What scene was your favorite to shoot?
My favorite scenes to film were probably the ones that took place in the high school. They were also the most challenging because we had very limited time at the location but also an incredible amount of material to cover. We had a total of just two days at the school, and what was most exciting about them were the varieties of those scenes. We had several stunts to choreograph, many extras to coordinate, and of course, emotionally demanding scenes for the actors. These challenges were definitely difficult but also very exciting because we were able to really exercise different aspects of filmmaking.
What filmmaking lesson did you learn from B-Side for Taylor that you would pass on to aspiring filmmakers?
Though producing a micro-budget feature was one of the most difficult things I’ve done in my career, I think there is an amazing and unique opportunity it gives you as a filmmaker. The best (and worst) thing about it is that you will be at the helm of the entire project for the duration of its life and most likely make all the decisions. This is both empowering and terrifying because it will force you to really go through every phase of the process thoroughly. And because it’s a micro-budget production, the stakes are low enough, and you will have the freedom to make mistakes.
“…Visual Communications…has been an incredible champion for our production from the start.”
Having gone through this (albeit arduous) process, I have gained an immense amount of knowledge that I didn’t have, even after having made numerous short films and graduating from an MFA film program. It has truly given me a great foundation for how to work on bigger feature film projects moving forward. This is all to say. I think you can only truly learn how to make films by making them. So I would advise aspiring filmmakers to just go make things, even when they have very limited resources because the process will give you an immense amount of knowledge.
B-Side for Taylor also played at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. What was that experience like?
We were beyond thrilled to have our LA premiere at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival because Visual Communications, who runs the festival, has been an incredible champion for our production from the start. They are also major supporters of AAPI stories, so to be able to share our final film with them was very fitting. The festival also served as our official cast/crew screening with family and friends because we are all local to LA. That definitely made the event extra special because we were able to finally experience the film altogether in a theatre.
