The Pink Elephant Blurb - (written by Crystal Koo)A burned-out writer and an architecture student with manic-depression find each other in an apartment corridor of alienation and unfulfilled dreams. Set in the hyperreality of modern life, The Pink Elephant is a film about friendship, conviction, and the courage to hold on to what is truly real. This was a short film project that I worked on during last Easter break, directed by my husband Gabe Ostley. Originally it was a short story, written by my writer friend Crystal Koo. She wrote this short story based on true event that happened during her college year. I was immediately intrigued by the story and the characters.
Jim Lee, the drummer of Good Fellas joined as the other lead character for this film. It was amazing how everything came together from finding cast, crew, equipments, and locations under the pressure of "low.... almost no budget movie" making. Our crew friends, people who supported us with the locations and equipment, they were all there with this incredible understanding of the passion for making.
It was such a learning experience for me in every step as usual. There were many struggles and restless nights, but in the end, three days intense shooting were done almost like a dream. It was incredible...
The biggest learning?? yes....
I am not in this alone.
There were some moments I was judging myself as an actor, and kept thinking how I should have done differently. I was kept hoping that I wish I had more time to rehearse and prepare things etc.... However, I had such an eye opening moment when I read what Jeanne Hartman wrote on her Alive not Dead blog.
"Putting the focus on the desire and the want of this character more than your own personal feelings. "
In the end, it is not about how well I play the character or how well I prepare for the scene. It is about Sophie and her desire.
There were many discoveries, that were very different from theater work.
I am very excited.
New media, new discoveries...
I was so thankful for everyone who joined the team and made this all happen.
Actress/Artist-Painter