Vancouver 21

Cowboys & Aliens Western and Sci-Fi, Life For Mile Has Cowboys & More

Ray Van Eng — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 19:52:29 +0000

In theatres everywhere this Friday (July 29, 2011) is Cowboys and Aliens, a movie that is offers much interesting thoughts for the producing team at Life For Mile here as we work on the pre-production phase of our movie.

The Ron Howards and Brian Grazer produced feature wrestled with the same problems that we are now facing with Life For Mile. One of the major challenges is how do you marsh up the western filmmaking style with another genre (in C&A’s case, it is Sci-Fi) and make that work.

Producer Ron Howard’s idea was to branch out from the western genre and then find a way to extend from it. That was the central idea and also what director Jon Favreau had been able to do. Hollywood heavyweight Steven Spielberg was involved with the same production in a previous incarnation but with a different concept until Producer Ron (Da Vinci Code) Howard ultimately took over the production.

Harrison Ford who played a supporting role in the movie described the production as taking the ‘humanity of a western and folds into it a sense of contemporary interests.’ Daniel Craig, the hero of the story, is somewhat of a superhuman endowed with alien technology. He is the crucial bridge that connects the Wild West and the Alien World in the movie.

I like the word ‘humanity’ that Ford used, which means that the movie is not all Action. There are story elements that appeal to the audience on a human level instead of just an assault on our ‘animal’ senses (though many of us, myself included, rather enjoy that unabashedly as well) like a pure action movie would do to an audience.

One of the western genre masters is old-time movie director John Ford. His classic western movies like The Grapes of Wrath, The Quiet Man, The Searchers etc., all have interesting human dramas in them. Many John Ford’s movies are not action movies but western dramas. It is the human conflict, predicament with the environment, the times, character studies etc. that make the drama intriguing. This is what I think Harrison Ford was referring to.

C&A director Jon Favreau also described Harrison Ford as the iconic actor to Jon’s generation as John Wayne was to Harrison’s generation. This John Wayne comparison is particularly interesting as Wayne was a star that was very much associated with the western movies that John Ford made. One of the approaches that Favreau took in making C&A was to be true to the structures of the western movies such as those by John Ford, Sam Peckinpah etc. One of Favreau’s concerns was to make sure the western genre of C&A be authentic and not a slapstick tongue-in-cheek version of it like Will Smith’s Wild Wild West or Jackie Chan’s Shanghai Noon was. Incidentally, that was closer to what Spielberg had mind when he was one of the filmmakers involved with C&A.

Life For Mile would be similar to C&A in the same vein. Yet one of the many differences is it will be a real-life historical drama that has genuine western genre elements – the frontier town, railroad construction, gunslingers etc. The story also contains mystery, horror and supernatural subplots as well but Life For Mile won’t be all action-packed and of course, no sci-fi elements.

Life For Mile is a real-life drama that took place in the 1880s where the Old West was very much part of the story.

Cowboys & Aliens also has Adam Beach as one of the actors. Seems like the First Nations actor has a good has a good future in western movies. Just wished that we could use him in Life For Mile as well. We’ll see.

Life For Mile Movie –

Actor/Executive Producer – Stephen Chang
Producer/Screenwriter – Ray Van Eng

Life For Mile Facebook Page

Life For Mile Pre-production stills #1

Life For Mile Pre-production stills #2

Rambo First Blood Actor Stephen Chang Promoted ‘Life For Mile’ at Rambo Bridge Final Take in Hope BC

Ray Van Eng — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:17:11 +0000

Life For Mile Facebook page

On July 10, 2011, the iconic wood and steel bridge in Hope, BC featured in the 1982 movie Rambo: First Blood bid an emotional farewell to hundreds of fans in an event dubbed Rambo Bridge Final Take.

Movie fans dressed up like Sylvester Stallone in Rambo and offered themselves up for a voluntary arrest to have their pictures taken by just to capture a piece of Hollywood movie history that will soon be lost forever. This is the last chance they can it before the structure that was known as Kawkawa Bridge by locals was to be taken down piece by piece by a demolition crew the next day.

Some vestige of the bridge will remain though. One man would cherish his memory of the bridge as he was seen cradling a painting of the bridge done by artist Mary Haymes in 2003.

Rambo First Blood was an International phenomenon. Movie fans from as far away as Australia and England came to Hope on this Sunday. Hope’s current Mayor Laurie French reenacted the sheriff role that Brian Dennehy had portrayed to the delight of many who stood by and watched.

Almost the entire cast of Rambo: First Blood which consists of Sylvester Stallone, Brian Dennehy, Richard Crenna, David Caruso etc. were a no-show. The only star that showed up was BC actor Stephen Chang who played VC Commander in the Vietnam vet turned unstable civilian flick. Chang used the opportunity to sell some autographed copies and promoted his new movie Life For Mile, a feature film about the Chinese and aboriginal involvement in the construction of the transcontinental railway that united Canada as a nation in the 1880s.

Life For Mile movie production -
Actor/Executive Producer: Stephen Chang
Producer/Screenwriter: Ray Van Eng

The Final Take event began at 11:00 AM with a Rambo look-a-like contest and later a helicopter fly-by over Coquihalla Canyon as demoed by Valley Helicopters. Props such as a 1980s police car, a jeep and an army vehicle were on display to beef up the presentation.

When the day’s activities were finished, a screening of Rambo: First Blood was shown at 3:00 PM at the Hope Cinema. Rambo fans paid $5.00 to catch the matinee show.

VIDEO –Rambo Bridge Final Take & New Movie ‘Life For Mile’

Kawkawa Lake Road, Hope BC

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Squamish Nation Pow Wow 2011 (VIDEO #2) Full Regalia First Nations Drumming & Dancing at Capilano Indian Reserve in Vancouver

Ray Van Eng — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:52:12 +0000

Squamish Nation Pow Wow 2011 at the Capilano Indian Reserve in North Vancouver was the place to be for native bands from across BC and elsewhere to congregate from July 08-10, 2011. They gathered to greet each other and celebrate their culture together at this annual event in the traditional territory of the Coast Salish land.

Aboriginal men and women in full regalia danced in the Grand Entry and participated in the Invocation. They also competed as individuals in different categories like in a sports event. The modern day Pow Wow is very much a family affair – in recognition of the work and contribution by the native women in the community and the role that the younger ones could play is also very much part of the agenda.

Nowadays, many native youths live in urban areas away from the reserve and are increasingly alienated from the Land that the native Canadians of the past have such an affinity with. The Pow Wow therefore becomes an ideal venue for the youngsters to reconnect with their culture and way of life, thus preserving the aboriginal tradition that goes back thousands of years.

The Squamish Nation of BC is also part of the Four Host First Nations, a very important partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

[VIDEO produced by Ray Van Eng. www.vancouver21.com ]

Capilano Indian Reserve, Vancouver BC

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Squamish Nation Pow Wow 2011 a Full Regalia Family Affair at Capilano Indian Reserve in Vancouver

Ray Van Eng — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:38:51 +0000

Native Indian bands from across BC and elsewhere congregated at the Squamish Nation Pow Wow 2011 held at the Capilano Indian Reserve in North Vancouver from July 08-10, 2011. They came to greet each other and celebrate their culture together at this annual event in their traditional territory of the Coast Salish land.

Aboriginal men and women in full regalia danced in the Grand Entry and participated in the Invocation. They also competed as individuals in different categories like in a sports event. The modern day Pow Wow is also very much a family affair. The occasion presents an opportunity for the community to recognize the work and contribution of the native women. At the same time, the role that the younger ones can play is also very much part of the agenda.

Nowadays, many native youths live in urban areas away from the reserve and are increasingly alienated from the Land that the aboriginal society has such an affinity with. The Pow Wow therefore becomes an ideal place for the youngster to reconnect with their cultural being and way of life, thus preserving the native tradition that goes back thousands of years.

The Squamish Nation of BC is also part of the Four Host First Nations, a very important partner of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

VIDEO – Squamish Pow Wow 2011, Capilano Indian Reserve

Capilano Indian Reserve, Vancouver, BC

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Locarno Son Jarocho Cuba Mexico Latin Music at Vancouver Olympic Village

Ray Van Eng — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 21:28:58 +0000

Locarno is formed by former Latin project Paperboys frontman Tom Landa. The music is part Mexican, Cuban Son, Folk Music, Salsa, Pop and Funk, creating a new genre in Latin music. Locarno’s music is influenced by Manu Chao, Ozomatli or Rodrigo and Gabriela, Tracy Chapman, The Smiths, Spirit of the West etc. On June 11, 2011, Locarno performed at the Olympic Village in Vancouver during the Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Race which was held in False Creek.

VIDEO – Locarno in Vancouver South East False Creek

Olympic Village, Salt Building, Vancouver BC

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For Fans Only – ‘Life For Mile’ Railway Construction Movie Trailer

Ray Van Eng — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 04:25:12 +0000

Just for fun, we slapped together this quickie movie trailer for Life For Mile. Hope you guys like it! Life For Mile is a Historic Drama/Western/Kung Fu/Mystery/Action/Comedy movie. The story is about the Chinese and Indian (First Nations) laborers in the construction of the transcontinental railway that united Canada as a nation in the 1880s. Life For Mile is executive produced by Hollywood actor Stephen Chang. [Music by Kevin MacLeod.]

Life For Mile Facebook Fan Page -
http://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_195327163836612
VIDEO – Life For Mile Movie Trailer

Shell Road, Richmond BC

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Squamish Chief Gibby Jacob & Mayor Robertson Watched Eagle Song Dancers & Vancouver Firemen Celebrated 125th Anniversary in Gastown

Ray Van Eng — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 05:10:28 +0000

Squamish Chief Gibby Jacob, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson & Eagle Song Dancers celebrated the Vancouver Fire & Rescue 125th Anniversary. Bob Baker and The Eagle Song Dancers did a traditional First Nations song and dance to mark the occasion. The event took place on June 12, 2011 in Gastown where Gassy Jack Deighton had the city’s first saloon. The date was also the 125 birthday for the City of Vancouver which was incorporated in 1886.

VIDEO – Chief Gibby Jacob & Eagle Song Dancers in Gastown

2 Water Street, Vancouver BC

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1889 Shand Mason Fire Engine Pistons Drive Railway Construction Movie: Life For Mile Along

Ray Van Eng — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 03:42:19 +0000

The year was 1889 that this Shand Mason Horse-Drawn Steam Fire Engine came into existence and later used by the Vancouver Fore Department in an effort to better equipped for fire-fighting after the Great Fire of 1886 that destroyed almost the entire city just two months after it was incorporated.

All these dates are significant. In 1885, the transcontinental railway that united Canada as a nation was finished and soon after that, Vancouver was incorporated as a city. All of that brings us to the movie: Life For Mile which is a period movie set in the 1880s that is being produced right now. I am involved as the film’s producer and screenwriter.

As I stood watching the pistons of the steam fire engine goes up and down, my mind started racing. I thought back to the days of the Chinese railroad workers. After the railway was finished, they had no means of going back home to Canton China as the Canadian government (and railroad company) conveniently forgot to pay their return boat fare that was promised when the Chinese were hired.

Some of the Chinese died in building the railway due to the hard work, bad living conditions, poor diet, diseases and most important of all, the perils of handling dangerous explosives.. Some Chinese workers were buried in Boston Bar, Kamloops and other places along the Fraser Canyon where the transcontinental railroad was built. The infamous Head-Tax was later legislated into laws that kept more Chinese from coming into Canada amidst waves after waves of anti-Chinese sentiments among a largely European population which went on for decades.

Life For Mile is executive produced by Stephen Chang, a Kung Fu Grandmaster and Hollywood actor (VC Commander in First Blood ” Rambo “) and produced by Ray Van Eng with a script written by Ray Van Eng based on a treatment by Stephen Chang. Mr. Chang also acted in such movies as Double Happiness (1994 – 2 Genies), International Rescue (1990 Hit) Icarus (2010) and TV series such as The X-Files, Twilight Zone, Kung Fu – TLC (1996 Warner Bros.) Psych (2011), The Evidence (2006) and dozens of other productions. Mr. Chang has spent the last 35+ years in conceiving this movie after he met the real-life character, a Chinese railroad worker named Ming, in the early 1970s who told Chang the true-life story that is now being produced as a feature film planned for a world-wide theatrical release on the big screen.

For the latest updates and info, please visit the – Life For Mile Facebook page

Stephen Chang, Actor/Executive Producer IMDB Page
Ray Van Eng, Producer/Writer – Vancouver21

Stephen Chang’s Email: smdchang@gmail.com
Phone: (604) 876-4038

Ray Van Eng’s Email: ray@vancouver21.com
Phone: (604) 354-7181

VIDEO – 1889 Shand Mason Steam Fire Engine at Work

2 Water Street, Vancouver BC

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West Moberly’s Fight Against Caribou Extinction Gets Support From Appeal Court & ‘Life For Mile’ Movie

Ray Van Eng — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 16:52:40 +0000

The West Moberly First Nations of northeastern BC is trying to stop a herd of wildlife known as the Burnt Pine Caribou from becoming extinct as mining and exploration activities may continue to threaten the habitat of these animals.

In September 2009, the BC Ministry of Energy and Mines approved a coal exploration permit to Vancouver-based First Coal Corporation. When West Moberly filed a complaint, the BC Supreme Court responded with a ruling that favored the First Nations. The BC government then appealed that decision. On May 26, 2011, the BC Court of Appeal upheld the earlier decision stating that the West Moberly’s right to hunt, under Treaty 8, necessarily included protection of the caribou as the wildlife is central to West Moberly’s traditional way of life. The Appeal Court also found that the BC government failed to adequately consult with the First Nations to accommodate their needs.

This is an unprecedented victory for the First Nations especially when it comes to exercising their Treaty Rights in the future in preserving their unique way of life. As with many who are sensitive to environmental issues and for the protection of endangered species in particular, we are very happy to learn about the BC Court of Appeal decision.

It is not that the West Moberly First Nations is against mining. Chief Roland Willson indicated that he had helped launched many mining operations in the past but when he uttered a complaint against the government, he was made out to be anti-mining and trying to stop economic development in his territory.

However, there are many issues involved with this dispute. One of the most important (and often side-stepped) is the significance of the cumulative effect of past industrial developments that has reduced the Burnt Pine caribou herd to just 11 members. Again, the latest Court of Appeal decision decidedly did not call for a more comprehensive plan to rehabilitate that the caribou so their numbers could one day recover and increase their count to a more ideal number. The reasoning behind that is while the Chief Justice recognized the detrimental effect of the cumulative actions of industrial development over the years, the decision was not meant to redress the past but to focus more squarely on the current state of affairs and specifically the permit issued to First Coal Corporation and that the direct result of the exploration and future mining activities need to have better consulted with the West Moberly First Nations.

It should also be noted that the BC government currently has no specific laws that deal with endangered species in the province. Although the government does have a Provincial Conservation Framework that among other things, lists endangered species in priority categories so as to recommend actions to be taken proactively. Maybe this on-going dispute involving West Moberly hunting rights and coal mining development would necessitate the proper endangered species and biodiversity legislation.

As we continue to develop our Life For Mile movie production, we find that this current West Moberly situation inspires us. We are considering to write a scene into our movie that depicts pass wrongdoings with no regard (or even downright disrespect) for wildlife which caused the caribou herd to decrease its numbers to the present day horrific level.

At the same time, we will continue to help West Moberly in any way which way we can in their fight to keep the caribou from becoming extinct. We are planning to shoot in the West Moberly region which should provide some spectacular scenery in the fall or early winter.

The rehabilitation of the caribou is not only significant to the traditional way of life for the First Nations, it is also part of our heritage as British Columbia used to have tens of thousands of caribous roaming our fields. It would be very sad that one day we wake up and find that there won’t be a single caribou left because we have failed to take action to stop them from becoming extinct while we had the opportunity to do so.

West Moberly is represented by Christopher Devlin and Timothy Thielmann, of the Victoria-based law firm, Devlin Gailus.
West Moberly, BC

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Bonnie & Clyde and Little Big Man to Life For Mile, It’s All Hollywood Genre Moviemaking

Ray Van Eng — Tue, 31 May 2011 00:19:07 +0000

A few nights ago, I watched Bonnie & Clyde (1967) on TV, a movie I have first watched in the late 1970s.

Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Gene Hackman etc. Directed by Arthur Penn who also made Little Big Man (1970), an American Indian movie, that as a producer/writer of Life For Mile, I feel that I can derive inspirations and actually borrow some techniques from these two great Hollywood films.

The last sequence in Bonnie & Clyde just before the crime couple is shot in a hail of bullets is the most memorable to me. There is a very fast sequence of editing of the two looking into each other’s eyes. Those split seconds of shots (or montage, if you like) are so powerful that I remembered them very well throughout all these years. Beautifully executed is the moment when they realize what’s coming but can’t escape it. The fatality of it with no time left to say goodbye. So tragic and poetic.

Splicing that sequence together was done by hands in those days, by Dede Allen, the three-time Oscar-nominated editor. Bonnie and Clyde is classic Hollywood moviemaking with the use of genres and superb film language articulation.

Working on the movie Life For Mile right now brings together many of the things I have learned in movies in the last 35+ years.

Here’s another one of my Hollywood tribute! AMy love of Hollywood and the tremendous respect I reserved for those who work in the industry, past and present.

Movie: Life For Mile Facebook page

Bonnie and Clyde

Little Big Man