Against The Grain is proud to co-present the Vietnamese film Gentle with Asian Film Festival of Dallas on Saturday, July 18, at 11:30 pm at the Angelika Film Center, Read more
Author: Renae Virata
Announcing the 2015 Fashion for a Passion Designer Line-Up
Against The Grain Productions is proud to announce the presenting designer line-up for its 7th Annual Fashion for a Passion charity event presented by Audi Dallas, taking place Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7 for Parties in Dallas’ Design District. Handpicked by the ATG board, these designers represent an exciting mix of backgrounds, Asian American origins and design aesthetics.
“We are excited to host our 7th annual event at a fabulous new venue, 7 for Parties on Nov. 7th along with seven amazing designers. We really feel the energy of that lucky number and are preparing for an exciting show that will delight our audience,” said Against The Grain President and Co-Founder Tammy Nguyen Lee. “We have a number of returning Asian American designers showing their new lines as well as a few new designers, plus a few surprises up our sleeve – all coming together to bene fit the causes we support.” Read more
Going Against The Grain: Larry g(EE)
We are excited to include Dallas-based soul singer-songwriter Larry G(ee) on our 4th Annual Groundbreakers Speak panel August 8th! His career has taken him from LA to New York and back here to Dallas for audiences to enjoy locally. Most recently, he released his highly anticipated single “Days Like This” with a video release party on March 5 at Three Links in Deep Ellum. Chosen to be one of Red Bull Sound Select’s emerging artists, a Chevy Music Showcase artist for North Texas and the “Best Funk/R&B Act” at the 2013 Dallas Observer Music Awards, Larry released his four-track album “Weekends,” backed by his 10-member band of bass, percussion and horn.
Going Against The Grain Tiffany Hendra
We are so excited to have the fabulous Tiffany Hendra join us this year as a guest emcee at our 7th Annual Fashion for a Passion on November 7! From the trailer park to Beverly Hills and now back to Texas, Tiffany Hendra teaches women from all walks of life how to style their life. She is a Wife, TV Host, Beauty & Style Expert, Lifestyle Mentor and creator of the blog & webseries Sanctuary Of Style. Tiffany is on a mission to guide women toward living their most fabulous, healthy and spiritually-conscious life. Her vision is for women all over the world to overcome their past circumstances and stand confident in their power. Tiffany believes confident women are World Changers! Read more
Going Against The Grain: Grace Wu
Grace Wu serves as Executive Vice President, Casting, NBC Entertainment since 2009. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of California at Berkeley, Wu began her career in entertainment casting as an assistant on the feature film “In & Out,” starring Kevin Kline. She transitioned into television when she joined Liberman/Hirschfeld Casting, where she worked on casting for the critically acclaimed “Seinfeld,” “MadTV” and “The Larry Sanders Show.” While at NBC, Wu supervised the casting of such network series as “Freaks & Geeks,” “Friday Night Lights,” “Parenthood” and “The Black List.” She is responsible for overseeing the day-today casting on current scripted series as well as pilot productions.
Full name:
Grace Wu
Hometown:
Los Angeles, CA
Current City:
Los Angeles, CA
Ethnicity:
Taiwanese-American
What does it mean to you to “Go Against The Grain?”
Lately, it means to speak up when I feel the most scared.
What made you decide to pursue a career in this industry?
I like being around creative people, getting into their heads and helping execute their vision.
What have been some of the challenges you faced/lessons you learned as an Asian American in this field?
I can’t think of any challenges, but as the daughter of immigrants, it’s in my DNA to work hard and not whine or complain.
What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment, and why?
My biggest accomplishment is picking the right guy to marry because I’ve created the family I always wanted.
What’s up next?
Finding time to shop Zappos.
Quote to live by:
You get what you get and you don’t get upset.
Sign (Eastern Animal Sign & Western Zodiac):
I’m a Rooster/Scorpio
Passionate about:
Keeping my iPhone and iPad charged at 100%.My kids think I’m crazy, but it must be!
Favorite food:
Sushi and fried egg sandwiches
Can’t live without:
Thinking about my next great meal.
I Go Against The Grain #beCAUSE:
It doesn’t seem as much fun to be regular and conventional.
Orphanage Update: Vietnam
Against The Grain’s latest orphanage expedition at the end of 2014 took our team, led by Against The Grain co-founder Aileen Nguyen, to Quan Chau, which provides a home for about 120 orphans, many of whom are babies aged two to six months. Read more
Apply Now: 2015 ATG Artistic/Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarships
The 2015 Against The Grain Artistic and Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship applications are now available! These scholarships, funding for which is provided by generous sponsors and donors as well as special fundraising events that ATG produces each year, honors a select group of amazing Asian American high school seniors, college undergraduate and graduate school students who exemplify the true meaning of “Going Against The Grain” as leaders in their communities (Groundbreaker) and those pursing a degree or career in the arts (Artistic). All scholarship applications are available at www.AgainstTheGrainProductions.com/scholarship and must be postmarked by April 15, 2015 for consideration. Read more
Going Against The Grain: Quan Phung
Quan Phung | President, Scripted Programming | Slingshot Global Media
Quan Phung is President of Scripted Programming at Slingshot Global Media, an independent television studio backed by private equity and based in Santa Monica, California. Established in 2014, Slingshot’s mission is to build a talent-friendly, forward-thinking 21st century studio that develops, produces, finances and distributes television series with a global focus and reach.
Prior to Slingshot, Quan spent close to two decades as a producer and an executive at companies such as Bluegrass Television, Twentieth Century Fox Television Studios, Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) and the National Broadcasting Company (NBC). He has been involved in the development and production of many acclaimed series including House, How I Met Your Mother, My Name is Earl and Arrested Development. In 2002, he was named one of Hollywood Reporter’s Top 35 Executives Under 35.
Full Name: Quan Luong Phung
Hometown: San Diego, California
Current City: Los Angeles, California
Ethnicity: Vietnamese
What does it mean to you to “Go Against The Grain?”
To me, “Going Against The Grain” is always striving to be your authentic self. It is continuing to evolve and recognizing your strengths and shortcomings. It is not being afraid of failure and looking at those moments as opportunities to engage with the world, and get to know yourself better. It is leading anything but a life of quiet desperation.
In Memoriam: Lyly Koenig Mendez, Operation Babylift Adoptee
Against The Grain was saddened to learn of the passing of a very special member of the ATG family Lyly Koenig Mendez. Lyly was an orphan brought to the United States through Operation Babylift and whose story is highlighted in ATG’s documentary feature, Operation Babylift: The Lost Children of Vietnam.
A great supporter of ATG and the arts, Lyly grew up in Festus, MO, graduated from Crystal City High School in 1993 and earned degrees from the University of Missouri at St. Louis and the Miami International University of Art and Design. She worked in TV and film production, was a skilled graphic designer and fashion designer who also had her work featured in ATG’s 2010 Fashion for a Passion. In addition, she was a cheerleader for the St. Louis Rams in the 1990s as well as the San Diego Chargers from 2000-2001.
She died on January 20, 2015, near Houston, TX, at the age of 40, after an eight-year fight against breast cancer. Throughout, she never let the disease take her joy, humor, creativity, compassion, humanity and passion for family, friends and life. A shining example of what it means to “Go Against The Grain,” this memorial artistic scholarship was created in her name specifically to support talented emerging graphic/fashion design students like her and dedicated with love as a reminder of her unique spirit and legacy…to #LiveLikeLyly.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch featured a special article on Lyly on February 2, 2015.
February Sales of Operation Babylift to Support Adoptee DC Wolfe
DC Wolfe, an actor and writer, is one of the adoptees who is featured in the film. Although very private by nature, he openly shared his intimate and painful story to help others better understand the unique situation that adoptees face. He has supported Operation Babylift by attending numerous screenings and even speaking at Asian American Leadership and Educational Conference (AAALEC) panel at Southern Methodist University to discuss the film and his personal story.
The ATG family was saddened to learn that DC is currently battling cancer. In an effort to return the love and support that he has shown for many years in sharing his powerful journey and raising awareness about adoption, Tammy and the ATG Board would like to donate 100% of all proceeds from sales of Operation Babylift DVDs during the entire month of February to help offset DC’s medical costs.
If you would like to show your support, please click here to purchase your own copy of Operation Babylift. As you reflect on the message of love throughout the month of February, we encourage you to share the love and spread the message of hope that is embodied in the film by also considering copies of Operation Babylift for family and friends. We thank you so much for your continued support of our mission and hope that through our programming and community outreach efforts, you are not only enlightened and educated about Asian American culture, arts and issues but also inspired to do your part, in any measure, to make life better for others. #beCAUSE.
Read more Against The Grain posts featuring DC Wolfe and Operation Babylift: