克利夫兰及周边地区消息

 

“First Job” Wong Family Short Film made in Cleveland’s AsiaTown

 
    Wayne Wong grew up in the community which has become Cleveland’s AsiaTown. His wife Lisa Wong, lived in Chinatown as a baby. In the decades since, they and their family have continued to volunteer and advocate for the expanding neighborhood. Lisa is a co-founder and current co-producer of the Cleveland Asian Festival and Wayne is the Lead MC and is on the executive committee. They both also serve on the board of OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates, Greater Cleveland Chapter (Lisa as President and Wayne as V.P. of Administration), engaging in many community projects like voter engagement, and cultural outreach like Dragon Dance performances. They also serve on two CDC boards that encompass AsiaTown, with Lisa on the St. Clair Superior Development Corporation board (North of Payne Avenue), and Wayne serving on the MidTown Cleveland board (South of Payne Avenue). Driven by deep roots in the community they are excited to see AsiaTown grow and continue to work with many other talented and energetic community leaders.
   Last year, Wayne embarked on a new creative venture by forming Red Dragon Media to make a short film called “First Job.” First job was filmed entirely in AsiaTown and highlights some favorite locales. Previously, both Lisa and Wayne and their kids have been involved with various short and feature film projects, many alongside Johnny Wu, a filmmaker who also works with the Wong couple on the Cleveland Asian Festival and OCAGC.
   Previously, Wayne enjoyed acting and had also written four short film scripts. “First Job” came about unintentionally after Wayne took film editing classes from Johnny and was challenged to make a short film. Wayne researched film production, bought equipment, and spent two months in pre-production. Wayne enlisted family, friends and a few fellow filmmakers to serve as the small cast and crew. The film was shot over three full days - Wayne recalls the most challenging was on New Year’s Day 2020 - which was shot inside KoKo Bakery. He recalls “I had scouted it out a week earlier and it was quiet on a weekday afternoon. What I did not expect is that on New Year Day many families were off work and wanted their buns and bubble tea.” Being a first time Producer/Director/Actor was hard enough, but doing it when the restaurant was full of celebrating patrons was quite a challenge. Other AsiaTown locations featured include Asia Plaza, AsiaTown Center, and outdoor scenes on Payne Avenue. The film team is very grateful to the owners of these beautiful AsiaTown locations.
  Wayne wanted to work with his son Alex on this film and created the story with him in mind as the lead actor. The story is about a young man who is torn between his friends and his obligations to family, especially his father. He is challenged to do a job that he has trained most of his life to do. After filming during the Holidays when Alex was on break, Wayne completed editing the film in March 2020. It was entered into international film festivals, but then the pandemic happened, and all film events were cancelled or postponed. Nevertheless, “First Job” has won several awards already and has been accepted into multiple film festivals. It won 2nd Place Award most recently at the 25th Indie Gathering International Film Festival which was held virtually March 12-14. It was also nominated for best cinematography for an Ohio Film. Other film festivals awards and selections include Horror Hotel (summer 2021), Action on Film -Las Vegas, KinoDrome International, MLC Awards, and Louisville’s International Festival of Film.
   While it was Wayne’s first time as Producer, Director, Writer, Editor, and Actor on the same film, “First Job” was also the first Starring role for Alex Wong, and first film roles for Sam Galicki and Josh Goodman. The film also features actors Lisa Wong, Tyler Thomas, Melissa Suon Zoellner, Chris Blackfire, and John Cosma. The crew were cameramen Vidas Pliodzinskas and Shawn Adams with Lisa, Alex, and Tyler also helping with production. For this passion project, Wayne wanted to be able to share it in-person with family, friends, and especially with the cast and crew who worked hard on the film. He says “I wanted to do a screening of First Job with everyone. Maybe we still can someday soon! Then we can start working on to Second Job.”