Actress and singer Josie Ho chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about starring in “The Mage” and “Dream House” horror film.
How did it feel to be a part of “The Mage”?
I feel entirely lucky to have been chosen to portray the character of ‘The Mage’ (LAAM) the Taoist priestess in the film. I was very stoked that I’ve been recognized by the Horror Masters, The Pang Brothers, to play this role in which I needed to have the imagination to pull things out of thin air. For example, I had to speak to objects and there were lines written in for the objects to speak back to me.
I really thank the directors for trusting my work, it’s not an easy role to do, LAAM is a very eccentric and radical role, yet she has a very cute persona.
Also, it was the first time for me to play with comedy in horror films. I had so much fun with our actors on set like Wong Ming who plays a detective and Iman plays the Chief of Police. I always cracked them up making them break into laughter. Overall, it was as blast to film.
What did you like most about your character?
I guess the most I adore about this character LAAM was that I literally get to talk to myself a lot in the film. I get to do a ton of speaking to objects which were mostly garbage from the crew, I really wish it had been cleaned though, hahahaha…
It reminded me of Tony Leung in Wong Kar Wai’s film “Chung King Express.” It’s a very challenging role, but as I mention it kept me and the crew laughing because of the sheer ridiculousness. LAAM, The Mage, the Taoist Priestess is buddies with her garbage that contain lost souls in them.
LAAM’s job is to speak to them and help them reincarnate, in which some souls have more character development than others. I had to make up why I feel so much for them. I almost thought I had expressed lots of my private self in this film.
What did that screenplay teach you about yourself?
“The Mage’s” screenplay revisited my childhood imaginary friends again. This time, I get to go into a deep dive with some of my imaginations. It taught me that I can act with myself too…
How was your experience in the horror movie “Dream Home”?
My experience in the horror/slasher film “Dream Home” is that it was entirely up my alley. I was really honored to play the underdog, representing lots of local Hong Kong peoples’ thoughts in their mind about our HK impossible property prices. It was a real fantastic experience to play a woman who is in irreversible troubles, the script was a fantastic reflection of humanity, it challenges moral values.
I even got to vote for how to attack our victims in the film and I wished to have the same creative process in the future. I was very much into everything on the set. I love working like this. And I am so grateful to Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival to give me the Best Actress Award for the performance.
How does it feel to be an entertainer in the digital age?
Oh…I do imagine the digital age in entertainment will be informatively useful. But I’m very sure that AI cannot understand complex humanity or our voices. But in a way, that it’ll make our locations in films cheaper, as an actor, I’m thankful. I guess that’s all I feel for now.
What do your plans for the future include?
I plan to record more of my songs; I’m still trying to have my own concert next year. We shot another film last year through my wedding anniversary, my hubby’s birthday, my birthday, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year. And I hate that! It was a bit tough for me to work through the winter… I need to slow down!
What is your advice for young and emerging actors and singers?
My advice to young and emerging actors/singers is learn to like your own song, your role, etc. and enjoy!
What does the word success mean to you?
The word success means work harder and make miracles to me.
To learn more about actress and singer Josie Ho, follow her on Instagram.
