The airwaves are still not as diverse or as reflective as the American population. And while immensely popular shows like “Lost” and “Heroes” do a good job to that end, there’s rarely any programming that deals with Asian culture. Partly because of that, Edward Mallillin founded Malinius, LLC. The goal of Malinius is to finance and distribute more independent films, with their flagship production “Brown Soup Thing” (written and directed by Edward). And while the movies are geared towards Asian-Americans, “anybody should be able to relate to the subject matter”. Make sure to check out this week’s Young & Professional Profile to learn more.
Dallas, TX
New Orleans, LA (attended college there)
Current residence
Los Angeles, CA
Education
University of Dallas, Masters Program in Educational Administration;
Loyola University New Orleans, BA in Communications (English & Theology Minor).
Work Experience
Malinius, LLC (Screenwriter, Director, Producer);
Diocese of Dallas (taught Junior High Math and High School English, and was an Assistant Principal in the Catholic Schools).
Ethnicity
Filipino
About the company
Malinius, LLC is a company engaged in the financing and distribution of independent entertainment.
We are currently preparing for the release of our company’s first production, the feature film “Brown Soup Thing,” an Asian-American comedy about a comfortably disconnected family that can’t smile in front of the camera.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities?
Screenwriter, director, producer, and whatever else has to be done. =)
Most notable milestones
So far, “Brown Soup Thing.” =)
What’s the niche?
We’re hoping to provide entertainment to the large number of Asian-Americans out there who can’t always find movies made especially for them. But at the same time, our movie is about embracing your flaws and those of the people you love — it might specifically deal with Filipinos and Asian-Americans, but anybody should be able to relate to the subject matter. We believe our product is something that is unique, while at the same time can be enjoyed by everybody.
What’s the biggest challenge?
The exciting thing is that it changes everyday. First it was finding a cast and crew. Then it was finishing the shoot. Now it’s getting things done. And getting the word out is always a challenge, and probably the biggest one. But this is a rewarding process, so all the challenges we’re facing are fun.
What’s in store for the future?
We hope to promote the film through 2008, and pre-production for the second feature should begin later this year.
Preparation, dedication, strong leadership with a vision, surrounding yourself with loyal competent people, and trusting those people to help you achieve your vision.
Guiding principle in life
Get excited about who and what you love. Whatever you love, do a lot of it. Whoever you love, make sure they’re an active part of your life. Always thank God. Yeah, that’s about it.
Yardstick of success
Your success is predicated on a lot of things, which can usually be simplified to asking yourself if you’ve made the right decisions. If I’m happy with my decisions, then I’m succeeding. Even if I go through difficult phases, which everyone does, as long as these tough times are helping me achieve something, then they’re worth it, and I’m making the right decisions.
Goal yet to be achieved
How much time do you have?
Best practical advice
Goodness, so many philosophical questions. =)
Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture
The words don’t really matter to me. It’s the actions that count – and I’m fortunate to have a lot of friends and family supporting me.
Mentor(s) and why?
My parents, grandparents, aunts, friends, and I’ve been blessed with a lot of great teachers and a few great old bosses.
What motivated you to get started?
I’ve loved screenwriting for a long time, and I enjoy entertaining people. So I guess a movie makes sense.
Like best about what you do?
Writing is the best, and I enjoyed working with my actors a lot. Since this film is about Filipinos, I loved meeting so many people who came from the same background as I did. Relating stories to each other, being able to relate to one another – that was a great process. Even though promoting and touring with this movie will be challenging, I’m looking forward to meeting a lot of those same types of people I worked with during the shoot.
Like least about what you do?
Endless paperwork. Legal junk. You know, that kind of thing.
Cast of “Brown Soup Thing”
At age ten, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A doctor or a lawyer – I also wanted to be a priest for awhile because the sermons used to bore me and I was always cocky enough to believe I could give a more entertaining homily. Yes, I was a little nut.
What was your first job?
Ha! Telemarketing. It was actually a lot of fun. I know people take the job for a week or two and then quit because they hate it, but it was fun for me. I used to enjoy listening to people yell on the phone – I mean, if you’re so upset about the call, why did you answer it? That’s funny to me. Sometimes I’d ask them that, which would incite them more. My bosses would listen in on the calls and laugh, too. They didn’t care, I always exceeded my quota.
Biggest pastime outside of work
Lots of things. When I’m not thinking about the movie (that’s rare), it’s all about spending time with friends and family. I’m also a big audiophile. I love music. I watch a lot of sports and stand-up. I eat a lot of Indian food. Oh, and I love roller coasters, travel and photography. Perhaps I should just direct you to my myspace page? And this is very predictable of me, but I like watching movies.
Person most interested in meeting and why?
My favorite directors (Billy Wilder, Zhang Yimou, Christopher Nolan, Howard Hawks, and Louis Bunuel). Charles Mingus, one of my favorite musicians who was also an outrageous personality. Dan Marino, favorite athlete. Nelly Furtado or Zhang Ziyi, for very superficial reasons =) My Grandmother and Jesus in Heaven. Maybe a date who enjoys bantering with me? Just kidding.
Leader in business most interested in meeting and why?
Mark Cuban. Here’s a guy who is a billionaire and what does he do? He buys the sports team (Dallas Mavericks) he has season tickets for. What fan wouldn’t want to own their favorite team? And even though most people only know him through sports, he’s a true maverick and innovator in the entertainment (and sports) industry. It’s nice to see a regular guy make it big and stay… regular. I also have a lot of respect for someone not afraid to voice their opinion, regardless of how big of a stage they’re on. People get very uptight when they have more to lose. He seems to get more candid.
Three interesting facts about yourself
1. I’m allergic to seafood, nuts, and eggs.
2. My one material goal in life is to own and live in a warehouse loft.
3. Roller Coaster fanatic, especially wooden ones.
Three characteristics that describe you
1. Obsessive
2. Loyal
3. Dedicated
Three greatest passions
1. Family and Friends
2. My movie
3. Education
Favorite book
Anything Roald Dahl ever wrote. =)
Favorite cause
Educational Reform. I’d like to one day open a school heavily based on the traditions and philosophies of the Jesuits and Maria Montessori.
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