James Franklin Wong is an American actor, musician, and filmmaker. He maintains three YouTube channels "jimmy", "Jimmy2" and "Feast of Fiction". He is the younger brother of fellow YouTuber and filmmaker Freddie Wong.
• Matt Ross (Matthew Brandon "Matt" Ross is an American actor, director and screenwriter. He is best known for...)
• Brian Stepanek (Brian Patrick Stepanek is an American actor. He is best known for his role as Arwin Hawkhauser in...)
• Mark Duplass (Mark David Duplass is an American film director, film producer, actor, and screenwriter. He is th...)
» All Actor InterviewsHey everyone!
I'm Jimmy Wong, internet person, musician, actor and more. My brother is Freddie Wong (masta of the intanets) if you didn't know and here's some more info about me:
You may know me as Ted Wong from Video Game High School! The third season just released and the 4th episode out of 6 came out yesterday. Definitely an intense episode for everyone involved :)
You may know me from my cooking show Feast of Fiction! We make nerdy dishes and bake up fictional foods from your favorite videogames, books, movies and more.
You might also know me from my music channel youtube.com/Jimmy! I posted a somewhat famous viral video several years ago entitled "Ching Chong, It Means I Love You" which was a response to a racist/misguided UCLA sorority girl.
AND FINALLY.... You might also know me from...
THE PRICE IS RIGHT!
Yep. I think we effectively gamed the system and went on the show. I got lucky and won the SHOWCASE SHOWDOWN, which includes a car and jetski. Speaking of which....
I'm here to help promote my Indiegogo campaign for my original musical comedy web series. If you like Flight of the Conchords or Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog, this is the show for you. We are ALSO running a sweepstakes to GIVE AWAY the brand new car and jetski from The Price is Right.
Read and watch more here: http://igg.me/at/bandaid
Ask me any question you have! I'm down to spill the beans on how to get on The Price is Right, what my musical webseries is about, past projects, future ones, etc. :)
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4136296/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Verification: http://instagram.com/p/u_0CkvyDOC/?modal=true
Other random things:
I love Magic: the Gathering and play it a LOT. I have a podcast with Josh Lee Kwai on Commander:
http://www.rocketjump.com/listen/deckbuilding-101
How did you break down in tears and stay in character during the end of ep. 4? It was really good!
I've been with Ted for 3 years now, and the scene was just written so perfectly well. Even reading it I would always tear up or get on the verge of tears. I held that emotion bottled within me til we filmed, and just tried to be as honest as possible.
When Nathan Kress joined the cast, did you fangirl on the inside?
I actually was the one who caught his initial DM when he told us he was a fan! But I had seen his previous stuff only a couple of times. I didn't get to hang out much with him on set, but he seems like an incredibly nice and sweet guy.
When are you and freddie coming back on Node lan party? And what inspired you and freddie to do what you guys do today?
whenever we have time? Everyone is supremely busy, and playing videogames is a blast, but I don't really have a chance to do that, even on camera.
Hi Jimmy! Thanks for the AMA, both me and my dad love VGHS!
My question for you is, what was it like to work with your older brother as a director on the show?
Super easy. He can bark commands to me without fearing he is "upsetting" anyone, which makes life super easy for our communication on set. No BS involved, just straight talk and efficient filmmaking.
Ovulations Jimmy! Thanks for doing this!
My question is what video games would you associate with, if any, in a real VGHS? Thanks once again!
MOBAs, easily!
Hey jimmy. I was wondering, we're you sad when VGHS ended, or did you feel it was time? Would you petition Matt and Freddie for a VGU if you thought you could convince them or not?
I definitely felt it was time. I've seen these guys slave away at making this show (and they enjoyed it of course) but it's taken 3 years of their life away. Matt is engaged, he never sees his fiance, etc. It was time to move on, and everyone was exhausted from working on the same thing essentially for so long. It's so close to all of our hearts, but if we don't move on, then we stagnate.
Hey thanks for doing this! Just a couple of questions relevant to VGHS:
What was your favorite moment on set(on or off camera)?
Least favorite?
Plans now that its all over?
If you could do it all again what would you do differently?
hi jimmy, I love your work, keep staying awesome.
would you rather fight a horse sized duck or 100 duck sized horses?
Horse sized duck. Give it a loaf of bread, stab it in the heart while it's distracted, game over.
Hey Jimmy Wong, thank you for doing an AMA, I am a huge fan and you are great in VGHS. The episode on Monday (S3,Ep4) was a difficult one to watch. We don’t get to see a lot of sad emotions in this series. So my question is; was it a difficult episode to make?
It was exhausting. In the BTS i have huge bags under my eyes. It felt like I only slept for 2 hours after every shoot day.
Hey Jimmy! You probably won't remember this but my brother and I had the chance to meet you at an In N Out which was coincidentally your birthday, you offered us to be an extra for VGHS S3, but due to school we couldn't make it! D: Sorry 'bout that!
Onto my Question: In your opinion, what's the best part, aspect, etc. about VGHS and what makes it different from other webseries with an IndieGoGo/Kickstarted campaign? Would you have liked to seen VGHS on TV?
I remember that! It just takes a reminder and I can usually piece together the memory pretty well. The best part about VGHS is that it's proving to the world to pay attention to us, and that we can do TV quality content for a much smaller budget, and tell just as grand of a story.
What was your favorite part so far for VGHS?
Just filming with the same cast and crew for 3 years.
Soo...kind of like him in his video will? :P
haha! definitely has shades of that ;)
Hi Jimmy ! Thanks for the AMA. You're the main reason I really look forward to every new VGHS episode. You used to make me laugh, but lately you've made me cri evrytiem. I don't mind, it's just too good.
Here's my question:
If you could only have 3 albums on your iPod at any given moment, what would those be right now ?
Thanks man! I know, the tears have definitely been flowing for a lot of viewers, which is the highest compliment I can receive.
In no particular order: In Rainbows - Radiohead (or OK Computer), Fleet Foxes (Self Titled), Californication - Red Hot Chili Peppers
This list could also change every time someone asks me this question!!
Hi Jimmy! Been following you and your brother's stuff for years now and it's great to see how successful you guys have become! Would there be any piece of advice you could give to aspiring YouTube content creators or low profile musicians in becoming successful? Thank you for your time!
Persistence, patience, ingenuity. Don't be boring, don't be afraid, don't settle for bs.
Is Brian Firenzi a nice guy in real life?
one of the nicest people I've ever met.
Honestly a quick question? Was it hard to pull on the act for VGHS E4 S3?
As far as I'm concerned, it wasn't an "act". I found the emotion in myself about losing a loved one and also feeling unloved and found the empathy for Ted and channeled it through myself.
Hey Jimmy! My name is James and I'm a big fan of your work on VGHS.
How weird was it filming the jet ski scene?
What's your favorite moment from the show?
we filmed it many months after we wrapped on the series, it was a pick up shot. Beautiful sunny day on Lake Elsinore, I had a blast. Not weird at all since i had flesh colored underwear on.
Hey Jimmy!
If we ever meet, can we do an awesome high five?
Also, I love VGHS. A lot.
Thanks for doing this!
Totally. Just put that hand up and you got a fiver comin your way!
thats a shame. Its better when you guys are on the show.
appreciate it! If they ever play Attack on Titan I try and make it on, cuz I love that game :)
Hey, Thanks for this AMA just a quick question; what's your favorite video game?
Chrono Trigger
What do you plan to do now that VGHS is over?
Band Aid! It's my new musical comedy webseries that is inspired heavily by Flight of the Conchords and Dr. Horribles Sing-A-Long Blog. We're fundraising for it now so our fans can get involved, just like Season 1 of VGHS! http://igg.me/at/bandaid
what are your fellow co-workers like in person?
cool dudes. The BTS shows their personalities very well.
Great job on your performance on the latest VGHS episode! My question is what are you going to do now that VGHS is done and after Band-Aid?
Band Aid will probably carry me through August. If it's a success, then Season 2 of Band Aid! I'd also like to be in a major motion picture at some point. Lots of roles that have passed me by that I've missed :(
Jimmy !! Hey thanks for doing the AMA. as a huge fan of your brother freddie i found you and fell in love with both of your Youtube channels.
My number one question that i would die to know is where can i get a necklace like yours? the leather tied medallion one that you wear in the VGHS series. PLEASE RESPOND!! <333
It's made of clay, so you could probably make one yourself. I got it from a hippy salesman at Bumbershoot.
Hey Jimmy, you were great in yesterday's episode! Anyway, my question: Were you a fan of David Wong's work prior to being in John Dies At The End?
Ya know, his book had circulated around the forums and stuff I browsed when I was younger (SomethingAwful) but I never personally got around to reading it. Now that I have, I love David Wong, John Cheese, and also all of the content on Cracked. Those guys are great writers.
Hey Jimmy ...
Questions :
1.Why are you so awesome :D
2.Do You want VGHS to remain ? or you're glad it Ended ?
Hey belal! Nice job on the gifs this season, they're sweet.
Hey Jimmy! How hard was it to film the latest episode and did it bring you closer to your castmates? (PS, awesome performance! Keep up the good work!)
Definitely. We all got a lot closer after that episode, because we all individually went through a lot as characters and being in the same house off our normal set helped that out a lot too.
What was your favorite childhood memory with Freddie?
probably not my favorite, but one time he super pranked me with our neighbor and pretended to destroy my massive popit firecracker that I had spent like 2 weeks building and emptying out other popits to make a giant one in a napkin.
Jimmy! Thanks for the AMA! I've got two questions:
Who were the most fun people to have around set while shooting VGHS?
How close are you and Freddie?
Brian Firenzi is always a blast. Ellary is also super fun to hang out with on set. Of course, me and Josh Blaylock were super bros as well. Freddie and I are a year and a half apart, live with each other, and spent a year sleeping in the same bed when we lived with CorridorDigital. We're pretty close.
What has was your favorite VGHS episode to film and why?
The arcade episode of season 1. So very silly.
also I got to kiss a gurl
When the Ching Chong video came out, I showed it to my folks as I thought it was hilarious. I bought a couple of your songs and fell in love with your style.
Four years later, my dad still sends me text messages with nothing more than "ching chong." I don't really have a question, I just wanted to let you know that your song had continued to provide me with a chuckle while my dad tells me in an all too unique way that he loves me.
But since this is an AMA, what's your favorite color?
ahahah that's amazing. You can let your dad know that I think he's a total baller for doing so.
Sky blue is my favorite color by far :)
and ching chong to your whole family!!
Bulbasaur, Squirtle, or Charmander?
SQUIRTLE!
How can I become the true drift king?!
PRACTICE MY GOOD KNIGHT!
First off I just want to say I'm a huge fan, from your music to your cooking show. Also I thought you did an amazing job in the newest episode of VGHS. My question is who was your favorite person to work with on the set of VGHS?
Matt Arnold and Freddie Wong. The directors are an actor's most important relationship and I'm very glad I got to be best friends (and brother) to these two before we shot the show. It allowed for a lot of really seamless communication, especially between Freddie and myself (since we've been communicating for a solid 27 years together)
What happens if Band Aid doesn't reach full funding? Are we still going to get a form/version of it? Thanks for doing this!
Yes. It's flex funding, similar to the final season of VGHS' fundraising campaign.
Are you going to blow lots of stuff up in Band Aid?
If you mean blowing MINDS with incredible MUSIC and COMEDY... yes.
Hi, Jimmy! Just a couple of questions. Recently this season of VGHS has been more about people and the characters being challenged with a lot of hard hitting subjects and emotions.
1. What part of your character as Ted do you love to perform the most? Do you like to play his serious side more than his comedic side?
2. Is that the same for other roles?
Thanks!
I like Ted when he's being challenged because he has to rise to the occasion in any number of ways. Whether or not he treats it like a child or an adult is always changing and evolving, it's fun to see where the writers take his decisions and how I get to play them on the day.
Hey Jimmy thanks for doing this ama! I love all the vghs stuff, and really hope Band Aid works out.My questions are:
1)Who is the funniest off camera on vghs?
2)Whats the funniest thing thats happened off camera?
3) If you could play any other character on vghs who would it be and why?
Thanks
Hey Jimmy! I really enjoyed your performance on S3E4, very, very moving. You have a great future ahead of you!
I just have a couple questions:
Do you think we'll ever see Ted Wong (or any of the other main characters from VGHS) ever again?
How was it working with Josh Blaylock/Johanna Braddy/Ellary Porterfield? Would you ever work with them again?
Would you ever do a continuation of VGHS?
Perhaps. I have a dream in my head of doing a VGHS Christmas Special sometime, but I need the writers' blessing/help to do so.
It was amazing working with all of them. Everyone is so immensely talented and kind, it brought new meaning to what it means to be a true actor in this city. I will gladly work with all of them, and Ellary will be in my next musical comedy project! http://igg.me/at/bandaid
There's talks of a VGHS animated series.
Congrats on being part of such an amazing and unique series! VGHS is an incredible testament to the power and potential of the Internet age in which we live :D
As for my question: will you be releasing a new Christmas album!? I found last year's and I'm positively dying for more :)
YES! I want to release a christmas album every year :)
Jimmy, if you had the option to pick any show on television to be a part of, what show would you pick? I know I would pick Game of Thrones, after all, Winter is Coming!
The Walking Dead. I AM GLENN! Not really.
Hey Jimmy, couple of things
1- Now that you have received positive from your serious acting in VGHS, you looking to do more projects or professional work?
2- After watching your performances through the course of VGHS, It's made me realise that it is the acting industry I want to get into. So do you have any advice for a guy who wants to break into the acting world?
3- You got anyone that inspires you to do what you do?
just want to say you freaking rock, and please never stop creating content man, stay awesome dude!
Do you use a tear stick for welling tears in your eyes, or do you cry on demand?
Did anyone on set use a tear stick?
Tear sticks are there when you've done the scene 6 times, they need a pickup or a small part they missed, and you literally can't find the tears anymore. Some people use them to just get tears in their eyes when they can't do it naturally. No shame in it.
I just finished episode four and holy shit you were amazing!
My question is what was the most suprising experience that you had during the making of VGHS?
The hid a birthday cake inside a drawer one day when we were filming a scene in Calhoun's office. Twas very sweet!
Ovulations to you, Jimmy! How is it living in LA? I'd like to move there to do video stuff someday.
It's a huge city with so many different things always happening. Filled with artists, dreamers, con artists, terrible people and amazing people alike. It's basically an artists city.
Would you enjoy it if there was a season 4?
No. VGHS has finished in its current form. Maybe an animated series in the future tho.
Why are you so handsome?
why are YOU so nice? :o
Hey Jimmy, big fan and supporting you for Band Aid. What was your favorite video game growing up and what is yours currently? Thanks for doing this AMA!
First - thanks so much for your support. It means the world! My favorite game growing up was Chrono Trigger, my current favorite is probably Mario Kart 7. That might change to Bayonetta 2 as soon as I get around to playing it.
Hi Jimmy! It's Kyle from Seattle.
Great job on VGHS season 3, Your range as an actor is incredible!
Still up for playing some games over the holidays?
And a real question.. Favorite smash bros character?
I'm down for the SEAHAWKS to win some games over the holidays!! I'm a huge Kirby fan from N64, Down+A drill is the beats.
Hey Jimmy! You are my favorite character in VGHS and I would like to ask, what is your favorite part about working on the VGHS crew? Especially with your brother.
edit: Add me on steam! tackky
Just being with the same crew for 3 years and knowing I will be working with a lot of them in the future is amazing. I'm hiring on a lot of the same people for my next project: http://igg.me/at/bandaid
Hey Jimmy! What channel will band aid go on?
Thanks man.
No idea yet.
Hi Jimmy! Big fan here :) I listen to your sweet ukulele Vie En Rose video when I'm feeling blue. Also, I live in NYC and have seen you all over in the youtube Video Game High School ads. A few questions for you-- what do your parents think of your Youtube career? What do you find most challenging about your work? And...what do you foresee in your future? Thank you and keep up the great work!
PS: I think you're cute! :D
My parents just want me to be happy, be able to support a family, and do what I'm passionate about. I'm currently happy and passionate, but working towards the supporting myself and others bit. My future! Hope it's this project http://igg.me/at/bandaid
and thanks you're super cute too ;)
How much do you love your brother and any funny childhood stories?
The latest episode was amazing btw - you're my favourite on VGHS
We used to take pool cues and film ourselves reenacting lightsaber battles and then painstakingly roto-ing each frame to make ourselves look SUPER AWESOME. I'm surprised we never stabbed each other or poked an eye out.
Hey jimmy, big fan of VGHS and yourself here. Two sets of questions.
what was it like filming the fourth episode in season 3? How did you prepare yourself for such an emotional part in the series? (Btw, you absolutely nailed it. Episode 4 really hit close to me, first time I've ever cried because of a film or tv show, great stuff)
I'm a 16 year old looking to get into the film industry as a writer for television and preferably film. I'm very passionate about what I do, but I realize trying to make my dreams my own reality is quite ambitious. What advice can you give to someone trying to follow their dreams and get into the business ?
Once again, huge fan, and whatever you do, keep up the good work! Love ya Jimmy
It was a rollercoaster. I just tried to make sure I was always on the same page as the directors and writers and did my best to portray the honest truth of the situation. I literally imagined I wasn't even in VGHS really, because the scene was so different and outside of the regular world. My character really breaks down and you see a freakin raw part of myself, so I had to have the courage to show that, and not be afraid of it in front of people I don't know.
Consume content. Look at how Tarantino or Nolan did it. If you are truly looking to get into the industry, figure out what you are most passionate about and pursue it. You might get discouraged along the way, but if your heart is there, you'll find a way.
Hey! Huge fan! What is your favorite video game to play?
Chrono Trigger!
If you had to wear the same shirt every day for the rest of your life with one word on it, what word would that be?
Goldfish.
What is next for RocketJump, are their any big projects planed, or just shorts for now?
Some big stuff planned, follow @fwong @mattlarnold @willcampos @rocketjumptweet for news
Hey Jimmy,
What's it like working with your brother Freddie on these incredible projects? How are you guys off the set?
I answered this somewhere else, but tldr - very simple. We are very efficient at communicating and getting it DONE!
Hey Jimmy! Love your stuff, keep it up :) I'm curious... What were the best & worst dishes made on FoF?
Worst dish: Minecraft soup. Tasted like GARBAGE. Oh well.
Best dish: krabby patties. SO GOOD.
With the way Youtube has been evolving the last few years. Where do you see Youtube at in 5-10 years?
Not the most dominant force in online video, but still a huge part of the internet. It will be defined by viral videos.
Hey Jimmy!
Care to give us a run down of a day in the life of jimmy wong?
I wake up, I work, I work, I eat, watch some football videos, I work, I work, I look up some Magic cards/watch the top 8 of a GP, I work, I work, I eat, I relax in the evening with my girlfriend or friends. Watch a movie, play Magic, play a video game, etc.
Hey Jimmy! Was your character being a driver influenced at all by your taste in gaming? If not what type of games would you rather have had Ted be amazing at?
Nope! That was all decided by the writing staff. I always wanted to run around and shoot more guns... so fps?
Hey Jimmy!
Aside from Ted Wong, who would be your favorite VGHS character?
The Swan family. I love how normal they are compared to the rest of the world, yet so incredibly unusual and quirky.
if you could live in any fantasy world, what world would it be?
Wreck It Ralph. GAMEZ ALL DAY
Hey Jimmy, Ryan Rakowski here. Still stoked that you answered my last question in your Q&A. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAP6RcyLDEE&feature=youtu.be&t=54s
I had the opportunity to buy the episodes of VGHS on Vimeo and watch them early. After seeing this season I respect you so much more not only as an actor, but as a person.
Questions:
1. Do you still keep up with your dreams in writing them down?
2. Do you think there's a chance that any more VGHS seasons or spin-offs will be made?
3. What's your favorite Pokemon?
Stay cool Jimmy.
-Ryan Rakowski
Yah dude your name is awesome. I knew a girl named Rayna Ragowski, you should meet.
Do you have any favorite Youtube channels that you've subscribed to?
ItsGrace. She da best
Are you actually good at racing (in video games) in real life?
Clinton Jones and myself are self-professed world champions at Mario Kart 7. We've both played in a lot of tournaments and placed like 2nd, 3rd, or 4th. So we like video game racing a lot. I consider myself to be a very instinctual driver when it comes to handling in real life, but often find myself getting a speeding ticket or accidentally hitting the curb when parking. Cuz parking is hard.
Hello Jimmy.
I found out about you through your viral Ching Chong video. It was a great song and I was surprised and excited to see you as a character in VGHS.
Boring question but I'm curious. What did you major in in college?
Theatre :) almost minored in Women's Studies.
So is there never going to be another part of VGHS? That was my favorite show <3
maybe an animated series.
Hey Jimmy! Awesome to see you're doing an ama, my question is, if you yourself were to go to VGHS, what group of gamers would you actually be with?
Probably the MMO guild. I used to play WoW obsessively.
Hi Jimmy! Huge fan of VGHS, it's sad to think it's ending :(.
Anyway, two questions:
How do you feel about the end of VGHS? Is it sad that it's over? Is it more of a great accomplishment that was concluded satisfyingly?
Also, in regards to some negative feedback I saw on this season, I want to let you know that I loved it. The acting is really great and I thought a lot about episode 4. Your performance pushed me to tears at the end. Hats off to you and everyone involved!
i'm sad and happy. time to move on to new stuff.
Would you do other web series based stuff if approached with an amazing idea?
I'm already working on the next one http://igg.me/at/bandaid
What was your favorite and least favorite thing to film for VGHS?
Can you guarantee us an exciting season finale?
Most and least favorite character? If you could pick any character to act as and have them replace you, who would it be? Thanks for doing the AMA!
The season finale is seriously an hour straight of action. You'll love it. Least favorite thing to film is anytime it's freakin cold and you have to be outside. Cuz i'm a Diva.
Hello, Jimmy! Love you and your work on VGHS! watched it since day 1.
My question, what is your long term ambitions and goals? Now that VGHS is over and completely finished, what will you be moving onto next? Any projects?
The big project is Band Aid! It's a musical comedy (what I've always wanted to do) and we're fundraising just like VGHS did for Season 1! http://igg.me/at/bandaid
How long did it take for you to film the last episode as Ted? I feel like it would be very difficult. Thanks Jimmy, I love watching you on the show.
We filmed the laundromat scene in a single night over 3-4 hours. The rest of it took place over 3-4 days at the house. The BTS for episode 4 shows a lot :)
Hey Jimmy! One question, what is something that you wish for? (Long term vs short term wishes?)
I want to change the stereotype of asian males in America. I want to change the status quo for minorities. I want people to realize that anyone can be a leading man in a film or a movie, and that love should be blind between two people.
What is your favourite shrek film?
Shrek is life.
jimmy, how do I get on the price is right?
Be the most interesting person in line. And be excited. Show off your individuality somehow and it helps being in a group.
I'm a huge fan of you in VGHS!
Three items for the zombie apocalypse?
Ketchup or mustard?
Favorite pizza topping?
Three things that you never use, but keep around anyway.