Greetings, readers, and welcome to the newest article where I focus on film projects that are currently in development or, in this case, going into production soon thanks to a very, very successful Kickstarter campaign which just wrapped recently for writer/director Bao Tran and producers Al’n Duong, Michael Velasquez, Yuji Okumoto, and Dan Gildark. From the many years writing reviews and doing interviews with a myriad of individuals involved in the independent film community worldwide, there are several aspects that remain evident when it comes to them finding success and overcoming obstacles–passion, perseverance, determination, and an unwavering belief that what they as artists have to showcase is more than worth consideration by the movie viewing masses. From my personal experiences to date, this all rings true with the quality, uniqueness, pure heart, and energy that becomes the final product those of us who are fortunate enough to view via screenings, festivals, or online connections get to take in and marvel at.
After establishing my first connection with Bao Tran several years ago through his short film “The Challenger” (read my review here), it has been a huge honor to watch as his newest dream to do a feature film is now coming to pass, being the culmination of the struggles that rise up for indie filmmakers when desiring to accomplish larger projects, but often run into the many pitfalls that can occur with such an endeavor. Thankfully, Bao & Company’s wish is made real in the form of the now-in-production effort, “The Paper Tigers“, which promises to be a mix of both incredible martial arts action and some comedy, all presented with a true heart and spirit behind it. I was highly pleased to hear from Bao again in the last month and some, offering an opportunity for me to ask a quick series of questions about this newest project, along with some insights into the world of indie filmmaking, from both his own perspective and that of producer Al’n Duong. So, as I often say, without further ado, here is my brief but wonderfully insightful interview with these two visionary indie artists.
One Film Fan: First off, just to have the opportunity to see what promises to be an amazing action film with heart and comedic elements come to life has to be exciting in itself for you both, yes?
Bao Tran: It’s why we put up with the endless money meetings and chasing down leads. Being on set and in the editing room to watch a great performance or action scene being put together–that’s the thrilling part that makes it all worth it.
Al’n Duong: Exciting, yes! The reactions and the overwhelming support we’ve received after going public with some footage from the first 10 minutes of the film we have already shot has been amazing. We really look forward to getting back at it and finish shooting the rest of the movie.
O.F.F.: So, as we do see the realm of film changing over the past several years in particular that are featuring more ethnic diversity, especially in lead roles, and to great success, how has that played into your urgency to get “The Paper Tigers” into the spotlight?
B.T.: Well, first, there’s always an urgency because we aren’t getting any younger! But, the added urgency is that we want to put authentic faces and voices onscreen before the big studios screw it up. When the giants co-op a cool trend or movement by taking the outside shell without the heart and try to selling it to the audience as “diversity”, it never works and always leaves a sour taste.
A.D.: The timing really couldn’t have been more perfect. We’ve been packaging and pitching “The Paper Tigers” way before “Black Panther” came out and after “Crazy Rich Asians” blew up. It has been really exciting to see these dormant audiences come to life and begin to give more notice to indie films like ours. Our urgency to get our film made hasn’t changed really. We’ve been determined since day one, we’re just more seasoned now. Now we’re getting more validation through this new movement that a film like ours does have a growing audience.
O.F.F.: As to the action sequences you have planned for this film, some of which I had at least seen some hints of in previous video material you’d shared, what will make the stunts, martial arts, and other facets of these types of scenes stand out as unique?
B.T.: We haven’t seen Kung Fu with grounded application and technique since forever. Most Kung Fu now is more CG fantastic or enhanced with wire work. We love those movies for sure, but we think it will be really fun to portray what a bunch of old guys fighting and pulling their hamstrings would really look like.
A.D.: First of all, we’re taking “shaky cam” and throwing it out the window. We love Kung Fu action and we’ll make sure our audience gets to see it clearly. Secondly, imagine middle-aged men ungracefully being heroes. Kind of like that one 50-year old guy at the gym, once a college basketball star, lacing it up one last time for glory and hitting the game-winning shot–his only points for the game.
O.F.F.: As indie filmmakers, you’re already more than acquainted with the many challenges/obstacles that can stand in the way of getting a project off the ground even, whether it’s finances, casts, crews, etc. Explain for us, via your experiences, what it’s been like overall, and with “The Paper Tigers”, to overcome these things, especially in view of your massively successful Kickstarter campaign, which we’ll address a little later.
B.T.: It’s ultimately trying to show there’s an audience out there and a home for our movie. It’s very hard to convince financing people of this without precedents or comparisons of similar, older films. We have to break that vicious cycle. It takes an audacity of belief and finding ways to keep shining the light forward.
A.D.: As a producer, my main focus is to ensure that people understand what type of film we are trying to make. The film industry heavily relies on data to predict potential success of films, but with little or no real data about homegrown films from people of color. It’s difficult for studios to give us a chance. This is one of the reasons why we decided to take “The Paper Tigers” onto Kickstarter and put up a ridiculous pledge goal of $110,000 to show the world that we have an audience. Thankfully, that gamble worked in our favor.
O.F.F.: The world of international cage fighting, MMA as it’s often termed, in all its forms, has become quite a dominant force in the entertainment industry, with viewership worldwide remaining very high. Now, how does that world intermix, or possibly interfere as it were, with the more traditional styles of Chinese martial arts you are desiring to showcase I am guessing in “The Paper Tigers”?
B.T.: That’s the yin and yang of it all. Marital arts is constantly having to resolve these issues: traditional vs. modern, practicality vs. aesthetics, commerce vs. art. You can search up all these challenge fights in China between Tai Chi masters and MMA fighters. Spoiler alert: the old guys lose. It’s very interesting to explore the cost of that in our film.
A.D.: Challenge fights between rival martial arts masters traditionally have always been done in secret. Since the invention of cell phone cameras, we are starting to see amazing challenge fights all over the internet. China has been consumed with these challenges between MMA fighters and older Kung Fu masters. We do address this dynamic in “The Paper Tigers”. Our lead characters find themselves in the age of YouTube. It makes for a hilarious situation.
O.F.F.: Finally, even with the current Kickstarter campaign over, you’ve achieved the initial, and amazing, $110,000 goals and then some! What would you like to say in response to those who’ve stepped up and offered support and what does that mean to you as filmmakers when seeing this kind of overwhelming validation that not only reflects interest in your project, but also the mindset of those desiring to back indie cinema?
B.T.: Thank you, everyone!! This is exactly the sign we need. There is an audience hungry not only for awesome Kung Fu martial arts action, but to see original content with authentic narratives by people of color. It really does take a village, so the more support on Kickstarter and the awareness about the film we can get, the better!
A.D.: There have been over 69,000 film projects on Kickstarter with about 23,000 actually succeeding their goal. Out of all those successful Kickstarters, only 404 were able to raise $100,000 or more. “The Paper Tigers” become the 405th project to achieve that milestone and that’s all thanks to our friends, family, community, and fans from around the world who came out and supported our film. We can’t thank everyone enough for the engagement on social media and sharing our project to your loved ones. With all this momentum, we have no doubt we’ll finish this movie. Get ready, world. “The Paper Tigers” are coming! #letsgo #jiayou
Well, I honestly think that pretty much sums it all up! Thanks to a world united by social media and the digital age we reside in, a Kickstarter campaign that started out with, as Al’n described above, “a ridiculous pledge goal of $110,000” turned into a momentous, dream-inspired, now-being-made journey called “The Paper Tigers”, which aims not just to ideally redefine the martial arts action/comedy barrier, but the ethnic barrier within the movie industry that’s becoming more and more prevalent. Talk about perfect timing, yes, but I feel even more so there’s another message that should resonate throughout the indie and mainstream industries when it comes to that notion about films created by people of color getting their just due and recognition–“It’s about time!!”.
Want to follow what’s what with the ongoing adventure that is “The Paper Tigers” film? Check out these ways to do just that:
Check out the film’s Official Website
Email the team at: info@thepapertigersmovie.com
“Follow” the film on Twitter
“Follow” and “Like” the film on Facebook
“Follow” the film on Instagram
How about their YouTube Channel
I heartily extend my sincere thanks to both Bao Tran and Al’n Duong for taking the time out of a now even busier schedule to answer these question and I truly hope, readers, that you find this a fun read and perhaps even a boost/reminder about how important it is to support indie filmmakers and indie filmmaking whenever and however you’re able, for as this interview’s insights confirm, there’s a wealth of talent out there just waiting to be brought into the light. Sometimes, it will take us to help make it happen.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
