waco — TV & MOVIES — Unclear Magazine

INTRO BY MADDEN LEVIN

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

Sarah Minnich, a true actress with a plan, spoke to us about all things her career and person life throughout this exclusive interview! Moving away from the saturated LA movie scene, Minnich has a certain outlook on the industry that is so unique, we just had to find out more! To learn more about this lovely lady and her life, be sure to check her out on all social media platforms to keep updated!

When did acting become something you wanted to seriously pursue?

"Although I technically booked my first role back in 2005, I don’t believe that I thought I could actually pursue acting until sometime after 2011. My real career all started with a small role on AMC’s ‘Breaking Bad’. It was a short while after working on the hit show that I began to seriously consider my options as a regional actress. Sometimes, I tell people that the reason that I moved to New Mexico was because the CA market was saturated for my type. Technically, that’s true, but I didn’t actually come out here with the plan to pursue my acting career in a less saturated market, at first. Eventually, that absolutely became the reason NM seemed like the better region to build my resume. A couple years after booking BrBa, things started to take off for me in a way that suggested that this was something that I should devote all of my resources to. This transition in thinking led me to sign with publicist Nilda Carrazana of MLC PR (now Status PR) and to more seriously market myself as a career actress. The rest is history!"

Do you think the way you grew up influenced your decision to be an actress in any way?

"Absolutely! My father was a performer in his 20’s, my mother was always very flamboyant and outgoing, and I was constantly exposed to large groups of people who gave me a platform for creativity and self-expression. As a child, I was encouraged to play outside, to play dress-up, to sing when I felt like it, and to be creative as often as possible. All of this together led me to a desire to perform, and eventually gave me the confidence to pursue a career in performance."

You currently star as Angela Duke on the Paramount Network limited series Waco. Can you tell us a little about the show and your character?

"The ‘Waco’ series on Paramount Network recreates the events that surrounded the 1993 Waco, TX incident. Although not claiming to be completely historically or legally precise (with many names changed to protect the original individuals involved), the series attempts to illustrate events from the perspective of both sides of the ATF/Branch Davidians conflict. Fans should expect an action-packed and sometimes touching retelling of the Waco incident. I play Angela Duke, a cunning press secretary for the ATF who, in the show, plays a role in the drama that takes place before the FBI makes it to the Koresh compound. Although I will save the detail for the show, I will say that my character makes some pretty costly media-related mistakes that affect the outcome of the initial ATF raid. These mistakes are paid for by many lives, making Duke an infamous character in the show’s storyline."

Do you have any favorite memories from working on the set?

"I really enjoyed working with John Leguizamo. I have always liked his style as an actor, but he was even more fun to watch at work. During one scene in the ATF planning office, our characters have a bit of a dispute and Leguizamo ends up questioning my character as to who she is and what she is doing there. After 2 or 3 takes of getting what we needed, we did a take ‘to have fun’ and at the end of our scene Leguizamo threw out a completely unexpected accusation at my character and surprised the hell out of me. I love this kind of thing because it forces you to really be in the mind of your character at all times; if you answer out of character, you’ve lost the opportunity to have some potentially fabulous improvised interaction. Sometimes, as we’ve seen from some of the biggest actors, the very best content isn’t planned or scripted."

Do you have a certain method you use when you get into character?

"I try to live in the character while I’m working. I once had a crew member come up to me after witnessing a complete personality shift and say 'wow, that explains a lot about who I met when we were working on ‘Icebox’… you were literally that character on and off of camera; now you’re a different character all together'. It’s not that I’m playing people, it’s rather that I am trying to consolidate my energy to one persona while working on a project so as not to exhaust my creative instrument and/or accidentally come out of character in the process of rolling camera and cutting camera."

Of all the roles you have portrayed, which would you say you had the most fun doing?

"One of my favorite characters to play was Vera on the WGN series ‘Manhattan’. The show portrayed the NM based Manhattan Project that took place during WWII, and I played one of the Women’s Army Corps Officers who was on base during operations. I loved doing the show for many reasons: it was a period piece, it was based on historic events, and the set was so realistic and detailed, that it was easy to forget you were even on a film set."

We learned that you have a strong passion for supporting human rights, animal rights, healthy body image, addiction recovery and more. Can you tell us a little about why you strongly support these causes?

"I grew up in a family with very strong liberal opinions. Specifically, my father taught me to respect nature above all and to value all life as highly as my own. This, along with struggles in my own personal journey, has left me with a feeling of duty to the planet, the living things on the planet, and individuals like myself who have overcome various obstacles in their journeys."

Are there any projects coming up in the future that you can tell us about?

"I have quite a few things in the works right now. One project that I am looking forward to seeing is 'The Wave' with Justin Long. In this feature film, I play Long’s embittered wife, on a rampage after he pisses my character off once again in a long line of slights. I believe this film is scheduled to release sometime in mid-2018."

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INTRO BY TIFFANY ARUNARSIRAKUL

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

Born in Los Angeles with a Chinese and Japanese descent, actor Rich Ting is featured in Paramount Network’s “Waco,” which looks into the 1993 standoff between the FBI, ATF, and Branch Davidians. “Waco” premiered January 28, 2018, and in Fall 2018, Ting will be in the Cinemax drama series “Warrior;” this will be a series inspired by Bruce Lee, taking place in the late 1800’s San Francisco Chinatown. In addition, Ting will have his short drama “Prisoner of Mind” in 2018 film festivals. Ting has roles in a variety of films, whether in the United States or Asia. He also carries a 1st degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and modeled for various companies such as Chase Credit Card, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, and Giorgio Armani.

What do you remember from your first audition and the experience from it?

RICH: "The only thing I remember from my first audition was how nervous and scared I was to read for the casting director. Having prepped all of my lines well in advance, I suddenly became so anxious waiting in the lobby that I started blanking on all of my scenes. Long story short, I honestly do not remember exactly what happened inside the casting room but definitely know I did not deliver the scene as I had prepared it at home. I used this uncomfortable and frightening audition as a learning experience to prepare and train from for potential auditions in the future."

Do you think where you grew up and who you grew up with influenced your decision to be an actor in any way?

RICH: "Having been born and raised in Los Angeles, I definitely believe that the surrounding 'Hollywood' environment influenced me to want to pursue a career in acting. I remember seeing huge billboards for films, TV shows, concerts, brand names as well as attending school with children of famous celebrities. As a child, I often asked myself (1) why there was not a famous 'Asian American' leading man and (2) why were all Asian actors (like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan) martials artists or characters that could fight and fly through the air. Legends like Bruce Lee definitely inspired and motivated me to pursue my study of martial arts but I was always curious why there was never an Asian American 'dad,' 'boyfriend,' 'policeman,' 'firefighter,' 'lawyer,' or 'hero'. All of my childhood friends had favorite actors that they could relate to ethnically and racially, however, I could never find that one Asian American leading man that represented my 'hero'. As a result, the dream and pursuit of becoming not only an Asian American actor but a leading man in Hollywood began. It has been an absolute dream come true for me to be working in Hollywood as an actor, and I continue to live the dream everyday I go to set and perform my craft in front of the cameras."

Tell us about the Paramount Network series “Waco”. Who do you play?

RICH: "I play 'Lon Horiuchi', an F.B.I. Hostage Rescue Team (H.R.T.) sniper and former U.S. Army officer. He was the critical sniper that shot Vicki Weaver during the F.B.I. siege at Ruby Ridge in 1992. (In 1997, Horiuchi was charged with manslaughter for the death of Vicki Weaver at Ruby Ridge, but the charges were later dropped). He was involved in controversial deployments during the 1992 Ruby Ridge standoff and 1993 Waco siege. As a result, the series opens with the events at Ruby Ridge and follows Horiuchi’s involvedment all the way to the siege of the Waco compound in 1993."

You will be starring in the Cinemax drama series "Warrior", which is inspired by the writings and work of Bruce Lee. What is it like working on the set and portraying your character?

RICH: "It has been such an honor to be not only cast for this amazing project but to also be playing the real character of martial arts legend and close friend of Bruce Lee, 'Bolo Yeung.' It has also been an absolute pleasure and privilege to be working with such a diverse group of extremely talented actors. Because we are on location in Cape Town, South Africa filming this incredible project, the entire cast typically hangs out and grabs lunch, dinner, coffee, etc. with each other quite frequently. We have all gone on various excursions to the beach, wineries as well as participate in daily stunt training with our stunt team and coordinators. Having actors from all over the world, including Canada, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, United Kingdom, South Africa, and the U.S., has definitely impacted and influenced the positive vibe and excitement while filming due to the overall diversity, culture, and energy that each specific actor brings to set.

This project has impacted me in so many ways due to my childhood connection with Bruce Lee, as he was the sole reason for why I began studying martial arts at the age of 4-years old and continues to be one of my lifelong idols. Having the opportunity to work with his daughter, Shannon Lee, as well as director/executive producer, Justin Lin, executive producer, Danielle Woodrow, and writer, Jonathan Tropper, words cannot express how honored I am to bring to life an idea, vision, and dream of the legendary martial artist and my childhood idol, Bruce Lee. Ironically, throughout my life, I have often been referred to and called 'Bolo' or 'Chong Li' from my family, close friends, and numerous athletic teammates. Known for his notorious characters in 'Enter the Dragon' and 'Blood Sport,' Bolo Yeung has been someone I have also idolized due to his muscular physique and overall strong character acting. Being cast as 'Bolo' in 'Warrior' represents the biggest win of my career thus far as I am portraying the most iconic and hyper-masculine Asian character known throughout the world in a TV series written and created by the greatest martial artist of all time. I would never have imagined I would be given such an opportunity as a 4-year old child watching both Bruce Lee and Bolo Yeung in 'Enter of the Dragon'."

Out of all the roles you have portrayed, which has been your favorite personally and which do you think you’ve learned the most from?

RICH: "Ever since I began my career as a professional actor, I have approached every project as if it were my last. Whether I have been cast as a guest star, recurring, or lead, I have always been extremely proud and humbled to be chosen for that particular character and project. I continue to study and learn from each individual project in perfecting my craft as an actor. Whether it is from set conditions to fellow actors to the various directions and notes from directors and producers, I always treat and approach each project as an opportunity to learn and grow as an artist in the industry. However, to date, I am most proud of my current TV series, 'Warrior', that I am filming in 2018. Inspired by an idea from the late martial-arts star Bruce Lee, 'Warrior' is an action series set against the backdrop of the Tong Wars of San Francisco’s Chinatown in the second half of the 19th century. I am playing legendary character and close friend of Bruce Lee, 'Bolo', the universally feared fighter and top lieutenant of the Hop Wei Tong.

So far, 'Warrior' has not only been my most favorite project to work on but it has also has reinforced what my parents have also preached to me: 'always keep working at something and never stop'. If I didn’t know what to do, then I should just keep doing what I was currently working on. And that’s exactly what happened in my past. In the summer of 2007, an offer at a law firm in downtown Los Angeles brought me back to L.A. where I coincidentally received my first job offer to work on a Warner Brothers’ feature in the summer of 2007. My dream of being an actor in Hollywood had began and since, I continue to be motivated by the unknown factor of what will happen tomorrow, next week, next month, next year. When I was 4-years old, I began to study martial arts because of my motivation and inspiration from Bruce Lee. So many decades later, I am now continuing my childhood idol’s idea, dream, and vision he created prior to his unfortunate death. Never would I have imagined that I would be starring in a project created by the greatest martial arts legend of all time while continuing the pursuit of my dream of being a Hollywood actor. Bruce Lee was quoted saying, 'Running water never grows stale, so you got to just keep on flowing'. Similar to what my parents preached and taught me when I was a child, I continue to stay motivated, committed to my craft, and to never stop 'flowing'."

You also recently shot "Prisoner of Mind", a short drama film that will be submitted to film festivals this year. Can you tell us a little about it?

RICH: "I play the character of 'Paul Nguyen', a graduate student at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., who works as a tour guide for people visiting the National Mall, including the Vietnam Memorial. Unbeknownst to Paul, Vietnam War vet, 'Sgt. Matthew Medder', has been stalking and studying Paul and his family’s background. Sgt. Medder, a Vietnam P.O.W. who was a prisoner in a North Vietnamese prison camp, discovers that Paul is the grandson of the North Vietnamese commander that held him captive. Suffering from severe post traumatic stress disorder (P.T.S.D.) as well as various other mental illnesses, Sgt. Medder strategizes and eventually seeks revenge on his former captor by kidnapping and torturing Paul. The film focuses on the numerous illnesses as well as P.T.S.D. that our war veterans suffer from and experience upon returning home from war. Throughout the intense dialogue and conversations between Paul and Sgt. Medder, it becomes evident that these war veterans continue to require additional medical care and attention throughout their recovery and assimilation back into mainstream society. The film addresses the issues of revenge, hope, forgiveness as well as the impacts and influences of religion, including Christianity."

Is there anything else that we can expect in the near future?

RICH: "In 2017, I was cast as 'Keith Jenloe', the managing partner of an investment bank, on the CBS TV series, 'NCIS: Los Angeles'. And I am very excited to say that I will be returning as a recurring character on 'NCIS: Los Angeles' in 2018. In addition, 'Warrior' is scheduled to premiere on HBO’s Cinemax channel in late 2018."

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