Steve Nguyen
is Vietmanese-American and is the Chief Executive Officer of media company and firm, Stickblade Incorporated. He has appeared in the past in television series such as Las Vegas and Scrubs. His recent short film, The Making of a Memoir will be screened at the New York City Film Festival, San Diego Film Festival, and the Beverly Hills Shorts Film Festival.
Please tell me what inspired you to become a film producer and actor?
My video production teacher and mentor actually inspired me to become an actor, and he really gave me the confidence that I needed to pursue it. He told me that a local talent agency was in town, and I really made a great impression on the talent reps.
While I was an actor, my agents and I found it really difficult to get much work… so eventually I grew tired of waiting and decided to hop onto an independent production while I was in college. From there, I collaborated with several filmmakers and sort of fell into producing after that.
What is your recent short film about? How are you hoping audiences perceive it?
It’s a short documentary called The Making of a Memoir that is based off of a memoir by Lac Su titled I Love Yous are for White People. The premise of the film was based off of his reflections towards his past, which displayed the process going on through his mind as he was writing his experiences down. We decided to shoot it about three months prior to the release of his book, hence the title.
I’m hoping my audience learns the deeper meaning behind the Vietnamese refugee experience, and I hope that whoever stumbles across this film will be inclined to learn more about Lac’s story.
Would you say independent films are your niche?
I would say so, because it’s what I’ve been doing for the last four years.
Can you please tell me about your FlipHD channel on YouTube?
I came up with the idea about doing a web series based on the Sundance Channel program Iconoclasts where they pair two "creative visionaries" who discuss their lives, influences, and art. Around May, I started a YouTube channel that profiled independent and mainstream artists from different backgrounds and filmed them being informal, yet informative.
You can check it out at www.youtube.com/SteveNguyenFlipHD
How did you come about establishing your own media production company and information technology development firm?
It came about after high school, where I paired up with three of my friends to create an IT solutions firm. After both of them transferred to out of state universities, I picked up where we left off and established another subsidiary called Stickblade Incorporated with another company called Cord Hosting, Inc. who was willing to let my firm work on special projects with them. Since 2008, Stickblade Incorporated has branched out into new media ventures that allow us to integrate film and media resources into our business.
What is your opinion about the current images portrayed by Asian American men and women in the media?
Personally, I believe that many people read too much into the propaganda about Asian Americans being perceived pessimistically in the media. For somebody like me, you learn not to be easily offended by any of those negative portrayals. Sure, it may be difficult for Asian Americans to be taken seriously in the media industry, but you have to look at the bigger picture and see how much we have accomplished throughout the last decade in every other field. It’s actually quite incredible!
Who were your influences while growing up?
My influences were based primarily around musicians and athletes growing up like Michael Jackson and Michael Jordan because of their unbelievable work ethic and showmanship. With regards to that, I wanted to take that passion and apply it to my interests as a filmmaker.
What other upcoming projects do you have planned?
I have several projects planned for the upcoming year, but I’m not inclined to reveal anything until I’m absolutely sure that I get the official word from both parties. Just be prepared for something epic!
Where do you see yourself as a film producer and actor in the next five years?
As long as I can continue to produce films that continue to endorse positive messages and inspire people, the future looks very bright. With regards to acting, I have no expectations whatsoever.
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