A few months ago, I had the privilege of flying out to Vietnam to shoot my first feature length film. What an incredible experience - amazing chance to work with a top-notch cast and crew, explore a beautifully rich culture, and continue honing my craft.
First stop was Saigon, which immediately evoked images of Bangkok 20 years past. Very similar sense of warmth prevails in both cities, and everyday life felt refreshingly laid back and relaxed in comparison to the hustle and bustle of the Manhattan grind. Spent a week there working with a great language coach (the role necessitated I speak in the native dialect!) and getting a feel for the culture this character grew up in. From both a cultural immersion perspective and my own instant sense of wonderment for this beautiful new land (a sentiment I felt defines my character's outlook of the world), this was Method acting at its purest and finest :)
Next stop Hoi An, a charming coastal town in South Central Vietnam. Shoot schedule was intense (last day went 18 hours straight!) and yet it all flew by in a dizzying whir. Working with my lovely co-star Truong Ngoc Anh was a major highlight. Aside from being an incredible actress, she was very charming and personable, disarmingly down to earth and family oriented for someone who is widely regarded as one of the top film stars in Vietnam. We'd have some nice conversations over pho at the local vegetarian hole in the wall and while waiting for the next scene to be set up, and it became readily apparant to me why she is so universally admired among her fellow countrymen.
The movie, Oriental Pearls, starts making the festival rounds later this year and the trailer should be out in the next month or so. Will keep you all posted. In the meantime, some pics from my time in beautiful Vietnam!
