In the over 500 interviews I have done, and as editor of AOF, I have learned a lot, not just about the industry, the people, the politics, but also the talent. I have also kept an eye on TV shows and movies with Asian American talent and as a director myself looked at actors that I think are the whole package and have the potential to climb their way to the top. It is from this vantage point that I decided to develop my watch list. The list is not about who is highest ranked on IMDB, who is most well known and who is the busiest, but those who I see making significant moves because of what they are doing. Hence, the list contains big names like Daniel Henney (a number of Hollywood projects in the works) and Steven Yeun (not because of The Walking Dead, but because he is launching his own film initiative to promote roles for Asian actors) who I both see has having more growth beyond the sucess they have already, as well as some who people may not know about, but who I know have the talent AND the drive to move up significantly this year. As I watch and see things change, I plan to change my list…monthly.
Here is what people need to know about what I’m doing…
First, I didn’t really expect my two IMDB lists to generate so much attention and so many comments, but I’m glad.
Second, I could add another 100 people to this list very easily, but top 40 under 40 sounds good.
Third, these lists are not going to remain static, I plan to update them monthly as I observe what’s happening in Hollywood and repost them when they are updated (so if you are on the list you better save a copy because it’s gonna change).
Fourth, this fits nicely with the established AOF goal which is to promote Asian-Americans and other Asian actors who are minorities in their film industries (Australia and UK for example).
Fifth, to recognize new and upcoming talent as opposed to established actors, for example, Lucy Liu (who is amazing), but IS a working actress and doesn’t need our promotion because she has stagnated at the top! I want to focus on who is on the rise; who has landed a role destined for exposure; who is tapped into social media and self promotion; who has standout talent; who respresents ‘the whole package’; etc.
Sixth, no matter who is on the list, if it raises their profile, introduces them to more people, or just brightens their day, it’s all good.
Seventh, and probably most importantly, like any list this is subjective and it represents my opinion, so debating or arguing who should or shouldn’t be on the list only means there are other opinions and perhaps I end up learning about other talent myself. So please suggest, argue and debate.
July 2014: Top 40 Asian Actors Under 40 to Watch for in Hollywood
July 2014: Top 40 Asian Actresses Under 40 to Watch for in Hollywood
Scott Eriksson (maker of subject lists)
Recent Comments