"We're really grateful to be here at John Hopkins. We were tired but now we're really energized!" Ted Fu said. Immediately, a hiss roared, some yelling "Johns," with extra emphasis, throughout Arellano Theatre last Friday evening. Embarrassed, Ted almost ran out, but the three in Wong Fu Productions -- Ted Fu, Phillip Wang, and Wesley Chan -- are not the type to be easily offended. They felt the energy of the some 200 fans and aficionados and continued to introduce their debut motion picture, A Moment with You.
Many may have seen Wong Fu Prod.'s videos on YouTube.com, ranging from Ne-Yo dance videos to the infamous Yellow Fever short that explores why Asian guys can't get girls, but after graduating from UCSD in 2006, the three have begun to shape an even larger future. During their senior year, eight months were devoted to writing, shooting, directing, and editing a dream of theirs -- a dream to make a movie.
That dream was realized and Wong Fu is now traveling to various colleges in the U.S. and Canada. Johns Hopkins was their fourth stop, and so far, their biggest turn out -- the seats were full, many sat in aisles. "In Cali, our fans are concentrated in certain areas, but while on the east coast, our fans are more spread out," Phil said. Most of the fans that support Wong Fu are Asian but, "We're not trying to exclude anyone." Phil added.
It's true that Wong Fu, now professionally Sketchbook Media, is impacting the Asian-American community on a large scale -- giving Asian Americans a voice -- but as Phil said, it's important to not look inwards but create things that everyone can relate to. "Everyone feels the same things -- even girls and guys go through the same emotions. That's what our movie is about, just being honest," Wes said.
When asked about the portrayal of Asians in American popular culture they said, "There's a lot of stereotyping -- kung fu, nerdy or studious -- just extremes. We want to show that Asians-Americans are a lot more than that but at the same time not to push for or promote too much -- just what's normal." They also commented about Asian Americans in everyday life, "Some are just struggling to find their identities, trying to fit-in. Sometimes they get themselves caught up in what's popular or in the wrong crowd."
A Moment with You, encompasses all these things that they had talked about. Many who attended the screening said that they could relate to various aspects of the movie. The movie deals with two neighbors who are in similar love situations -- one cannot let go of his past while the other encounters a girl who cannot let go either. Wes said to me, "There's a bit of all three of us in each of the characters." After hearing this, it shows how they have surpassed stereotypes by including a diverse cast and retaining realistic personalities, which demonstrates Phil, Wes and Ted's mastery.
Though the three come from dissimilar backgrounds, they get along well, which has helped them in the creative process. "When we don't get along, we just don't talk," Ted joked. "We think on the same wavelengths but we all have our own experiences," Wes added. Successfully accomplishing their dream is slowly being rewarded as they travel, but for them, they have already been rewarded. "We've submitted the movie to a few film festivals," Phil said. "We wrote the script but actually seeing what you wrote on screen is something else," Wes added.
Movies weren't on their minds when they entered college though. Ted was in for mechanical engineering, Phil thought about economy, while Wes was interested in animation but had never thought about live film. However, now many are seeking their help with media related jobs. And although uncertain about the direction they want to head towards in the future, they're busy with touring and with the requests they've received. Even though most have to do with Asian-American interests, Sketchbook Media is slowly breaking through to others.
These were the type of people who will undoubtedly succeed in the future -- overcoming social boundaries, making great movies, and having fun while doing it. They don't fight or advocate any particular image or ideal in their work nor are they completely indifferent about the matter. They just want to bring out what's true and what's normal to them. They said that they'll miss the leaves here while jumping around in front of Gilman and exploring the campus as well as the support of the people they've met here. That's what's true for them.
