Yesterday I was invited to the Pacific Media Expo, held at the LAX Hilton, just down the street from the airport. Thanks to a chance meeting with Mr. Winston Emano, a seasoned and celebrated figure in the Filipino-American community, I was given the opportunity to meet with Collin Chou, best known (at this point anyway) for his role as Seraph in the Matrix films.
I didn't recognize his name right away, as he was credited under a different one in the movie. It took only mere seconds of research, however, for me to realize that in less than 24 hours, I would be interviewing the man who played my favorite character in the trilogy.
At the risk of sounding cheesy, it was as if this meeting was meant to happen. During my research, I found out that Collin is married to Wanda Yung, a fashion model from Hong Kong whom I had seen, and was most impressed by, on "Fashion Television" 10 years ago. I never forgot about her, and often wondered what became of her career. A decade later, and here I am interviewing her husband.
My longtime close friend and colleague, Cheryl A., (an amazing artist herself), came with me and put on her photographer hat for the day.
When we arrive, we grab our press passes and head downstairs to eat. Not even five minutes after sitting down, I turn to my left only to see Collin Chou himself sitting on the other side of the room. What are the odds? As tempted as I am to walk over and introduce myself, I hold back knowing I would have my chance to speak with him during our one-on-one meeting later that afternoon. Instead, I concentrate on my angel hair pomodoro and try to ignore the adolescent screaming from the rambunctious cosplayers outside.
After lunch, Cheryl and I attend the panel where the audience have the opportunity to interact with Collin. I have no idea what to expect. Is he as quiet and reserved as his guardian alter ego or as serious and intimidating as Yuanjia's father in Fearless? Neither. Turns out, Collin is as much of a joker as he is a passionate artist. He is warm and accommodating, and even naughty, on occasion, demonstrating some impressive hip action in humorous response to a fan's question about his steamy love scene in American Fusion. He apparently performs in a harness. Collin is simply a balanced guy, equally composed of charm, sophistication and playful vulgarity.
Earlier that day, we are instructed to meet with the publicist at 4 p.m., and would then be personally escorted to meet with Mr. Chou. We hop in the elevator and head for the top floor. When I jokingly inquire if we are going to the Presidential Suite, the publicist confidently affirms my derision.
A few deep breaths and the door opens up to a comfy living room with an impressive view of the airport. We are met by Winston, whom I am as equally excited to meet. We introduce ourselves and sit down to wait our turn with the Jade War Lord. Turns out Winston and I went to the same high school, a fact he doesn't believe until I divulge my knowledge of our football team, who hadn't won a Homecoming game for nearly 20 years (a sad and widely known fact about our alma mater).
I've been waiting a long time to meet someone like Winston. Having entered the industry through the back door, I've been in much need of a mentor, and I believe that Winston would be the perfect person to help me discover my role in the Asian-American movement. When he tells me I am already in a good position to influence others, I feel a surge of energy go through me in such a reassuring way that I know I am in the right place.
And then it's time for the interview.
Collin comes out and immediately starts joking around, by which I am immediately put at ease. As Winston introduces me and Cheryl, Collin comes over with a sincere smile and bone-crushing handshake (probably useful when you're protecting the Oracle). A few more exchanges, and it's off to the bedroom with Mr. Chou, my questions, a camera and great anticipation.
As he stretches out on the bed, Cheryl casually presses her foot against the back of Collin's and asks what shoe size he is. I nearly drop my recorder, unsure of what would happen next. After he obliges us with his response of "Size 9...no, I swear," I go ahead and put my own coy-garbed foot against his leather boot. "Wow, looks bigger than size 9," I say, to which he winks and responds with "You knoowww."
We finally start the interview, while I try to conjure up a mixture of Barbara Walters and Sam Rubin to get into the proper mode. (I'm still a rookie at the whole "just a conversation with a movie star" process).
I won't go into details here about what we talked about (you'll just have to wait for the whole conversation to be published), but it went very well and thankfully I didn't lose my head. It also helps that I wasn't entirely starstruck, despite my fascination with Seraph. Overall, not bad for my first time interviewing a celebrity.
Cheryl and I had an amazing time, and I am extremely happy to have shared the experience with her. I couldn't have asked for a better person to accompany me. Even now the excitement hasn't worn off. I won't get too philosophical, but I will say that because of this encounter, I now realize something about my career, something to do with that which matters most. Maybe all I needed was a little nudge from a guardian angel, someone who helped me remember the importance of focus, of diversity, of expression, of passion.
The interview is slated to appear early next year (I'll reveal the mystery publications at a later date). In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this sneak peek.
Until next time,
aCg
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