My Geeky Con History

Today, I'm doing something I've dreamed about for years. I'm speaking on a panel at WonderCon! It's called Pitching Diversity - 1:30pm in Room 208, hosted by Wide Lantern. Stop by if you're at the Con!

Why is this a big deal for me? Because I love Cons! (Short for Conventions - often referring to sci-fi and comic book conventions.)

In 2005, I was introduced to the geekfest extravaganza called Comic-Con and I've attended every year since. I don't dress up, but I do revel in the fandom. I ask questions at panels, I browse the artist booths, I buy nerdy tchotchke - I love it all.

So getting to be on the presentation side of a Con event is really exciting for me, even though WonderCon is a smaller event. I'm looking forward to a robust discussion about diversity in film and television - and taking advantage of that all-access pass.

Here's a brief look back at my Con history -

In 2006, I spotted Joss Whedon and proceeded to blubber like an idiot about loving Firefly and how I thought there should be more visionaries like him running Hollywood. He was nice enough to pose for this picture - don't I look adorkably giddy?

Spotted more celebrities in 2007, including popular genre TV character actor Mark Sheppard. Christopher's the one who looks adorkable in this one:

2008 - The closest I ever came to the Stargate! I think I won an action figure at this booth, which I promptly sold on eBay when I got home.

In 2009, I spotted not one, but TWO Elvis Storm Troopers. Mash-up costumes like this started becoming more and more popular. Also spotted this year - Leisure Suit Boba Fett and Jack in the Box Jedi. Priceless.

2010 was a tiring year - the massive expansion of Comic-Con meant longer lines, more crowding, and heightened frustrations. Still, I managed to snag a smiling picture with two superstars - Mike Adair and Bob Holt, the voices of Hoops & Yoyo!

2011 was my shortest stay to date - just long enough to visit with friends like Todd Stashwick and Dennis Calero, who were promoting their Web comic Devil Inside.

No current plans to attend Comic-Con 2012, but anything could happen!

Have you ever been to Comic-Con in San Diego?

Let's Hear It

Writing can be a lonely practice. Just you and your words - spinning around your brain, swirling onto the page, then back into your head. Stare at the same words for too long and you're liable to go crazy.

That's why live staged readings can be a valuable tool for writers. If you're stuck or just unsure about how something is working, hearing a script read out loud by actors can give you the fresh perspective you need to move it forward.

It doesn't have to be complicated - just get a bunch of actors together and read your script around your dinner table. You'll catch typos and missed words immediately as well as hear where the dialogue rings false or the action lags.

Actors can also give you great feedback on how characters are coming together and where they come across authentically. Or not. Invaluable feedback - all for the cost of some pizzas and salad.

Yesterday, I participated as an actor in two such live readings of screenplays in progress. The first was for my friend Kimberly-Rose Wolter, who gathered a few friends to read a revised version of her screenplay Knots, which she actually already produced into a feature. Yup, that's her in the lead role too:



She was brushing the script up to use as a writing sample and got terrific feedback from the group. I read the role of the uptight, pregnant middle sister who doesn't believe in swearing. Fun!

In the evening, I head over to Little Tokyo to read pages from five amazing screenplays - all written by members of UCLA's Professional Program in Screenwriting. I was lucky to be included among an Asian-American all-star lineup - Randall Park, Tamlyn Tomita, Clyde Kusatsu, Roger Fan, Beverly Sotelo, and Daniel Blinkoff. (Okay, that last guy was white, but he was still awesome.)

Also a wonderful evening of staged readings that was hopefully valuable for the students. I had a blast reading alongside actors I've admired for years. I can't wait to see these scripts hit The Black List next year!

Another good idea for luring actors to read your scripts out loud - cupcakes from Porto's:

I Hate Being Late

And yet I am late. More often than I'd like to admit. More often than any human being should be. I'm late to lunch dates, to clothing swaps, to networking events - I'm late all the time.

This week, I was 15 minutes late to an audition. The WORST.

This role was mine to lose. MINE. Smart, young Asian medical examiner - I should be able to do that in my sleep, right?

Wrong. After rushing in late, I flubbed the lines, tripping over my words, looking down at my sides more than once. It was only four lines - I should have known them cold. I should have taken another minute to settle myself down and prepare before going into the room.

But I didn't. And I blew it.

And yes, I know I'm my own worst critic, but I also know I could have done better. If I'd been on time.

I should have known better than to be late. The easiest thing any actor can do to ensure a successful audition is show up early. Take time to get settled and get focused. I tell actors this all the time.

But whatever reason that has yet to be uncovered by a therapist, I just can't seem to walk my damned talk. And I hate myself for it. I hate the look on my friends' faces when I rush in to meet them. I hate missing the previews. I hate creating stress.

There is no excuse for being late to an audition. Absolutely none.

This particular audition was 23 miles away from my house. Google Maps estimated the trip would take 30 minutes. I left an hour early. It ended up taking me an hour and a half. So I was late.

But that's no excuse - traffic in Los Angeles is always awful. I should be leaving two hours early for everything. But I don't. Because I suck.

Sigh...there's that saying -

Early is on time.
On time is late.
Late is unacceptable.
It's good advice. Don't be like me, kids. Don't be late.

(Yup, self-flagellation is still in high gear...)

Overspending at the Kickstarter Mall

You know I don't like spending money. I went a full year without buying anything and felt just fine. But I've just discovered my new danger zone.

Kickstarter.

You know, the crowdsourced microfinancing site where artists and entrepreneurs can raise money for dream projects by receiving donations from many, many backers in exchange for gifts and rewards.

I feel like every time I get on Facebook, someone I know is launching a Kickstarter campaign. And the problem is - I love these people! And then I look at the project they're putting together and I fall in love with that too!

So then I have to give money. I have to. How could I not contribute to someone's artistic dream? It's like when I sample the new cheese at Trader Joe's - it's so delicious, I have to buy it. I have to.

Here are just a few of the projects that inspired me to open my wallet this past week - check them out and you'll want to give too!

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Ordinary Days - Musical by Adam Gwon
A Theater project in Los Angeles, CA by Michael Palma

I've known Helen and Mike for years - one of the "it couples" of the Asian-American arts community in LA. Hilariously funny on stage with Cold Tofu Improv, talented singers, and now they're putting together an original musical. Done and done. No Kickstarter video, but how can I say no to these beautiful faces?

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FLIPCASE: A Collapsible Sunglass Case
A Product Design project in Menlo Park, CA by Alison Wong

Allison is a fellow MIT alum and AXO sister. I didn't know her while I was an undergrad, but when I saw her video, I just had to support her ingenuity. I'm so inspired by MIT women - smart and amazing. Watch this video and you'll want one of these sunglass cases too! (I love how it starts like an infomercial...)

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"You Gotta Stay Cocksure!"
A Narrative Film project in Toronto, Canada by Murray Foster

Remember Moxy Fruvous? I was one of Murray's people. Many, many college and post-college hours were spent listening to their geeky rock tunes. I don't think I missed a single Moxy Fruvous concert while living in Boston. I even interviewed them for an article and told Murray I was going to move to Los Angeles to become an actor.

Fast forward to becoming an actor in Los Angeles and finding Murray on Facebook - we're buds now. He plays with a new band - Great Big Sea - and just wrote and directed a feature film inspired by hijinks with his fellow former Fruvous compatriot Mike Ford. Appears to be a Brit pop version of That Thing You Do! It looks fun - and Murray is just so damned handsome...

My Toshiko Photos

I've been saying for a while that I need new acting headshots. Yesterday, I went out and got some.

The photographer - Diana Toshiko of Toshiko Photo - Uncommon Headshots for Uncommon People. Exactly what I needed.

I've known Diana for years as an actress, most notably from her sketch comedy work with OPM Comedy. She's free and funny, fiercely positive, and an all-around awesome gal. Here she is in one of my favorite OPM sketches -


I started the morning stressed and freaking out - running late on less sleep than I would have liked because of the stupid time change. When I finally walked into her place, I was filled with anxiety. "Don't worry, we're gonna get it," she assured me with a confident smile.

I brought all the spoils of my recent shopping trip as well as half my closet for her to go through. She quickly flipped through everything, finding the perfect clothes for my four looks. The NO pile grew quickly:

As the YES pile took shape:

I also brought almost all my jewelry. A few selections were made:

Makeup artist Grace Chun was fantastic! Skilled, supportive, and laid back - I had no worries I would get dragon lady eyes under her watch. She collaborated beautifully with Diana to create my looks and was always standing by for a touch up:

Or two:

After some initial nervousness, I finally relaxed let my looks take shape. Diana was amazing! She gave me perfect directions to bring out my characters while continually assuring me the camera was capturing my essence. This is me channeling my inner snarkiness:

We ended the day by shooting my carefree/fun look while LMFAO's "Sexy and I Know It" streamed out of Grace's iPhone. There was definitely dancing. So awesome.

Huge thanks to Diana and Grace for a wonderful day. Four brand new headshot looks - coming soon!

Forced Retail Immersion

I had to go shopping this week. Yes, it was actually required. I'm shooting new headshots with the amazing Toshiko Photo on Sunday and I needed to gather pieces to create my four looks.

Shopping with a goal is always stressful for me because I worry about not finding what I need and coming home exhausted and empty-handed. To ensure success, I went to my favorite store - Goodwill!

When I was a teenager, shopping at a thrift store instead of the mall was inconceivable and could ruin your social standing in a heartbeat. But now that I'm a savvy, financially responsible artist, it just makes sense. It's less expensive, more eco-friendly, and a fashionably smart move in a city like Los Angeles, where can you always find designer labels among the racks. My wardrobe is still mostly Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, and White House Black Market - I'm just not paying full price for any of it!

Yesterday I browsed and browsed until I could browse no more. I ended up with 2 belts, 14 shirts, an Ann Taylor suit jacket, a hat, a handbag, and a pair of jeans for a little over $100. What's not to love about that?

I was on a clothing-focused mission, so I didn't spend too much time in the other parts of the store, which were filled with treasures. Like this:

After an exhausting day of shopping, I headed for home, stopping at Taco Bell first to pick up one of the new Doritos Locos Tacos:

Yes, that's a taco shell made out of Doritos. Read my brother's Doritos Locos Tacos review at Junk Food Guy.

The Hump Day Update: Catch Up Session

Many, many happenings in Teresapalooza-land since Oscar night - here's the rapid-fire rundown:

• Attended a great panel at the WGA called TV Series for Virgins. (No, it wasn't about that.)
  
  Heard fantastic advice about navigating the television world from showrunners Lee Aronsohn (Two and a Half Men), Jenny Bicks (The Big C), Matt Corman & Chris Ord (Covert Affairs), Graham Yost (Justified), and ICM agent Mark Gordon, moderated by Jeffrey Melvoin (Army Wives).
  
  Heard my favorite new showbiz quote - "The most important thing in Hollywood is sincerity. And if you can fake that, you've got it made." Word.
  
  During the reception after, I chatted with writer/director Shawn Ku and writer Michael Armbruster about transitioning from features to television. Though mostly I just gushed about their amazing film Beautiful Boy, which should have nominated for an Oscar, in my opinion...
  
  
• Audited this year's CAPE Pitch Lab pitch session to network and support writer friends who were pitching.
  
  I pitched at this event the two previous years, which helped get me get in the door to pitch at CBS this season, which eventually led to the selling of my first pilot. The exec who bought my pitch in the room was there and it was great to see her and thank her again in person for the incredible opportunity. Ah, the memories...
  
  
  
• Continued the pitching spirit the next day - pitched my proposal for the CAPE Digital Marketing Initiative to a room full of execs at FOX. Stared longingly at the Emmys and Golden Globes in the lobby.
  
  Heard later that night I was one of the three winners - hooray! More details on that to come...
  
  
• Hosted a happy hour before the LA screening of Cast Me If You Can, written and directed by MIT alum Atsushi Ogata. The point was to support a member of my alumni community the way I would hope to be supported when I have a project to promote.
  
  The happy hour was a success, though not a single MIT alum showed up. Ah well.
  
  Here I am with Atsushi and fellow MIT grad turned actor Tohoru Masamune -