In The Director’s Chair with Justin Lin

Sat. Nov. 3rd, 5:30 PM

Join Justin as he speaks about his experience from the inside of Hollywood studio system as well as working in the independent filmmaking world. Filmmakers, actors, and writers at all levels will learn from his experiences and insight. This session will be moderated by Barbara Lee and there will be an opportunity after the session for Q & A by the audience.

Special Event

Opportunity
“What I learned as I ventured into the studio landscape of filmmaking was that success rests more on opportunity than talent. I think there are many capable people on both sides of the camera but it is often hard for them to get a chance. I also learned that with independent films, you can simultaneously take chances in terms of the stories you tell and also provide opportunities to talented people who haven’t had their chance yet. This became the mantra for FTG. Whether it was Tom Clancey as our cinematographer or Greg Louie doing the editing, we found that they were there with the talent, and when given an opportunity, they were ready to deliver. Even during the casting process, we gave the roles to the actors who were right for the parts, even if that meant casting people who would not normally get those roles in mainstream films. For example, Sung Kang (Cole Kim) normally gets typecast as the cool, silent type, but in FTG, he got to play the humble bumpkin.”

Sundance, Then and Now
“It’s been five years since my first Sundance Film Festival experience. It definitely changed my life. Since then, I’ve learned what it means to be a filmmaker in this industry. I’ve been able to explore the studio version of the film making process and to gain a whole new perspective on how movies are made at various budgets. I also learned the difference between what the studios call a “director for hire” and an “independent filmmaker.” As a “director for hire,” you are in a situation where the marketing of the film and targeted demographics are the driving force and you, as the director, are there to try to fight to make the best film within an established box. But the most important lesson I learned is that making an independent film is a privilege.”
—Justin Lin
(excerpt from FINISHING THE GAME, filmmaker’s notes)

Also in attendance

Special Guest:

Roger Fan

Roger will bring his acting experiences in Hollywood and with independents to this discussion. He re-teams with director Justin Lin for FINISHING THE GAME. They have previously worked together on ANNAPOLIS for Disney/Touchstone and in the critically acclaimed drama, BETTER LUCK TOMORROW, which premiered at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival.

With a background in theatre, Roger has performed various classic and contemporary stage productions in London, Ireland and the United States. His most recent theatre credits include LETTICE & LOVAGE, TERMINUS AMERICANA, TEXAS and PERFORMANCE ANXIETY.

Roger made his feature film debut in New Line Cinema’s RUSH HOUR, and starred as Chris Kattan’s (of Saturday Night Live) FBI partner in the Disney/ Touchstone comedy, CORKY ROMANO. He produced and starred in the Sundance Film Festival fave short THE QUEST FOR LENGTH

Hosted by:

Barbara Lee

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