Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dylan Thai. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Dylan with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic was shaped and developed from numerous experiences, but most importantly from my high school drama mentors; Sherion and Shawn Cosby. “There are no small parts'” a saying I hold onto greatly as well as “Going full out and giving 110%”, which I apply to everything I do in life. Even though it is given in an entertainment environment, it can be easily applied to any work environment.
Regardless of how small the job/role may be, one must work and give their fullest potential to achieve success for a positive outcome. If not, the outcome will be mediocre…”small”
I’ve acquired work experiences in the food, retail, events, and entertainment industries; and I always view each job position positively and give my 110% regardless how easy or difficult it may be. The job exists, and someone has to do the job, and if it is you, do it right and well.
Even as an entrepreneur, whatever opportunity arises regardless of the budget, one must show the client as well as future clients what you can offer. Showing your work ethic is proving your worth to becoming an asset.
One’s work ethic goes a long way to become successful and to achieve greatness. My work ethic has surely given many opportunities and opened many doors.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Many peers and co-workers would say “What doesn’t he do!” or can’t pinpoint an exact job title for me due to offering a lot of my skills towards the job. A Creative is a fitting title for me because I am the “jack of all trades;” excelling in many artistic mediums and creative roles; photography, videography, directing, styling, content creating, and producing. To be honest, this is what I do every week for my employers. I enjoy utilizing my artistic skills and thinking outside of the box to create something unique and aesthetically appealing.
Born and raised in Maryland, I graduated with degrees in Fashion Merchandising and Information Systems but am venturing into the film industry to become a Producer.
Before venturing into a new career field, I had jobs as a Visual Stylist Merchandiser and an Event Designer which fulfilled my passion for creating aesthetically appealing environments as well as “staying” within my Fashion Merchandising degree and not letting my time and money go to waste.
In 2017, an opportunity to support my high school friend, Mallorie Ortega, to bring her independent musical feature film entitled, “The Girl Who Left Home” to life.
“A musical feature film about an Asian-American working-class family who must face the past— to face their futures. After her father’s sudden passing, Christine is faced with the complicated past she left behind. With familial obligation from her mourning mother, Christine must decide to either save the family restaurant or pursue her dreams.”
The struggle to please one’s family or pursue one’s passion is a relatable scenario that I related to as well as a majority of all artists and creatives, and such a scenario should be showcased on the screen to inspire others.
Not knowing anything about filmmaking and only having background acting experience, I hopped on board to help Mallorie achieve her dream. Fast forward to today, I am an Executive Producer and Costume Stylist for the film that is starring Haven Everly, Paolo Montalban, and Emy Coligado, which is streaming on Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, and VUDU.
After completing production in 2018, this project sparked interest in filmmaking, and the desire to continue to showcase and bring forth inspiring and relatable stories, strive for more representation on the screens, and be a part of storytelling.
This spark led me to become the boy who left home by moving to LA in 2019 to venture into the film industry.
With five years residing in LA, I’ve obtained Production Assistant and Assistant Director experiences in various student and independent film projects. I even had the great privilege to play Eddie Tan in Mindy Kaling’s Netflix hit series “Never Have I Ever” for all four seasons which got me my SAG-AFTRA card.
Along with building film experiences, I unexpectedly walked into the nightlife world and became known as the resident Stage Manager at Rocco’s WeHo and Heart WeHo located in the heart of West Hollywood, especially for the world-famous Rocco’s Rocc-ettes. You can find me holding a tip bucket in one hand, and a DJI gimbal and camera in the other hand capturing iconic moments of Drag Queens such as Sasha Colby, Salina EsTitties, Trixie Mattel, Symoné, and MORE!
Sharing the beauty that I see in any form of artistic medium is what I enjoy doing every week to showcase and let my creative juices flow as I walk the path in hopes of becoming a Producer. I strive to apply storytelling to all my artistic mediums.
Currently, I am in the works of writing my film script that inspired from my life that I believe can be relatable and inspiring for the LTGBQ+ community and Gay Asians.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I believe that my good work ethics, being consistent and persistent were/are the most impactful in my journey. I don’t think I would be where I am today if I didn’t apply 110% of who I am. Going and giving full out and showing employers that I am an asset got me where I am today. Showing what I could do and offer has given me the opportunites I’ve had.
An advice: Pursue the career path that will make YOU happy, be consistent and persistent in achieving your goals. Never second guess yourself when it comes to your happiness. The journey may be difficult at the moment, but you have to keep swimming, and never be hesitant to ask for assistance. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, you will be surprise what doors will open when you ask for assistance. Every mistake or failure is a learning experience, and don’t give up until every method possible is tested. – If an opportunity doesn’t exist, try creating or pitching an opportunity and see where it goes because If you don’t do it, who will open that door for you?
Remember: Always go full out and give 110%.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Collaborating with other creatives is ALWAYS needed to create something amazing!! Team work makes the dream work. As an independent and freelance creative, I am always open to meeting and collaborating with others: writers, producers, directors, and etc. I enjoy hearing other stories and journeys as well.
Story telling is not a one person job. Lets inspire one another as well as others together.
Contact Info:
- Website: imdb.me/dylanthai
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylan.d.thai
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylanthai/
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dylan.d.thai Photography Page: https://www.instagram.com/simplyyours.creativehr
Image Credits
Bohenne Arreaux – YUQ Studios Sthan Lee
