Short Takes: WHEN WE WERE BENGS
Filmmaker Highlight: Alaric Tay of WHEN WE WERE BENGS
CineVue spoke with speak with Alaric Tay, an actor-filmmaker from Singapore whose short film, WHEN WE WERE BENGS , is a riff on comic-book slapstick.
CINEVUE: What is your occupation if not a full-time filmmaker, and where you are based?
AT: I have been an actor for the last eleven years, though making movies has always been a dream. I am based in Singapore.
CINEVUE: What is the title of your film?
WHEN WE WERE BENGS .
CINEVUE: Could you briefly describe your film?
AT: Two idiotic brothers, Heng & Bee, live in a comic-book world where the neighborhoods are rough. One day, a notorious gangster kidnaps Bee; while trying to rescue his brother, Heng finds himself in the middle of a ridiculous ‘Mexican’ standoff.
CINEVUE: Why attracted you to filmmaking? Whatdo you find rewarding about it?
AT: I’m always inspired by good stories, and I aspire to pass them on. Through making movies, I hope to inspire others in the same way.
CINEVUE: How many films have you made?
I have made 5 short films since the year 2000.
CINEVUE: Who or what would you say are your biggest creative influences?
AT: I’m not quite sure. I pretty much research and innovate as I progress through the creative stages (writing and production planning phases) of making my films. Steven Spielberg's early films have always provided me with that special touch of magic. And Bruckheimer's productions inspire me to make them "look as good as the stories within them”.
CINEVUE: Could you describe one blessing and one curse during the production of your film?
AT: As an actor, I knew talented actors, assistants, crew, stylists and artists who were willing to help me out. However, the tropical weather in Singapore is unpredictable, making it a real pain when we have to adhere to actors’ very tight schedules. And mind you, we are talking about working actors doing me a favor here.
CINEVUE: What is the one Asian/Asian American film that has had the biggest impact on you?
AT: It wouldn’t be a film per se. However, Jackie Chan’s work has had a great impact on me, simply because of the kind of person he is: diligent, pioneering and very charismatic. His innovation with kung fu comedy has changed my outlook on the possibilities of my own career. I’m sure it’s been said before, but the guy rocks!
CINEVUE: What are you looking forward to most at the upcoming '07 AAIFF?
AT: The opportunity to meet other Asian filmmakers from across the world, and understanding their perspective on life through their films will prove to be an interesting experience for me.
For more on Alaric and his work please visit www.alarictay.com
Catch WHEN WE WERE BENGS on July 28 at 11:30am in AAIFF's Part of This Complete Breakfast program.