SPOTLIGHT: MS. KTOWN | ANNIE LEE

money · Posted: Fri Apr 02, 2004 12:03 pm Post subject: SPOTLIGHT: MS. KTOWN | ANNIE LEE

Annie Lee

Ktown213: Hi Annie, how about a quick intro to all of K-Town?
Annie Lee: Hello and hugs to my hometown! I was born and raised here in K-town and I am in the upcoming Korean-American film "Close Call." We'd love your support and I hope you watch the film on opening weekend! I'm an actress, producer, and aspiring director as well. I'm a UCLA graduate and I plan to make my dreams and everyone else's dreams come true.

KT213: Indeed, everyone has been talking about your upcoming film, Close Call. Do tell us more!
AL: Well, Close Call is the 1st Korean-American Independent Film to be playing in major commercial theaters in LA. The film is written, directed, and produced by Jimmy Lee. It's a great racy film about a lost teenage girl in LA involved in sex, drugs, crime, and everything that a youth can go through. Other issues such as being a 2nd generation Korean-American, the gap between our parents, peer pressure, depression, being from a broken family, and just everything about life is in this film. It's a breakthrough role for Asian-American females. There definitely hasn't been an Asian female portrayed in this light before. It's inspired by a true story. This is a raw and touching story that I believe is important for our community. It's exceptionally entertaining too!

KT213: You mentioned that not only are you an actress, but you produce a little as well! Tell us about "Tomato & Eggs."
AL: I'll do my best! Like William Hung, he's my inspiration, ha ha. "T & E" is a short film that I helped produce with my friend, Shawn Chou. The cast stars Lisa Lu (The Joy Luck Club), Michelle Krusiec (HBO's Mind of a Married Man), Keiko Agena (WB's Gilmore Girls), and Sab Shimono (The Big Hit), and won the Audience Award for Best Asian-American Short Film at the Big Bear Film Festival. It was shot in 2 days on 16mm. It was more a labor of love. I plan to write and direct my own stuff in the near future.

KT213: When did you know you wanted to work in the entertainment industry?
AL: I've always loved it since I was young, and I've been involved in modeling, music videos, and stage until college. I knew for sure when I started college. After being involved in acting and production with "Close Call," and getting hands on experience in the post-production and creative aspect of it, I fell in love with performing and now I can't stop. After realizing that there is a shortage of Asian-American entertainers and products in Hollywood, I wanted to contribute to making a change. I know that with films like "Close Call," it'll provide a stepping stone for future Asian-American filmmakers and entertainers.

KT213: I heard that you once performed your own stunts and pulled a ligament. Is that true?
AL: Oh yes, that was painful! My first Martial Arts short film that I did while at UCLA was called "Mindbenders." It was kind of like a knockoff of "The Matrix." I trained for several weeks and one time I was doing a jump kick and landed on my ankle. I couldn't do anything for 2 weeks. I was bruised up for weeks. On "Close Call" I also did my own stunts, such as falling down stairs and dodging cars. It was extremely fun! But I was bruised during the whole shoot as well.

KT213: You were an acting coach for children at the LA Performing Arts Center. We also know that you volunteered at the Korean Youth Community Center (KYCC) in LA with the Teen Theatre department. What was that experience like?
AL: I love children and I love teaching! Teaching young Korean girls at the LA Performing Arts Center was so gratifying, but also very difficult. It's almost like baby sitting and you have to be careful because you are also molding them. It took a lot of patience, but it was so fun! I felt like a kid again. I want to give Korean youths the confidence and freedom that I didn't have when I was young. Our culture is so polite and reserved that it's hard to incorporate that as Americans. I wanted to show that you can be Korean American, and fabulous! Ha ha. KYCC is great and I wanted to be more involved in the community. I felt that there aren't enough Korean-American theatre groups or encouragement towards entertainment in our community. Hopefully I was able to give something of myself that they can carry with them. We don't have that many Korean Americans in the public eye in American media, and one day I hope can be a positive representative for us.

KT213: After the release of Close Call, what's next for Annie Lee?
AL: I definitely want to continue to pursue acting and represent my peeps! I also plan to help produce a comedy feature film with Prime Media Pictures and I want to develop my own script and direct the film soon. Right now I'm involved in the distribution process, but plan to spread my wings to other areas.

KT213: What do you like to do when you have some free time? Any hobbies?
AL: I'm a movie freak. I love watching movies. I've actually started getting into playing poker, Texas Hold 'em. I love eating at different restaurants. I love food! My friends always call me a pig because every time I talk to them I'm eating something. When I have time I like snowboarding, swimming, basketball, playing pool, video games, and singing at noraebangs.

KT213: Are you single? Sorry I have this unwritten contract with the Ktown213 readers, that I ask this question to all featured spotlights.
AL: Yes I am, but I don't think your readers will care much about that from me. Wink

KT213: Well Annie, we thank you for your time. You're talented and beautiful, and support you 100%! Good luck to you!
AL: You are too sweet! Thank you so much! Your support means so much to me! And you're pretty talented and beautiful yourself! I will always support my fellow Koreans and I wish you success on all that you do! I'm very proud of you guys and know you will reach the stars! Keep it up!

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-You can view the trailer of "CLOSE CALL" on www.closecallmovie.com
-FREE Admission to our Premiere Party @ the Pearl with a "Close Call" Movie Ticket Stub. For more info. visit: www.phnightlife.com
-Please check www.closecallmovie.com for other events and parties
-If you'd like to bring a group to one of our screenings please let us know or contact one of following 4 theaters:

Below are the L.A. THEATERS: (Showings in SF, NY, Chicago, and other major cities to come!)

LOS ANGELES:
Pacific ARCLIGHT HOLLYWOOD
6360 West Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 464-4226

LOEWS CINEPLEX BEVERLY CENTER
8522 Beverly Boulevard, Suite 835,
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310)652-7760

PASADENA:
PACIFIC THEATRES PASEO 14
336 East Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626)568-8888

ORANGE COUNTY:
AMC 30 @ THE BLOCK
20 City Blvd. West
Orange, CA 92868
(714) 769-4262

phnightlife · Ktown Newbie Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Posts: 6

phNightlife is presenting

The Official Movie Premiere After Party for Close Call
TONIGHT, 04.16.04 Friday@
P E A R L

Pearl has also been host to Usher's 25th Birthday Party, FOX American Idol After Party, and Warner Brothers Gothika Movie Premiere Party

P E A R L

3 Dance Floors
3 Fully Stocked Bars
2 Huge Patios
6 Plasma Screens
7,500 square foot
750 capacity

Doors Open @ 930pm
Max Capacity Expected - Please Arrive Early
21+ with valid ID
Ladies FREE with VIP pass or on the guestlist.

Sounds brought to you by DJ Quickie of Exquisite
Fashionable Attire Only

Get on the guestlist for discounted admission.
To be on the guestlist please visit our website www.phnightlife.com
guestlist will close at 10:30 *check website for restrictions and updates.

Pearl is located at:
665 North Robertson Boulevard
(between Melrose & Santa Monica)
West Hollywood, CA 90069
For Directions Call 310.358.9191

Please visit our NEW Website and join our mailing list.

www.phnightlife.com

Close Call
Directed by Jimmy Lee, inspired by true story.
Releasing in selected theaters
..:: Beverly Hills : Hollywood : Pasadena : Orange ::..

Please support the Asian-American Movie Industry and spread the word
For Movie Info :: www.closecallmovie.com[/img]

money · Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 1:19 am Post subject:

Ktown213 founders will be there, anyone else? Support Close Call the movie! Support Annie!
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jO3 · Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2004 8:56 am Post subject:

I met Annie last night @ Nacional, and all I have to say? AWESOME and VERY talented! Bright future indeed. Please support the movie! Go watch it tonight!

I also had the privilege of meeting Phil (He played the father), and HE IS YOUNG! It took a lot of makeup for him to look older for the movie, and I was surprised when I met him, almost didn't recognize him...

Overall, movie looks good! Oh and tomorrow, the cast & crew from Better Luck Tomorrow is anticipated to join the cast & crew of Close Call at Club Pearl. Check it out!
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