The precise address they give is:
Independence Hall Visitor Center
"Independence Ball Room"
6th & Market Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Specific transportation advice and information can be found here, with thanks to
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
drmoonpants. You can read the flier in its entirety here.Because of the incredibly short notice only a few supporters were able to make it to the last casting call, but they had a GREAT day and were kind enough to share their story with us. You can read it here, complete with an excellent photo -- we can't stress enough how proud of them we are!
Two brave protesters lead to a series of newspaper articles and a flurry of discussion online, helping to shine the spotlight on what Paramount is doing and raise awareness of the larger issue of whitewashing in Hollywood. Imagine what ten could do. Or twenty. Or more!
If you're on Facebook and want to help, you can go here sign up for this event and coordinate with other people who plan to attend! Carpools are being arranged for those who don't live in the city.
If you prefer to coordinate via the comments on this entry,
drmoonpants has volunteered to help organize and has posted all the details here -- please reply there if you plan to attend or have and questions!Reposted from the previous entry, because it bears repeating:
If you can make it to the casting call in person, we would love for you to
• Ask polite but firm questions of the casting people about why they chose white actors to play Asian and Inuit characters and report back here with what they say
• Ask why no formal statement has been made by Paramount Pictures or Blinding Edge Pictures (Shyamalan's production company) about the casting controversy and, again, let us know what they say
• Take photos and notes about what you see and hear and share them with us in the comments
• Peacefully and respectfully protest the casting decisions, and tell the local media that you plan to do so. If you want to organize a protest, relevant information regarding applying for permits and such can be found here. And again, there is a Facebook event for those who prefer to coordinate that way.
You should not, under any circumstances
• Spam their voicemail or email with messages
• Harass or insult the casting people in any way or interfere with their ability to do their jobs
• Protest the casting in a manner that is not completely peaceful, polite and respectful
• Confront or disrespect anyone else who shows up to the casting call
• Behave in a manner that would cast a bad light on this movement as a whole
Profile
- aang_aint_white
- Saving the World with Postage
Page Summary
- semiramis : (no subject) [+1]
- socchan : (no subject) [+1]
- techiecl : If you are in the area...please show & a possible light hearted protest song [+0]
- someguy44 : Would protest [+0]
- dharmavati : (no subject) [+1]
- megan_c_kelly : (no subject) [+6]
- someguy44 : (no subject) [+0]
- drmoonpants : (no subject) [+1]
- bluegreenpen : (no subject) [+0]
- tryxkittie : (no subject) [+1]
- (Anonymous) : This is bad... [+2]
- elobelia : (no subject) [+0]
- (Anonymous) : wanted to audition [+5]
- djinnj : (no subject) [+7]
- avatar_mom : Life Time Achievements [+2]
- (Anonymous) : Hey guys [+1]
- (Anonymous) : HOLY JESUS CHRIST LOLRAGE [+4]
- drmoonpants : (no subject) [+10]
- drmoonpants : (no subject) [+2]
- (Anonymous) : IMPORTANT FYI [+1]
- (Anonymous) : ACLU and The East-Wast Players! [+4]
- (Anonymous) : OPEN CALL NEWS [+0]
- (Anonymous) : Lets Get the News involved! [+0]
- jedifreac : (no subject) [+4]
- avatar_mom : (no subject) [+2]
Comments
Having read our previous protesters' story, I remember them mentioning the news channel coming around and not being able to report on our issue. Has there been any thought put into contacting local news agencies this time around and maybe suggesting they cover the protest?
If you do show up, there is a song sung by Maurissa Tancharoen, one of the writers (Asian fiancee of Jed Whedon) of Joss Whedon's smash hit Dr Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog. She has a song on the DVD commentary (it's also a musical) entitled: Nobody's Asian In The Movies.
It'd sure liven up any protest as well as educate through humor.
*song discovered via 8asians.com
Maybe there are local fans who can put you up for the night? It might make the trip a little less onerous if it doesn't all have to be in one day.
I can't attend (I'm sorry, but living in Peru means it is kind of out of the question), but I'm really proud of how everybody is working together to make our voices known. I'm glad you guys are doing so much - I never would have dreamed that people could unite like this over something a lot of people would dismiss. I'll be there in spirit and mind, and hope everything goes well!
In fact, you can buy one of those huge bristol board things (that fold in on both ends so that there's three sections) and set it up at like a chair or a table so that it's available for anyone to see. That's what students at my university do whenever they've got some sort of cause. In fact, that's what I used in high school whenever I had like a Science Fair Project lol.
So you'll have all sorts of CONCISE information displayed on this board (which could go with the pamphlets you'll hand out). Not only will people be drawn to you, but some people understand this stuff better when they can really SEE the information in front of them (especially when there are startling, well chosen images). Plus it sends the message that you mean business.
Of course, signs and stuff would help too. I like the idea of a jingle or at least a catchphrase that you can chant over and over (like Yes We Can... well Aang Aint White works, right? lol).
You should also definitely do something to parody the information on that horrid casting call. That can go on, say a protest sign, something that makes fun of the horrible disregard of cultures it shows, and ESPECIALLY, the idea of inviting 'ethnic' people to parade around in their 'ethnic' clothes while all the important parts go to white people. It's also a little weird that the casting call is open to ALL ethnicities, including non-Asian ones. Something funny that hits people immediately so that they can get the picture, the message of what you're trying to say, with one glance (it's all about hitting them quick and drawing them in, because if people actually have to actually work to figure out your message, they'll walk right by you without bothering).
You know on the subject of the casting call, they don't seem to understand the world of Avatar at all. I'm Nigerian, but I'd be hella mad if someone was walking around randomly in the background wearing a mamake and a gele not only because it would mean my culture basically being displayed like a sideshow while given no tangible importance, but also because the Avatar world is not influenced by any African cultures so it doesn't make sense to be there. It seems like they're going for some bogus We Are the World theme to act as a thin veil to their racism, which is both insulting and disrespectful of the show. ...Um sorry didn't mean to launch into a rant.
Anyway, these are just some suggestions. Please consider them, people lucky enough to go!
By refusing to support this project and making sure as many people as possible know why, we hope that at the very least we can keep something like this from happening again. Studios whitewash properties like Avatar and marginalize minority actors because the public lets them get away with it.
All of that said, it's up to you what you want to do personally.
http://www.visualeffectssociety.com/doc
Congratulations
http://media.www.dailypennsylvanian.com/m
http://media.www.dailypennsylvanian.com/m
http://media.www.dailypennsylvanian.com/m
As well as some revealing statements.
Oh my. She should really, REALLY not have said that.
I'm looking at the number of confirmed attendees on the Facebook group, which is already about 75 a week in advance. I'm assuming that's an overestimate by some distance, but some of the difference may be made up by non-Facebookers. Unless there are folks who have more formally identified themselves as coordinators who'd prefer to do it, I think I may go ahead and apply for the demonstration permit early next week -- particularly if it's going to be at Independence Hall instead of the Spectrum. There's a lot less street real estate up there to fudge around with; if there's anything like that many of us, at 6th and Market, we'll be creating one hell of a roadblock.
Which, granted, is awesome.
Also gonna write up some quick public transportation directions in another comment, just for reference's sake.
Given that, I'd say you should absolutely go ahead and apply for that permit! And in the meantime, we'll direct others to reply to you here!
Thank you SO MUCH for all your help and for stepping up to the plate like this! <3
(Please note: if you are from inside Philadelphia then I assume you already know how to do this.)
1. From the Philadelphia suburbs. Take your local regional rail line to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Leave the station, either by the front doors in the Amtrak lobby, or the door in the atrium furthest from the SEPTA platforms. Either way, come out the front of the station, and head up to the street corner just past the southwest corner of the station -- that's 30th and Market. Cross 30th to the subway station. Take the Eastbound Market-Frankford Line to 5th and Market streets. When you come out of the station, I think you turn left along Market; if there's a big park on your right and a ton of construction on your left, you're going the right way. You are also going the right way if it is afternoon and the sun is in your eyes, or if it is morning and the sun is not in your eyes. Very shortly you will reach the corner of 6th and Market! Things should hopefully be self-evident from there.
2. Coming into Philadelphia via Amtrak. Amtrak comes directly to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. From there, follow the directions in 1.
3. Coming into Philadelphia via Megabus, BoltBus, or other major commercial bus line. These also stop in front of 30th Street Station, at the corner of 30th and John F. Kennedy Blvd. If you're facing the train station from the 30th Street Station disembarking point, turn right at the corner, and Market is the next street up. The subway station will be on your right. Then follow the directions in 1. (Please note: I can personally vouch for at least Megabus as being a very high-quality and pleasant transportation service, and they still have some very reasonable rates available for the 7th, although I think that'll only work for you if you're coming from New York. The sooner the better with first-come-first-serveds like that, though.)
4. Coming into Philadelphia via New Jersey Transit. The way you do this is actually to take NJT to Trenton, then switch onto the SEPTA train to 30th Street. Then follow the directions as in 1. (I believe there are also a couple of SEPTA lines that service Delaware, as well, although I have less experience with those.)
5. Coming into Philadelphia via Chinatown bus. In my experience, the Chinatown bus lines tend to let off in front of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, which sprawls between 13th and 11th streets west-east and Race and Arch streets north-south. Go south (to do this the back of the convention center should be behind you) on any numbered street until you get to Market. If you get to the Lincoln Highway instead, you're going the wrong way. Then, depending on your mood, either get on the Eastbound Market-Frankford at either 13th or 11th Street, and take it to 5th and Market as above, or just turn left and walk the 6-8 blocks.
6. Coming into Philadelphia by car. That is cheating a little, but okay! From I-76 E, take exit 345 for 30th Street/Market Street. After the exit, turn right at Arch Street, then follow it around the corner, where it turns into 30th Street. If you then turn right on John F. Kennedy Blvd., there are a couple of different large pay parking lots available to either side where you should be able to find space. Then walk back out to 30th Street, turn right, walk up to Market, subway station to the right, and so on as in 1.
Edited at 2009-01-29 08:52 pm (UTC)
Oh, the sad, cruel irony of Iroh's role is filled by a white dude in yellowface. But I read a comment on Derek Kirk Kim's blog that says (and I can't confirm this) that the role of Iroh will be filled by...
M. Night himself.
NNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
please?
"They're looking for physically fit men and women ages 18 to 85 and children (boys and girls) ages 6 through 16. Near and Far Eastern, Middle Eastern, Asian, Mediterranean and Latino. Oh, and if you have a background in martial arts or military experience, that's a plus.
Here's what they're casting for: Craftsmen, artists, puppeteers, gymnasts, dancers, athletes, soldiers and grandparents for basket weaving, candle making, painting, ceramics, needlepoint, silk screening, whittling, jewelry making, cooking and fishing."
CBS 3
1555 Hamilton Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
215-233-3333 (Tips Only)
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ABC
Action News 6
Action News Tip Line: 1-866-NEWS-SIX (1-866-639-7749)
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FOX News
1-800-220-6397 (News tip line)
http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/arti
I am sorry if this is posted somewhere else on this page ^_^;