BCKOnline: When you do these types of movies, when you are done is stuff still floating in your head about some of the things you’ve done, some of the things you’ve seen, and some of the weird stuff that is on screen?
Park: Sometimes. When I am working on The Walking Dead, I think that it is really interesting. You are in a totally different world, we are shooting in the woods, there are no sound stages, its very much, like a real situation. But, honestly, like working on set is like so fun for me I never take myself too seriously. I think I am kind of a superstitious person, so when it comes to the elevator scene or kind of creepy stuff like that, sometimes it does affect me and I am like, ‘whoa, that is weird,’ because I have always had a thing with elevators or like something that’s almost like a trigger for me. But for the most part, I just kind of wipe my hands clean of it and live in the moment of how fun it was.
BCKOnline: Do you have a physical good luck charm?
Park: I have my little blankey that I have had since I was maybe three years old that my grandma gave me years ago. My parents are like, ‘you still go that thing?’ I’m like, ‘leave me alone.’ I travel with it. I love my blankey. Not ashamed, not ashamed.
BCKOnline: Do you know if this “wishing box” really exists?
Park: It’s likely. What’s interesting is John Linetti, the director, he designed this box and it is supposed to be written in old Chinese, and that’s why Claire, the main character, has to get it translated by someone else because even her Mandarin teacher couldn’t translate it. It’s possible. But, I wonder where he got the inspiration for it from because he made eight different versions of this box. That’s kind of a fun fact. There are different boxes for just different scenes.
BCKOnline: Did you have a favorite scene in the movie?
Park: I would honesty say Gina’s death. I thought that that was pretty scary. Unfortunately, they had some stuff that didn’t make it in because we were trying to get the PG-13 rating. We were trying to not make it too gory but yeah, that scene was intense, especially when the door like slammed and she was outside, I was like ‘oh, that’s the worst nightmare just being on your own and not knowing what’s going on.’ I love that scene. I thought it was really well-done.
BCKOnline: Did you film an R version of the movie?
Park: Yeah, I think there could definitely be a director’s cut for sure.
BCKOnline: How important is it to do these different type of roles, for people to see your versatility?
Park: I am really blessed that I have an opportunity to portray different characters and different people, especially being a woman of color. We know how sparse roles are, so that’s so special to me. Growing up as a young comedian I think has shaped me as an actress. I mean some of the best comedians are the best dramatic actors as well because of the fact that we have to make things funny, we have to see the light in darkness, so that’s very cool but I love that my audiences have been able to grow with me and my fans can see my play different roles. I can’t wait to see where I am in five years, two years from now, because it’s going to be awesome. I’m always so excited to be in someone else’s shoes and experience their life.
BCKOnline: What else do you have to prove to yourself?
Park: What more can you create? What more can I do? I love to write. I actually wrote a pilot, based on my life, so I am working on pitching that soon. I want to direct. I want to work on music. I’m always thinking what more can I create? What more can I do. Sometimes you have to just do it for yourself. I want to be able to help people, start different organizations. I’m always trying to think and plan.
BCKOnline: What type of responsibility to do you feel being a woman of color and what advice would you give to young women of color in any industry?
We are in a very interesting political state and some issues that have been issues for hundreds of years, of what this country is built on, have been brought to light, which I’m thankful for. In a way, I think people are becoming more aware and not as ignorant to some issues. But being a biracial person, I feel so proud that I can represent both cultures-my Asian side and my African-American side. So, I think my advice to young women who are just trying to break into any field, women of color specifically, it’s hard, and yes, you are going to hear the “no’s” and you are going to hear the “yes’s” but I think the most important thing is to keep moving forwards. Try to create something for yourself. That’s why I just kind of like said, I’m always thinking of what I can create because I know how hard it is to be reduced to a different role or be thought of as something different. ‘Oh, she’s not black enough.’ ‘Oh, she can’t be Asian.’ I know how hard that it is. That is why I am like write something for yourself. Take a class, learn something different other than what you are studying. So, my advice to young women of color is expand your horizons. Think outside the box.
