033: Action star rises in the east

21 Jun 033: Action star rises in the east

Posted at 21:45h in Collaboration and Networking, Financing and Funding, Podcasts by Caryn McCann 0 Comments

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Action star Chris Collins is an action actor/action director made in Hong Kong. He talks about being discovered and the differences between Hollywood and Chinese film financing.

Action star Chris Collins is Hong Kong’s first homegrown Western action star.

THREE KEY POINTS TO GETTING FINANCING

1. YOU NEED TWO STARS NOT JUST ONE

Gone are the days of getting a film off the ground in Hong Kong or China with just one big name. Now you need at least two. And as Chris said – it all starts with the script. If your script doesn’t have two amazingly good starring roles – it will be an uphill battle.

2. CHINESE FINANCING

The challenge of financing in Asia is that (according to Chris) is that most Hong Kong and mainland Chinese films need 10 companies to finance a film. Unlike the West where it may only take two companies. See my blog post How To Crowdfund Your Film In China. This leads me to my third point.

3. WESTERN FINANCING

If you’re in Asia and want to attract Western producers/financing to your project – make it easier for them. You can start by creating a one-stop shop for western producers that offers them an equivalent film crew, and action team. Make the western producer / or financier’s job easier so they can help finance your project.

THREE TAKEAWAYS TO BECOME A HONG KONG ACTION STAR

1. THE RIGHT MINDSET IN HONG KONG ACTION FILMS

If you’re looking for jobs – you need to have the right mindset. Don’t ask what can the production company or director do for you – but rather, ask yourself what skills you bring that will enhance their project. You’ll get hired more often that way. Which leads to point number two.

2. KEEP YOUR EGO IN CHECK

Be willing to start small and work your way up the ladder. People will be willing to work with you if you’re willing to put in the work and learn. And speaking of that…

3. ALWAYS BE LEARNING

Despite the language barrier – Chris is always learning from different crew members on set. That way he’s more knowledgeable and better prepared to someday run his own projects. Obviously, you have to be mindful of the crews’ time since everyone is extremely busy, and be gracious when asking questions. See my blog Should You Learn Chinese?

You can also read my blog post on How Chinese Films Can Attract a Western Audience.

The Asia-Hollywood Greenlight Podcast – Episode 33

Chris Collins, Actor / Action Director

Show Notes

Host: Caryn McCann

Sister website: ChristmasMovieScreenwriter

Facebook: Asia Hollywood Greenlight

Facebook: Christmas Movie Screenwriter

LinkedIn: Caryn McCann

Twitter: Asia Hollywood Greenlight

Guest: Chris Collins

Website: http://www.chriscollinsaction.com/en/wingtsun