Lee Lawson is both an actress and a writer based in Toronto, Canada who can be seen playing a diverse range of roles onscreen. She can be seen in independent films starring as as a soldier dealing with PTSD in director Tamara Moos’ Kavod, a young teacher navigating the childhood crush of a gifted student in Hue’s Theatre and as Leaf Girl in Joëlle Wallinga’s conceptual collaboration with child writers; Cave Big, Cave Small. We chatted with her about her journey in acting and her upcoming projects.

Tell us more about yourself and what inspired you to become a creative person and pursue acting. What has that journey been like for you?

Hi! so happy to be chatting with you! It’s funny; I certainly wasn’t the typical actor kid. I was quite shy; a day dreamer. It took me a really long time to find my way into onscreen acting. I always felt this instinctive pull towards story telling, but theatre never fit quite right. It was so freeing when I finally discovered the Independent film scene. In front of the camera I felt like there was no distance to contend with. For me, acting for camera is an incredibly intimate experience. My artistic journey has been all about finding the right medium, material and community to work within.

Continue reading

Asian American ComiCon was one of the best conventions I’ve been to in awhile, possibly a new favorite of mine. When I planned to attend the convention, I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew there were a couple of interesting panels I wanted to see and George Takei will be there. Definitely enough of an incentive to go, especially just to show support to fellow Asian-American creators and the community.

The afternoon turned out to be one of the more memorable and inspiring day I’ve had as a creative person and as an Asian woman.

Continue reading

There is a lot to celebrate when it comes to the latest Spider-Man “reboot”—besides the movie actually being really, really, really amazing. The best Spider-Man movie yet in my humble opinion. I am totally biased though, Spider-Man is my favorite Marvel hero. Although, I admit, Spider-Man 2 with Tobey McGuire still holds a special place in my heart. Alfred Molina as Doc Ock. Can’t deny, fam.

Still, Spider-Man: Homecoming did an amazing job casting a diverse group of actors and since I am Filipino, I had to talk about the outstanding performance by Jacob Batalon as Need Leeds.

Seriously… Batalon is a gift.

Continue reading

We always love talking to a fellow nerd and Kelly McCormack is a huge sci-fi, fantasy and video games fangirl—she is lucky enough to join one of SyFy’s biggest show, Killjoys, in season 3! She spoke to us about her experiences, her inspirations as a writer and her future projects including CBC’s The Neddeaus of Duqesne Island and Sugar Daddy.

And of course, you will find out what super powers she chooses. Her answer may be the best one yet!

Are you excited to join the cast of Killjoys? Zeph sounds like she will bring a lot of fun to the characters and story. Can you talk to us more about her? What has been the best part of joining the series?

I am beyond excited! I can’t believe how lucky I am to be joining this incredible cast and to play a character as fun as Zeph. She’s a farm girl turned awkward science nerd loner with no filter and the deepest passion for biological science. I’ve always been a huge sci-fi fan, so to be in a spaceship on set and be handed a new and incredible space prop for every scene by the art department was a surreal dream. I felt like I was in a video game half the time. But hands down, the best part of joining this series has been joining this special family of actors and creatives. They are a hilarious, kind and passionate group of people.

Continue reading

Eileen Li is currently kicking butt in the industry and has appeared in television shows like Orphan Black and Degrassi: The Next Generation. She will be joining the cast of CBC’s 21 Thunder as Lara Yun and will guest star in the second season of Freeform’s Shadowhunters. We spoke to her about pursuing what you are passionate about and the challenges of being an Asian actress.

When did you know you wanted to become an actress and what was your biggest inspiration? What has been your biggest challenge as an actress?

The first time I seriously considered becoming an actor was when I was in the ninth grade and took my first drama class. I had been in school plays prior to that, but that was the first time I had really studied acting, and I was hooked.

Continue reading

San Diego Comic-Con is an annual heart breaker for a lot of geeks. The convention grows bigger each year but there is a limited amount of badges available for purchase to the public. Tears are wept, blood is shed, as thousands attempt to get their hands on these precious SDCC passes only to be denied. IT IS A CRUEL GAME FOR OUR FRAGILE HEARTS.

Fortunately, all is not despair, because there are plenty of non-badge activities outside of the convention center. Year after year, downtown San Diego gets filled up to the brim with plenty of fun stuff. Here are a few I am looking forward to.

Amazon Prime + The Tick

Amazon is bringing it this year with a multi-room replica of The Tick’s warehouse across the street from the convention center. No details yet on what will be inside this replica but it’s The Tick so it’s probably going to be pretty fun. Amazon will also have a lounge for Prime Members on the corner of 1st and J Street which will also be Tick themed and you can watch a screening of the pilot.

These lounges are always great for a break from the heat.

Continue reading