Neg 25.

I worked on Amazon’s first Oscars/Emmy’s award show. I wasn’t able to attend, due to family obligations. I know how much hard work and speed goes into these things, so having the opportunity to do this on a smaller scale with the Hamilton Behind the Camera Awards was something I didn’t want to miss.

I brought my film camera, to provide a value-add of content for Hamilton, and at the very least to have personal photos for myself. I used to not take any photos on set or with anyone, because being on crew it’s normal, you’re there to work not take selfies for clout.

I also hosted the opening panel with Christopher Nolan’s prop and costume designers. I sadly did not bring my film camera. It’s like my favorite film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty goes, “sometimes I don’t like the distraction of the camera.” At this stage in my career, these experiences are for me alone and being able to just talk with famous people without the distraction of the camera is often 10x greater than when I’m asking for a photo after. I feel like it cheapens the moment.

The photo with Kristen Wiig above happened after telling her how much her role in Walter Mitty and that movie meant to me. She left 4 people she was with, put her hand on her chest, and told me that role was so dear to her. With the movie being about film photographers, she’s really the only person that night I directly asked for a photo, which with her beauty and grace, she happily said yes to.

I already have the LIFE magazine print from Wilson Webb, the unit still photographer on that film, so being able to take a double-xx film photo of her meant so much, even if it was for a brief moment. Who knew my life would end up right there, with her?

I'm Just a Ken

I haven’t updated in a minute.

I spent my bday in LA, going on the lot, seeing old faces. It’s so nice just wandering around the lot, I forget how much I love LA (and now Dodgers games), except the rent prices are astronomical and it takes 45 minutes to get anywhere you want to go (I finally understood when people said that). I wonder what my life would’ve been like if I hadn’t been too scared to move back in 2019.

It’s a big regret of mine, and maybe things would’ve turned out differently (esp for people I love). But I recently came across a Latin phrase “Amor Fati” and it’s now something I wear around my neck, it means “to love one’s fate.” So this is me, embracing what has come, either known or unknown. I accept it. This is 40 in 250D.

Extra, Extra

And… ACTION.

I’ve been on the Marketing side of a film, and recently the production side (until stills), and now I’ve been on the talent side. It’s been interesting to say the least having run across the gamut with filmmaking. Being an extra was pretty awesome. Way less stressful when you’re “talent.” I did not like the fact that we had to eat separately from crew. I mean I get it, but just felt wrong to me.

Still though, it’s a role where I’m not allowed on set with my camera. Since this is a analog film blog, I’ll post the only two film photos I took during the shoot. Here is a photo of wardrobe (I played a Army National Guard soldier), and the Lincoln Memorial, which was part of DC that the production shut down for the shoot.

End of Beginning

The last mile is always the most challenging. You’re so close to finishing, but then you wonder if everything is going to go the way you want. Honestly, in a lot of cases it never goes the way you want, but you have to keep moving forward. When I wrote my script, I’ve had tons of people ask if they can help re-write or join, and it’s hard because we know we need feedback, but I built it from scratch.

All this to say is that I somehow always feel constantly in-between. In-between in my identity from an asian-american perspective, and from a creative perspective. Sometimes you can’t just be part of something meaningful, you have to build something meaningful to you.

Here are some 250D snaps from the past few weeks:

Being a Fan

When I worked at Prime Video and Fox Studios, I was never allowed on set with a real camera. Since I led social teams, I was only allowed to use my phone to get social content. This always miffed me.

Here is the second film set I’ve been on as an official unit still photographer (I can’t share the first, because I’m under NDA). I chose this film because it reminded me of some of the films I love: Her, Eternal Sunshine. The film is called Immortal Jellyfish, and it’s about a man who lives forever and he’s trying to find a cure.

I’ll only be posting film BTS on this blog:

Restless in a Permanent Kind of Way

Here are some stills of the last few weeks on Kodak Vision 3 (250D), shot with a 1984 Leica M4-P (35mm F2 Summicron ASPH).