Nobu Adilman is a Toronto-based film and television personality whose work is characterized by an irreverent but always thoughtful perspective. He has acted on Trailer Park Boys, is the co-creator and host of Food Jammers, and recently launched a story-based podcast, www.captaineyeliner.com. Nobu was recently asked to join the judging panel for the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada's youth-oriented video contest, 25@25: Canada's Future with Asia. Rachel Chua, a project intern for 25@25, asked him about his recent projects, his cultural heritage, and more.
What lead you to go into the film and entertainment industry?
Nobu: My father was an entertainment journalist for the Toronto Star so I was always surrounded by and constantly meeting people who were involved in the arts. I regularly attended plays, musicals and concerts of all genres growing up. As a child, the art world was like candy; I always wanted more of it and could only get that by being in the industry.
When you are in need of inspiration, what and/or who do you turn to?
Nobu: It really depends on what I am doing but an integral part of my creative process is procrastination. The first thing I do when I get a project is pretend that I do not have to do it. It is never productive to answer things head on. I prefer a sideways approach.
Is there a style that distinguishes your work from others?
Nobu: It all comes down to finding the musical rhythm in things, whether or not my project is music related. Everything comes down to music. I always try to find a way of delivering my thoughts in a succinct and musical way.
How has your background influenced your work?
Nobu: When you have a Japanese-born mother who survived World War II, and knows how to cook everything from tempura to incredible blintzes and Mondel Broit cookies, as well as a doting Jewish grandmother who wears amazing polyester jumpsuits and works for her local synagogue writing letters to members, plus a father who wants nothing more than to forget his Jewish upbringing and devour arts and culture, you quickly realize that life is basically nuts, full of surprises and anything is possible.
You have worked as a writer, actor and TV host. How are these roles similar and how are they different? Any preferences?
Nobu: They are all very different so it depends what mood I am in. When you are a writer, you do not have to shower or worry about what you look like. In a way, it is like being invisible but still getting paid and not having to worry about getting caught in the line of fire. As an actor, you have to care a lot more about appearances. Being a TV host is not as glamorous as people often think is still so much fun. You get to meet amazing people and travel. For Food Jammers, my friends and I got a budget to create forty episodes of doing crazy things.
What projects are you working on now?
Nobu: Right now, I am finishing up an online documentary for the NFB called "Crash Course: Creative lessons on how to survive an economic tsunami." It is a first person interactive web documentary set in Buenos Aires. I interview normal people on the streets and ask them how they cope with the economic downturn. Argentina has been experiencing economic instability every 11 or 12 years since the end of World War II. When you ask Argentineans how they deal with the economic crisis, they often ask you "Which one?"
I am also a judge for a video contest called 25@25: Canada's Future with Asia. It's a video contest that gets young people thinking about Canada's relationship with Asia by creating short, snappy videos. Many people often think and discuss issues with Asia outside political forums; the contest is a smart way of bringing people together in a fun and creative way.
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Please tell us more about your video letter for 25@25, which was about food.
Nobu: The video I made was about the grain shortage in Asia. This issue really stood out to me because it seems like a problem that could easily be addressed with our vast resources of rice, salt and wheat. It scared me what the rising price of grain was sparking. These are daily staples that everyone should have access to.
Do you have any advice for those planning to enter the 25@25 contest?
Nobu: Find out what's driving your curiosity and share your personal opinion about it. Do not worry if your technical skills are not the best, we're really looking for your ideas. Keep things simple and do not be too serious. Find the right balance between good and evil.
