​  Michelle Yee is a calm and professional photography artist…these days. She has spent a good percentage of her life fighting…mainly with herself. It has created a lot of stress and tension for her but the journey through it has resulted in many great pieces of artistic imagery for the public and artistic community. It has also stoked a fire that resulted in Yee becoming a proponent of female mentorship (through the Canadian photography collective SOFIA). Michelle wasn’t eager to accept her calling as an artist, or even to see it as a valid lifestyle and career for many years. She is making up for that these days and her achievements prove it. Her talent is on display at numerous exhibits, in the pages of magazine publications, and even soon to be on TV. One wonders why it took Yee so long to recognize her abilities when it seems that the community lauded them almost immediately. Hindsight is 20/20 but it takes a lot of bravery to pursue an artistic path. The success she has achieved required Michelle to shed off her previous hesitations and trepidations; something that doesn’t come easy for anyone.
 As a young girl in Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), Michelle was making her own magazine while everyone else was paying attention to the nonstop winning streak of the Edmonton Oilers. Her mother was a self-proclaimed portrait enthusiast and, while Michelle did not share a love for the format, she did gain an affinity for photography. She comments, “Despite my rabid interest in storytelling and image-making as a child, I didn’t know that I wanted to be an artist.  I actually didn’t know what I wanted to be, for a really long time.  I had a very limited idea of what I thought an artist was. To me, an artist was a painter and that was it. It wasn’t until I was much older that I even learned that all these other creative careers even existed.” It wasn’t until her adulthood and a malevolent life experience changed her direction that Yee fully committed to pursuing the life of an artist. In an extremely short time, she was embraced by the community and became the recipient of a great deal of attention.
  While many regard 2016 as a devastating year for art (in terms of the mortality of many well-known creative personalities), it was a breakout year for Yee. While there were many exhibits of her work last year, the first exhibition of the year was “Drowning”, which was held at the Black Cat Artspace in April. Michelle had wanted to have a show at that specific gallery because it had a great reputation for showing both established and emerging talent. Both the credentials of artist who have been displayed there as well as the intimate (welcoming contemplation) atmosphere made it a desirable venue for many artists. Andrew Williamson (owner of the Black Cat Artspace and noted photographer) declares, “Michelle Yee is one of the most distinguished photographers active within her home country today. I first met Michelle when she approached my gallery to host her incredible solo exhibition, Drowning. The event was a massive success that earned impressive attendance numbers throughout its span at the Black Cat Artspace, with Michelle selling a number of her works to private collectors as well. The success of the event inspired me to seek out Michelle’s leading talents as a photographer throughout the Surface II Art Party, an art and cultural experience that features several of Toronto’s best artists and galleries.”
 Another of Michelle’s professional admirers is Raf Katigbak (Creative Lead at Virtue, the agency arm of the internationally renowned and global media company Vice). Katigbak professes, “Michelle has distinguished herself within the arts world with her impressive accomplishments throughout numerous projects and exhibitions. Her solo shows Drowning and What Are You have celebrated glowing feedback and praise, while her leading roles throughout SOFIA’s Bad Behavior show further positions her at the very top of her craft. Each year, Vice Magazine dedicates an entire issue to the best of contemporary photography. For 2016, the editors decided to feature the creative individuals behind the camera and devoted the issue to the work of the most talented female photographers within the arts world. What Michelle has achieved as an artist exemplifies the raw quality that has evaded popular culture in recent years.”
  Yee points to her first trip to New York City as the time when she recognized that she was truly in love with photography. Now, years later, she confirms that she feels drawn to the US again to place herself among the many artists there that have inspired her. Michelle declares, “Americans are bold…and brave…and they speak their mind. They don’t shy away from who they are and they don’t apologize for it. It is this attitude and approach that I want more of, both in my life and in my work. Americans are the best storytellers in the world. Look at your film industry. Hollywood has set the standard for the world to follow. Likewise, many of the world’s best photographers are Americans. There’s a reason why so many talented people, across multiple industries, gravitate towards cities that are already full with other talented people. Being physically part of a creative community allows for the rapid transmission and exchange of ideas and that can be hugely influential and impactful upon one’s creative output.  I am ambitious and have always worked hard to be my very best.  So, if I want to make things happen, I need to do whatever it takes to surround myself with the very best who can help me get there.” In many ways, this seems to be destiny. The American story is cross cultural and seeking to pursue the freedom to dream while proving one’s own merit. Michelle Yee is the child of a Filipino and Chinese parent, raised in a northern country, and dreaming of the opportunity to inspire others. She has overcome obstacles to become herself and now she uses her artistic voice to create a sense of belonging with others.
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

​  Pioneer. Entrepreneur. Expert. None of these words are likely to be used by Danielle Bosch, known on social media simply as “Fooya” when describing herself. She’s more comfortable with gamer, cool chick, or especially “goofy” when it comes to explaining herself. In spite of her humility or self-deprecation, Fooya has cultivated a career for herself in the new vocation of social media influencers. In case you missed it, social media influencers have become the favored and most popular avenue by which consumers learn about products and companies reach them. As the old advertising format begins to fade away, social media influencers use (most commonly) subtle means to let the public notice products on their own. This more active way of creating product and brand awareness has become the favored manner of a younger generation who feels that they have been overly advertised and sold to for their entire lives. This generation prefers a “let me look around the store on my own and I’ll see what I like, then let you know” approach. These days the store is online and global. The different stores have names like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch, and others. While some of the advertises are unaware, intelligent fans of certain products, like Fooya, have discovered that they can actually make a living by helping to promote the companies, the products, and establish themselves as a brand. It’s the same thing that athletes, models, and all entertainers have done since society began. The modern difference is that anyone with a keen understanding of how social media works and possessing the ability to reach the public with a unique and enticing approach can gain the followers needed to create a career.
  At twenty-years-old, Fooya is just the right age to “get it” when it comes to how younger people communicate and interact with technology. That doesn’t make her Jack Weinberg (quoted in 1964 with the phrase “Never trust anyone over 30.”), it simply means that there is a tone and style with which the younger generation communicates and that manner is second nature to Fooya. Her followers include those younger and older than herself. Early on, Fooya was recognized in the gaming community as part of female gaming teams “Team Fear” (professional girls team for Black Ops one) and “Team Obey.” Having been a gamer all her life, her authenticity in the community was well established. While she discovered that keeping a gaming team together was somewhat difficult (just like a band), she found that the followers she received through gaming and her communication online began to establish her as a known entity and influencer in the gaming world. One of the first companies to recognize her approach and charisma was Gamma Labs. Established was in 2004 with the intent to develop the healthiest, most effective solutions to enhance athletic performance, using 100% all-natural and effective formulas, Gamma Labs markets to both “traditional” athletes as well as E-athletes. Gamers like Fooya have become a wellspring for Gamma Labs. Fooya notes, “Gamma Labs was my first sponsor so thet mean a lot to me. Everyone who has sponsors has the same experience. Nobody wants to take a chance on you at first, which means that the first company that ‘signs on’ really believes in you and what you have to offer them. I take that very seriously. I already used Gamma Labs products when I approached them. It’s an ideal situation when you like a product so much and they feel that you can do something for them. It’s not even like I’m pushy about it. When I’m on Twitch (a live streaming site in which followers can watch gamers play) people will see that I’m having a drink or a bar. They just know it’s there. I might say something or I might not, either way people take notice. I like that I don’t have to use some sort of pushy type delivery. I can just be myself, that’s what Gamma Labs wants.” Another of the companies which Fooya has a relationship with is Gamer Crates. This monthly eSports and Gaming subscription box presents brand new themes every month for the serious and casual gamer.  Informing fans about the E gaming world as well as reminiscing about their favorite games of all time is something Fooya says appeals to every gaming enthusiast, including her. The companies she works with might be as commonly used as Origin PC or as specialized as Elemental Knives. Fooya comments, “The game Counter Strike is one of my all-time favorites. In the game, you can buy knives that have ‘skins’ on them. There are all of these different types of skins. Elemental Knives did something ingenious in that they found a way to start making these knives. The ones in real life look just like the ones in the game! I have seven or eight of my favorites from the game but I think they make more than thirty. For geeks like me who are really into Counter Strike, it’s very cool to have them. There have been a number of times when someone has seen a picture on my twitter feed with one of the knives and commented asking if it was from Counter Strike and how to get one.”
  While Fooya might be her own brand, she still has one group that she truly enjoys being considered a part of. US based Team Kaliber noticed Fooya originally as a gamer and then quickly became aware of the impact of her as a social media influencer in the online gaming community. Team Kaliber (founded in 2013 by several members of the Call of Duty community) quickly went from a competitive gaming team into becoming an impactful entity in the online social community. Recognized as respected members of the E sports community, Team Kaliber reached out to Fooya to join the team. Faced with the prospect of leaving Canada for the US and becoming part of Team Kaliber, Fooya is excited to be able to use all of her consummate skills and achievements to benefit Team Kaliber. She reveals, “It was the best day of my life when they asked me to join Team Kaliber. I visited them at their house in New York and immediately felt at home. I saw a spike in my followers, as did they. It gives proof to the statement that everyone would benefit from the relationship, including all of our sponsors. Team Kaliber has since moved to a house in Atlanta so I’m excited about that as well.” 

​  “It’s not easy to convey ideas between people from different countries. Sometimes it’s because of the language barrier, sometimes the culture difference. However, filmmaking and storytelling is the best way to understand each other’s culture and to embrace it. The goal of making a great movie is to motivate everyone to understand and cooperate with each other.” These very wise words come from producer “David” Yu Hao Su while discussing the film Fata Morgana that he recently did with director/co-writer Amelie Wen. Wen and Su had discussed the idea of telling a truly Chinese story that takes place in America for some time. After much research, they settled on the story the film depicts. It is full of intensity and pain and, while it addresses some circumstances that are purely Chinese experience, there are others which any human being can understand. Amelie Wen has experienced enormous success in a short amount of time. Her first short film, Home, premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival 2015 and went on to win Best International Short at Raindance Film Festival, among others. Fata Morgana, which David produced, had its world premiere at the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival (garnering a nomination for the Grand Prix award) in 2016. The immense critical acclaim Wen has received enables her to work with the best and brightest of the film industry, which means David in the case of Fata Morgana. The film was also nominated at the Palm Springs International Shortfest (Best of the Festival-live action) and the Tangier International Film Festival (Best Short Fiction-International Competition). David’s involvement throughout the entirety of the production enabled Amelie Wen, the cast, and crew to create a beautifully agonizing tale that must be viewed to fully appreciated.

​
  In order to truly comprehend what Fata Morgana means, one needs to go back to the beginning planning stage. Amelie Wen reveals, “Both David and I wanted to tell a story about Chinese people in LA. We did some researching together starting in 2014. We talked to many Chinese people in LA and visited some local communities to find the right materials. We finally decide to have a story from a Chinese parent's point view in order to discuss China's One Child Policy and the tight bond in traditional Chinese families.” The story that would end up being the plot for Fata Morgana was slightly based on the true story of a Chinese USC student who was murdered near the university campus. Filmmakers interviewed current USC students and the people who are currently assisting in the lawsuit about this murder. Su comments, “We heard a lot of touching stories and felt the warmth of people in this community. We ended up not using the murder story but it helped us to figure out the idea we wanted to express and convey to audience.” In Fata Morgana, a middle-aged couple from China comes to the United States for the first time to organize the funeral rites of their only child. Before the cremation, the mother wants to cremate her daughter’s body along with some of her belongs (in accordance with a Chinese custom/belief that the dead can bring the things cremated with the dead body to the after-life world). The funeral house forbids the mother to cremate a ring with the daughter’s body due to funeral policy and, in the midst of dealing with the logistics of the funeral and their overwhelming grief, the couple begins to unravel as the escalating fractures in their relationship and the uncertain futures that lie ahead of them. 
  In a film like this, with intense emotional performances between the two primary actors, casting is crucial. The leads must be captivating as well as be immediately recognizable to the audience as both a believable couple and one that is on the precipice of multiple cataclysmic life changes. Overseeing so many important parts of preproduction, including casting, David comments, “Casting is the most difficult part in the movies. Also, because this is a very realistic style film, the actors’ performance is very important. It’s really difficult to cast Chinese actors in LA because we wanted to have actors without American accents to make certain that the audience understands that the couple is from China and feels very strange being in LA. Our casting director found our leading actress Mardy Ma. Later, Mardy helped us to contact the famous Chinese actor Peiqu Liu.  Although he is very busy, he is very supportive and loved our story. He flew from China to LA to be in our movie. The audience really loved the two leading actors’ performance in the movie, in particular the touching ending. I am glad we found the right actors for the film.” 
  David’s statement about film helping different cultures to understand each other is not only the mission of Fata Morgana but one that captures the American sensibility as well. It makes sense as Su feels a connection with the US. This filmmaker from Taiwan hopes to make Hollywood his professional home stating, “Everyone in the film community here is doing a specific job that they are good at. I think it’s the respect that all professionals here give to each filmmaker which I find so attractive. It’s doesn't matter which department you are in or which position you hold; people respect your profession as long as you contribute to the film.”
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
  

​  Once upon a time, you hailed a cab when you needed a ride. Not so long ago, humans drank coffee out of a machine that percolated in their homes using only water and pre-ground coffee beans. Animation was something to entertain and occupy children while grown-ups had serious conversations. These days are in the past. Director/animator Zheng Kang is jubilant about this fact. He has steadily made his presence known and felt in the animation world by leaning towards productions that based on themes and the sentiment of said grown-ups. As he has matured, so has the animations industry that he has such affinity for. Kang is quite content to conceptualize, animate, and direct animation productions that range from outlandish and satirical comedy to love and the portrayal of diverse ethnicities in a positive light. Perhaps part of the reason Zheng’s work is so successful is that he epitomizes everything he portrays: humor, professionalism, self-awareness, passion, and intelligence. The productions he has been involved in all have his common thumbprint in their DNA. It’s an award-winning genetic that’s found in Lion Dance (screened at over 20 Film Festivals such as the Los Angeles Film Awards 2016 and the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival 2016), Baby and Granny (winner of the Best Animation Short Film at the London Monthly Film Festival), and multiple others. An early viewing of his work on the second season of Shadow Machine’s TripTank (aired on Comedy Central) gives evidence of the prolific nature of Zheng’s work when given mostly free reign (he contributed to every episode of the entire second season).
  Kang was familiar with Shadow Machine from 2 of their shows, Comedy Central’s TripTank and Netflix’s BoJack Horseman. First season productions like “Jeff and Some Aliens” (soon to have its own show) and “Suck It Gary” easily related to the approach Kang wanted to take with his animations skills. As a fan of their production style and content, he reached out to them about a position and was hired almost immediately.  Both sides felt the positive attraction of this working relationship as Zheng notes, “I guess my mischievous humor struck a chord with their producers, as well as my fast-paced animation and varied character designs. TripTank is a sketch-based show which requires a variety of styles and approaches. The common thread throughout the show is its comedy and my work is typically very comedic.”
  While some prefer compartmentalization, Kang prospers in an environment which calls on him to conceptualize and propagate themes for his creations; luckily, this is exactly what Shadow Machine was looking to get from him. As a creative part of the production team at Shadow Machine, Zheng would come up with a list of ideas that he thought would work as an animated comedy sketch. These with the producer on the show, and then create a rough storyboard) to pitch to the team. Finally, he’d create the animation while [producer] Emily Izquierdo cast voice recordings and audio which resulted in the finished pieces. Izquierdo comments, “During his time on Triptank, Zheng constantly impressed us with his skill and directorial style. His vision has carried him far in the animation industry. It's not often that you find an animator who knows how to maneuver a scene so effortlessly. Zheng was vital to the production of Triptank and his ability to create a world showed us he had the mind of a director and the skills of a top-notch animator.” Discussing some of his work for TripTank, Kang relates, “I worked on episodes that took on a Samurai theme, and the Cold War. I designed bumpers (promotions of the name TripTank with varying episode-specific graphic treatments). There was a Christmas episode with a lot of lip-syncing in which characters sung carols. I did a couple of fight scenes with vfx animation, a sequence of “Sour Patch Adults” which saw our gummy friends in prison, and a sequence with an adulteress chocolate bar. The humor of TripTank is not offensive or gross; it’s genuine adult sitcom stuff, which means that the humor is based in more adult scenarios such as the workplace or bedroom rather than in schools and playgrounds like a kids’ show.
  Zheng regards his time working on TripTank as beneficial to helping him develop his own method. The luxury of working on adult character-driven sketch comedy is that inspiration is easily accessible. Kang used his every day experiences as fodder; reading the news, hanging out at a bar, watching the crowds in a mall, he began to notice all of the inspiring material around him. As a successful director/animator these days, his time at Shadow Machine taught him what directors need and what was reasonable for him to ask as the director of his own productions. As someone who has played both sides of this coin, he states, “For me, there’s creativity and satisfaction in both scenarios. I don’t feel frustrated, working for other writers and directors because I know I have the freedom to take on those roles too if I wish. If someone wants to suggest a scenario, I’m as happy to explore it as I would be to just head out in my own direction; either way, creative visions and story ideas are being influenced by my input. I genuinely enjoy collaborating with others on all my projects. I see benefits of both approaches. When I work with another director, I’m typically joining a project in preproduction rather than at initial concept. By the time I arrive, the director already has a very clear vision that they have worked very hard to develop. It’s easy for me to design and write to that person’s defined brief. I saw a lot of this dynamic in my time working on TripTank. It was great to be a part of that creative and positive environment.”
  Hard work and good work was appreciated and rewarded at Shadow Machine. Recalling how much he loved the work and the “vibe” at Shadow Machine, Zheng notes, “Our office was a large open-plan environment, with a lot of natural light, and typically with 3-4 pet dogs every day. I love cats and dogs, and I always found time to play with the studio pets. My day would start somewhere between 9-10am and typically end around 7-8pm. One week, a director friend was dog-sitting for his girlfriend and brought the dog into the office. Unlike the regular studio dogs who were used to the environment and pretty chill, this little guy was excited to meet everyone. He’d spend every morning running around and every afternoon fast asleep because he wore himself out. I spent an entire afternoon animating a shot with him fast asleep in my lap. I think all of these factors convinced me that I had made the right decision following my dream.”
 
 
 
 

​  If someone mentioned the term “celebrity chef” just a few short years ago, most American would have just scratched their heads. Of course, it’s common place now. Cooking shows which feature larger than life culinary experts are everywhere. The hosts have all found an approach that they can corner the market on. The unfortunate thing is that, once a production team gets ahold of these personalities they force them into the most marketable mold. Reality TV rarely offers these chefs the opportunity to be who they truly are, preferring to make them who the public wants them to be, or at least who they “think” they want them to be. Authenticity is rare, except when it comes to Domenico Foraggio. To call him a celebrity chef at this point in his career might be a stretch but he definitely possesses a humor, wit, and affable disposition that makes the camera and the public love him. This pizza chef from Naples has a long family history in the art of making great pizza, something Americans truly love. Domenico and his father were hired to be the master chefs at Miramare restaurant in Florida by Salvatore Sinzeri. The menu produced became so popular that they were recognized with an award for their signature dish, the Neapolitan pizza. The restaurant and its chefs decided to hold a fundraiser with their recent publicity and Domenico’s gregarious nature made him the obvious ambassador. In a truly serendipitous moment, a budding celebrity chef was born.
  MiraMare Ristorante in Naples, Florida seemed destined to hire a Neapolitan pizza chef. It was obvious to anyone who travelled to the city. Salvatore Sinzeri earned his restaurant pedigree in New York and as a proud Sicilian, he understood good food from that part of the world. When Sinzeri took his restaurant management expertise and menu ideas to Florida, he wanted chefs whose passion and authenticity was genetic. He looked no further than Vincenzo and Domenico Foraggio. He states, “Their product was typically and originally Italian, difficult to compete with, the real Neapolitan pizza. I spent almost all my entire life in Manhattan as a restaurant manager. I’ve had many experiences over the years as I have been in this business since I was 16 years old Having worked in international companies such as BICE, Italian restaurant, and others…I know great food. I also know that being a chef is more than learning how to cook. You must love it, deep in your heart. Family is everything and here I was presented with the opportunity to work with two amazing chefs that were family to each other. Any father and son understands the deep bond and I knew all of this would work well for my MiraMare Ristorante.” The setting of MiraMare is just as beautiful as one would expect for Florida and the Foraggios created a menu with Salvatore that would be every bit its equal. MiraMare’s location directly off the water and beautiful patio on the ocean produced dolphins which entertained guests in a magnificent spectacle between Ocean and Nature. The amazing food coupled with this dream like atmosphere instantly made MiraMare a buzz restaurant.
  Accolades from restaurant critics and public alike soon resulted in Fox TV recognizing MiraMare for the “Best Neapolitan Pizza.” In an altruistic response, MiraMare focused the recognition into a fundraiser for a local school. Domenico’s personality and ease with the public made him the natural choice as MiraMare’s on camera representative and chef. Domenico explains, “MiraMare Ristorante became a quick favorite of so many food critics. We were very happy to receive so much praise and when Fox TV contacted us about the award, we felt that we could do something good for someone else at the same time. I’ve always had a cheery and sociable disposition but early on, my English wasn’t that great. I admit that in my early time at MiraMare I was insecure about it and was a bit stand-offish. We had a great multicultural staff at MiraMare and I learned that I wasn’t being judged for my language skills at the same time I was working to improve them. I must say, our patrons and the people of Florida that I met have always been so welcoming and warm that it was easy to speak with them. They would ask to congratulate me on the pizza and helped to fill me with confidence. I love connecting with people and laughing and feel so fortunate about the experience. A part of the profession that is learned over the years is that hard work, sacrifice, and passion make you feel proud of what you are and what you do, communicating with people when you receive compliments... well, that is your reward.” He continues stating, “Where I come from in Naples, Italy there is a community of Latin people called the Spanish Quarter. I learned the basics of Spanish there when I was younger. When I went to Fox to film, it was very easy for me because at times I did not speak English with them but rather Spanish. Here I was in America speaking Spanish and English while making Italian food…such an international experience!”
  Domenico’s enthusiasm and banter on set proved that MiraMare had made a wise decision sending his as their emissary. Food cannot be tasted on camera, only described. While the reaction of the children and experts on the production was intensely communicated, the audience was most receptive to the personality and positivity of Domenico. That original passion and familial sense was evident in Foraggio. He lives for Pizza Napoletana; Americans love pizza so, by proxy…they fell in love with Domenico. Foraggio remarks, “It’s always interesting that when you try to do something for someone else, you end up receiving yourself. We had about three hundred children at the fundraising event that day. There were cameras and experts…I was there just having fun and speaking about my passion for cooking this pizza. I'm from Naples, Italy and there, the pizza is not just a dish. The pizza is a devotion for us Neapolitans. We’ve eaten our pizza for over 200 years! We love it. My family story is in this food. Being a pizza maker and a Neapolitan guy is one of my greatest fortunes in life. This passion gave me a dignified and professional life, as well as the chance to travel and broaden the Neapolitan cuisine in the world. I think the Neapolitan cuisine is one of the most elegant, healthy, and tasty in the world. Our pizza is unique but little-publicized. I consider myself Domenico Foraggio, Ambassador of Pizza Napoletana in America.
 

​  There are those in the world who know what they want to do as a career from the earliest of days. Doctors, police, chef, etc., these vocations seem to be inherent for certain people. Then there are others; individuals such as Cory Wilyman. Although he is an extremely successful Director of Photography, in his early adulthood he wasn’t quite sure what he wanted his life to focus on…no pun intended. A young Canadian who grew up in Milton (outside Ontario) and was publicly educated, Wilyman had interests but no driving passions that dictated his path. Like most young men, he liked music. His brother was a drummer in a house band at a popular rock club, which was exciting for Cory. He finished school and went to travel across Europe for six months, looking for an experience instead of just a job to make money. This not only describes Cory’s O.M. but provided a defining inspirational moment. He recalls, “I was at a record store. I was looking through albums and saw the cover of a Pixies album (by Vaughan Oliver). I can’t explain in it but, the artwork moved me. It burned itself into my thoughts and it wouldn’t leave…in a good way. My brother helped to make sure I was aware of good music and I was suddenly realizing that artists of different mediums work together. It is a community.” This is proof that artists never know when they will inspire. It’s doubtful that Vaughan Oliver knew that this album cover would point the compass of Cory’s career. It’s a career that has been involved in award-winning productions (including a Gold Addy), has allowed Wilyman to travel the globe, and given him an enjoyable and creative means of supporting himself and his family. It’s a career that has allowed this Canadian DP do become more immersed in the arts than he ever thought possible. 

​ Once Cory had returned from his trip to Europe, he enrolled in an evening photography class at school. Six months later, he enrolled in photography school. After graduating and doing a brief stint as a PA, his camera skills and discerning eye quickly made his noticeable to the camera department where he became an assistant and quickly worked up the ladder to DP. As a creative force behind the camera, Cory has become exposed and versed in many other presentations of the Arts. Oddly blending technology and art, Cory was the DP on a shoot for Rogers Promotions Group (developed by Publicis) involving Motorola Razor Phones. The commercial utilized Cory’s experience and expertise with the Phantom camera (for shooting events at a high speed and then showing in perceivable time). Razor phones were shot out of a cannon, piercing paint balloons and then going through a canvas. The result was a Jackson Pollock-esque piece of art on the canvas.
  In a most unusual blending of the Arts, Wilyman was the DP for a presentation of Shakespeare productions as interpreted by different directors. That in itself would not be unusual but the Shakespeare Shakey Show for Canada’s Comedy Network involved re-imaginings of the iconic playwright’s works that were heavily bent to the creativity of the directors. Produced entirely in a period of fifteen days (that’s 15 days total for all ten), Cory was on set each day with one director while meeting with others at night for the upcoming shoot. He recalls, “Each director had very unique ideas. I understood and appreciated that but it also tested me. If I was working on a TV series, we would have common threads which would mean I could plan for certain situations in the production and then return to them. There was no template for these because everything was so diverse. It was fun but it was also a lot of work. Because it was produced for the Comedy Network, they were all funny. In one, King Lear was a comedian. ‘Exit, Pursued by a Bear’ was filmed in black and white and looked like a 70’s TV show ala Barney Miller. Titus Andronicus starred famed Canadian comedian Sean Cullen as a murderer cutting up people. James Cooper directed one that paid tribute to Hannibal Lector and we filmed it at a place called The Distillery. It was in a creepy looking basement area that was made to look like a prison. We had no power and needed to have the set created and supply power for everything on the production…in a short amount of time. These are the challenges that keep it interesting to me.” Cory worked with director Pete Henderson on the Shakespeare Shakey Show as well as Beauties and spots for Ford and others. Henderson declares, “Cory is a totally original thinker. He has a very unique take on every facet of a production no matter how small the detail. I have tried on many occasions recently to collaborate with him but he always seems to be busy working with one of my contemporaries, which makes competing with them difficult.”
 Wilyman worked on a production series for Madd Films which resulted in the achievement of a Gold Addy in San Francisco. The ten spots were a mixture of stand-up comedy, performance art, and advertising; featuring a wise cracking puppet interacting with people. While some incorporated professional actors, one spot in particular showed actual participants in a speed-dating scenario. A curtain pulled back and revealed the puppet to actual participants resulting in some very unscripted moments. 
  Cory himself is amazed when he considers how events led him down this path. He relates, “Some of my first jobs as a DP were doing a series of five spots for Dodge. It was a Fever Films production that I worked on with Richard D’Alessio directing. Back then we were still using film. There was a different approach in using film and I was excited to be working in cool locations with all of these cars…I mean; what guy doesn’t like that? I’ve travelled and seen so much of the world while making a living. I’m always thrown some type of new challenge and yet I’m allowed to be creative. Who would have thought the cover to a Pixies album would lead to all of this?” One wonders if a young writer might see the Shakespeare Skakey Show or a painter might watch a Razor painting and think the same thing someday. You never know where and when inspiration will inspire someone’s path.
 

​  Artists sometimes live a dichotomous lifestyle. David Choe is a highly recognized artist made famous for his street style but his mural at Facebook HQ made him rich. Iconic rock stars like Sting have impacted world culture but also have played private events like the Budweiser national convention. While some may refer to this as less than the most desirable nature of professional work, true artists understand that any work is a chance to practice and hone your abilities. Actors in particular have a tough situation. Like a creative iceberg, the overwhelming majority of their work lies unseen in its preparation. Countless hours of personal preparation, ensemble rehearsals, and unpaid performances are the factors that weed out those who are anything less than completely committed to the actor’s path. Those who do persevere understand that a chance to get paid not only evens the scales monetarily but also often provides an opportunity to be seen by the public en masse (via commercials, etc.). Australian actor Eddie Tang has starred in productions such as: East West 101 (Winner 2010 New York Festivals International Television & Film Awards Gold World Medal: Best Miniseries
Winner 2010 Logie Award Silver: Most Outstanding Drama Series, Mini-Series or Telemovie, Winner 2009 AFI Award Best Television Drama Series), Three Sixty (Official Selection Film Festivals: L.A. Shortfest, Rhode Island Intl film festival, Flickerfest [Academy accredited], Hollywood Film festival, Sydney Cockatoo Island, Cleveland Intl Film Festival, Carmel Art, and Bay Area film festival), and many others. In such a successful career, it’s a testament to the ubiquity of advertising that he is often recognized for his commercial work such as in a very popular spot that he did for Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). In the same way one can find some of the most successful musicians and singers on commercial jingles (ala Beyoncé for Pepsi), popular actors Like Eddie Tang can be seen putting a face on commercial advertisements.
  KFC used “Make Time for Mantime” to appeal to the inner child of Australian and New Zealand males. At a time when the whole planet seemed fixated on avoiding carbs [bread], KFC both followed and went against the tide with their “Double Down.” The pseudo-sandwich that featured bacon and cheese between two chicken fillets, appealed to the omnipresent male agenda of instant gratification and fun versus long term dietary constraints. Matching their product with an ad campaign of equal sentiment; their commercial displayed two men in their late 20’s/early 30’s playing ping-pong in the dark while wearing night vision goggles and eating the Double Down. The scenario was the recreational/technological/caloric equivalent of running with scissors at age ten. Sales of the “sandwich” were incredibly successful in the US, Canada, Korea, New Zealand, and Australia. No doubt the “boys club” attitude of the commercial enhanced the appeal to male consumers. Tang states that concentrating on his film career is his priority but openly admits that this KFC commercial was almost impossible to not revel in as a male. He comments, “Don’t get me wrong, acting is work. I take it very seriously and I always want to do a great job. I do my homework and come very prepared whether I’m doing a film, TV, or a commercial. That being said, I can’t think of a single guy I know who, if asked, wouldn’t jump at the chance to play ping-pong in the dark while wearing night vison goggles. It instantly makes you feel like a kid. As with any extremely cool and fun technological toy, we were forbidden to use them in rehearsal as the prop master said they were too expensive to mess around with when not filming. We relented, of course…and then did it anyway when he wasn’t looking. We were extremely careful but, you can’t give someone a toy that cool and then forbid them from using it.” While Eddie uses a technique known as “personalization” to appear to enjoy products he does not have an affinity for, this was not the case with the Double Down commercial. He admits to loving KFC and fried foods in general. Fried chicken, spring rolls, hot chips (as fries are known in Australia), are all foods which require honesty rather than personalization for Tang. 

​   As with many professions, you have to take the bad with the good. For Eddie Tang, the unpleasant bits of the KFC commercial were not evident in any way. The enthusiasm (subtly exhibited by Eddie in this spot) was in no way curbed by the less pleasant factors of the filming. Tang notes, “The drive to the set was particularly brutal but that is such a minor thing. The thing that many people are not aware of when they see a commercial about food is that the food always has to look perfect. In order to do this, there is an assembly line of food. In the KFC Double Down commercial, I’m playing ping-pong in the dark with the night vision goggles on…with my friend. His wife flips the light on and confronts us as we are eating the sandwiches. Each ‘take’ means a fresh sandwich and a fresh bite. Now, we don’t actually eat them…you’d never survive if you ate all the food during filming, there’s just too much. So, we use a spit bucket. I love KFC and the first several takes are heaven but, no matter how much you love the food you are working with…it’s going to get difficult at some point. However, the next day I was ready for more. Ha!” Tara Riddell, producer of this commercial entitled “Night Vision” testifies that Eddie’s immersion in the role is what connected the target audience with its sense of fun. Riddell confirms, “Eddie and I worked together on the ‘Night Vision’ commercial for KFC. The commercial relied on his performance of the character to appeal to the company’s target demographic of young men with a big appetite. In his leading role, Eddie was the face of the campaign. I cannot think of any other actor in Eddie’s field that could have delivered such an accurate portrayal of the company’s desired message, tone, and mood. I’m certain that we could not have hoped for a better actor to deliver this performance. Fans have cited this commercial as one of their favorites from KFC and I am certain that this is because of Eddie’s leading role.” Tang reiterates, “I’ve always been a film actor. It’s been a goal for as long as I can remember and I love being on the set of a film. Still, productions like ‘Night Vision’ are great experiences and deserve respect and appreciation. The crews are always happy on these types of commercials. ‘Night Vision’ was voted one of the best commercials of the year, that definitely made me feel good. Every actor needs attention and is seeking approval, I definitely got my fair share of that from this commercial.”
 
 
 
.