Parent Project: Episode 13 starring Supang Hill
This video is very special to me. I ran into Brett at Sam’s housewarming party. He had mentioned that he was looking for someone to do the next episode of Parent Project and he just didn’t want another white guy calling his parents. I felt weird doing it but I mentioned that I myself wasn’t completely white, and that my mother was one of the funniest people I know and also happens to live in Thailand. Luckily for me he gave us the opportunity be in his show.
Before shooting, the only thing I asked of Brett was that he kept the show as real as possible. I know my mom is super silly and that she makes no sense half the time. And with her occasional broken English, making this show could seem like we’re making fun of her. But I knew that it wouldn’t and that’s just who she is. And every since my mom half way across the earth, I knew that I get emotional every time I hang up the phone with her. But I wanted to make sure our relationship, as weird and unusual as it is, came across accurately.
I also had to keep the show a secret for a month. It was really tough because I wanted everyone to know but Brett had asked me to keep it a secret, and rightfully so. My mom even called me at the dinner before Channel 101 and I had to hide that we were about to see the video from my roommates. But I think the surprise paid off.
I went into the theater very nervous. I knew some of the parts that were in it but not all of it. I trusted Brett’s instincts and knew he always does a great job editing his show. But I was still uncertain with how it would turn out. Would people understand my mom?
Well, Brett nailed it. He took an hour long conversation and made an amazing five minute video. He also kept the integrity of the conversation. The parts where my mom keeps coming back to having 300 people in her village? That’s not chopped up to be funny. That’s how the conversation actually went. Like I said, she makes no sense half the time. That’s why I love her.
And yes, that was an actual story my mom would tell me growing up, as well as other crazy Thai stories where kids didn’t listen to their moms and eventually ended up dead or in jail. Finding out that it was real? Amazing. To learn that basically your mom was telling you the Thai Jeffery Dahmer story your whole life was a pleasant surprise. She even offered to take me to the place where the women died next time I came to Thailand. I declined and asked if we could just go to the beach instead.
The reaction we got from the crowd on Saturday night was overwhelming. From Mike Stebbins saying, “You were beautiful tonight,” to someone telling me they’ve, “never voted for this show before tonight,” and to one of my favorite actors telling me he cried during the second screening, it was an amazing night. So many people were very complimentary of me, but I had to keep reminding them that it wasn’t me, it was all Supang. Nathan Smith, who in my eyes is clearly the best actor of the year so far for Coach, told me my mom stole the show for him. Coming from him, that was a great compliment.
Once again I’d like to thank everyone for all the kind words that they shared with me that night. It really meant the world to me. Also another thanks to Brett for creating a wonderful show that also had two of my favorite actors ever, Willy and Randall Park (when I found out Randall was in it, I almost lost my mind. I think I texted Seger that dreams come true).
And my favorite part that got cut out? Here it is:
Me: No mom, we’re taping this now.
Mom: You can see me? You’re taping me?
Me: No, how would we be taping you in Thailand?
Mom: I don’t know… Technology?
Ladies and Gentlemen, Mrs. Supang Hill…
