I had the pleasure to do a Q&A with my amazing friend, Carrie Wang, while she was in town for a quick visit. She comes from a science background, holding a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and is now based in Beijing as an actress. She's a natural beauty and so humble about her achievements. This is just the beginning for Carrie and I can't wait to see more of her work.
How did you start your acting career?
It started with participating in the pageant (Miss Chinese Vancouver) and I built my network while I was working as a program host for Fairchild TV.
What projects have you recently worked on and what are you currently working on?
Last year I worked on two TV series in Asia. One was screening this spring, and the other is going to be screened this month. I also worked on a film earlier this year; hopefully it will come out soon.
What were your key milestones?
I mainly worked on low budget films, but in 2010, I got an antagonist role in a TV drama called Concubines of the Ming Dynasty, and that started my career in television. In 2012, I got my first role on the big screen in Finding Mr. Right, which became a box office legend. So that's how my agent introduces me now!
How was it like to work alongside a top actress, Tang Wei, in Finding Mr. Right (best known for her role in Lust Caution)? She's really nice, and so it wasn't stressful for me at all. I guess I got lucky, they were all really nice to me.
How do you prepare before shooting?
The prep work actually starts a few months before the shooting. So by the time I'm shooting, every night, I only have to go over my lines for the next day.
How does a typical day of shooting look like for you?
There's no typical shooting day. In China, the hours are flexible. Ideally, we work 12 hours a day, but usually it's somewhere between 14 to 18 hours. On the other hand, I might only work a few hours per day, when it's not my main location.
Do you have any regular diets or exercise routines before filming?
Diet and exercise is just part of my life now, and haven’t stopped since high school.
I know that parents, especially Asian Parents, can be a bit sceptical and concerned about their children pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, how does your family feel about you pursuing acting?
Parents always want something stable, so I didn't even bother to convince them. I saved some money, and just bought a one way ticket to Beijing. Three days after landing, I got a role, so my parents had to put up with me. Later on, I started to have steady income, and they stopped complaining. A warning though – not everyone is this lucky.
What are your short term and long term goals?
Short term, do my next role well, learn sword fighting and horseback riding.
Long term, hopefully I'll be able to write my own script and produce it.
What has been your most memorable project so far?
Every project. Literally.
What role would you like to try in the future?
One thing I always wanted to try is a female version of Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory, probably because I come from a science background.
I think you would be an amazing Sheldon Cooper! I'm curious, if we were to star in a movie together what type of role do you see me having?
The cute sweet girl who would be the leading role!
Should we be friends, enemies, or partners in crime?
I'm always the bad guy. So we should definitely be enemies, and at best, partners in crime ;)
If you could work with any actor or actress you want, who would it be?
Meryl Streep
Is being an actress/actor like wine? - The older the better?
If you are the type that keeps working hard to get better, then yes.
What advice do you have for actors going into an audition?
I suck at auditions, so don't take advice from me, but just be the best of yourself.
What is your perspective on talent vs. practice?
I believe that with practice, everyone can become a good actor. However, an Oscar winning drama queen would require talent.
Which side do you fall into more?
The practice side!
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Complex. It's self-explanatory.
(Courtesy of Carrie Wang)
(Courtesy of Carrie Wang)
(Courtesy of Carrie Wang)
