Friday, December 28, 2007
Comments - FYI
I just realized that only people with google accounts can comment on the blog. I did some tinkering and now anyone can post comments without registering a google account.
Xtreme Classes
Hey Everyone,
Just wanted to remind you all that Excel is hosting a few free Xtreme Martial Arts Classes that I will be teaching starting at 1:30. There is one class for beginners and one class for leadership students. I can't remember which one starts at 1:30 and which one starts at 2:30. Either way, I would love to see you guys and it will be a very fun class!
Hope to see you tomorrow!
Just wanted to remind you all that Excel is hosting a few free Xtreme Martial Arts Classes that I will be teaching starting at 1:30. There is one class for beginners and one class for leadership students. I can't remember which one starts at 1:30 and which one starts at 2:30. Either way, I would love to see you guys and it will be a very fun class!
Hope to see you tomorrow!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Action Unit!
Friday and Saturday we filmed action scenes. Wow, that was fun. Matt Mullins and I had some really cool fight scenes and they turned out great. I got to show off some tricks and it was awesome working with the director Steve Wang and Matt Mullins. It was also special because Mrs. Moh got to visit me on set yesterday.
Well, tomorrow we fly to MN. If I don't see you guys, happy holidays and happy new year!
Well, tomorrow we fly to MN. If I don't see you guys, happy holidays and happy new year!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Ok here's some more...
Ok so here's some more stuff to blog about regarding Day 2 of shooting on KRDK.
One of the scenes involved me and my on screen brother stealing a pair of motorcycles in an alley. A security guard catches us and my big bro gives me the nod to knock him out with a swift kick. Thankfully I knew a little bit about kicking so the director said, show me a cool kick. The script said that the Cho brothers would do a double kick at the guard but since the actor that plays my brother doesn't know martial arts I got to do the kick myself. The director wanted a side kick and I showed him a jump 360 side kick and he liked that. We got the kick from a few angles and then I had to kick the actor that was playing the security guard right in the gut. Luckily he had a pad because the stunt coordinator wanted me to kick him pretty hard! The catch was... I can't kick too high or else I would kick the microphone that was planted on his chest, and I can't kick too low or else the kick would not match the other kicks they filmed from other angles. Basically, I had to kick him perfectly in the chest and I really only had 1 shot because after I kicked him once the dirt from my shoes would stain his shirt. I envisioned doing a board break on his chest and I nailed it on the first try! My many years of breaking boards definitely helped me out on that one.
Another scene involved the Cho brothers being confronted by the evil general Xaviax. He wants to recruit us for his evil army. Right at the beginning of the scene we are taking parts off of the bikes we stole and he sneaks up behind us. The script called for us to turn around and raise our wrenches as if they were weapons as he starts talking to us. We did a rehearsal a few times and in between takes I was playing around with my wrench as if it was a kama. I started twirling it around my index finger just like I would do a finger roll on my kama. One of the producers of the show saw me doing it and told me to roll the wrench around my finger as I turned to greet Xaviax. Hopefully they use that shot because I think it will help me to look "cooler" :)
Just thought I would share those stories before I forgot about them! Also, so you guys realize that a lot of the things you have worked on or will be working on in your taekwondo classes can come in handy in the future!
Also another bit of news, Richelle and I are coming to MN from the 24th to the 30th. I think Ms. K is planning a free XMA class for me to teach on Saturday so if you are around, please sign up so I can work with you guys again!
One of the scenes involved me and my on screen brother stealing a pair of motorcycles in an alley. A security guard catches us and my big bro gives me the nod to knock him out with a swift kick. Thankfully I knew a little bit about kicking so the director said, show me a cool kick. The script said that the Cho brothers would do a double kick at the guard but since the actor that plays my brother doesn't know martial arts I got to do the kick myself. The director wanted a side kick and I showed him a jump 360 side kick and he liked that. We got the kick from a few angles and then I had to kick the actor that was playing the security guard right in the gut. Luckily he had a pad because the stunt coordinator wanted me to kick him pretty hard! The catch was... I can't kick too high or else I would kick the microphone that was planted on his chest, and I can't kick too low or else the kick would not match the other kicks they filmed from other angles. Basically, I had to kick him perfectly in the chest and I really only had 1 shot because after I kicked him once the dirt from my shoes would stain his shirt. I envisioned doing a board break on his chest and I nailed it on the first try! My many years of breaking boards definitely helped me out on that one.
Another scene involved the Cho brothers being confronted by the evil general Xaviax. He wants to recruit us for his evil army. Right at the beginning of the scene we are taking parts off of the bikes we stole and he sneaks up behind us. The script called for us to turn around and raise our wrenches as if they were weapons as he starts talking to us. We did a rehearsal a few times and in between takes I was playing around with my wrench as if it was a kama. I started twirling it around my index finger just like I would do a finger roll on my kama. One of the producers of the show saw me doing it and told me to roll the wrench around my finger as I turned to greet Xaviax. Hopefully they use that shot because I think it will help me to look "cooler" :)
Just thought I would share those stories before I forgot about them! Also, so you guys realize that a lot of the things you have worked on or will be working on in your taekwondo classes can come in handy in the future!
Also another bit of news, Richelle and I are coming to MN from the 24th to the 30th. I think Ms. K is planning a free XMA class for me to teach on Saturday so if you are around, please sign up so I can work with you guys again!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Congrats!
Congrats on all of the students that earned new belts this weekend!
Alex, I wish I could have been there for you man! Nice work sir:)
Rielly- I am a bad guy :) Just like I am in real life right!?
Mizelle- You have already scored my baskets than I ever have in a real game! Way to go!
Alex, I wish I could have been there for you man! Nice work sir:)
Rielly- I am a bad guy :) Just like I am in real life right!?
Mizelle- You have already scored my baskets than I ever have in a real game! Way to go!
Update
KRDK Day 1, (Friday, Dec. 14th)
Woke up at 4:00am today. Got ready. Drove 45 minutes to Cheyenne Studios in Castaic with no traffic for a call time of 5:30am. Don't remember exactly everything but I will try to recount it as best as I can.
Arrived at set, it was FREEZING cold. Note to self: bring winter jacket next time. Ate breakfast at the catering trailer. Reported to the 2nd A.D.'s Rob and "Cheese". Was taken to my trailer.... YES, my very OWN trailer! Was then taken to hair and makeup, then to wardrobe. They want me to look like I am from the movie Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift. It worked :) Met my on-screen brother Tony. Nice guy.
I then went to set and introduced myself to most of the crew and cast. Everyone is very very nice. Some nicer than others, some crabbier than others. I think to myself that hopefully when people meet me I am always considered one of the "Nicer" ones no matter how I am feeling that day. Today we are filming just one acting scene inside of a studio made bookstore. The Cho Brothers(that's me) confront the good guys in a bookstore and have a standoff.
It's amazing how long it takes to properly shoot just a 2 minute scene with multiple actors. We had to do the scene many many times to get coverage for everyone's angles and the crew made sure everything was cohesive for a good final edit. There was a lot of downtime when my character wasn't needed so I spent a lot of the time getting to know my new coworkers. I made sure to open up and be myself and that actually helped me to get rid of any of my on-screen nerves.
At the end of the day we wrapped up at about 5pm. Wow. Long day, but a great one. Back at it again on Sunday at 5:30am.
KRDK, Day 2 (Sunday, Dec. 16th)
New location today. College of the canyons in Santa Clarita. Got there at 5:30, ate breakfast, got dressed, got my hair and makeup done. Today I saw the suit of the "Rider" I turn into when I transform. IT IS AWESOME!!! Sorry I can't tell you guys too many details but once I know it's okay to share with you I will tell you everything I know!
On Friday, we shot scenes for episode 19, today we shot scenes for our first appearance in the series, episode 17. Had another great day of shooting and I even got to showcase my kicking and "weapons" skills :) More on that in another posting.
I wrapped early today at about noon because all my scenes were shot right away in the morning. Next week I film my first action sequence. Can't wait for that. Wow, I wish i could write more but i am just too tired!!
Woke up at 4:00am today. Got ready. Drove 45 minutes to Cheyenne Studios in Castaic with no traffic for a call time of 5:30am. Don't remember exactly everything but I will try to recount it as best as I can.
Arrived at set, it was FREEZING cold. Note to self: bring winter jacket next time. Ate breakfast at the catering trailer. Reported to the 2nd A.D.'s Rob and "Cheese". Was taken to my trailer.... YES, my very OWN trailer! Was then taken to hair and makeup, then to wardrobe. They want me to look like I am from the movie Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift. It worked :) Met my on-screen brother Tony. Nice guy.
I then went to set and introduced myself to most of the crew and cast. Everyone is very very nice. Some nicer than others, some crabbier than others. I think to myself that hopefully when people meet me I am always considered one of the "Nicer" ones no matter how I am feeling that day. Today we are filming just one acting scene inside of a studio made bookstore. The Cho Brothers(that's me) confront the good guys in a bookstore and have a standoff.
It's amazing how long it takes to properly shoot just a 2 minute scene with multiple actors. We had to do the scene many many times to get coverage for everyone's angles and the crew made sure everything was cohesive for a good final edit. There was a lot of downtime when my character wasn't needed so I spent a lot of the time getting to know my new coworkers. I made sure to open up and be myself and that actually helped me to get rid of any of my on-screen nerves.
At the end of the day we wrapped up at about 5pm. Wow. Long day, but a great one. Back at it again on Sunday at 5:30am.
KRDK, Day 2 (Sunday, Dec. 16th)
New location today. College of the canyons in Santa Clarita. Got there at 5:30, ate breakfast, got dressed, got my hair and makeup done. Today I saw the suit of the "Rider" I turn into when I transform. IT IS AWESOME!!! Sorry I can't tell you guys too many details but once I know it's okay to share with you I will tell you everything I know!
On Friday, we shot scenes for episode 19, today we shot scenes for our first appearance in the series, episode 17. Had another great day of shooting and I even got to showcase my kicking and "weapons" skills :) More on that in another posting.
I wrapped early today at about noon because all my scenes were shot right away in the morning. Next week I film my first action sequence. Can't wait for that. Wow, I wish i could write more but i am just too tired!!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Oops...
So I got the wrong info, I start filming TOMORROW!!! Yesterday I got the scripts and I am not supposed to say anything but... I will say that this show is going to ROCK! I will for sure be in at least 3 episodes so that is good news and most likely more. I will also say that my name is Danny Cho.
I will try to upload lots of pics in the coming days :)
I will try to upload lots of pics in the coming days :)
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Can't wait!!
Alright, first off thanks for the comments everyone! There is no better motivation in the world than to read such kind comments from you guys. I feel like I already have a mini-fan club back in Woodbury that is rooting me on to success!
Today I had a callback for a Hormel commercial. I can't remember if I wrote about the first audition I had for it about a week ago but I basically ran around a room and pretended I was being chased by bees and then ultimately I pretended to dive into a fountain of water. Pretty fun stuff. I also got a call from my agency today that my first day of work will be on the 17th, which is this upcoming Monday. I can't even tell you guys how excited I am. I should be getting more info about my character soon and although it would be nice to have a big role I would be happy with just a few episodes!
Hopefully filming doesn't go too late into December so we can come back and visit again!
Today I had a callback for a Hormel commercial. I can't remember if I wrote about the first audition I had for it about a week ago but I basically ran around a room and pretended I was being chased by bees and then ultimately I pretended to dive into a fountain of water. Pretty fun stuff. I also got a call from my agency today that my first day of work will be on the 17th, which is this upcoming Monday. I can't even tell you guys how excited I am. I should be getting more info about my character soon and although it would be nice to have a big role I would be happy with just a few episodes!
Hopefully filming doesn't go too late into December so we can come back and visit again!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
KRDK "Callbacks"
What a great experience. I just got back from the callback session for Kamen Rider Dragon Knight. I was there to read for the part of one of the brothers and since I was already cast, I was there to show the directors/producers how I interacted and fit with each of the other 7 actors that were competing for the role of my brother. Confused? Me too. This all went down in Castaic, where the show is shooting. It all took place at Cheyenne Studios, a huge lot with lots of studios and soundstages. It was awesome.
All 7 actors did a great job but a few stuck out in my mind as really fitting the part. I am excited to see who they hire! One of the guys was an actor I actually look up to as an actor. His name is Parry Shen and he was the lead role in the movie: "Better Luck Tomorrow". He did a great acting job. It was awesome to be inside the room during a callback. It's kind of like judging at a TKD tournament. When you're the one judging and not performing, it gives you a whole new perspective on your own performance.
I also got a chance to meet to bosses of the show: Steve and Mike Wang. They have accomplished a lot in Hollywood as directors and also as creature creators and make-up effects for film. I am so excited to work with the entire crew. Don Pemrick, the casting director that conducted my first audition was also there and at the end of it all he said that he would complete my contract with my agent Eddy tomorrow and I will know when I'll start shooting!
The transition from full-time martial arts instructor/competitor to actor has been a very tough and humbling experience for me but I really believe that growing up in the martial arts world has been perfect preparation for the competitive world of entertainment. Now that I think of it, martial arts experience is great for any profession you aspire to be!
I am so excited about this opportunity but at the same time I am hesitant to tell all of my friends and get too excited because I really shouldn't get that excited until I am actually on the set working. I almost waited on sharing this news with you guys in my blog but I was too excited and had to share to a few people :)
All 7 actors did a great job but a few stuck out in my mind as really fitting the part. I am excited to see who they hire! One of the guys was an actor I actually look up to as an actor. His name is Parry Shen and he was the lead role in the movie: "Better Luck Tomorrow". He did a great acting job. It was awesome to be inside the room during a callback. It's kind of like judging at a TKD tournament. When you're the one judging and not performing, it gives you a whole new perspective on your own performance.
I also got a chance to meet to bosses of the show: Steve and Mike Wang. They have accomplished a lot in Hollywood as directors and also as creature creators and make-up effects for film. I am so excited to work with the entire crew. Don Pemrick, the casting director that conducted my first audition was also there and at the end of it all he said that he would complete my contract with my agent Eddy tomorrow and I will know when I'll start shooting!
The transition from full-time martial arts instructor/competitor to actor has been a very tough and humbling experience for me but I really believe that growing up in the martial arts world has been perfect preparation for the competitive world of entertainment. Now that I think of it, martial arts experience is great for any profession you aspire to be!
I am so excited about this opportunity but at the same time I am hesitant to tell all of my friends and get too excited because I really shouldn't get that excited until I am actually on the set working. I almost waited on sharing this news with you guys in my blog but I was too excited and had to share to a few people :)