, and I look forward to "talking" to you again.   

For more info about the Stranger Now screening, including ticketing, please click here.

I'll be blogging, facebooking, and tweeting during the festival. You can follow me via twitter or facebook.

(with Joseph, who just finished working on the Green Lantern)

(screen shot of Stranger Now playing as a part of the festival official trailer)

(with Erin, who also has a short in the fest)

(with Paul, actor/producer/writer - triple threat)

Stranger Now Featured on Actor Access Mobile's Preview Page

I feel so blessed to receive such cool exposure on Actors Access, one of the biggest casting services in North America. I found out about this last week from my actor friend, Tiger Sheu.

I have received an outpouring of support from many friends and family members regarding this news and the film, which has made this unexpected exposure that much sweeter. I have received impassioned online messages from a family friend and a fellow filmmaker! When I found out that a HS classmate of mine recommended Stranger Now to her friends, I allowed myself to enjoy a sense of accomplishment. This is one of the highest form of compliments an artist can receive. I'm thinking about my fellow filmmakers and supporters who helped make this film happen. I am filled with joy.

If you're interested, the movie is now available on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/13828287). Here is the official FB page.

By the way, I hope to join Tiger at the SXSW premier of his film, Blacktino, produced by producer of Spy Kids and Sin City (by Robert Rodriguez) and starring Danny Trejo and Jeff Fahey. Big CONGRATS to Tiger!

(app's preview page)

Directing Assignment sponsored by NBC-Universal and Film Independent

I got selected to direct a short sponsored by NBC-Universal and Film Independent! The story is about a homeless man who is building a beautiful model home. When the "home" is accidentally damaged, he is forced to seek help from a teenage boy, new to homelessness, who has the tools to fix the home.

Homeless is a widespread problem, especially severe in LA. I hope to address this subject matter in an authentic, heartfelt manner. The movie I want to reference is Jason Reitman's Up in the Air -- for its social consciousness, compassion for the characters, and focus on how people relate and change each other.

Film Independent will provide cash stipend for the shoot, and NBC-Universal will provide equipments and props.

If you like to receive more detailed updates, please become a "follower" directly on my blog.