Check out our interview with Actor, Director and Producer Chi Muoi Lo.
Chi has experienced and seen how young vulnerable actors have been exploited in the entertainment industry and should not have to overpay to get the information and knowledge they need for success. That’s why he decided to create his new program “Mastering the Business of Acting” that offers an invaluable experience centered around his teachings and guidance.
Chi covers a variety of topics ranging from how to break into the business to knowing how to maintain a successful acting career, including the art and business of auditioning, the constantly changing business of acting, and the new technological advancements that now all actors are expected to be experienced in.
Follow Chi @masteringthebusinessofacting
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
You always need somebody to answer to. You need someone to see things that you cannot see just generally and within business as well. If you have all the power and are only listening to yourself, you’re going to be wrong a lot and make lots of mistakes. Having someone else there will force you to reevaluate your decisions for your own good.
What’s your advice for the newer actors/actresses?
If this is what you really want, find a good manager to guide you and realize that you were not taught about the business side of acting, so you are pretty much as blind as a bat. Recognize that and get educated from products like Mastering the Business of Acting because learning the craft is only half the battle. The other half is probably more important.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
You have to really, really love the business to survive it. Passion does evolve and you have to adapt or you will simply not make it.
How would your best friend describe you?
Compulsive, passionate, stingy with my time, a lover of information I value, generous, talkative, and with a mind that is all over the place.
What’s next for Chi Muoi Lo in 2021?
My new show, Life in Threes. It’s an epic story that spans seven decades, while three lives unravel in the present. Life in Threes tells the story of an 85-year-old Chinese woman, with early stage dementia, who moves into a nursing home in Philadelphia, in order to take care of one last piece of unfinished business, before the disease gets the best of her. It’s there that she befriends a young Caucasian orderly and an African American nurse. She helps them make sense of their lives, as she recounts the story of her life’s journey that begins in China, moves on to Vietnam, and ends in contemporary America. It’s based on a true story and is going into pre-production in September. 7 seasons containing 13 episodes each.
What is your favorite healthy food?
My homemade fish sauce.
And your favorite cheat food?
Once a week, I’ll have a small glass of Coca-Cola.
How would you explain your fashion style?
I learned how to dress up to go out just 7 years ago. I don’t really like to dress up a lot in general, especially now since there’s no need.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Doing what you love, being with people that you care about, and always having fun with whatever it is that you do. That way it never becomes work.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Einstein. It would be so fascinating learning about things I know nothing about from him. I have a deep admiration for him and his story.
Best advice ever given?
“What’s the rush?”
Do you support any charity?
Yes, I love to give back.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Producing Life in Threes still. Ideally, I’ll have other projects going on at the same time. I will be very happy seeing the place where Mastering the Business of Acting has gotten to. I expect it to be taught in high schools, under-grad programs, and acting classes around the world.
Favorite song? Why?
Both Sides Now by Joni Mitchell. I feel like you can’t fully appreciate it until later on in your life. I just absolutely love it.
What do you think of Social Media?
There’s good and bad in it. There’s a lot of people who make it more of a bigger deal than it is. People who don’t care about it, miss a big chunk of why it’s important. I think there should be a good balance of how much you consume.
Where can we follow you?
Website: www.masteringthebusinessofacting.com
Instagram: @masteringthebusinessofacting
Facebook: @masteringthebusinessofacting
Twitter: @MasteringActing
Rapid-Fire Questions (Favorites):
Book: Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Quote: We wear the mask that grins and lies, It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes – Paul Laurence Dunbar
Movie: The Rainmaker (1956)
Tv Series: All in the Family
Favorite Food: Clams with my homemade fish sauce.
Travel Destination: Puerto Vallarta
Sports Team: Whichever one Tom Brady is in. I refuse to name the Patriots because of #Bellacheat.
Photo Credit: Hilary Jones
