In Conversation with Fala Chen (Part 2: Student Q&A)
Actress Fala Chen answers 10 selected student questions in a chat with Babel Film Workshop. | Photo: Babel Film Workshop
In the lead-up to the release of Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Babel Film Workshop invited students to submit questions for the actress Fala Chen 陳法拉, who portrays Jiang Li in the film.
After our chat with Fala about acting and education, Fala responded to ten selected student questions, which we presented to her in video form. Below are excerpts from her answers.
1. What was the hardest challenge you had to overcome while acting? - Evelyn Kwan (16, Chinese International School)
When I [was] in a situation where I had no time to prepare for anything, [such as] when a director decided to write a scene on the spot. That’s really challenging for me, because [I need] time to prepare and do my job.
2. How did your friends and family respond to your ambition to become an actress? - Shreyan Srivastava (14, King George V School)
I come from a family of artists, so my friends and family are really supportive. But before I graduated college with a business degree, my parents didn’t trust that I was mature enough to plan for myself. After that, they trusted my decision to enter the entertainment industry in Hong Kong, and seeing how much I loved doing what I do, they became even more supportive.
Fala features as the title character’s mother in the Shang-Chi trailer. | Photo: Marvel Studios
3. What kind of character do you want to challenge yourself with in the future? - Scarlet Tai (13, Renaissance College)
Frankly, I don't know. Every character is a challenge, [regardless of] size. I always feel like I’m starting from scratch, so just because I’ve done many things before, it doesn’t mean it’ll be easy. In our line of work, it’s never a linear growth, because I never know how the next one will go.
4. What is different about acting in an American movie and a Hong Kong movie? - Zoe Papadias (14, King George V School)
A behind-the-scenes shot of Shang-Chi featuring Fala (left) and Tony Leung (right). | Photo: Marvel Studios
Acting in different languages, sometimes the placement of my voice and body language are different. As for film sets, in America, they have more resources, like trailers, craft services, and meal breaks, because there are stricter union rules. But in terms of the real acting work of creating a character and telling the story, my work is the same.
5. How do you think the experience you've gained from acting in Chinese films will assist you in your upcoming role in "Shang-Chi"? - Tai Chapple (14, King George V School)
Without disclosing too much about my character, I can say that the physical work I did in Hong Kong films definitely helped. I’m not great at martial arts, but at least [my experience] helped me feel more comfortable pretending.
6. How difficult was the audition to get into “Shang-Chi” and what did you have to do? - Jasmine Monroe (14, King George V School)
I actually didn’t have to audition for the role. It’s a funny story [because] it was offered to me during my honeymoon with my husband in Antarctica, and I was unreachable, so they [decided] to just send me an offer. I really appreciate Marvel for their trust in me.
7. “Shang-Chi” is a movie which consists of multiple different styles of kung fu. Did you ever need to practice and how long did you need to? - Kavan Chan (10, Renaissance College)
Fala training for her role in Shang-Chi. | Photo: Marvel Studios
I trained for about a month prior to shooting my kung fu scenes, mostly in the style of tai chi. We also did strength training and pilates, because we were on a lot of wires, to the point that I was sore and tired every day. They had to send us massage therapists and we did cryotherapy to get rid of the soreness.
8. Knowing the trend of Hollywood and its lack of accurate representation for Asians, what made you take the courage to pursue acting in such an environment? - Zara Haider (15, King George V School)
I didn't think so much about my Asian identity when I graduated [from Juilliard], but I knew it was going to be a challenge because of the small number of roles for Asians in Hollywood. There’s a lot of room for growth. I [also] wanted to play characters that are not written for Asians, so I did want to throw myself at these opportunities and see what sticks.
A kung fu scene featuring Fala Chen (left) and Tony Leung (right) in Shang-Chi. | Photo: Marvel Studios
9. How do you deal with stress and pressure in shoots with lots of cameras around? - Aarav Kapur (14, King George V School)
The pressure usually comes from [myself] regardless of how many cameras or people there are on set. Preparing for scenes and knowing my lines help ease my nerves. Also, having a good night’s sleep, getting to know the people you’re working with, and just trying to have a good time can help.
10. If you had to choose a different career outside of the entertainment business, what would you choose? - Harrison Chua (14, Hong Kong International School)
I really enjoy handcraft, whether it’s making furniture--which I have no experience in--or sewing, or making clay, porcelain... Anything that I get to use my hands in and be creative with, I’d love to try. Maybe I should start doing that… I can do that on weekends!
If you haven’t yet, be sure to read about Fala’s insights on acting and education in Part 1 of our conversation with the actress!
The video of our conversation is made available exclusively to Babel Film Workshop students.
