Terry Chen – Kick Start

Q.  What are some of the recent projects that you’ve been working on?

A.  I’ve recently wrapped a recurring role for an ABC pilot that’s been picked up for the fall line-up called “Big Day” and just last month I wrapped a feature film for Lionsgate studios called Rogue.

Q.  What can you tell us about the premise for the movie Snakes On A Plane and about your character?

A.  Without giving too much away there will be snakes on a plane and lots of screams. As for my character, I play a K-1 kick boxer but all is not as it seems, shhh!

Q.  What made you want to be a part of this project?

A.  I have a huge fear of snakes so I figured it was time for me to man-up and conquer my fears. End result, finished the movie without incident, still terrified of snakes. Oh well.

Q.  How was working with director David Ellis?

A.  David Ellis is an very efficient action director. I’ve worked on action thrillers before where we ran fourteen to sixteen hour days, but David is such a pro that our averagework days were nine to eleven hours. So it was great to actually have evenings off to eat a good meal, workout and rest up.

Q.  Do you have a most memorable moment from working on this film?

A.  My most memorable moment on set was when the snake handlers brought out a three hundred pound, eighteen foot long Burmese python.  It took about fifteen of us to hold it up, my inside voice was screaming like a little girl, at least I think it was my inside voice, I blacked out.

Q.  You also recently worked on the film Memory, why should viewers take the time to check it out?

A.  Memory was this great Indie flick I had a chance to work on with Dennis Hopper and Ann Margret. People should check it out this fall because it’s a fun psychological thriller without being mired down inspecial effects.  It’s a lean and taut screenplay that harkens back to classic Hitchcock flicks.

Q.  How was getting to work alongside Jet Li in Rogue?

A.  Working with Jet Li on Rogue is an honor. I believe he’s a Buddhist so he’s philosophies really transcend being on set. He’s a very mellow quiet guy, dedicated to the art of acting, just being around him was an inspiration.

Q.  Did you have to go through any physical training for Rogue?

A.  I was really brought on Rogue for my acting ability, we had some very intense emotional scenes to capture. But that’s not to say I didn’t have any action scenes. I train religiously in my off time so I’m always ready to jump into any role that’s physically demand

Q.  What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

A.  I lead a fairly pedestrian life in my spare time, but I have been known to sky-dive, jump off bridges, swim in duck poo infested canal waters of Venice Beach or drink tea, lots of tea.

Q.  Do you have a latest obsession? Are you into any particular book, music group, sport or activity?

A.  My latest obsession is a Wednesday night block of reality TV.  It starts with “America’s Next Top Model,” on to “Lost,” then Bravo’s “Top Chef’.” Oh, and Sundays “Surreal Life” has me hooked too.  I know it’s a sickness, I need professional help.