FilAm Creative (FAC) celebrates eight years of supporting the advancement of Filipino Americans in entertainment and media!
Created by event producer Edwin Santos, Saturday, June 24th will be our 3rd Annual FilAm CreativeHollywood Actors Panel for Actors (SOLD OUT as of June 7th) — a panel discussion and networking event featuring special guest panelists who represent the craft of acting across the board.
Hear the panelists discuss their explorations of the process and profession of acting; their reflections on personal experiences and artistic influences that informed and shaped their careers; their discussions of past and current projects and share valuable insights into the craft and the industry. Get a chance to ask the panelists questions, learn about open opportunities, and build your network.
This year’s actors panel will be moderated by FAC Networks’ Maurus Dumalaog
Saturday, June 24, 2016 From 10am to 12pm THE CLUBHOUSE IMPROV 1607 North Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CA. 90027
* Located between Hollywood & Sunset, inside and next door, right of Jons Marketplace. Free parking available inside the Jons Marketplace parking lot and street parking is available (watch for signs). The Vermont / Sunset Red Line Metro Station is located nearby.
FREE ADMISSION but, donations are welcome.
SEATING IS LIMITED. To reserve a seat(s) for you and your friends, you must RSVP at filamcreative@gmail.com to get on the list before we reach full capacity. You do not need to be Filipino or a FAC member to attend our event. SOLD OUT
Use the hashtag, #FACactorspanel or #FACactorspanel3 on all of your social media platforms for this event.
————————————————————-
MEET ONE OF THE EVENT’S SPECIAL GUEST PANELISTS:
ANGELA RELUCIO
~ actress ~
Angela Relucio is most known as ‘Nurse Risa Park’ in the CBS medical drama, Code Black.
She is also known for her role as ‘Navy Intelligence Officer, Lt. Camille Fung,’ in the Weinstein Company’s series, Six on History.
Angela was raised in New York City in The Bronx. Before becoming an actor, she was a dancer who performed with Fancy Feet Dance Studio’s competition troupe. She was later granted a highly-coveted spot in the “Fame” school, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. Being more intrigued by acting, and with an interest in other subjects, Angela opted to attend the academically prestigious Bronx High School of Science. After high school, she attended the acclaimed NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where she earned her BFA in Drama. She continued as a full-time student, training there at Playwrights Horizons Theater School and The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute while also working full-time as a Reservation Manager for Cipriani at the world-renowned Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Plaza. After she graduated, Angela worked as a Banquet Sales Assistant to the esteemed Rose Group at the landmark private event venue, Guastavino’s, while exploring acting roles in print, commercials, student short films, and independent features. In 2010, she moved from her beloved NYC to another big city, Los Angeles, where she appears in feature films and television shows, Angela lives on both coasts, splitting her time between Los Angeles and Atlanta.
Code Black has been renewed for a third season and will return with thirteen new episodes for the 2017-2018 television season, Wednesdays on CBS.
FilAm Creative (FAC) celebrates eight years of supporting the advancement of Filipino Americans in entertainment and media!
Created by event producer Edwin Santos, Saturday, June 24th will be our 3rd Annual FilAm CreativeHollywood Actors Panel for Actors (SOLD OUT as of June 7th) — a panel discussion and networking event featuring special guest panelists who represent the craft of acting across the board.
Hear the panelists discuss their explorations of the process and profession of acting; their reflections on personal experiences and artistic influences that informed and shaped their careers; their discussions of past and current projects and share valuable insights into the craft and the industry. Get a chance to ask the panelists questions, learn about open opportunities, and build your network.
This year’s actors panel will be moderated by FAC Networks’ Maurus Dumalaog
Saturday, June 24, 2016 From 10am to 12pm THE CLUBHOUSE IMPROV 1607 North Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CA. 90027
* Located between Hollywood & Sunset, inside and next door, right of Jons Marketplace. Free parking available inside the Jons Marketplace parking lot and street parking is available (watch for signs). The Vermont / Sunset Red Line Metro Station is located nearby.
FREE ADMISSION but, donations are welcome.
SEATING IS LIMITED. To reserve a seat(s) for you and your friends, you must RSVP at filamcreative@gmail.com to get on the list before we reach full capacity. You do not need to be Filipino or a FAC member to attend our event. SOLD OUT
Use the hashtag, #FACactorspanel or #FACactorspanel3 on all of your social media platforms for this event.
————————————————————-
MEET ONE OF THE EVENT’S SPECIAL GUEST PANELISTS:
MANNY JACINTO
~ actor ~
Born in Manila, Philippines and raised in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, Manny Jacinto went from completing a civil engineering degree to dancing in hip hop competitions. He found his passion for acting when he landed his first television co-star role in the Emmy nominated series, Once Upon A Time. Since then, he has appeared in Supernatural, The 100, Bates Motel, iZombie, Wayward Pines and starring in the CBC television series, The Romeo Section where he was nominated for a Leo Award for Best Supporting Performance by a Male in a Dramatic Series.
These days, you can see him weekly opposite Kristen Bell and Ted Danson in the hit NBC comedy, The Good Place as ‘Jason Mendoza,’ a deceased Filipino DJ and small-time drug dealer from Florida who was mistaken for silent Buddhist monk from Taiwan, ‘Jianyu Li.’
The show has been renewed for a second season and will return with thirteen new episodes for the 2017-2018 television season, Thursday, September 28 at 8:30/7:30c on NBC.
In a June, 2014 interview with Asian Pacific Post, Jacinto was asked about his future goals as an artist…
“My long-term goals involve being able to inspire other performers, especially those of Filipino or Asian descent. It seems as though in Asian households, especially in families that have newly immigrated to North America, the idea of being an artist or performer is uncommon and sometimes even frowned upon. I want to be able to serve as an example to those who may feel they have a calling to act, dance, or sing, and hopefully one day inspire them to follow their dreams, just as I did.” [link].
FilAm Creative (FAC) celebrates eight years of supporting the advancement of Filipino Americans in entertainment and media!
Created by event producer Edwin Santos, Saturday, June 24th will be our 3rd Annual FilAm CreativeHollywood Actors Panel for Actors (SOLD OUT as of June 7th) — a panel discussion and networking event featuring special guest panelists who represent the craft of acting across the board.
Hear the panelists discuss about their explorations of the process and profession of acting; their reflections on personal experiences and artistic influences that informed and shaped their careers; their discussions of past and current projects and share valuable insights into the craft and the industry. Get a chance to ask the panelists questions, learn about open opportunities, and build your network.
This year’s actors panel will be moderated by FAC Networks’ Maurus Dumalaog
Saturday, June 24, 2016 From 10am to 12pm THE CLUBHOUSE IMPROV 1607 North Vermont Avenue Los Angeles, CA. 90027
* Located between Hollywood & Sunset, inside and next door, right of Jons Marketplace. Free parking available inside the Jons Marketplace parking lot and street parking is available (watch for signs). The Vermont / Sunset Red Line Metro Station is located nearby.
FREE ADMISSION but, donations are welcome.
SEATING IS LIMITED. To reserve a seat(s) for you and your friends, you must RSVP at filamcreative@gmail.com to get on the list before we reach full capacity. You do not need to be Filipino or a FAC member to attend our event.
Use the hashtag, #FACactorspanel or #FACactorspanel3 on all of your social media platforms for this event.
————————————————————-
MEET ONE OF THE EVENT’S SPECIAL GUEST PANELISTS:
AINA DUMLAO
~ actress ~
Talent manager Phil Brock forwarded to Edwin Santos (a day after his participation at our 2nd Annual FilAm Creative Actors Panel & Networking Event in 2015) a blog titled, Dear Manager X. Written by actress Aina Dumlao on June 6th of that year, she wrote about her experience with a potential manager between reps where he said, “You’re Filipino? Hmmmm (picks up her headshot and stares at it with a frown on his face). I just want to be upfront, all you’re gonna get are co-star roles.” [link].If you look at her IMDb now, you can see she recurred on CBS’ MacGyver in eight episodes of Season 1.
Since then, she has appeared in IFC’s Brockmire and ABC’s Last Man Standing. She is soon-to-be-seen as ‘Natalie’ in three episodes of the upcoming Season 3 of HBO’s Ballers starring Dwayne Johnson and the upcoming Season 5 of FreeForm’s The Fosters.
“Today is the day. Today…we continue our push to make a sustainable industry for Filipino Americans in Hollywood.” says Lolo Pepe filmmaker Craig Obligacion Wilson as moviegoers begin to enter Regency Theatre’s Valley Plaza 6 Cinemas in NoHo, California.
Initially, I had my doubts. Who would pay current movie ticket prices to watch short films? I stand corrected early on as I greeted moviegoers and witnessed a growing line arriving at the door…or, in this case, out the door and almost around the corner.
Line extends outside and around the corner!
Line extends outside the door!
Fifteen years ago this year in 2002, my production team premiered our feature film, Soap Girl at Fairfax Cinemas in Hollywood. Having won the Audience Award in the Asian American category for Best Feature Film from Big Bear Lake International Film Festival three months prior, still we weren’t sure we could fill the theater. But, that was the early part of the Y2K Decade where Asian American filmmakers and talent shined in Hollywood thru indie film presentations; all thanks to both Gene Cajayon’s The Debut (2000) and Justin Lin’s Better Luck Tomorrow (2002). We did fill the theater after a long line of people that wrapped around the corner of Beverly & Fairfax took their seats. Last night’s Fil-Am Creations: A Filmmaker Movement encore presentation reminded me of that time of December, 2002.
Meriden Villanueva and Craig Obligacion Wilson welcome the incoming audience
“We had only two weeks to promote and somehow got 300 people to come out on a Wednesday night for our encore screening! Words aren’t enough to express how I feel right now. They say true leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders. Props to all the past leaders I’ve worked with and to all the new leaders that emerged this year so far. You’re proof of why we need this platform to collaborate and uplift each other so we see more POC on the big screens. We’re just getting started!” says FilAm Creative Executive Director Meriden Villanueva.
Seats are starting to fill up!
“[Tonight] would [be] the biggest event in the history of FilAm Creative. And it’s not even free.” quips FilAm Creative Board of Director Walter Boholst on the last day of Asian Pacific Heritage Month, May 31st.
It just goes to show how much support there is from both the filmmaking community and the Filipino & Asian American communities. As well as the demand to see more Filipino American films and FilAm talent on the Big Screen.
All twelve short films that premiered at the 33rd annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival three weeks earlier on the month of May at ArtShare LA made their second screening last night at Valley Plaza 6.
The 13th short film ‘Pictures of Perla’ made its debut premiere last night. Here is a bit more about the Lynn Harrod film brought to you by FAC Networks: Behind-The-Scenes’ Angel Qinan and Maurus Dumalaog (who were also hosts of last night’s encore).
“Had a blast Q&A-ing with Angel Qinan tonight! Another show down!” says Maurus Dumalaog.
FAC Networks’ Angel Qinan and Maurus Dumalaog
Angel Qinan with Maurus Dumalaog moderates the Filmmakers’ Round Two
Maurus Dumalaog with Angel Qinan moderates Filmmakers’ Round One
“Tonight! Supporting five shorts I scored: ‘Lolo Pepe,’ ‘Uncle Eddy,’ ‘Man of My Dreams,’ ‘Miss Understanding’ and ‘Plaza Blvd’ at Regency! Super proud and grateful to be part of these teams.” says composer Joy Ngiaw
A welcome speech was presented by Villanueva. Then, the first group of short films were screened. Afterwards, the first Q&A with the filmmakers of the first group of short films were moderated by Qinan and Dumalaog. Next up was the second group of short films including the premiere of ‘Pictures of Perla’ where following that was the second Q&A with the filmmakers. Closing remarks were made by Wilson.
Below are a few remarks about last night.
Filmmaker Rommel Andaya with Cast & Crew of WHAT YOU DON’T SAY
“Encore screening was a success! Got to show our film to 300+ packed theater!! Had a great response from the audience. Thanks to FilAm Creative for the awesome opportunity and all the awesome filmmakers. It was a great night. ~ filmmaker Rommel Andaya (‘What You Don’t Say,’ ‘Uncle Eddy’).
“Great job on everyone’s short films last night! It was well worth driving up the 405 during rush hour.” ~ editor AJ Valenzuela (Kinetic Content).
“I was impressed with last night’s screening. A very talented group of filmmakers. Good films. Nicely done. Great job for the FilAm leaders booking the theater.” ~ film producer Anthony Stoppiello (‘Hunter: Vampire Killer’)
“Great job Rodney Cajudo for sitting in the projector booth and making it happen.” ~ FilAm Creative Chief Financial Officer Walter Talens
“To all the filmmakers and creatives of the films at tonight’s screening, incredible job! This was the first time I saw many of your films and I was blown away at all the great work. I’m so proud of the work that we’re all doing and going to do. Onwards and upwards! 😉 Big thanks to the FilAm team!!” ~ singer songwriter Michael Barnum
“It was so nice to finally see all the films. Meriden Villanueva & Craig Wilson, y’all worked your balls off. ~ singer songwriter artist Hollei Day
Filmmakers Somlit Inthalangsy and Robin Johnson, COLORED HEARTS
“Last night our film ‘Colored Hearts’, made from start to finish by artists of color, played on the big screen to an audience of 300 thanks to FilAm Creative. I dreamed about this in high school, in college and now… I mean what the what, 13 films made by people of color played next door to ‘Power Rangers’ & studio films & shiz. Thanks a million times to my cast, crew and every single person involved in the making of this film. The incredible people I never saw coming that showed up and made this possible. Thank you. Huge thanks to FilAm Creative for creating a platform for artists who don’t often get a chance to be seen. Let’s keep moving forward. I’m ready to go again.” ~ filmmaker Robin Johnson
“There is so much that goes on behind the scenes and I am so proud to work with an amazing group of creative and passionate people.” ~ actress Arlyn De La Pena
“I’m still so overwhelmed by happiness from last night. Thank you all for the wonderful night. As usual, everyone was very supportive of one another, whether it’s the cast or crew, and that’s something very special that we have here, so let’s keep going! A HUGE shout out for Craig Wilson and Meriden Villanueva for making this happen and their incredible leadership. To all my filmmakers who gave me this opportunity to score your film Gabe Pagtama. Craig Obligacion Wilson, John Cruz, Sheila Tejada,Jack Hernandez,Danice Cabenela,Cassandra Pimentel (and never would I imagine I’ll get a a shout out during the Q&A?!) I personally thank you all for this opportunity, for believing in me. You all being happy with the music is my goal when I score a film, and it means the world to me to know that I helped create something that helped your storytelling. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! That’s what wonderful about what we do, and that’s WHY I do what I do. Again, great job everybody!!!” ~ composer Joy Ngiaw
“What an incredible way to end May with the screening of several great films from the FilAm Creative group the other night! Congrats cast and crew for sharing your wonderful stories with us. Kababayan!” ~ actress Lora Bofill
“Very proud of my Fil-Am peeps. Not only did our film ‘Lolo Pepe’ screen at the Regency, but it was alongside other Fil-Am created films. The momentum of this group has built so much since it started at the beginning of this year. Looking forward to where the road leads.” ~ actor Jay Costelo (‘Lolo Pepe’)
Lobby discussion and networking after the screening
“This movement, which I’m so grateful to be a part of, is now bigger than any of us individually. Let’s keep that in the back of our heads as we march forward.” ~ filmmaker Craig Obligacion Wilson (‘Lolo Pepe’)
I DON’T LOVE YOU
FINDING RONWE
PLAZA BLVD
LOLO PEPE
Villanueva adds, “Thank you Craig, Rachel Liu, Arlyn D, Danice, Walter T, Edwin Santos, Rodney, Angela Paviera, Lenore Hittelman, Rex Sampaga, Walter B, Ed Mallillin and Arlyn Sinsay for your support and hard work for FilAm Creative!
So thankful for our Fil-Am Creations team leaders with their cast & crew to be part of our first movement: Vince Cruz, Rommel, Gabe, Cassandra, Mara De La Rosa, Joe Gunawan, [Jack], Conrad Garcia, Kaitlyn Fae, Sheila, Angela, Craig and Lynn. Thanks for being so patient while we searched for our 2nd venue! Shoutout to our amazing hosts for BTS and Q&A, Maurus and Angel! We are now truly trailblazing in (North) Hollywood. Get ready for our second wave!”
Audience satisfaction heard thru applause!
Obligacion Wilson ends with, “We have something very special happening here you all. In mid January we caught lightning in a bottle, well the lightning shattered the glass. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the hard work, passion, energy and support you all give each other. Much love!! Without that, none of this is possible.
When I put this entire thing into perspective I realize one very, crazy fact….it’s only five months in! If we keep this momentum building what is this gonna be like come October?”
FILAM CREATIVE
Whatever happens in October, personally, I have no doubts.
Compiled and written by:
~ Edwin Santos
Director of Content Production / Producer of FAC Networks, YouTube
FilAm Creative
June 2, 2017
Photos by Gabe Pagtama and Jimmy Valena
——————————————————————————————————————
FilAm Creative (FAC) is an all volunteer community organization dedicated to the advancement of Filipino-Americans in entertainment and media.
In an effort to inspire, motivate and mobilize the Filipino American and Filipino filmmaking community, FilAm Creative started a movement called “Fil-Am Creations” to challenge them to create short films.
“Filipino stories and narratives are rarely seen in mainstream Hollywood film and television projects. But according to these very talented and determined Pinoy filmmakers, actors, and content creators paving their own way in the industry, Filipino/a representation can change in the near future.” reports Balitang America’s Yong Chavez as she presented a 2-part series about these creative Fil-Am directors, actors, and producers on Showbiz Tonight that aired on the Filipino Channel (TFC).
The ticket purchasing link for the Fil-Am Creations: A Filmmaker Movement program was released to the public on March 28. In just an hour, the event was sold out!
Their short films premiered in front of a full house at the ArtShare LA in the DTLA Arts District during the 33rd Annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, Wednesday, May 3, 2017.
Tickets to the waiting list were also purchased in haste. That night proved there is an audience demand to see Filipino and Filipino American films on the Big Screen. Filmmakers of various levels of experience stepped up with twelve original and new short films for LAAPFF 2017. Below are a few of the trailers.
“We will be adding one additional short film titled ‘Pictures of Perla’ to the lineup. We are proud to present their efforts to all of you for an encore presentation!” says curator Craig Obligacion Wilson.
TONIGHT – WEDNESDAY, MAY 31, 2017 has finally arrived for the Encore Presentation of Fil-Am Creations: A Filmmaker Movement! Inside a 460+ seat movie theater in the heart of NoHo!
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
6:30pm Doors Open
7:00pm Screening begins, Q&A with filmmakers
10:30pm Event ends
WHERE:
Regency Theater Valley Plaza 6
6355 Bellingham Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91606
Tickets: $15.00
Free parking lot available!
FilAm Creative’s Director of Content Production, Edwin Santos along with FAC Members, filmmakers, and actors, Gabe Pagtama and Abe Pagtama promote their upcoming event, FilAm Creations: A Filmmaker Movement on Kat Iniba’s Generation NOW.
BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY BEFORE OUR ENCORE PRESENTATION SELLS OUT — AGAIN!
“My name is Captain Dela Pena and I am your nurse. You are in a hospital in Washington, DC. You were injured downrange and your family has been notified. They are on their way here.”
“My legs hurt! (Reaches down to touch residual limb) Where are my legs?!!”
“I am so sorry to tell you but you lost your legs in the blast.”
“Where are my battle buddies? Where is Jason? Are they here too?”
How do I tell him his battle buddies didn’t survive?
That was seven years ago for me. I was a critical care nurse at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. We received US soldiers who were critically ill patients three times a week from Iraq and Afghanistan. The dialogue above was a normal occurrence. It was a very humbling moment in my life. I learned to balance the physical and emotional demands of being an Army Nurse Corps Officer. Some days I felt like a rockstar in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). A patient’s heart would stop beating or lungs stop breathing and my fellow nurses and I would run a Code Blue and save that patient’s life. It was glorious and that high would last for days. Other days were super rough. Multiple patients dying, the trauma bay displaying a horrific blood shed massacre, and needing another runner to get more blood. Despite all the effort put in to saving someone’s life, another brother/sister in arms received their angel wings.
I served on active duty for almost nine years as a proud Army Nurse. I moved to Los Angeles and considered a different path. I made the decision to purse acting. I no longer had my Army family at this new location where automatic friends was the norm. I was starting over after an amazing career in the military. So many thoughts went through my head. How do I start? Where do I go? How do people audition? I navigated my way blindly through google searches and word of mouth. I took classes and started auditioning. I met some great people here and there but I wanted to find a consistent core group of folks I could rely on to help challenge and inspire me. The stars aligned for me and I luckily met Kathleen while on the set of NBC’s This Is Us. She told me about FilAm Creative and what they were all about. I found FilAm Creative to be the perfect place to learn more about the industry, bring cultural awareness to Hollywood, and help support other creative people. We all have plenty of stories to share and now is the time to do so. Thank you FilAm Creative for your continued support throughout my journey and for embracing me with open arms.
Memorial Day is more than BBQs and a day off of work. Please take the time to remember the Fallen and the sacrifices they made to keep our country safe. Happy Memorial Day and thank you to our FAC family military veterans for all that you do.
Written by Arlyn Dela Pena | Actress | Military Veteran | ICU Registered Nurse
——————————————————————————————————————
FilAm Creative (FAC) is an all volunteer community organization dedicated to the advancement of Filipino-Americans in entertainment and media.
Since its announcement, the days leading up to Tuesday, May 16, 2017 of FilAm Creative’s exclusive session with NBCUniversal reps and their introduction of its Talent Infusion Programs (TIPS) were filled with anticipation.
“So excited for this meeting with NBC Universal..” says Arlyn DeLa Pena.
It all started with a phone call made by AJ Calomay (currently assistant editor for USA Network’s Mr. Robot and previously with the CW’s DC’s Legends of Tomorrow). That phone call led to an introductory meeting between FilAm Creative’s Executive Director Meriden Villanueva, Chief Financial Officer Walter Talens and the curator of FilAm Creations Craig Obligacion Wilson with the Manager of Entertainment Diversity Initiatives for NBC Entertainment Grace Borrero Moss.
Craig Obligacion Wilson, Meriden Villanueva, Grace Borrero Moss and Walter Talens
Moss currently serves as the Manager of Entertainment Diversity Initiatives for NBC Entertainment. In this role, she helps oversee multiple programs that focus on discovering, cultivating and showcasing talented writers, directors and actors of diverse backgrounds, with the objective of getting them staffed on NBCUniversal’s scripted programs. She was also part of the internal Diversity Council and worked with other NBCU cable networks to promote initiatives and track diverse talent in front of and behind the camera.
Before coming to NBCU, she was the Manager of Development & New Series at the Style Network, where she oversaw new series in production, from initial pitch to delivery. She was instrumental in developing hit shows such as Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane, Ruby, Giuliana & Bill and Jerseylicious. This was when I first met her, or at least communicated with her via work emails at our former location at Wilshire Courtyard in the Miracle Mile District.
Edwin Santos in his office at E!
During this time, I was with the Engineering / Media Operations Department at E! Entertainment Television (sister network to Style) from 2006 to 2010. I was checking tapes of episodes before going on air at E! and Style. Her tapes arrived on my desk while my notes arrived on her computer screen. E! and Style among other networks such as G4TV, Versus, Golf Channel, FearNet and others were under the Comcast Entertainment Group, the company’s television unit, which later became a division of the NBCUniversal Television Group, after Comcast acquired a 51% majority stake in NBCUniversal from General Electric in January, 2011.
This was not my first time attending this session. On September 24, 2012, I went to the information session at the David Henry Hwang Theatre for the NBCUniversal Talent Diversity Programs panel and met executives Karen Horne (Vice President, Entertainment Diversity Initiatives, NBC Entertainment and Universal Television), Grace Wu (Executive Vice President, Casting, NBC Entertainment) and Kendra Carter (Director of NBC Universal Talent Diversity Initiatives). It was presented by the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE), East West Players and Visual Communications.
Trivia: Vanessa Lachey was a finalist in E!’s competition to replace Brooke Burke as host of Wild On in 2007.
Grace has been actively involved with numerous organizations, including with FilAm Creative. She was a special guest panelist when FAC and UCLA’s Samahang Pilipino, in collaboration with Pilipino Alumni Association of UCLA, presented the 3rd Annual “Filipinos in Entertainment & Media: Creating Visibility, Establishing Individuality” panel discussion and networking event produced by former FilAm Creative member Melissa Arce in April, 2014 [link].
Panelist Grace Borrero Moss at 3rd Annual Filipinos in Entertainment & Media
Photo by Sthanlee B. Mirador
“I’m so excited to bring members from FAC to attend an exclusive session with NBC’s Talent Infusion Programs (TIPS) today! It’s starts with awareness and exposure of their programs that promotes diversity and opportunities within NBC!” says Meriden Villanueva
Grace: “Do you think you’ll be able to get 40-50 people?”
Meriden: “Yes, we can!”
People started pouring in…
Jay Costelo, Angela Paviera, Kathleen Neubauer and Anna Pan
Homer Dulu, Edwin Santos, Angie Quidim, Joy Haven and Maurus Dumalaog
Gabe Pagtama
Mari Lauren
As a startled and shocked Sheriff Brody sees the shark face-to-face for the first time, he slowly walks backwards ending up behind the fisherman hunter Quint, he says to him, “You better need a bigger boat..” ~ JAWS, Universal Pictures (1975).
“Five months ago, Fil-Am Creations met for the first time at Story Tavern [in Burbank], we were crossing our fingers we would get 15 people. Tonight, if the space allowed we could have had 200 peeps at our NBCUniversal diversity program meeting.” says Craig Obligacion Wilson.
He’s right. The group that showed up inside the Comcast Universal conference room were from Fil-Am Creations. FilAm Creative has many more members outside the filmmaker movement initiative.
“Just a few Filipinos I found lounging at NBC. Planning world domination, you know...” quips filmmaker Mara De La Rosa.
Grace Borrero Moss introduces herself to an overwhelming number of FilAm talent
Along with Moss, approaching the front of the conference room were:
Emerlyn Lampitoc
Emerlynn Lampitoc who is the Director of Global Talent Development & Inclusion for Universal Filmed Entertainment Group. She works to discover new and experienced creative talent with unique and distinct voices targeting global perspectives with universal appeal. She works on programs such as Universal Picture’s Emerging Writers Program, the American Film Institute’s Directing Workshop for Women, and the Sundance Institute FilmTwo Intensive. Along with creative programs, she also works with the studio’s talent acquisitions department to find pathways into careers at Comcast NBCUniversal.
At the 2016 C3 Conference on the weekend of the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, FilAm Creative’s Board of Directors Walter Boholst, Rex Sampaga and CFO Walter Talens met with Emerlyn; then she was with Disney-ABC’s Creative Talent Development Department where she worked on their writing and directing programs as well as staffing writers and directors on shows such as ABC’s Black-ish, Scandal and Disney Channel’s K.C. Undercover.
Jandiz Cardoso who is the Director of Diversity Initiatives, has worked on pilots and series with networks including AMC, ABC, CBS, Starz, SpikeTV and MTV, as well as tentpolling films with feature studios including Disney, WB, Paramount, Universal, NewLine Cinema and Screen Gems. In 2010, she joined NBCUniversal’s New York casting office, covering all pilots, and serving as Associate on the last season of the Emmy Award winning series, 30 Rock.
Rodney To
Rodney To is an actor and a producer. His credits include Rosewood, Parks and Recreation, You’re the Worst, Modern Family, Wilfred, New Girl, etc. Rodney was inducted into Chicago’s Filipino American Hall of Fame for his work.
Each introduced and answered questions of the various talent infusion programs NBCUniversal offers such as the Writers on the Verge, NBC Scene Showcase, Emerging Directors Program, Diverse Staff Writer Initiative, NBCUniversal Shorts Film Festival, Stand-Up NBC, NBCUniversal Late Night Writers Workshop, and many more. [link]
Of late, three Filipino American actors achieved success from the TIPS programs. Ethan Dizon (soon to be seen in Spider-man Homecoming), his short film, Paulie was the Best Film and Audience Award winner at NBC Universal Short Film Festival in 2014. He was also nominated for Best Actor, the youngest among those honored. Rodney received notice after his performance at the NBC Scene Showcase in 2015 which led him to Parks and Recreation. And earlier this year, NBCUniversal Talent Infusion Programs named JR De Guzman winner of the 13th Annual Standup NBC nationwide search for comedians.
The conference ends with inspiration and while others are networking, others are reuniting.
Jonathan Wandag, Grace Borrero Moss and Rex Sampaga
Mara De La Rosa and Kaitlyn Fae
Kathleen Neubauer, Gabe Pagtama and Angela Paviera
Abe Pagtama, Rodney To and Grace Borrero Moss
Arlyn DeLa Pena says, “I had the opportunity to meet FilAm Actor Rodney To. I truly appreciated the advice Rodney gave us at NBC Universal. Thank you for your insight. I’m ready to slay!”
Rommel Andaya says, “Had a great time learning about the diversity programs at NBC TIPS with the FilAm Creative fam!! Thanks to Grace for having us!!! Grace was my mentor for the 72 Hour Film Shootout in 2015.
Meriden Villanueva, Grace Borrero Moss, Walter Talens and Craig Obligacion Wilson
Walter Talens says, “Great night. Introducing “FilAm Creative” filmmakers with the NBC Diversity Department. The station that brought Filipino Americans to shows like Grimm, Superstore, Powerless, and more. Special thanks to Grace (and staff), Emerlynn, and Rodney To (Parks & Rec). THANKS for the Portos!”
Meriden Villanueva adds, “So thankful for this informational and inspiring event especially seeing Filipinas as Director of Diversity Initiatives/Global Talent Development and alum of their Scene Showcase/Emerging Director program!”
THE FIGHTING FILIPINOS
“Let’s make history together! The Fil-Am Creative fam continues to grow! So thankful to be part of this Fil-Am Creations movement!” Meriden Villanueva ends with.
Sarnica Lim, Angela Paviera and Somlit Inthalangsy
THE FIGHTING FILIPINOS
Compiled and written by:
~ Edwin Santos
Director of Content Production / Producer of FAC Networks
FilAm Creative
May 27, 2017
——————————————————————————————————————
FilAm Creative (FAC) is an all volunteer community organization dedicated to the advancement of Filipino-Americans in entertainment and media.
