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On Friday, August 22, 2008 at 3pm, into our studios stepped Phillip Rhee, best known for his acting role "Tommy Lee" in the 1989 hit film, "Best of the Best" which he also wrote and produced. While Sony Films produced the first "Best of the Best", other production companies like Miramax went on to produce three additional films to add to the series. It was such an honor and privilege to meet Phillip that day. He was a huge inspiration and hero to us and at the same time, everybody including the guys and the girls looked up to him like a big brother. 
While Phillip sat before us on an old wooden stool in the studio, the rest of us sat in our white plastic picnic chairs and listened to Phillip eagerly as he shared his story with us. Themes of immigration, adapting into the American culture, the rebel years, and martial arts engaged us. His real life story as a kid, a teenager, a martial artist and breaking into Hollywood moved and inspired us to tears, at least the girls! I'm sure you guys teared up a little, too.
Phillip's production stories of what he and his buddies would do to "get the shot" were hilarious! Us at KAC Media easily and readily nod our heads to the reality of "low budget" and "no budget" productions. And yet, Phillip deeply encouraged us to remember that these were the times we would be learning the most - how to be resourceful, how to bring things together with what you have.
Phillip also shared with us his story in regards to faith. I'm sure each of us listening could relate to different parts of his journey. I know that I did and appreciated Phillip's candidness, remarkably down-to-earth nature, and amazing abilities to tell a story. Journeys of faith are so unique and written as you go... Thank you, Phillip for sharing yours with us. 
We at KAC Media were so grateful to meet such an icon in history, and as our volunteers brought their copies of "Best of the Best" to be signed or asked for Phillip's name card because they were overwhelmed with inspiration, we finally took group pictures with Phillip, had him sign our guest board, and said our "See ya later"s! (Guys, maybe he'll let you spar with him next time! haha)
Thank you, Phillip for believing in the KAC Media movement and in us. Your presence and support mean the world to us!
From the bottom of our hearts,
KAC Media staff (sniff sniff)
*We'll be uploading Phillip's talk on our website soon!
**If you'd like to hear and see Phillip speak live, we'd like to invite you to attend our KAC Media Banquet Fundraiser/Launch on Saturday, November 8, 2008. See the "Events" page for more details.
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