Brian Yang shown in Vista Wow

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  Shanghai Rush
  8/31/2009

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  Work, Work, Work
  9/06/2008

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  Felix Awards
  11/20/2007

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  West 32nd
  11/20/2007

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  hula
  9/16/2007

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  72 Hour Shootout
  7/24/2007

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  Pics
  6/28/2007

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  Pictures I'm tagged in

My blog More entries >

• mainland music band?

  Tuesday, Feb 9, 2010 9:28AM / Members only

  Hi all.  Happy Tiger Year!
  
  Does anyone out there know of any musical acts based in mainland China?  Preferably Chinese citizens who sing in Chinese (but absolutely welcomed to sing in English or a blend of both)?  Fairly commercial, catchy, mainstream pop in nature.  Also, emerging.  Not a super established act.
  
  I'd be grateful if you could send me any examples, website, suggestions of any should you know of any.  It's for a performance in Shanghai in August.
  
  Thanks!  Many blessings and much success to everyone this year!
  
  B
  

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• End of a Decade

  Tuesday, Dec 29, 2009 10:55AM / Members only

  It's hard to believe that we're upon a new decade already.  It was only yesterday that the 90's were turning into the 00's!  While a lot of things happened this decade that both made and broke me a person, I'm focused on what happened in this year 2009 - one that I consider great and one that I hope will springboard me into a better perch in life.  Already I'm feelin' it...
  
  It was a wild year.  I hardly was ever in once place for very long.  If you told me two years ago that this would be my life, while I wouldn't necessarily not believe you, I would've had a hard time seeing it as well.  When I took that trip in the fall of 2008 to Asia, I had no idea what was in store for me.  It turned out to be the best thing I could have ever done for myself.
  
  Memories/highlights of the year gone by:
  
  JANUARY:
  
  Went to Costa Rica for my friend's wedding.  It was the end of life as I knew it.
  
  FEBRUARY:
  
  While snowboarding in Vail on Valentine's weekend, I found out I was headed to China soon to host a new reality game show called Shanghai Rush, an English language program with ex-pat contestants set in Shanghai.  My travels through Asia in the Fall of '08 gave me the opportunity to meet the team behind this show.
  
  MARCH:
  
  By the first week of March, I was in Shanghai set to start taping the show.  The whole month was a whirlwind getting whisked around the entire city, learning just about every nook and cranny and seeing things I would never otherwise have the opportunity to even if I lived there all my life.
  
  APRIL:
  
  Finished shooting SR but continued to live in Shanghai for post-production reasons.  Really got to soak in the city as my schedule was lighter (no more 16 hour days.)  I made great friends, learned the city, experienced the amazing rate at which the country is growing, and was hooked for life.  Right around here, I fell in love with the idea of living in Asia.  The career opportunities, the general opportunities, and the newness of everything was and still is too exciting.
  
  MAY:
  
  Got to go back to the US for a few weeks.  I stopped over in Hawaii for a week to visit one of my best friends and then I went onto New York, unsure of whether that was the place for me to be anymore.
  
  JUNE:
  
  Returned to Shanghai to finish post-production on SR.  During this time, I also attended the Shanghai International Film Festival.  One of our feature film projects was in the Pitch Program as part of the festival.  It was a whirlwind of a week meeting industry folks, attending parties, and generally building up my network of contacts in Asia.  I also went down to Taipei to attend the Taipei Int'l Film Festival.  Taipei was proving to be a place that I dug a lot too for reasons personal and professional.  The future in Asia got hotter than before.
  
  JULY:
  
  Spent July 4th in Shanghai and then my mother came out to China and spent a week with me.  She was able to see my life and that proved to be cool cause up until then, she wondered exactly what it was I spent my time doing.  She was able to watch the grand finale of SR at our closing party and she met network heads that all helped her gain more insight on the business in general.  I ended the month by going to the Pucheon Fantastic Film Festival in Korea with my friend Ted Chung's script as part of their Pitch Program.  Went back to NYC after Korea.
  
  AUGUST:
  
  Mid month, left again back to Shanghai to shoot a new language show the same network SR was broadcast on hired me for.  That wouldn't prove to be the best fit for either side.  Nevertheless, it was an experience and it allowed me to be out in China again to further develop relationships and in general explore opportunities.
  
  SEPTEMBER:
  
  Back in NYC after Labor Day.  I had a month in NYC and it really showed me how slow things are in general in the US and started to really really plant in my mind the need to be in Asia.
  
  OCTOBER:
  
  Mid October, attended the Hawaii International Film Festival with our feature THE PEOPLE I'VE SLEPT WITH.  We world premiered it there before it went to 5 other festivals in the fall around the world.  Second time in Hawaii this year, who would've thought?  In May, my friend was pregnant and by this time, the baby was out, so that was cool.  Prior to Hawaii, I was in LA for a week, developing a separate feature that I hope to shoot in China eventually with Ted.  I really believe in Ted and we need to get this man's stories on screens around the world.
  
  NOVEMBER:
  
  Mid November, back to Asia.  First Taipei for the Golden Horse Film Festival and then Hong Kong for the HK Int'l Asian Film Fest.  PEOPLE plays in both.  While in HK this trip (I think this was my 3rd time there this year?), I had a solid block of time to meet and greet and and begin to understand the lay of the industry land there.  I love the emerging pool of filmmakers there.  I was able to play a small role on a film my friend Jason Tobin and fimmaker Dax Phelan made called JASMINE.  I met hungry people and I met an agency who started sending me out for a bunch of commercial castings right away.  Maybe it was all just coincidence, but this time in HK really opened my eyes and fed the general Greater China fire of being centered in Asia to be able to work across the different cities in the region.
  
  DECEMBER:
  
  Made my way to Shanghai again for the final time this year.  One more week there essentially cemented my desire to be here more permanently as more meetings with industry people enhanced the need to be present in Asia to collaborate on projects and opportunities.  A side passion project developed (another story for another day) and that would require me being in Shanghai to see it through.
  
  Asia beckons.
  
  I came back to NYC on 12/8/09 and right when I did, I felt like I didn't belong anymore.  NYC seemed so empty.  It's a place I'll always love, but I feel like the writing is on the wall.
  
  I sit here this holiday season in the Bay Area, before the decade winds down, collecting my thoughts.  Some of it is frazzled, but much of it is clear.  This little break from it all is allowing me to regroup and reset.
  
  2010 (and beyond), bring it on.  The future has never been more exciting (and frightening) as it is now.
  
  Happy New Year, all.  May all our choices lead us down the right path.
  

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• in asia again

  Tuesday, Nov 24, 2009 7:00PM / Members only

  Settled into Taipei this week where I feel the most comfortable of anywhere in Asia.  This is truly my home away from home and if one day I manage to base myself out of here, I will not be totally disappointed with that move.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, Taipei's just ridiculous.  In a good way.
  
  I've been in and around the Taiwan Golden Horse Film Festival this past week.  It was interesting seeing Taiwan audience's reaction/take on PEOPLE.  It goes to Hong Kong next week for a run there and will be curious to see that as well.  I'll be there and as much as I don't want to leave TPE, I'm looking forward to being in hilly Hong Kong too.
  
  While here, I've partook on a couple of things in the last few days that were entirely in Mandarin.  I'm not sure what I was thinking, but I guess I wanted to challenge myself.  One - a play I saw called The Village by accomplished playwright director Stan Lai - was amazing.  It ought to be mandatory viewing for anyone involved with the 1949 KMT revolt.  It was roughly 4 hours long and while I didn't understand much of the dialogue (like half?), I got the gist of the story and understood what was going on at least.  Not a dry eye around me, tons of humor, and all in all, another brilliant piece by the man who essentially put me on track to take up acting when I was in undergrad.
  
  Stan Lai didn't know this, but when I was at Cal (where he got his PhD), the first play I ever performed in was a piece called Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land - the most famous play Lai has ever written and that is still performed every year all over the place.  After that experience, I was bit by the bug and essentially have never looked back.  (Lai also made a film from the play that was a success as well in the 90s.)
  
  This past weekend, I had a chance to meet Stan Lai and his wonderful wife Nai-chu Ding at their club.  It was a surreal experience meeting the man who indirectly had a major influence in the path my life took.  I'm grateful for it.  I hope our paths cross again.
  
  The second thing I partook in Mando this week was a panel at the Golden Horse Fest.  I went thinking there'd be a translator situation going on, but found there wasn't.  Eghads.  I sat through it, but unlike the play, not only didn't understand much of it, but didn't get the gist.  I've gotta beef up my Mando big time.  BIG.  I'm making it a goal.  That way, the next time Hou Hsiao-Hsien waxes poetic about the collaborative process of filmmaking in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the Mainland, I'll understand.

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• reel stuff

  Wednesday, Nov 4, 2009 3:47PM / Members only

  Gonna post some reel stuff from over the years.  This isn't really a reel, but I suppose I should find a way to cut some of it up so it is.  If you've never seen Shanghai Rush, the season finale below sums it all up pretty well!
  
  

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• people

  Wednesday, Nov 4, 2009 3:19PM / Members only

  Thank you kind people who wished me a happy birthday last week!  Another year older, another year wiser - at least I hope...
  
  I can't wait to hit Asia again in a couple of weeks.  I've been back in the USofA since early September and to be quite honest, it almost feels like I don't belong here anymore.  It's weird, but I feel as if my time here is coming to an end and I really need to move my butt over to Asia, if not permanently, then on a prolonged basis.  I've been in NYC for nearly a decade now and after spending most of my time abroad in 2009, it's really setting in for me that both professionally and personally speaking - reasons for my staying Stateside are dwindling.
  
  It will be to my great interest to see what 2010 brings for me in terms of where I am.
  
  In the interim, while here in NYC, recently, I got to work on a film called NOMADS that stars Lucy Liu.  Crazily, I was cast as her father in a flashback scene when young Lucy sees her father doing something not so cool.  It was pretty surreal to think I was playing Lucy Liu and Tamilyn Tomita's dad, and meeting the two of them was a real treat.  I remember meeting Tamilyn in the early 90's in San Francisco at the now defunct Golden Ring Awards, so it's funny to see how things can sometimes come full circle. 
  
  I also just got back from a trip to LA and Hawaii where I spent time in LA developing a film I plan on shooting in China and Hawaii for the Hawaii International Film Festival where THE PEOPLE I'VE SLEPT WITH, a film our company 408 Films helped produce, had its world premiere.
  
  HIFF was great!  It went over better than I could have expected.  We had fantastic crowds, oversold audiences, good reviews, and even an added screening in order to satisfy the demand!  I was bummed to hear that one of the cameraman on Shanghai Rush who I worked with who now lives in Hawaii, didn't get into the final screening even though he went and stood in line!
  
  

  
  In Hawaii: With Archie Kao and Karin Anna Cheung, stars of the film at uber producer Chris Lee's home.
  

  
  I think one of the reasons PEOPLE worked so well in Hawaii was because the people of Hawaii are hungry for fare like our film.  Asian Americans, romantic comedy, gay and lesbian themes - I think the film spoke to the community there who rarely gets to see stuff like this.  And so it will be interesting to see how the rest of the North America and the world receives it.  Hopefully, people will find the storyline universal.
  
  Here was a HIFF review: THE FILM STAGE.
  
  From what I can tell at the San Diego Asian Film Festival the following weekend, it was well received too:  Facebook video from SD.
  
  We also got a pretty decent review from Variety which is encouraging:  Variety.
  
  They always say who cares what the critics think, but really, it does matter.  Don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. 
  
  We're next off to the Vancouver Asian Film Festival as their closing night film and then Taipei where we will be playing the Golden Horse Film Festival and then following that, it will be the Hong Kong Asian Independent Film Festival at the end of November.  There's also a trip to Sao Paulo in there somewhere.
  
  If you're in TPE or HK, come down to one of the screenings and say hello, I plan on being in attendance!
  
  While I'm in HK, I'm hoping to get to work a little bit with my bud Jason Tobin and the talented Mr. Dax Phelan on a snazzy indie film called JASMINE that's about to go into production.  In TPE, I'm trying to also devise a way to meet the incomparable Shu Qi, who is serving as an ambassador for the Golden Horse Awards.  I want her to work on the film I'm developing in China.  So, if any of you have any bright ideas, I'm all ears!  (I'm only half-kidding...)
  
  Finally, I'll swing through Shanghai - which is shaping up to be my home away from the States to find out what the deal is with the future of SR!  There's a lot of talk about season 2 and turning it into China Rush, but is it real?  And am I even in consideration to host it?  I'm tellin' ya folks - show biz is a tough place.  Even the host of a successful show has no security!  At least right now, I do know SR is being broadcast in Malaysia of all places.  Random.  Really random.
  
  Can't wait to get "home" to you, Asia.
  

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• More entries >

My forum More threads >

• Hola Mr. Yang!
  toinky on 5/25/2009 12:13AM
• welcome brian yang to [alive not dead]
  rottendoubt on 6/28/2007 3:24PM
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• 
   Nadia Hatta

  posted on Monday, Feb 8, 2010 2:26PM  [Report]

  brian brian brian.... so nice to hear back from you. which month you back? I'm between Taiwan and HK. Twn for shooting the Tv show and HK to get other things done. I'm glad you'll be back! And thanks for the compliments :) Daphne and I just saw each the other night :) Yay! ya better get back on AnD since you are sorely missed... what are you working on?
• 
   Sarah Lian

  posted on Monday, Feb 8, 2010 2:10PM  [Report]

  The year before the Tiger has been keeping me extremely busy. I hope the luck will keep coming!! I'm in Toronto doing a few jobs before heading back to HK. Then, the craziness begins again! :)
• 
  cateyes18

  posted on Monday, Feb 8, 2010 2:44AM  [Report]

  you must be one busy man i do hope that you are having a successful New Year and have a great CNY
  
  peace
  
  mary
• 
   Sarah Lian

  posted on Saturday, Jan 30, 2010 12:59AM  [Report]

  hey brian! just stumbled on your page and it looks like you did have a great year in Asia! Hope all is well!
• 
   Nadia Hatta

  posted on Friday, Jan 15, 2010 8:49PM  [Report]

  Congrats on your commercial.. they should show your face more!! when you back? Hope to see you soon!
• 
   Simon Yin

  posted on Friday, Jan 15, 2010 1:21PM  [Report]

  hey dude! thanks for the hook up! we actually just shot something for them last week, and should be showing next week!!!! good lookin' out!!! when you back next???
• 
  angelowcs

  posted on Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010 12:55AM  [Report]

  shall we meet at New York？
• 
   Allan Wu

  posted on Friday, Jan 8, 2010 11:20AM  [Report]

  Happy New Year, Bri Flies! So when are you gonna be back in Shanghai again? I plan to visit later this month so let me know if you're in town, K?
• 
   Nadia Hatta

  posted on Thursday, Jan 7, 2010 6:51PM  [Report]

  Thanks for the add, Brian!! Hurry back... you are dearly missed..! Happy New Year!
• 
   Nadia Hatta

  posted on Thursday, Jan 7, 2010 5:05PM  [Report]

  Thanks Brian! So do you:) I miss you! When you back? By the way, had lunch with Daphne today... and talked about how the girls just throw themselves all over you in Taiwan. Hahah!! So proud of my *brother*....
• 
  cateyes18

  posted on Thursday, Jan 7, 2010 5:07AM  [Report]

  Hi how are you doing i do hope that all is well with you take care and have a great day
  
  peace
• 
   Yu-Beng Lim

  posted on Friday, Dec 11, 2009 3:14PM  [Report]

  ha ha thanks buddy! will let you know if i'm ever in your neck of the woods! keep in touch!
• 
   Yu-Beng Lim

  posted on Thursday, Dec 3, 2009 5:08AM  [Report]

  hey buddy! didn't manage to say bye to you, but how great to bump into you in hk! take care, and all the best to you in shanghai dude!
• 
  kelinkelin

  posted on Sunday, Nov 29, 2009 7:56PM  [Report]

  may i know you?---kelinkelin@hotmail.com
• 
  brujita72

  posted on Wednesday, Nov 25, 2009 1:56PM  [Report]

  Just dropping by to say hello and have a great day
• 
   rottendoubt

  posted on Saturday, Nov 7, 2009 3:53PM  [Report]

  big island!
• 
   elle75

  posted on Wednesday, Nov 4, 2009 4:27PM  [Report]

  Brian, thank you for dropping by. Have fun with Jasmine and good luck with all the projects that come with that long list of..."people" (^_^)
• 
   rottendoubt

  posted on Tuesday, Nov 3, 2009 3:53PM  [Report]

  see you soon!
• 
  mykan

  posted on Wednesday, Oct 28, 2009 10:41PM  [Report]

  happy burpday!
• 
   elle75

  posted on Wednesday, Oct 28, 2009 2:37PM  [Report]

  Happy Birthday!!!
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