The stunt team sat around a lunch table and traded stories from past work experiences as I listened intently, absorbing every word. After all, this was Pirates of the Caribbean 3, and this group consisted of seasoned stunt professionals with loads of credits under their belts. This would be among my first credits, as Pirates was my first big movie experience ever. Inspiration engulfed me, there was lots to be learned.
Right then, a black SUV pulled into our lunch area on the Universal Studios backlot. The windows were darkly tinted so I couldn't make out who sat inside. Then, as some of the stuntmen slowly made their way over to the truck, I overheard the words:
"It's Jackie..."
I darted up from my chair and dashed quickly over to the vehicle, tossing my entire lunch tray into the garbage. I knew exactly who it was. As he stepped out from the darkness of the truck, I met him. He was literally at arm's reach away from me. Barely two feet in front of me stood one of the most influential people in my life.
I tried so hard to speak but years of admiration and respect rendered me speechless. If ever one was starstruck, I believe this was my moment. He said hi to me. I waved while trying to remember how to talk.
My mentor, who stood next to me, asked if I wanted a photo
with him, but I was paralyzed. After shaking hands with superstar actors who came up to greet him, he waved at all of us and disappeared back into the vehicle. I stood there in wonder as the SUV pulled away, still awestruck by meeting one of my childhood role models.
Jackie. Chan.
Growing up, humor was always my escape. If ever I felt sadness or discomfort or fear, I knew a good laugh would provide a healthy getaway. Cosmetics companies probably make a killing off of me these days because of all the products I use to make these smile wrinkles less obvious. All that said, this made focusing in school difficult. My focus needed more focus.
My family enrolled me in the martial arts to keep me healthy (as I was a sickly child) and to discipline my mind. I remember how much I loved all the movement and exciting kicks but despised sparring. There wasn't an aggressive bone in my body. I wanted to figure out how to cleverly resolve conflicts rather than punching the resolution out of someone. The training conditioned my body, but it also unlocked a treasure chest of creativity in my mind. Soon I began choreographing fights with all kinds of styles and weapons, and the end of the fights always included some kind of comedy to leave the audience smiling. The flavor was reminiscent to one that had marinated in my mind from all the great movies I watched as a kid.
Jackie Chan combines action and humor, deterring away from violence when he can. Where Bruce Lee would punch his opponent and stand fierce with his fist shaking, Jackie would flap his punching hand in hilarious slapstick pain. Simply put, Bruce gave me inner strength, Jackie gave me soul inspiration.
His work motivates me to make great movies that entertain the world, but it's his story that convinces me that my humble beginnings can and will reap marvelous rewards. My dream is to work alongside Jackie Chan in one of his movies, maybe even be blessed enough to take a comedic jab from him so we can hear the world laugh. I make movies not just to make a living, but to make a difference.
Last night, my hero received a long overdue honor by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. I was right up front, waving to him once again, to celebrate this great achievement in his presence.
"I don't know where the power comes from..." [pats his heart] - Jackie Chan
Right then, a black SUV pulled into our lunch area on the Universal Studios backlot. The windows were darkly tinted so I couldn't make out who sat inside. Then, as some of the stuntmen slowly made their way over to the truck, I overheard the words:
"It's Jackie..."
I darted up from my chair and dashed quickly over to the vehicle, tossing my entire lunch tray into the garbage. I knew exactly who it was. As he stepped out from the darkness of the truck, I met him. He was literally at arm's reach away from me. Barely two feet in front of me stood one of the most influential people in my life.
I tried so hard to speak but years of admiration and respect rendered me speechless. If ever one was starstruck, I believe this was my moment. He said hi to me. I waved while trying to remember how to talk.
My mentor, who stood next to me, asked if I wanted a photo
 |
| Jackie and Geoffrey Rush |
Jackie. Chan.
Growing up, humor was always my escape. If ever I felt sadness or discomfort or fear, I knew a good laugh would provide a healthy getaway. Cosmetics companies probably make a killing off of me these days because of all the products I use to make these smile wrinkles less obvious. All that said, this made focusing in school difficult. My focus needed more focus.
My family enrolled me in the martial arts to keep me healthy (as I was a sickly child) and to discipline my mind. I remember how much I loved all the movement and exciting kicks but despised sparring. There wasn't an aggressive bone in my body. I wanted to figure out how to cleverly resolve conflicts rather than punching the resolution out of someone. The training conditioned my body, but it also unlocked a treasure chest of creativity in my mind. Soon I began choreographing fights with all kinds of styles and weapons, and the end of the fights always included some kind of comedy to leave the audience smiling. The flavor was reminiscent to one that had marinated in my mind from all the great movies I watched as a kid.
Jackie Chan combines action and humor, deterring away from violence when he can. Where Bruce Lee would punch his opponent and stand fierce with his fist shaking, Jackie would flap his punching hand in hilarious slapstick pain. Simply put, Bruce gave me inner strength, Jackie gave me soul inspiration.
His work motivates me to make great movies that entertain the world, but it's his story that convinces me that my humble beginnings can and will reap marvelous rewards. My dream is to work alongside Jackie Chan in one of his movies, maybe even be blessed enough to take a comedic jab from him so we can hear the world laugh. I make movies not just to make a living, but to make a difference.
Last night, my hero received a long overdue honor by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. I was right up front, waving to him once again, to celebrate this great achievement in his presence.
 |
| Congratulations and thank you, Jackie... |
