Hi, I'm Anna! Actress, cat lady, time lord. AMA

Hi Anna, will you be interested in doing an AMA with /r/asianamerican sometime in the future?

absolutely

What was it like being in the movie Antman?

It was... weird. I was instructed to do my own hair and make up for the scene and sent to the bathroom 3 separate times to have my bra stuffed. Definitely felt weird about the whole experience, but had a good time regardless.

Hi, Anna! I've been watching you for years now and just wanted to say I am proud of you for all of the progress and hard work you have done. You have been very inspirational to me and always send out an empowering message for women.

I was wondering if you'd be able to answer how your sister's passing affected you and your life? If so, how were you able to move forward and push yourself to keep succeeding?

Kris dying is like the before and after moment of my life. It gave me an entirely new purpose. I was able to move forward because it forced me to confront my mortality at a young age.

Without getting too personal, what happened to you and Brad? He just seemed to disappear from your videos?

Big fan too :)

We broke up, but are still amicable

Hey Anna!

1.) I know you've teased the idea of playing Silk someday; if you could cast yourself in any comic project, what other heroes or villains would you love to play?

2.) Is there any chance we might see a full-length stand-up special from you soon?

1. I would absolutely love to continue to be in the MCU and play Silk. I'd also love to be Mulan.

2. I'm in no rush. Stand up is something I've always done as more of a therapeutic way for me to face my fears and feel alive. It's never been a calling in terms of my purpose. My relationship to the stage is more of a salvation if that makes sense.

Who is someone you would really like to work with in the future, either in film or YouTube or another project? Love all your work xx

I'd love to collaborate with Natalie Tran, Seth Rogen and Bo Burnham.

When did you get your first cat? Just want to add I've worked with you a handful of times and you are as nice and kind as you are talented. You are one of the people. Wish you nothing but continued success!

My first cat was Phoebe. I adopted her a few months after my sister's suicide because I knew my father wouldn't have the heart to make me return her.

Anna, throughout your 20s, what was the most challenging obstacle for you?

I'm still in my 20s, but I'd say balance. I spent a lot of my early twenties hustling and working hard and not really enjoying my life. I'd like to go into my 30s with more of a focus on balance.

what exactly do you love so much about cats?

I DON'T KNOW. I just look at them and my heart explodes.

Hi Anna! Gotta say I really love your videos! Also I made a reddit account just for you.

So, for my question. My boyfriend, with whom I live with, and I broke up yesterday and tonight is my first night alone. How do I get through it? I feel so alone and just wanna cry my eyes off and then call him and beg him to come back. How do you get through breakups?

Time time time time time. Lean on your friends. Cry as much as you need to. Be a good friend to yourself. Take care of yourself. Exercise. Get enough sleep. Pet some cats (or dogs). Take walks.

Being an AAPI actor, has anything surprised you about being in the entertainment industry?

I was surprised by the racism, believe it or not. I grew up all over the world and racism was something I'd never really encountered till I was 17 and living in California.

There's this weird double standard with Asian roles. They'll say you HAVE to be Chinese to play this role, or HAVE to be Korean to play that role. I never experienced that with Caucasian roles. No one was ever like "You MUST be Irish to play this character!" So that's been a continuous source of surprise and annoyance

Hi Anna! Love your videos! I never used to actually subscribe to channels on YouTube until I watched yours! I just wanted say thank you for being an awesome representative for young Asian Americans in film and media. You are a huge inspiration and I hope you realize how much you've done for our community already. On that note, my question is:

What advice do you have for asian american youth that want to break into the more creative industries, but don't really know where to start?

Depending on where you want to go, I'd say starting is simply the best place. Immerse yourself in whatever industry you're going after. Research the hell out of what you can. Read books. Dive in. The more you focus on action the better off you'll be.

anna, how long does it take you to create 1 youtube video? all the way from writing the script, to filming it, to editing, and finally posting. how many crew members are involved?

It varies. When I first started, it would take me 3-4 days to script, film, edit, etc.

Now that I have a crew, it takes me a day to script/film, and my editor 4-5 hours to edit, then my GFX lady 3 business days to add all the animated elements.

On an average day, I have: Cinematographer (also edits) Producer Grip Gaffer Sound GFX artist

Hi, Anna! First, I wanted to say that I wrote about you in one of my Stanford essays ("What matters to you and why?") and I want to thank you for everything (ps, I got in!).

I'm also curious -- what books were very transformative to you? What are things you would tell any incoming college freshman to do?

"Does The Center Hold?" is a philosophy book that shaped how I view the world when I was in a few semesters of community college. I fell in love with the various perspectives people had on life and what it meant to them.

How long did it take you to be able to be open about your sister's suicide? As someone who lost 12 year old child in my family to suicide, the first few years I didn't talk to anyone about it other than a therapist. I would love to know your journey to where you are now, writing a book for her.

Took me 7 years to be able to joke about it

It took me 7 years to even make a joke about it.

Hey Anna! I remember about a year or two ago you made a bunch of short films and uploaded them to your youtube channel as a sort of year-long project (if I'm correct) and I absolutely loved them! I was wondering which one of them was your favourite? I really liked Hallucination and Emergency Call. Thanks so much!

My favorite is by far PREGNAPOCALYPSE. That was such a fun one to film, and because I forgot my dress that day, we had to somehow make it work that my friend yanked off my pants to give birth to the baby alien.

hi anna! how were you able to get your role from Ant-Man?

I auditioned. The process entailed being able to lip sync with Michael Pena's monologue, and since that's an odd gift I have, I was able to follow along pretty easily.

hi anna! what is your favorite youtube collaboration that you've done thus far?

Loved working with Danielle Radcliffe. What a class act.

Hi Anna!

First of all girl you are so gorgeous, and I'm always impressed with your lean physique! My question is how do you stay motivated to keep fit?

Half of it is genetics. The other half is because I'm a vain actor who needs to stay in shape. Exercise also helps me with my depression.

What made you want to become an actress? Also, do you need a film scorer for any potential short films coming up? I make music!

I've wanted to act since I was 5. I was the little red hen for a school puppet play and was hooked ever since. The fact that that's puppetry and not acting never dawned on me.

how do you feel about the fact that Asian-Americans are so often the butt of the joke in American comedy? What advice to you have to aspiring Asian-American writers to combat these stereotypes?

I feel very disheartened by the fact that we're often perceived as harmless and therefore easy targets. That said, I know I could have it much worse, so I try to combat it in the ways that I can: by taking the power away from these jokes, by refusing to acknowledge them as true, by calling out racism when I see it, and by not being afraid to tell people when they're being dumbasses.

Hi, Anna! You have given me countless laughs, and I thank you for it. What is the best writing advice anyone has given you?

Write about what hurts - Hemingway

Hi Anna, thank you for your content. It's really inspiring to see how hard you work and how well thought out your work is. I was wondering if you had any more tips about dealing with depression and pacing yourself?

I think of depression like a roller coaster. Sometimes it's manageable, other times it completely takes you by surprise. The best you can do is try to manage it by taking care of yourself and staying as healthy as possible.

First off I would like to say i love you, your cats and how talented you are. How do you manage all your workload like producing shows like Miss 2059, YouTube, voice acting, etc.?

I'm naturally gifted at time management. I'm able to schedule myself down to fifteen minute intervals and get quite a bit done in a day.

Hey, Anna! What about Riley Rewind? Is there going to be anything new about any when soon?

Unfortunately I do not have the rights to Riley. I'd love to make a second season but it's out of my control.

hi anna!! do you remember all the short films you've created in 2014? they were awesome btw. do u plan on producing and releasing anymore short films in the future?

Though I'd love to do more short films, they are not financially viable from a business standpoint. I'd love to do a few more passion projects but right now I'm focusing on longer form!

First off, you gotta do the classic IAMA question: Would you rather fight 100 duck-sized horses and or 1 horse-sized duck?

Also, I really loved your video about sexual norms and trying to come up with a framework for being sex-positive. In line with that, my question would be: what do you think is the biggest issue holding us as a society back from becoming more open about sex and sexuality? Related: Do you ever think that elements within the feminist movement end up ironically acting to restrict sexuality?

I'd love to fight a horse-sized duck so I could potentially ride him like a griffin.

Sexuality is an odd thing in America. In trying to find financing for a short film dealing with explicitly sexual content, a ton of brands were off put by the idea. Yet on the opposite spectrum, I had NO problem finding funding for my short film Loose Ends, which deals with mental illness, violence, and (spoilers) murder. I find it odd that our country simultaneously exploits sex for capitalistic gains while shunning sexuality at the same time. I have no idea why this is or how to solve it.

what 5 things would u try to experience if u could be the opposite sex for a day?

Probably just masturbating? What's that like? Crazyyyyy

What would you say to someone struggling with the stress of school and final exams?

You're gonna be just fine

Would you rather never watch a movie again or never listen to music again? (Penguins are great!)

I'd say never listen to music again. I'm not as obsessed with music as most people are. Movies I couldn't live without.

What happened to your book club channel? It's been inactive for a while now.

Hahaha I stopped doing it because I am the worst at on-the-spot camera talking

What was the hardest thing for you to deal with this year and what is your advice for dealing with a similar issue?

The hardest thing this year was having a lot of my life fall apart. My relationship ended, a lot of my previous friendships ended, a few movies I was a part of fell apart and lost their funding. It felt like an entirely new chapter of my life was starting and I wasn't ready for it.

But I am used to change, and normally embrace it, so just sticking it out and knowing that things aren't permanent always helps me

Hey Anna! Huge fan of your videos. Is it easy coming up with various topics for these videos at all, or do you have to dig deep?

Hahaha every week I think I'm going to run out of new topics to talk about. I try to keep a meticulous journal so that on particularly dry days I can hunt down a topic or two that resonates with me.

But I think as long as I'm living with reckless abandon, I'll find SOMETHING to talk about

Hi Anna! What do you see yourself doing in the next 10 years?

Having a career that I'm proud of. Being married to a man I adore. Having a few kids.

Hey Anna, will there be international shipping for your book? Big fan here since 2012. Looking forward to it.

Yes! You can pre-order on Amazon and they ship err where

Anna, how often are you on Reddit and what are your favorite subreddits?

I'm on reddit every so often. Love looking at the dating subreddits hahaha

Are you going to be at New York Comic-Con this year? If so, would you be interested in being on the Super Asian America panel?

Unfortunately not!

[deleted]

Be prepared - so much of production is preparation and I'm constantly surprised by how little people prepare.

Don't be an asshole - treat everyone with respect, and respect their time.

will you be going on tour to do book signings and meetups when your book comes out?

I'm going to attempt to do a very small book tour. Unfortunately schedules aren't aligning right now. My book comes out right when I begin production on back to back projects so don't think I'll be able to do much touring! :(

Hey Anna, what advice would you give a vegan turned vegetarian (like myself) who is starting to think that for the sake of health reasons should probably eat some meat every now and then? You once said in a video that "the healthier you are the happier we can be be" ... but conflicting feelings such as as guilt and fear are just getting in the way

I was a vegan for 4 years. I am not a mostly-vegetarian who occasionally consumes meat. I think everyone has to find what works for them. I kept getting sick when I was vegan (due to the level of activity I was involved in) and decided that once in awhile I would have to make a compromise but do the best I can with the circumstances I was given.

Hey Anna! Discovered your channel recently and binge watched all your videos!

When you first started out (with NO career whatsoever), what resources (books?) did you refer to in order to know "what to do" for those very first steps that eventually got you to where you are today?

I don't recall specific books I read, but they were all various ones that I found at the library in regards to breaking into the industry, rules of the industry, etc. I'd say get your hands on whatever you can and consume as much material as possible.

How do you feel you have grown as a content creator? Have you ever re-watched some of your older content? Would you consider making a video of your own reactions to re-watching your older content, like a review/critique/react video?

God, I've grown so much. I saw some of my older content yesterday and screamed out loud. Never want to do a reaction video because I'll probably shrivel up and die.

What's the most challenging thing about being a content creator, that you never would have guessed before you started?

The frustrated feeling that you want to do bigger and better content, but that you're limited based on what you can accomplish within a week.

Youtube is an odd game, and on occasion I'm tempted to step away from my once-a-week self imposed deadline to tackle longer form narrative projects. But those aren't a sustainable business model, and ultimately I do this gig because it helps me continue to pursue my passions with more of a selective power stance.

Really enjoy your YouTube work suggesting quirks in our psycho-social system. Haven't seen any recent postings for your stand-up appearances - how is that going?

I'm taking a break from stand up to focus on other projects! I just wrote a book that comes out 6/13 so have been heavily focused on that.

Hi Anna! How should I convince my friends to watch You get me when it's out on Netflix? Will there be cats?

There's no cats unfortunately, but maybe tell them that it's a fun thriller!

hi anna! lately, who has been your inspiration?

Lately I've been very inspired by George Watsky. I've known of his work since 2014 but recently got reacquainted with it and was impressed with how far his art has come in terms of message, skill, etc. He's also got an admirable artistic integrity when it comes to how his art is received, which I find rare.

If you decided to have kids, what would you do if your kids didn't like your cats?

get rid of the kids

hi anna! how often do u travel for your own leisure purposes?

I try to visit a new country every year. I grew up in a military family so I'm used to moving every 2-3 years, and so I get the travel bug quite often.

Hi Anna! Long time fan! I was wondering if you could send me a link or whatever to one of your old runaway thoughts podcast. The reason being is this June I'm starting a podcast of similar style with some friends this June, and Im not entirely sure of the setup.I just remember watching what you did and I really enjoyed the format and generally everything about it. So pleeeeeeease could you send me some guidance? If not that's okay but that would really help me out! Thanks!

Unfortunately I do not have access to those!

What is the most important trait that you'd want your significant other to have?

Also, have you ever been a target of racism? If so, what happened and how did you react?

The most important trait for a significant other would be friendship. Once the honeymoon phase is over and we're old and too tired to have sex, we'd rely on being good friends to keep us going. So I'd want someone who can make me laugh, be a good companion, and be willing to stick shit out with me.

And yes, I've definitely been the target of racism. Normally I laugh it off because it's so ridiculous to me.

What are your plans for the future?

I'd love to write/direct a feature film, be a series regular on a show that I find amazing, get married to someone I absolutely adore, have kids.

Anna, do you play videogames? If so which ones and on a scale of 1 through 100, how good of a gamer are you?

I used to be addicted to video games so I try to avoid them. I currently have a vive but I restrict my VR usage because I'll get nothing done.

Anna, do you play any sports? If so which ones? Do you watch any sports? If so which ones and which teams do you support?

I do a lot of aerial arts - trapeze, silks, pole. I used to play soccer and dodgeball.

I don't really watch sports, though I have a feeling I'll be dragged to some baseball games soon.

Anna, what types of music do you listen to?

I love hip hop and pop

Hi Anna! Love your videos (especially the ones with your cats reviewing things!)

Two questions!

1) What are some dumb ways your cats have gotten themselves stuck/into trouble recently?

2) Is there a chance we'll be seeing any longer projects from you like Loose Ends?

1. Congress is just riddled with health problems. That poor dude.

2. I'd love to do more longer projects that I don't have to self-fund. I'm currently working on the second season of Miss 2059 (out on go90 when it comes out) and a YT Red series

Hi Anna!

When it comes to acting, what types of roles do you really -really- want to play? The serious badass character or the lovable goofball?

Thanks for the feedback and I'm a huge fan of the youtube vids!

I love the idea of being a comedic badass. Stunts are some of my favorite technical things to do on set, and I'd love to have fighting sequences combined with some hilarious unexpected twists. The perfect example is Ryan Gosling's character in Nice Guys - when he punches through the glass window and just bleeds all over the place

How many cats do you have?

I have 6 of my own, 6 that I'm fostering (a mom and her 5 kittens), and my roommate's cat. So we have 13 in my house haha

Do you have any idea what sort of feature you want to write (drama, comedy, etc.) or when?

I'd love to tackle a thriller/horror

What is your opinion on the case of Pluto ?

PLUTO IS A PLANET DAMMIT

Anna, I'm a 33 year old single dude from Georgia USA , I've never see "Stichers" or "Corporate", why should I watch these TV shows?

I think you'd really enjoy Corporate. It's written/created by two of my friends (Jake Weisman and Matt Ingebretson) who are BRILLIANT fucking comedians. It's a dark black comedy about the meaninglessness of life accentuated by the bland every day life of working in an office. Highly recommend.

Are you bisexual?

I don't think so. I find women attractive, but since I've never done anything beyond making out, I don't believe I have earned that title. Nor do I want to misrepresent anyone from that community.

Hi Anna, long time fan, what's would you say is the worst bit of advice that you've ever been given? Also what's your favourite ad you've done at the end of a video?

The worst advice I was ever given was to always say yes. There is way more power in saying no and being selective.

My favorite ad is the Squarespace one I did with Mike Diva, where I was a cat doing an EDM song

Hey, Anna! Have you had a moment or (like me) longish period in time where you felt stagnant, personally, professionally, or creatively? If so, how did you power through it? I'm currently trying to drag myself out of a long creative slump and could use some advice!

I feel stagnant all the time. What I try to do is watch inspiring art to help me get off my ass and make something amazing.

10 years from now, what do you plan on achieving? adopting 10 more cats?

10 years from now I hope to have more balance in my life. I'm very career focused, and I'd like to give myself 5 more years of selfish ambition and travel and adventure before getting married & having kids.

Hi Anna! How do you feel about being an Asian American actress? Do you have any particular feelings regarding feminism as an Asian American?

I love being an Asian American woman. So much of who I am derives from these labels. My work ethic, my perspective on life and family, etc. Though I am afraid it's going to limit the career I can have, it's something that I struggle with accepting.

Hi Anna, what projects are you currently working on? (that you can tell us about?)

I have quite a few coming out in June: You Get Me (Netflix movie), 3rd season of Stitchers on Freeform, and a recurring role in Comedy Central's Corporate.

I've also got the 2nd season of Miss 2059 that I'm working on (go90), and my own YT Red series.

Anna, cake or pie?

cake mothafuckaaaaaa

Hi Anna!

I first found your channel through your "How to put on your face" video, which caused me to do a complete 180 in my life and focus on self-care as well as bringing up other girls, rather than tearing them down. While I've seen countless videos of yours, that still really holds up as one of my favorites (along with the "My cats review stuff" series). What is your favorite video on your own channel and why, and also, what is your favorite video on another YouTube channel?

Thanks for doing this AMA (:

Aw thanks so much!

My favorite video is Loose Ends. I love directing, and I think that project holds a special place in my heart because we had an all female crew.

My favorite video on another Youtube channel is everything Natalie Tran makes

Anna, what is the best thing about cats?

dey cuddle

Hey Anna. What are your bigges turn ons/offs when dating a guy?

Turn ons - funny, talented, ambitious, kind Turn offs - materialistic, insecure, mean

Are you planning on continuing to increase your political activism (I personally wish you would)?

Absolutely. I am all about using my voice for causes I am passionate about.

Hello Anna! I have two questions:

What inspires you?

What are your top 3 books, movies and animes?

I'm constantly inspired by good art.

My favorite movies fluctuate but right now are are Kill Bill and Arrival.

Anime wise I love Attack on Titan and Death Note.

Books - Name of the Wind trilogy is killing me right now!

Anna, what is your favorite beer and mixed liquor drink?

I love IPA. In terms of a mixed drink, I go through phases. I used to love the Moscow Mule, then it was a Lemon Drop, and now I'm at Vodka/Cran/OJ

Hey Anna! I've been a huge fan of yours for a very long time now. I know you made a brief reappearance a while back, but what happened to Boner Book Club? I recall you saying something about you no longer having as much time to read as you did before, but I'm sad to see it go. That channel introduced me to a whole new set of books that genuinely inform my reading tastes today. Without Boner Book Club I never would have discovered some of my current favourites like Mysterious Skin or Mr. Nobody. (Side question: Have you read Fresh Off The Boat? Highly recommend.)

I still read, but not as much as I would love to! Boner Book Club got annoying to do because I would just hit record, talk about the book, and upload it. I'm not very eloquent off the top of my head (versus the polished version of myself you see in regular videos) and I cringed while watching it.

Do you have any fetishes?

I think I'm pretty normal. I like tall lanky dudes with beards? Guess that's my type?

How do you do your perfect cat eye? What liner or tips and tricks do you have? Thanks!

4 years of meticulous practice

What's something about you we don't know?

I'm horrible on the spot. I sound very eloquent and put together online but that's after drafts of what I'm going to say being polished and honed.