Today we’d like to introduce you to Dylan Thai.
Dylan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in Maryland and relocated to sunny California in January 2019 to pursue a career in the film and entertainment industry. Granted, I never imagined myself moving to Los Angeles or being a part of the industry. However, I do enjoy dancing, participating in musicals and plays, but I never saw myself doing it professionally. I graduated with a B.S. in Fashion Merchandising from Stevenson University in hopes of being a part of the fashion scene in New York. Needless to say, the outcome of that degree was, of course, major student debt and a job at Nordstrom where my creativity for fashion got condensed to folding garments and spacing hangers on fixtures.
My world changed course in 2017 when I got involved with an independent musical feature film directed, written, and produced by Mallorie Ortega – entitled The Girl Who Left Home as an Executive Producer and Costume Stylist. Participating in this production ignited my drive to push for more Asian representation, relatable stories, and good storytelling. Upon completing production, I became eager to learn more about the film industry; hence, I abruptly decided two weeks before Christmas to move to LA. Ironically, I became the boy who left home!
Within seven months of living in LA, I have encountered a lot of great experiences such as being a production design assistant for a USC student thesis film, assistant directed a Burmese short film, and PA for a couple of professional commercials. One of the most notable and unexpected experience is being featured in Netflix’s original series by Mindy Kaling called Never Have I Ever as Eddie Tan of the Hot Pocket. No pun intended, but never have I ever imagined myself to be on a Netflix show that became top 10 in many countries.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing in life is smooth; there are many obstacles and perseverance. To be honest, I almost threw in the towel to move back to Maryland and wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be working on the Universal Studios lot for Never Have I Ever.
Finding stability and a way to afford my life here in LA is a constant ongoing battle. Especially with this COVID-19 quarantine fiasco and being unemployed, it is not fun.
I have moved five times in my first year living in LA to make it work. Now, that I am somewhat settled, finding opportunities for positive representation or outlets to push for representation is the obstacle. We are going into the unknown due to COVID-19 and the film and entertainment industry won’t be the same. I am sure the opportunities for up and coming creatives would be even more difficult. Regardless, I’d continue to be creative and try create opportunities for myself.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am creative; therefore, I tackle on any projects that I can get a hold of and passionate about. Currently, I am a social media consultant for Rocco’s Rocc-ettes in West Hollywood, and for an adult shop in DC called Bite the Fruit. Other than that, I am freelancing in the film and entertainment industry, do fashion photography on the side, and create ASL video covers on popular mainstream songs. Also, every now and then I’d be a backup dancer for my Drag Queen friends in WeHo.
The Girl Who Left Home is a project that I am most proud of due to it being the stepping stone that led me to the film and entertainment industry.
I believe that my unique eye for details, thinking outside of the box, and eager to improvise sets me apart from others.
What were you like growing up?
The person I am now is completely different from the person you’d meet four years ago. I was very introverted, shy, and was hesitant on taking chances. I played it safe, and I was pretty much the “designated driver” amongst my friends when we went out. However, my interests in fashion and movies never changed. I just took the courage to not play into the Asian stereotypes, and followed my passion and dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: imdb.me/dylanthai
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylan.d.thai/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylan.d.thai/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Tngo4k3
- Other: https://www.girlwholeft.com/
Image Credit:
Headshot- Anthony Anastasi
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