EXPATS (2024) - Behind The Scenes Talk With Brian Tee, Sarayu Blue, Lulu Wang & Jack Huston | Amazon

Summary

This engaging conversation explores the casting process, emotional depth, and creative challenges behind a compelling television series. The cast discusses how they were selected for their complex roles, emphasizing their trust in the director, Lulu, and the collaborative, risk-taking spirit on set. The actors reflect on the vulnerability and humor in the material, particularly the balance between tragedy and comedy. They also share insights into their preparation and the dynamic filming process, with stories of location challenges and deep emotional connections that fueled their performances.

Takeaways

• 😀 The casting process for the project was a global effort, involving casting directors in both the US and Hong Kong, with an emphasis on authenticity and diversity in the cast.
• 😀 For the character of Mercy, the focus was on portraying a strong, American, New York-based character with a sense of inner darkness, rather than language proficiency.
• 😀 The casting for the show involved actors from different backgrounds, including Filipino actress Ruby Ruez, who was auditioned in Manila before being flown to Hong Kong.
• 😀 Lulu, the director, is praised for her ability to connect actors and create a comfortable, risk-taking environment on set, fostering a collaborative spirit.
• 😀 The show balances dark, heavy drama with moments of absurd comedy, reflecting the complexity of life and the way humor can coexist with tragedy.
• 😀 Actors expressed a deep trust in the director and the casting team, acknowledging the complexity and emotional depth of the roles they played.
• 😀 A recurring theme in the show is the exploration of characters who are deeply flawed, with complex motivations that challenge conventional views of 'villains' or perpetrators.
• 😀 The intense preparation for the roles involved researching locations, creating mood boards, and rehearsing with cast members to build authentic family dynamics.
• 😀 The filming process was marked by challenges such as shooting in unpredictable weather conditions and dealing with extras during a storm, requiring meticulous planning.
• 😀 The actors noted how the show was filmed out of order, requiring them to keep track of complex plotlines and emotional arcs throughout the production process.

Q & A

What was the primary goal in casting the character Mercy?

The main goal for casting Mercy was to ensure the character felt very American and very New York, with a sense of inner darkness. It wasn’t necessary for the actor to speak Korean, as Mercy’s character doesn’t speak it, but the emotional depth and presence were key.

How did Lulu approach casting Hillary and Staru Blue?

Lulu wanted Hillary to feel sophisticated and like a lead character, despite being of Indian descent. The casting process involved carefully considering the characters’ cultural backgrounds and how they would fit into the global scope of the story.

What was unique about the global casting process?

The casting process was global, with actors brought in from various countries, including the US, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. It allowed for a diverse and authentic portrayal of the characters, with some actors even auditioning in their home countries and being flown out to Hong Kong for final casting.

How did the actors describe their chemistry and relationship on set?

The actors shared a strong chemistry and emotional connection on set. They spoke about building relationships that felt natural and grounded, often spending time together outside of rehearsals to foster real intimacy. Lulu’s guidance ensured that these connections felt authentic from day one.

What role did humor play in the storytelling process?

Humor was crucial for balancing the heavy themes of the project. Lulu was praised for her ability to inject moments of comedy, even in the most tragic situations, reflecting the absurdity of life. This helped lighten the emotional load of the more intense scenes.

How did the actors prepare for the emotional weight of their roles?

Preparation involved extensive emotional and psychological work. Actors like those playing fathers, such as Clark, related to their characters’ parental instincts. Additionally, the actors spent time researching the settings and building emotional arcs for their characters.

What challenges did the production face while shooting in Hong Kong?

The production faced several logistical challenges, including shooting in unpredictable weather conditions. For example, the crew had to coordinate rain and wind machines to match the emotional tone of scenes, often waiting for the sun to hide behind clouds to get the right atmospheric conditions.

What was the significance of the 'maids picnic' scene in the production?

The 'maids picnic' scene was challenging to shoot due to its weather-dependent requirements and the involvement of numerous extras. Despite the difficulties, it became a highlight of the production, showcasing the energy and magical atmosphere that Lulu sought to capture in the film.

How did the actors feel about working with Lulu, especially on a project of this scale?

Actors felt both challenged and supported by Lulu. Her ability to create a safe, collaborative environment allowed them to take risks and explore complex emotions, elevating their performances. Lulu’s humor and direction gave the project a unique tone that combined tragedy with dark comedy.

What impact did Lulu’s direction have on the actor’s approach to their roles?

Lulu’s direction encouraged actors to fully embrace their characters' complexities. She gave them the freedom to explore their roles without limitations, allowing them to dig deeper into their emotional landscapes. This led to more authentic, raw performances.