Lynn Chen – Facing the Music

By starrymag | January 17, 2014

Q.  What are some of the current projects that you are working on?

A.  I’ve been auditioning, reading scripts, taking meetings, etc.  I just moved to LA, from NYC, so I’m still adjusting to my new life here.

Q.  You’re in the new film Mentor. What can you tell us about the premise for the film and your character Susan?

A.  Mentor is an Indie drama which stars Rutger Hauer and Matt Davis.  The film goes back and forth between the early 90’s and today.  I play the main character’s present-day girlfriend, Susan, a grad student he has an affair with.

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

A.  I read the script, thought it was interesting, and had a meeting with the director David Langlitz, after he saw Saving Face in the theater.  Originally I was being considered for all 3 female roles in the film, but “Susan” was the one I could see myself playing the most, even though her part was the smallest.  And that’s what ended up happening!

Q.  How was getting to work with director David Langlitz on this film?

A.  David really let me play around with the scenes.  For a fast-paced shoot where you don’t get many takes, that was really great.  I always felt very comfortable on his set.

Q.  Do you have a most memorable moment from filming Mentor?

A.  It was really hot.  We shot during the end of the summer in Baltimore, with no air conditioning.  At one point we were all crammed together in a tiny bathroom for a scene that took place on the floor.  The director, the DP, and the boom operator were all in the bathtub, sweating over Matt and me.  They looked really funny.

Q.  Why should viewers take the time to check out this movie?

A.  Cause I’m in it!  And it’s a good film, yada, yada, yada.

Q.  Mentor should be hitting the festival circuit soon. Will you be there alongside of it for promo?

A.  I’d like to be, but unfortunately, I don’t think my part was big enough to secure a spot on the promo tour.

Q.  You just won an award for the film short “Fly Me Home.” How do you feel about getting your first award honor?

A.  It was a very nice surprise.  I didn’t even know the event gave out a “Best Actress” award.  I had done the film last minute, just for fun, with my friend Brian Yang (who plays “Little Yu” in Saving Face).  It was for the 72-Hour Film Shootout, where you had a team of filmmakers/actors/etc. and you made a movie in 72 hours.

Q.  The DVD for the movie Saving Face recently was released. What sort of challenges did you face playing the role of Vivian?

A.  I was really scared to do the nudity.  I’ve been performing since I was five, and my mother had drilled it into my head: “NEVER TAKE OFF YOUR CLOTHES.”  I thought it was appropriate for the film, and I didn’t really have a problem of actually doing it, but I was sure my mom would disown me once she found out.  But in the end, she didn’t. She’s actually very supportive of the film.

Q.  Is there something that you feel could have been explored more about Vivian?

A.  How did she eat so many hot dogs and still stay thin?

Q.  Is there any part of Vivian that you think you resemble?

A.  We’re romantics.  We put love before everything else.  We aren’t very good with our Mandarin.  Both of our bedrooms are light green.

Q.  What are some of your passions besides acting?

A.  I spend all my free time with my husband and my dog.  We like going on hikes and getting coffee.  I just bought a piano, so I’m practicing that again.  I have played since I was really little, but haven’t had one in my possession for years.  And I love to cook, but for some reason, no matter what I try to do, I always end up making the same dish over and over again: a variation on veggie stew.

Q.  What is your latest obsession? Are you into any particular book, music group, sport or activity?

A.  I’m really excited about the new Harry Potter movie since I’m a big fan of the books.  I can’t wait to see Cho Chang!!!  I’m enjoying exploring Los Angeles.  I think the Arclight movie theater is great, and whenever I go to “The Grove” I become ridiculously happy.  I think it’s the Jersey mall girl in me.

Q.  What would you like to say to all of your fans and supporters?

A.  Ha ha ha, that’s funny.  Really?  Fans?  Do you guys really exist?  If so, send lots of presents!