Dear Friends, Colleagues and Supporters:

FINISHING THE GAME, our new independent film, has been an opportunity to revisit our indie roots and reunite with many in the BETTER LUCK TOMMOROW family. The challenges of making a no-budget film are harsh and demanding, but at the same time, it is filmmaking in its purest form. Clearly, passion on the part of the cast and crew made this film possible. Now we are hoping to share FINISHING THE GAME with you as it comes out in theaters and into your homes.

When BETTER LUCK TOMORROW was released, we showed Hollywood that we are a viable audience. In an industry governed by box office receipts, there is strength in numbers. The turnout for the film sent a clear message that we demand to see ourselves on screen as multi-dimensional characters. Five years later, we are asking for your support again. At this point, we need to demonstrate that BETTER LUCK TOMORROW was not a fluke; we are a vital consumer community that will no longer be ignored. However, out of respect for your time, energy and taste, we don’t want you to come see the film simply because it’s an “Asian American” project. Rather, we want you to connect to the work itself and let the film stand on its own. We welcome you to take a look at the FINISHING THE GAME trailer on our website:

http://www.youoffendmeyouoffendmyfamily.com

Among other things, it features a behind-the-scenes look at our journey from BLT to FTG that was made by film student Anson Ho.

We are happy to announce that IFC Films, our supportive partner, will be distributing FINISHING THE GAME. However, this “platform release” is merely an opportunity and, in certain ways, an uphill battle. The lifespan of a truly independent film is determined on a week-by-week basis. Every weekend could be its last.

Through making studio films, I have learned that “word of mouth” is the most important aspect of any film’s release. A big budget movie could buy up every billboard and flood TV with commercials in order to generate audiences. An indie film does not have the budget or the platform to do that. But, the great equalizer is the viewer. Good or bad, every film is ultimately subject to “word of mouth.” It’s simple: if you like the film, tell your friends. And if they like it, they should do the same.

FINISHING THE GAME will open in New York on October 5th at the IFC Center; October 19th in San Francisco and Berkeley; and October 26th in Los Angeles, San Diego, Costa Mesa and Minneapolis.

We are also excited to announce that on October 5th, aside from its traditional theatrical release, the film will simultaneously be available ON DEMAND in 42 million homes in the United States through every cable and satellite TV distributor. This is something we are extremely excited about because it could potentially bring more of us together and build a distribution model for future Asian American films.

By supporting projects with representation and elements that you want to see, you are sending a clear message to the decision makers in Hollywood. If we can get enough people to do the same, then we will truly have a voice. So please share this with your friends and family. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Justin Lin

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note - If this is something you believe in and wish to support, please copy and paste the letter above and email it to all of your friends and family and ask them if they will consider doing the same. Thank you.

 Roger, Julie and I drove down to San Diego today to do some advance interviews for the FTG release.  I actually attended UCSD for two years before going to film school at UCLA.  It was quite an amazing experience for an 18 year old.  I got to move out of the house for the first time and was able to really hang out and be an adult, but without all the baggage.  As we walked around downtown SD I would point out some of my favorite memories.  But halfway through I got some devastating news.  The Old Spaghetti Factory had closed down!  Back in the day that spot was for special dates. I was flipping burgers to pay for tuition and could barely get by.  And eating out was a rare treat.  In retrospect it’s quite hilarious.  I would save money by making Spaghetti every night.  All I needed was a pot of boiling water, pasta, and a jar of sauce.  But on special occasions I would take the special lady to eat the exact same thing.  Ah, good times…

 Why do so many Asian American parents want their children to be doctors or lawyers?  I’m serious.  I’ve talked to so many people who tell me tales upon tales of their parents’ insistence on those professions.  I get it.  I know the parents ultimately want their kids to be secure and honorable and blah, blah, blah… Well, I can’t wait until I have kids, because I will do my best to really try to “persuade” them to become a prop comic.  Yes, a prop comic.  Think about it.  Who is the top prop comic working today?  That’s right.  Carrot Top.  The dude’s been working for like 20 years now.  Now that’s security.  He’s done commercials, films, and headlines for big Vegas casinos.  I don’t want to appear like I’m trashing the red head wonder… but come on, I know my kids can at least match his punning skills.  What’s harder- to become the world’s best doctor or to become the world’s best prop comic?  I don’t know about you, but I’d be one proud papa of the word’s best prop comic. 

II was in Tokyo last week hanging out and just exploring the city (mostly through food).  I realized it was impossible to get Diet Coke.  People just don't drink it in Japan.  I asked as many people as I could why Diet Coke is not popular in Japan.  And the answer came back the same from each, "why would we drink Diet?  If we really wanted to drink Coke we'd just drink Coke."  I replied “Well, but what if you don’t want the sugar”.  The answer was simple, “if I didn’t want sugar then I wouldn’t drink Coke”.  Hmmmm….  

   
Everything I really needed to know about lifeI learned from Magic Johnson.  When it's all clicking it should be as smooth as one of the Laker's fast breaks.  If it doesn't work out, get another one going.