Sung Kang, BLT star 04.01.02 Sung Kang Interview by Joan Huang 4.01.02 --

Sung Kang, one of the stars of "Better Luck Tomorrow," talks about the film, Sundance, acting, future work, and being the next Batman.

AAF When did you first know you wanted to be an actor? What was the first role you had onscreen?

SK First wanted to be an actor when I was in fifth grade... a comic mime group came to our school to perform. I knew during the performance I wanted to be an entertainer of some sort. First role on screen was as a hand double for some straight to video Yakuza movie.

AAF When you first read the script for BLT, what thoughts ran through your mind? What drew you to your character and project?

SK When I first read the BLT script I said to myself I want to play stephanie. No, I said to myself these guys know how to write. Where's the kung fu? Where's the accent? Wheres the soap box theme? None of these elements existed. How nice is that! Initially I was drawn to the character of Ben. I felt the character of Han might have the trappings of a one dimensional Asian gangster type... Ben might challenge me more as an actor so I pursued Ben until the very end. Justin and I spoke about it and he helped me find more layers to Han. Plus Parry is a much more suited to play Ben. It makes for a better dynamic over all.

AAF What has been an unexpected pleasure or a memorable moment from the BLT experience?

SK Unexpectedly I have gained close friends, a family if you will. Apart from the success of the film, the most rewarding is the successful friendships.

AAF Describe the sundance experience

SK Dream come true. Sundance was fun. I think people make a bigger deal about it than it really is. Bottom line it's where the film can be seen by the industry decision makers, the execs, distributors, producers, casting, agents, peers. As an actor I was there to support Justin and the film. The shitty part is..... it was a reminder that we still are considered outsiders to some parts of the United states. As soon as we got off the plane we were told by a group of yelling white guys to go back to FUCKIN CHINA!!!!! Next day as we waited to get into a restaurant a group drove pass us and asked of we were part of the Chinese film fest....a reality kick in the BALLS!!! Kind of put a damper on my Sundance mood. Still I felt blessed to be a part of it all (however with aching balls).

AAF Did you ever reach a point where you thought you'd give up acting (any horror story auditions/roles/experiences)? What advice would you give to other working Asian American actors?

SK I think about quitting acting every day. It's a scary profession... never know when your going to work again. Advice to other AAactors: if you must act... still look for something else to do. Then if you find yourself thinking of suicide... I guess you have no choice but to act.

AAF Who are your inspirations as an actor? What filmmakers/actors would you like to work with in the future?

SK Actors that have inspired me are the people I know directly. I have little infatuation with actors I don't know personally. I am inspired by the actor who keeps at it no matter how many jobs passed him by, no matter how broke, no matter how many people say give it up, no matter how long it takes... These are my heroes. They do it because they have a love for acting, some thing to say. I would love to work with other Asian American directors, African American, Hispanic, White, Jewish, whatever person with a distinct vision. No masturbation... but honest work....same for actors. But I have always dreamed of playing a super hero. The Asian American BATMAN. Can you see it?

AAF Favorite movie? Why?

SK Favorite monies: 1. Rocky 1 (only 1) - true American success story, from the fictional character to the real life actor Stallone. 2. Weird science - watched it everyday as a kid, sparked my imagination every time I watched, plus Kelly Lebrock was fine. 3. Last Emperor - first time I saw the power in Asian story in English spoken film. 4. In the mood for love - made me feel sexy as an Asian, never felt sexy as an Asian male. 5. Big Blue - pure art on film..the use of super 35 mm film made me want to be a dolphin... and a art house film actor.

AAF What's next for you?

SK What's next? Well i think I'm going to compete in the world synchronized swim competition and then maybe run for governor of Utah........ I don't know. I have been talking to directors and producers and there are things in the works..."patience is a virtue."