We interview actor and Netflix’s Fakes star, Jennifer Tong, on this week’s episode of The Pilot Podcast!
Tune in to learn more about Jen’s experience on Fakes, how she approaches different genres of television, and her Vancouver restaurant recommendations. Tune in!
Jen’s Instagram:
Transcript available on our website
BJ (00:09):
Welcome to The Pilot Podcast. This week we have a special episode with the wonderful actress Jennifer Tong.
Mitu (00:16):
Welcome, Jennifer. We're so excited to chat with you today. Would you like to introduce yourself to our listeners?
Jen Tong (00:21):
Yay. Hello, listeners of Pilot Pod. Yeah, my name is Jen and I play Rebecca Li on Fakes, a new CBC Gem and Netflix show set in Vancouver, BC where I am currently living and where I was born and raised.
BJ (00:44):
Oh cool. So as you said, you were on Fakes, which is how we learned about your career and has become a recent favorite show of mine. Can you tell us how you got involved with that project?
Jen Tong (00:56):
Yeah, for sure. I'm so glad that it's become one of your fave shows. It's one of my favorite shows, so... Basically it came in as a self tape request like any other kind of project, audition. But definitely it stood out to me and my agent, because we both read the script and they sent us the first two episode scripts and also the sides, and we were just blown away by how good the writing was and also the fact that it was set in Vancouver and also a comedy. Which, I mean, Vancouver actors can attest to this, that we don't get to audition for a lot of comedy.
(01:42):
So it really stood out and I was hooked instantly because of what the project was and it was just so refreshing and cool. And we sent in a tape and then we did a Zoom callback situation. It was my very first Zoom callback. And then we did some Zoom chemistry reads, which was also that was the first time for me as well. Also you're like, "Chemistry? Through Zoom? I don't get it." But that's where I first chatted with Emilija, who plays Zoe. And yeah, it went really well, I guess.
BJ (02:20):
Wow, that's so cool to hear how the industry adapted to the times and Zoom chemistry reads.
Jen Tong (02:27):
I know. And at that time I really felt like we had gone over the huge wave of Covid and I felt like we could have met in person, but I guess it makes things easier for casting and producers and whatnot who are maybe from LA or shooting other projects all around the world.
BJ (02:49):
So one of the things you mentioned that stood out is that you got the first two episodes, the scripts for those. What was it like filming this show where you're doing the same story but different perspectives?
Jen Tong (03:02):
So unlike anything else I've ever done and I think the rest of the cast and crew can also say the same. It's a really unique way of storytelling and I think it just captivates the viewer because you're just like, "What is going on and what is the truth?" And shooting it was, me and Emilija, we both were like, "Wait, who is telling the truth?" And because we can see the mistakes that each character makes, but also then we see why they do that through the perspective switches.
(03:44):
And it was really fun for all of us. Me, Emilija and Richard who plays Tryst, we all chatted about how fun it was to be able to play the same character, but it's slightly different through each character's lenses as well. So it was like an acting exercise in a way. And it got confusing sometimes on set just because we're like, "Wait, whose perspective are we in?" Because some of the scenes are, especially in the earlier episodes, quite similar, just slightly skewed from each other. And so we were super lucky and I'm so grateful that David, the creator and showrunner of the show and Tabia, one of the writers, they were pretty much always on set so they could keep us on track about what exactly was going on.
BJ (04:36):
Oh, nice. And that does sound fun, just like your character Rebecca Li. So can you tell us what you like about your character? And, let's be honest, she's a little messy at time. Was it fun to play that type of character?
Jen Tong (04:49):
Oh my god. Upon initial read I just fell in love, because I felt like here's such a fully fleshed out character with unbelievable charm and also some really not so great attributes as well. And it was refreshing to see an Asian, female Asian character, be the lead of a story that wasn't involving kung fu or Chinese food or anything like that. She's just another regular girl trying to navigate coming of age, and friendships, and relationships and selling fake IDs. Just regular stuff.
(05:38):
And it was so fun getting to explore a side of myself that was maybe more ruthless, I guess, because she takes no prisoners and that's not something that I would say I necessarily do in my real life. But I think throughout the season it was also really important for me to be able to tell the truth of Rebecca's story in her more vulnerable moments as well. And it's just a testament to the writing about just how well rounded each character is and there's always a motivation behind everything that each character does.
BJ (06:22):
And that really came across. Rebecca and Zoe, and the whole cast, they felt like real people that you could meet at school. And diving into the writing, and just light spoilers, I want our listeners to actually watch the show so we won't tell them everything, but there's a moment when we discover why Rebecca never includes her boyfriend Clem in her side of the story. And that reveal blew my mind.
Jen Tong (06:47):
Oh my god, me too. Seriously. Okay, so that moment in the script is a little different than the final cut. So when I watched the final cut, my mind was equally as blown as yours. I was like, "Oh my god," it's so cool and it makes a lot of sense.
BJ (07:12):
Exactly. That was my reaction. I get it now this... I would do the same thing.
Jen Tong (07:18):
And honestly, audiences, I find, are catching the fact that Rebecca doesn't involve him in any of her episodes way quicker than I did, or I expected people to.
Mitu (07:33):
That's so funny that you say that, because BJ is always watching something and finding the clues and he's like, "No, no. In episode three, a coffee cup was on the right side of the table. Episode four is on the left side and that is actually signifying the regression of man." And instead I get to the end of Fakes, which was a great reveal but also like a Hallmark movie, anything, and I'm like, "I never saw this coming."
Jen Tong (08:06):
You are the ideal audience.
Mitu (08:06):
Yes, as you spoon feed it to me, that is exactly how I will process it.
Jen Tong (08:09):
Oh, that's fantastic. I think I'm probably somewhere in the middle. I think upon first watch I am kind of more like you where I'm just like, "I don't know what is going on. I'm just here for the ride and to be entertained," and I do get the big shock reveal. But if I go back then that's when I'm like BJ. I'm trying to like, "Wait a second. That coffee cup does signify the regression of man."
BJ (08:38):
Yeah, I was studying the show every episode. I was like, "Hmm, the last time these two talked, it was a very different conversation."
Jen Tong (08:49):
Yes, that's good. Pay attention.
BJ (08:52):
So speaking of that, can you tell us about any other differences between Rebecca and Zoe's stories that viewers should maybe pay a little more attention to?
Jen Tong (09:03):
That's such a good question. I think pay attention to what Zoe decides to include and not include, and all same with Rebecca, which parts they brush over and speed through. Because, as much as what they do show signifies a lot, what they don't show also has a lot to say, I think.
BJ (09:33):
Ooh, okay.
Jen Tong (09:36):
You're about to go back and rewatch.
BJ (09:37):
Like, "Okay, okay, I'll rewatch this. I got it now."
Mitu (09:44):
That is a very juicy clue for a very juicy show. I like it.
Jen Tong (09:48):
Yay. Oh my gosh. Juicy. That's such a good description or descriptor word for a show and yeah, that's awesome.
BJ (09:55):
So can you give us any hints if there'll be a season two? There's so much more that can be done with this story.
Jen Tong (10:02):
Yeah, I mean, David always intended it to be a multiple season thing. Especially, I mean, with the way that this first season ends. As for right now, I'm being completely transparent, we don't know. We are waiting for Netflix to decide, I think. There has been some good signs, but I also know that Netflix has a reputation of doing one season and killing off a show that audiences love.
(10:40):
I mean, obviously the whole cast and crew, we had just the best time making it. We would love to do it all over again. There is, like you said, so much more to explore, so much more to delve into and find the answers to. And even with myself removed, I just love the show so much and think it's got so much potential and just greatness that I just think if there wasn't a season too, it would be such a shame for everyone involved. But we leave it up to the Netflix Gods per usual and see what happens.
Mitu (11:17):
Well if it's at all helpful for any Netflix algorithm deities listening in, the show went triple platinum in my house. It went triple platinum in BJ's house. So hopefully we'll be able to... And I saw it in whatever the ranking is... Oh, it was in the top 10 for so long. So hopefully we're able to get a season two because we want more story. And this is our last fangirl over Fakes and then we promise to stop bothering you about this show.
(11:46):
One thing that has stuck out to me so much was that the writing is so good, as you said, and also just feel so authentic. When BJ and I reviewed the show, we were reflecting on the fact that there are so many shows set in schools where they're essentially a sentient Steve Buscemi, "How are you doing, youths?" GIF, where it's like, "Hey, that is so yassified," or whatever. Something that two teenagers would never say to each other.
(12:18):
And what felt so good about this show is that it didn't feel like it was trying to go for the most trendy language or we will prove that we know how a 17 year old would speak in this situation.
Jen Tong (12:35):
"We are Gen Z."
Mitu (12:35):
Yes, exactly. And there's just something so natural about that dialogue. So I'm curious about how it felt to receive that script within that frame. And also if any of the actors were able to weigh in on like, "This is how I would frame this." I know that on Grown-ish, for example, the writers said that they leaned sometimes on the actors and how they would speak to their peers versus how the writers may have originally written it.
Jen Tong (13:04):
Yeah, me and Emilija, obviously neither of us are in high school and we are both in our mid to late twenties. I don't even have TikTok, I just outed myself. I don't. So we weren't exactly experts in that sort of lingo anyways, but it was such a collaborative experience when it came to the dialogue I found, because as much as it's so well written, so that makes the script so much easier to memorize and put in our bodies, there would be moments where we go off script and add little things that we feel like our characters would do or say. Or before the scene starts or after the scene ends we would add some stuff and it was always so welcome.
(14:00):
Which is amazing because to be so comfortable on a set means it's a really great place to breed creativity and it's incredibly inspiring watching everyone else work in that way. And as we started to shoot the later episodes of this season, Tabia and David, they got to know us as actors as well and they started making revisions that would feel more natural coming out of our mouths now that they know who we are, the cadence of our speech and how we've molded Rebecca and Zoe. So it was also collaborative, just so awesome. And I always felt like I could bring forth any sort of idea and they'd always want to give it a shot or anything like that.
Mitu (14:52):
That is so cool. And the chemistry was just palpable. And so that's wonderful that it was such a collaborative atmosphere because it clearly spread such a great rapport between you two. I just couldn't take my eyes off the show. And we know that you've been in several other shows that we've reviewed on The Pilot Podcast and that also have very dedicated fan bases, like The Good Doctor, Motherland: Fort Salem, Grand Army, Legends of Tomorrow, Charmed. What is it like working across so many genres? How is it to adjust across these different storylines and even just entirely different types of stories?
Jen Tong (15:34):
I think with certain projects that you are coming into as the day player or a guest star, so much has already been established in terms of tone and even the way that set works, that you are just trying your best to do your best job, but fitting into what's already been created. I just did a quick scene in The Good Doctor and it was a very different environment than Fakes, but you have to adapt to what they want. For The Good Doctor they were very strict about saying exactly what was written. And coming straight off Fakes I was like, "Ooh, my brain." But you got to try your best.
(16:22):
For me, it all comes from the same place as an actor. You just got to do the work and come from a place of truth. And from that place, if you do the work and you know exactly the context and circumstances of what's going on in the story, then you can add tone and style. And, like I said before, sci-fi and YA, and I've done some Hallmark stuff, all of that has such strong tone and style and a lot of it is added through the writing, and the editing, and lighting and stuff like that. So for me, I just try and go in and do the best that I can do and adapt to whatever set I'm working on and hopefully everything comes out the way it's supposed to. Sorry, that was such a long winded answer, but yeah, I stand by it.
Mitu (17:27):
I hope you do. That makes so much sense that you're tapping into the core of the talent and work that you do in order to play these different characters. And that clearly translates in your performances across these different genres, versus being the sci-fi version of Jen today and the Hallmark version of Jen today. So that sounds like a really great way to tap into your craft. And we saw in researching about you that your background is in musical theater and that you're trained in that. And so I'm curious about the transition from the theater stage to a TV set.
Jen Tong (18:08):
So I will say that more theater and not musical theater. I can carry a tune, I guess, but as my boyfriend likes to tell me, I'm often off pitch. But yeah, I did theater growing up and I went to the Acting for Stage and Screen program at Capilano University where we focused a lot on theater. And the transition from theater and film, I think that from theater to film is a lot easier than from film to theater. Because you're living with a character for so long and a story for so long, it really teaches you how to live in that character for a long period of time. And also it teaches you how to memorize a lot of dialogue and sometimes with not a lot of rehearsal time.
(19:06):
And so for film that was really helpful for me because, if there were revisions or we're shooting at such a fast pace, I was able to just click into that character, live in her, and digest that dialogue really quickly. And, like I said before with genre, I find that a lot of people might say that styles of acting in terms of film and theater are quite different. But I think it just still comes from truth and authenticity. And it's just the technical stuff that changes in terms of trying to project loud enough to reach the back of the theater or making sure you hit your mark. These are all the technicalities that I think you can only hone with practice, but the core of it is still the same.
Mitu (19:57):
That's really cool. And how do you spend your time outside of acting? What are things that you like to do?
Jen Tong (20:05):
Well, currently I'm spending a lot of time reading up on my local election that's happening October 15th, which is tomorrow. And I'm just kind of digest information. But I love to dance, so do drop-in classes around the city. And I live really close to the beach here in Vancouver. And so I love spending time along the sea wall. It's just super restorative for me to be by the ocean. And I have a garden. I love to garden. And I just love eating out. I am a sucker for... Oh god, I spend so much money trying new restaurants and cafes around the city. I just am addicted but support local and I just love food. So that's the thing.
Mitu (21:02):
You're in the right place. We're a very food forward podcast. BJ and I love food.
Jen Tong (21:06):
Yes. Oh my god.
BJ (21:08):
We'll need some restaurant recommendations from you.
Jen Tong (21:12):
Restaurant recommendations for Vancouver?
BJ (21:14):
Yeah.
Jen Tong (21:14):
Hell yeah. Actually, last time, I went to Kissa Tanto with Richard and David and it was amazing. It's in Vancouver, Chinatown. It's like a Japanese-Italian fusion. So, I mean, interesting and it fuses really well. And then there's hole in the wall places like Hawkers Delight and Phnom Penh. I love Asian food and Meet Oyster in Richmond. Richmond is a suburb of Greater Vancouver and has the best Asian food. Every shop along the street you're going to love. And Ask for Luigi. Just so many good places. And I feel like we have a great diverse plethora of restaurants and cuisines.
Mitu (22:04):
The last time I visited Canada, I went to Toronto and I thought I would take in a bunch of museums and do so many educational things with my friends and instead we ate almost an alarming amount of food because...
Jen Tong (22:20):
Oh, hell yeah.
Mitu (22:21):
... As you said, in Toronto there are so many different cultures. So I had some of the best Thai food I'd ever had. Jamaican food, Afghani food. We just ate and ate and ate. And then there was an ice cream shop called Nani's or something like that, that had this cardamom ice cream. And I typically don't go for savory ice cream, but it was unbelievably good. It was around the corner from our hotel, so no matter how much we ate that day, we would walk back to the hotel and be like, "Are we going to go?" Like, "Yes, we are."
Jen Tong (22:58):
Stuffed to the brim but you're like, "But ice cream. Well, we just got to do it."
Mitu (23:02):
We have to find it. And so truly you're speaking to the right people, because BJ and I love going to a new restaurant, getting different dishes, eat off each other's plates. It's a joy.
Jen Tong (23:15):
The way to go is for everyone to order something and everyone share, family style. So you can have as much food as you can and try as much variety as you can. When I go out to restaurants with people and they're like, "I think I'm just going to do my own thing." I'm like, [sighs].
BJ (23:34):
You're limiting me. This is awful.
Jen Tong (23:39):
"You don't get it." Do you have any food recommendations from where y'all are from?
BJ (23:44):
So we are in the DC area. I'm outside of DC, Mitu's in the city. I would say we also have a lot of good Asian food, a lot of good Korean food. You like Korean barbecue, Iron Age and also Honey Pig are some good spots.
Mitu (24:00):
And then Beau Thai, your friend's restaurant. Is that your friend?
BJ (24:04):
Oh, Beau Thai, yeah. A high school alumni owns a restaurant chain. I think there's multiple.
Mitu (24:10):
There's multiple in the area, but they're so good. And the one closest to me is the best one.
Jen Tong (24:16):
What kind of food is that?
Mitu (24:18):
Thai food.
Jen Tong (24:19):
Oh, Thai food. Okay. Oh gosh.
BJ (24:23):
And there's a new trend, at least in my area, of these Asian food courts where it's the size of a normal restaurant, but there's maybe four or five different booths so you can try different cuisines. So there's one called The Spot that has really good pulled noodles and they also have bubble tea and they have a bar, so you can just get everything you need.
Jen Tong (24:43):
Oh my god, that sounds like the spot to go.
BJ (24:46):
Yeah.
Jen Tong (24:48):
During the summer months we have a night market. And that reminds me of the night market because it's outdoor, but it's all these stalls with a bunch of different food. Some of it is super overpriced and inventive. I had a... We shouldn't have gotten it. We had this taco, but the taco shell was made out of fried chicken and it was crazy, and it was $20 for this small little taco. But we were like, "Well, we have to try it. It's so weird." So we tried it and it was not worth it. It just tasted like fried chicken. The fried chicken was too overpowering.
BJ (25:30):
They need to work on that.
Jen Tong (25:35):
Go for the OG options is my recommendation.
BJ (25:37):
Also, as a house plant aficionada, I can't help but notice your pothos behind you. Love a good pothos plant. Oh, you got it on both sides.
Jen Tong (25:47):
It's one plant actually. But yeah, I have a lot of plants. You can see some of them throughout the apartment.
BJ (25:55):
Awesome, awesome.
Jen Tong (25:56):
But yeah, my place is good because it gets lots of sunlight. But yeah, I will say that my partner is like, "We got to give some of these away." They keep growing babies and I'm like, "I can't control what they do. It's out of my hands. I'm sorry."
BJ (26:14):
They're good. They're cleaning the air, they're helping you guys. It's good to have them.
Jen Tong (26:19):
Thank you. Thank you.
BJ (26:21):
So before we wrap up, one thing we always like to ask our guests is advice they have on entering the creative industry. So if one of our listeners wants to get into acting. What would be your advice for how to get started?
Jen Tong (26:36):
First, ask yourself if you actually really want to do it, because it is cutthroat out here. I'm going to say that now. You have to really want to do it and want to do it for the right reasons, not for money or fame, because that's probably not going to happen. But more if you actually enjoy the craft, I would say start with really perfecting your skill by taking classes. And in terms of classes, try and learn from as many different styles as you can, as many different instructors and find what works for you. Don't let any coach or an instructor tell you that their way is the highway and that if you quit their class you're never going to become successful, because there's so many different methods and styles out there. And every actor is so different in terms of their process and what works for them. So yeah, just find what that is for you.
(27:42):
Make sure that you have an agent that you're on the same page with that believes in you. I'm super lucky to have signed with someone right off the bat that I've been working with for years now. And we just see eye to eye and you want good people around you that support you and believe in the talent that you have, so they will be able to push for you and support you in the way that you need. And surround yourself with a good community of other actors, writers, other collaborators and creatives.
(28:14):
Make stuff on your own. Make shorts and stuff on your own as practice or as passion projects, whatever. I really believe that practice makes progress. I've never learned as much as I have anywhere at any studio or with any coach or instructor than just doing it and being on set. Whether that be a student film or a professional big scale production. And try your best to have fun. Remember, it's supposed to be fun. Sometimes when you're on the 17th take of a self tape, you're like, "I want to kill myself." It's supposed to be fun. So yeah, have fun.
BJ (28:56):
I think that's great advice. Be passionate, build a support network, practice, but also have fun.
Jen Tong (29:02):
Yes, it's-
Mitu (29:04):
Practice makes progress feels like a good life mantra.
Jen Tong (29:08):
Yes. I learned it from a dance teacher one time, because perfect often doesn't exist. And all we can strive for is to just keep getting better.
Mitu (29:21):
Ugh, so true. Such wisdom in dance classes. And I say that seriously. I love dance class.
Jen Tong (29:29):
[inaudible 00:29:29]. You leave a dance class and you're crying and you're like, "What just happened in there?"
Mitu (29:35):
Because they get you when you're tired and they say such motivational things and you're so proud of yourself.
Jen Tong (29:42):
Yes. It's such a great freeing space in a dance class.
Mitu (29:47):
A hundred percent agree. And do you have any upcoming projects that you'd like to share about with our listeners?
Jen Tong (29:55):
Yeah, I mean, I just did a guest star on Fire Country. It's a new CBS show. I think it has already premiered, but I'm in episode six. I fall off a cliff. Very exciting. I'll just tease. I'll leave that there. But yeah, that was a really fun experience and unlike anything I've ever done either. So check it out.
Mitu (30:21):
That is so cool. And where can we find and support you in your work?
Jen Tong (30:26):
Well, I usually try to keep pretty updated on Instagram, so that's @_JenTong,
BJ (30:38):
Awesome. So thank you so much again for joining us today, Jen. We will have all of your information in our show notes so people can follow you on Instagram. We definitely think our listeners need to watch Fakes. We've already reviewed it and recommended it.
Jen Tong (30:51):
Yay.
BJ (30:51):
Here's a second recommendation.
Jen Tong (30:53):
Exactly.
BJ (30:53):
Watch Fakes.
Jen Tong (30:54):
Watch Fakes! #watchfakes
BJ (30:59):
And you can find more episodes of The Pilot Podcast on thepilotpodcast.com and all of your favorite podcast platforms. And you can follow us on TikTok, Instagram and Twitter @thepilotpod. Thanks again for joining us.
Mitu (31:12):
Thank you.
Jen Tong (31:13):
Thank you so much for having me. This was a blast.