Tuesday, April 3

We had to go back to the Santa Monica Airport to reshoot one line of dialogue. Once again, Brett and all the producers really care about the quality of this film and making sure that everything is right. We were here for almost half a day. There seemed to be fewer helicopters and jets flying in this time, but they still made a lot of noise when they descended and ascended. Finally, we got the shot we needed and we rushed back to Culver Studio to finish another scene.

We are running out of time so every day we are trying to finish every scene we are meant to film. Back on stage, Chris and I had to film a few bits and pieces. Ivan left yesterday, so we just filmed our close-ups. When we were finished with that piece, we moved to another spot on stage and did some more wire work. Simon Rhee, a stuntman who worked on the massage parlor scene from Rush Hour 2, came to work with us today. That scene, won a Taurus award for all the stuntman involved. I am always proud whenever my stunt team receives awards for fight scenes that I’ve helped choreographed.

When we wrapped, everybody was really sad and happy. Today is the end of filming for the Main Unit. Second Unit will begin in ten days, but with a much smaller crew. All the entire crew gathered around to hear Chris, Brett, Jamie and I make some speeches. During this time, Glen Wilson (also known as G-Dub), our Stills Photographer, ran up to the ceiling level and took a group picture. It’s always nice to have a group picture so that everybody can remember each other in the future.

For the first time since filming, Chris participated in Five-Dollar Day. He put in five hundred dollars, Brett put in nine hundred, and as usual I put in money and gifts. I gave away my George Foremen/Jackie Chan grills, coffee and other presents, all with a hundred dollar bills added to each gift. Everybody was in a good mood because I think we’ve all had a good time working on this film. Having spent seven months together and working in two different countries, the Cast and Crew really got to know each other and bonded on many levels. I am glad I will still see many of them on Second Unit.

Diana has been interviewing a lot of the crew in our film. I was really happy to hear that I have influenced other people in a positive way.  She told me that Cederic Von Sydow, our documentary filmmaker, has quit smoking because of me. Not only will be he healthy for it, but our community will also benefit too because there will be no secondhand smoke which is just as deadly to others nearby but there will also be not pollution. If I can influence one person in a positive manner in my lifetime, I will continue to do my best to work hard and be a good role model.

I’ve enjoyed working with Cedric Von Sydow on Rush Hour 3. I really enjoyed watching his short, Debric and Debroc and I can’t wait to watch the documentary he’s making for our film’s DVD. I know he’s also going to make a parody of Rush Hour 3. I haven’t seen it yet, but I know it will be great! I hope you fans will enjoy it too when you buy the DVD of our film because that is the only place you can see it.

It’s also been an honor to work with his father, Max Von Sydow in our film. I felt bad when I heard that he was hurt by an irate driver. I hope he heals fast and in the future can avoid such thugs on the streets of Paris. There are always so many terrible people all around us and it’s best to try and avoid all confrontations if you can help it.

I have to leave in two days to go to Hong Kong, but I will fly out immediately to Beijing to take care of some business. Ten finalists have been chosen from the televised contest to find “The Next Jackie Chan.” I’m excited to see who these people are. I am sure they are all talented and will all be used at some point in one of my many movies.

I have so many things to do when I am back in Asia. I won’t have time to work on my diary for a while, but I will try and keep you posted on everything I did when I return to the United States!

For those who celebrate either of these holidays, Happy Good Friday and Happy Easter!

Text and photos ©2007 The JC Group. All Rights Reserved.

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