Sydney Agudong’s Journey: From Kauai to Hollywood

What is discussed, and when

1. 0:00 – 5:00: Hawaii Children's Theater, Lilo and Stitch, Lilo and Stitch, Sydney Aguodong
2. 5:00 – 10:00: Lilo and Stitch, Lilo and Stitch
3. 10:00 – 15:00: Lilo and Stitch, Lilo and Stitch
4. 25:00 – 30:00: Lilo and Stitch, Lilo and Stitch
5. 40:00 – 45:00: Josh Green
6. 45:00 – 50:00: NCIS Hawaii, Rescue High
7. 50:00 – 55:00: Sydney Agun, Tom Hanks
8. 55:00 – 57:59: Lilo and Stitch, Lilo and Stitch

Notable quotes from "Sydney Agudong’s Journey: From Kauai to Hollywood"

• Making major moves in film, television, and music. You may know her as Nani in Disney's new liveaction, Lilo and Stitch. But her journey started long before that. From local…

  about Lilo and Stitch · at 0:52

• The road from the original. And it was sick cuz my family and I put it together in tandem with the Hawaii Children's Theater that I grew up with.

  about Hawaii Children's Theater · at 2:11

• Going into the film industry and bringing more films down. And I'm stoked to hear that Josh Green vetoed so we're still able to do that. And I think it's just honestly I don't…

  about Josh Green · at 43:36

• But you know who it's tough. I mean Rescue High should have been on still, you know.

  about Rescue High · at 45:26

• Lightning round with Sydney Agun.

  about Sydney Agun · at 51:04

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

• Sydney Aguodong — Person · 1 mention · first at 1:14
  And writing her own music as Jane Doe, she's bringing Hawaii to the world stage in a powerful way. Please welcome Sydney Aguodong.
• Josh Green — Person · 1 mention · first at 43:42
• Sydney Agun — Person · 1 mention · first at 51:04
• Tom Hanks — Person · 1 mention · first at 51:36

Books & papers

• Lilo and Stitch — Book · 6 mentions · first at 0:58

Companies & orgs

• Hawaii Children's Theater — Company · 2 mentions · first at 2:16

Products & tech

• Lilo and Stitch — Product · 6 mentions · first at 0:58
  Making major moves in film, television, and music. You may know her as Nani in Disney's new liveaction, Lilo and Stitch. But her journey started long before that. From local…
• Rescue High — Product · 1 mention · first at 45:28
• NCIS Hawaii — Product · 1 mention · first at 45:34
  Yeah. Yeah, for sure. I mean that was kind of a you know NCIS Hawaii you know even though that's not like a local show like Rescue High Surf was something we're really rooting for a lot of people were getting opportunities on.

Places & events

• Kauai — Place · 3 mentions

Full transcript with timestamps

0:00 And you know, I realized too, I was bringing in my characters emotions too, home, which is a ma a thing that I keep having to learn over and over is as projects go on, everything will still change. You're still growing. Things will, you know, never be the same in that sort of way. You can hold on to things, but they're not set in stone. And I think that that's the cool thing, too, about this art is that you continually have to be curious and have to have humility and like I'm going to make fun of myself at some point in time. And that's okay. That doesn't mean that my worth is any less.

0:42 Today's guest is a rising star with deep roots right here in Hawaii. Born and raised on Kauaii, she's an actress, singer, and storyteller who's been making major moves in film, television, and music. You may know her as Nani in Disney's new liveaction, Lilo and Stitch. But her journey started long before that. From local theater and talent shows to starring roles on screen and writing her own music as Jane Doe, she's bringing Hawaii to the world stage in a powerful way. Please welcome Sydney Aguodong.

1:19 Hey, so you've been kind of just on the go like from Yeah. from from the release. Has it just been non-stop?

1:26 Yeah, but I feel like I I don't know. I feel like everything is full circle in a way of I get to go home and do it all too now that you know all of the press junk in and the premier's done.

1:37 So now everything just feels celebratory. Yeah. Like I don't feel victory lap. Yeah. And I'm also still so new in the industry in that way that I feel like it'd be wrong for me to say that I'm tired.

1:48 No. No. I mean, but still physically if you're flying here, flying there. Yeah. True. But um cuz you just came in from a premiere you did back at in your hometown in Koi.

2:00 Yeah, last night. What who was that with? Yeah, so we did it. It was at the historical theater. So we were on Waya side and the original location was Han Pepe. So we were like 10 minutes down the road from the original. And um it was sick cuz my family and I put it together in tandem with the Hawaii Children's Theater that I grew up with.

2:20 Nice. And uh Disney gave us permission. and they bought out the theater and they gave out they gave us permission to use the film and everything and and it was cool because we got to do two free screenings that day and give it to the community. You know,

2:32 they've been super cool at Disney in my experience, you know, working with Tom and Dean.

2:38 I love them. Tom is the bomb. Like they're diamonds, I think, in in a lot of, you know, the industry itself in that way. We got lucky.

2:46 Yeah. And so they hooked you guys up at the theater and and so you grew up what doing theater from forever right?

2:54 Yeah. I started we were trying to figure this out cuz it's been so long. Um I started at like seven or eight years old and uh I was like doing pageantss and stuff growing up and then and then sports like I was like sports during the day and like I try to get into every single sport I could. I do flag football, basketball. Um I did gymnastics three times a week and then at night I do pageantss and I needed a talent. And then I ended up figuring out I liked being on stage

3:21 cuz both like sports and pageantry has Yes. Exactly. Performing under pressure.

3:27 Yeah. And then my parents were like, "What do we do with you in the summer?" And then uh and then we found Summer Stars, which is a part of Hawaii Children's Theater, and they've been a blessing ever since. I mean, they gave us a safe space to create

3:38 pageantss. Is that a big thing in Koi? Like how do you get a big thing in Hawaii.

3:42 It It is a big thing in Wahoo. Like Filipinos. Oh yeah. I mean, you got to have some courage in pageantry. Like I think at a young age, like I look at my daughter, she'll get on stage and just start singing like she did a talent show in front of her whole elementary. I'm super nervous for her, right? She gets up there and just kills it like nothing phases her, you know? Oh, I was like crying.

4:06 But um when you think and she's like, you know, scared of height. She's a real, you know, scared little girl, but when she gets on stage, she's

4:13 totally different. She is half Filipino. Yeah, that's what I'm saying. I'm saying I feel like Filipinos like to perform.

4:19 Yes, they love microphones. Um, but yeah, so you and and who encouraged you? Was it your parents just trying to keep you busy and and into things? Was it like your older sisters that were into it before you?

4:32 Yeah, I mean, I feel like I feel like my parents were just supportive of it. M I think like we found passions in it. I think I found uh I was watching television one day and then like you know was like I really want to do that and or I saw pageantss and at first you know I was so little I was like I want to wear a crown that big you know like I want a I want a I want a trophy as tall as me like

4:55 and then eventually I realized how much I loved it and it allowed me to find singing even more so than I did with my dad actually like my dad was the one who actually brought me to music specifically. Was he in a band or?

5:10 He's always wanted to be in a band. He's tried. He's tried. He was the one who wanted to wrangle. I know. I know. And then at like 7:00 a.m. in the morning, he's playing electric guitar and you're like "Awesome. I love Eric Clapton. I've always wanted to wake up to that."

5:27 So, so they were very encouraging in you getting into pageants. What did you like most, like pageantry or sports? Cuz I can I I hear a lot of

5:37 sports. I I kind of see you as a ice box from What does that mean? Ice box. You watch that uh Little Giants.

5:46 Oh, yes. I might be showing my age. No, but I know Little Giants. But that's what Oh, that's a

5:54 I thought she was the girl like quarterback like athlete. Heck yeah. I could see that in you. always. Yeah, I've always wanted to do that sort of Yeah, I've always wanted to be I I think like we didn't have Powderpuff growing up

6:07 and I think that that was the one thing that I missed. I was one of the two kids in flag football that were girls in our co-ed team

6:14 and so I think that that always happened throughout but I loved it though cuz it was almost like

6:18 I don't know if it was like a rebellion or like a martyr thing or just the fact of proving that yeah I can run as fast as the boys, you know? So, I mean, and also the fact that my dad had four girls, so he was like, "One of you has got to be the boy."

6:31 And it was you. I think it was my sister and I for sure. I think we all took turns at some point.

6:35 Yeah. Cuz my my younger daughter, too, she like loves football. What is cool is they just had the first state champion, high school state champion, flag football girls.

6:46 Yes. Yeah. So, I mean, that's great. I I'm stoked that that's now a thing. I'm bummed that I missed out on that, but I'm stoked for everybody. That's awesome. It should have been there a long time ago.

6:55 So, um when you started going to school, you continued in kind of performing in um theater.

7:02 Yeah. Would you say kind of theater is um kind of your foundation to your to your acting? Obviously, it is to your acting. How How has that helped you?

7:13 I think I think it's definitely been a huge foundation and I did it for such a long period of time. I think I I did it um consecutively for like probably like five, six years. Like every summer and then every fall. Like during school I would do it. So I kind of learned how to balance

7:30 cuz we'd have uh when I was in high school like I'd have in middle school I'd have rehearsals from like

7:36 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. but then I'd still go to school in the morning. And you know with set too now thinking about it like

7:43 um it kind of prepped me in that sort of way to kind of feel like I got to get my homework done. I have to, which are my lines now, and you know, like prep for my character breakdowns and stuff. I have to make sure that I'm ready for school in the morning, and I'm going to get ready for hair and makeup, and I'm going to be there prompt and then be ready to go. So, I feel like that definitely helped build my character in that sort of way.

8:04 Um, and build that responsibility. And I also just it allowed me to have a space to create amongst a community that also loved to do it. So, I felt safe and I felt like I was able to step into characters and just have fun. Like, the best part was the making of it all. Like, you get to you get to explore and you get to celebrate when you're actually doing it live and then, you know, it's like the show must go on. So, you know, you're always trial and erroring if something goes wrong, but at the same time, it's always a win in the end and you get to like tell a story or like go back in time and like share that. Um, I always on set I always almost can tell the difference between actors and actresses who came from theater really

8:46 and who came from other arenas um of performing. What did you think with me? Um,

8:53 did you know I was in theater? Not until I read about it on Oh my god, that's good. You did research.

9:01 No, but you know what? I I could tell, you know, they they chose you for a reason, like, you know, and and sure enough, on set, like

9:09 super professional. And me and Chris were talking about, you know, this particular job on Lilo and Stitch um when you played a a older sister, you know, and um when the cameras are rolling, especially when like we're working with Maya and Dean and Dean's trying to get things out of Maya and she she was spectacular. She like

9:31 cameras rolling or not? She killed it. Energy listen. She listen. You know when we're doing the camera test intelligent,

9:39 I was already like worried, right? But as soon as she came out and she's like a really good listener, hits her hits her marks. But having said that, as he's kind of coaching her through certain takes,

9:51 you're almost responsible as well for supporting that, you know, and and being that big sister and giving her that comfortable feeling, you know, and and does that have anything to do with you being a older sister in real life? Like did was that easier for you?

10:07 I think I think it's almost ingrained. I feel like that's also just a part of Hawaii in general. I feel like

10:12 I feel like being able to do that in Hawaii. And also I feel like I was also stimulated by you guys. You know what I mean? Like a consistent um you know morale with all of that and like we were surrounded by that that it felt like oh okay we're in a safe environment like okay this is what it is. We're creating an ohana here. It's not just like on screen. But I I do think like being an older sister in general, I've always felt very protective and um you know like I I say it like on and on and again and again, but I do anything for my sister and like and you know I wanted to make sure that Maya felt that same way. And I also just it's really scary to be a child actor and the parents too. It's really scary and the Kohas are amazing. I mean like Disney really found a really incredible family and we were really lucky.

11:03 But it doesn't always happen. And also like you know protecting her childhood is so important

11:10 and I think that was really important to me was to make sure that she had that sort of environment

11:16 and um you know and and also like that's also just being a good coworker too. Like I will say like

11:22 in general like I I hate when people are talking about like oh there's a star or whatever. Like there's a difference between like above the line and the below the line. I get what I understand, but at the end of the day,

11:35 you can't do a job without everybody there and like it's you're a piece of a puzzle and like we're a team for a reason. That's what makes the dream work, you know? So,

11:45 but that's special, you know, and like I'm just saying your perspective is special cuz not everyone is is like that.

11:51 Uh I've worked with a lot of people and fortunately to be honest with you, a lot of the people I've worked with super awesome,

11:57 cool. You know, I've been on some longer running shows. So there is that time to become familiar and very comfortable.

12:03 Um but yeah, I mean um and and the the the vibe on set was a lot of that. Number one, we're the local crew was stoked on this project. I was stoked.

12:16 Like we're like Lilo and Stitch. Yes. Finally something that like you know is representing Hawaii, you know? And um

12:24 but yeah, Maya would come on set and she's like, "Hi Uncle, hi uncle. Hi." I know,

12:28 you know what I mean? And um so I I think you're right. I think it was the vibe of the crew and and just you know, you know, being happy that we're working where we live.

12:38 Yeah. You know, and um changes it. Yeah. Totally. And and just like perfect example is you being a homie like we work together on a movie and I called you up like what you like be on my podcast. You're like for sure. You know, and um was that something that you always imagined yourself doing? Like, have you ever had that thought like, "Oh, when I make it, like I'm going to make sure I give back to all my people, you know, cuz I I felt like you doing that at the theater that you you grew up at, that kind of was part of it, you know?"

13:09 Absolutely. I think like like to answer both of those like in tandem, like for one thing, the screening was something that I had dreamt of doing and or was like set on doing and the most excited to do. I mean like the world premiere was incredible and like you know but I was really really excited to have a Kawaii screening. Like I really was very um you know set on making sure that we got together back in Hawaii and we celebrated. I'm so glad that we had one on Aahu for cast and crew.

13:42 I'm so sad we weren't there, but I'm so happy that we got to celebrate you guys and got to celebrate just the entirety of that cuz it's

13:50 it's Hawaii. And also like the blood, sweat, and tears that everybody poured into that was incredible and everybody should see that. And I think that bringing it back to Kawaii specifically and you know having it be last night, oh my gosh, I'm still reeling from it.

14:06 Yeah, it was amazing to just see how much love and aloha there was and like how much sense of belonging and community not only I felt but amongst each other. Like I was telling them like I was like I my face was starting to hurt cuz I was smiling so much but not because I was taking photos but just because like I just watched the families together just like how much they would light up and like feel like oh wow like I'm inspired like wow like Kauaii did this like because again it's it wasn't just me like yes I'm an example of it but like but this was I I'm an my sister and I or whatever or anybody who like makes it is an example of what the community is capable of. They made me who I am.

14:48 And I've been fortunate enough to be surrounded by people who are beautiful and strong and caring and supportive of the arts and things that big dreams that, you know, a small island never would have thought of before, I guess. You know,

15:03 and I think um being able to do this stuff, like I was telling you before this, like my sister and I starruck to be on local stations much more than we're starruck to be on the big ones, like big ones. You know what I mean? Like because that's the stuff that we grew up with. And also like

15:17 like I you know I was so afraid to not be welcomed back from you know like so many different types of you know like all like the imposter syndrome in general and then also just like representation and all of that stuff and all of the noise and social media and whatever. and and I've been constantly reinforced with love and nothing but but a sense of community and just like oh wow like I have nothing to fear because I know who I am and that's all I know you know and like and it's really really rad to continue to like build that with everybody and show you know like the younger generations and or just the community that it's possible and that you don't have to be afraid of failure or success.

15:58 Yeah. And I love that and that's exactly it is like you're you know and it is a huge responsibility and sometimes we shoulder it a lot more you know and um but you are an inspiration to you know

16:13 all of us you know and seeing you be successful for a lot of people it it's seen success for all of us exactly you know and we're stoked on it and um but yeah but a lot of people don't know you know the community. Yes. And I see that reflective of you of the love and support and the gratitude like that only comes from a person who's been like surrounded with support and and love, you know. So, I can definitely see that. But, um the sacrifices um

16:44 yeah, you know, you talk about the premiere and you know, us giving our blood, sweat, and tears and you know, it's a great movie, but it was a very hard movie to make. Like I you want to talk about how and and like I don't know if you remember do you remember the first day of shooting?

17:03 You mean when our trailers burnt down and it was like cancelled? Yeah. As in like the the luck of the draw ended up being Lilo and Nani's like full Yeah. It was our It was our specific wardrobe and the guy who lit it was like, "Oh, I got the goods."

17:19 Oh my god. What the heck, dude? I I never ever like there's so many mornings where I'm driving to work hoping work is cancelled and like that was not the morning I was expecting on the first day of the shoot.

17:33 Did you think it was curse at first? Small kind. Small kind. And I was like, "Oh yeah, we never have our blessing yet." So, um

17:42 but Well, we did. We did. Yes, we totally did. We had a great blessing. Um, but I was not mad that we had the day off.

17:51 Yeah. No, I wasn't either. I was just like, that's hilarious. But that kind of was like when you think about that, like the show starting off like that, right? And then I don't know if you remember like we had so many rain delays.

18:03 Yeah. Like for weeks. I forgot about that. That's right. Mud and we were working on this hill and you know, I forgot.

18:13 Hey, was it Koa? Like it was cool. That's where we had a lot of the trouble which makes sense. It's Kuloa.

18:19 Yeah. But like you know No, it was particularly rainy. I know. I know. I know. And so things start, you know, it was like it was it was grueling. It was a grueling show. And I don't know if you remember, but like we'd come out with the call sheet every day with like 10 things on it

18:36 and you'd get through like we get like four, three. Yeah. So, was was that hard for you to kind of with with that schedule or were you are you kind of used to that?

18:48 I don't know if I'm like I'm used to it. I think I've just gotten past the idea of like I just I think I quickly realized the difference between dreams and reality.

19:00 Mhm. And I think I realized too like this was a dream come true. and and and I was super stoked, but also I had to lock in cuz it was work now, you know, and like

19:12 I had to make sure one I wasn't going to get fired cuz I totally thought I was going to get fired the first day and be like they're going to know I'm not right like you know like you know I just was scared you know like which is like it's just the imposter syndrome

19:24 and um and uh I think I also was just I think as soon as I started getting the schedule I think I was like oh Yeah. Okay. Okay. And then I started to feel like, you know, my patience would go on for a long time, but I think at a certain point in time, you get fatigued

19:42 and then you're like, okay, okay. I kind of feel like I I'm at work again in a good way, but you're like, wow, I do need to get sleep. I do need my time. I used to like my coffee shop and you know it's a nice perspective that I kind of gain and I'm glad that I made it into a positive but I definitely think there were times where that was a challenge too which is with anything you know.

20:09 Mhm. Yeah. And um so I I just wanted to say like the blood, sweat, and tears putting that uh into that and us having the premiere here in in Hawaii was like me sitting next to my daughters and them watching this movie. Absolutely loving the movie and then staying after and seeing um their dad's name in the credits. Like to me that was more than any success could ever give me. You know what I mean? And so like like you you know it's like

20:43 that's kind of why we do it. You know like that show was grueling. It was a lot of sacrifice. You know we we deal with a lot of pressure but when you when you see that that's kind of why we get into the industry is that when you started off you probably didn't think about that but why did you get into the industry and who kind of inspired you to kind of keep going in it?

21:03 Yeah. No, I mean to tail into what you said and go into that I think like that is why you do it. I mean I mean for as much like I mean you you give people crap the ones that you love you give the most crap too. It's like you know like that's just how it is. It's the balance and like it makes you appreciate it so much more cuz I feel like something that's so good is not you know like what you said. You won't appreciate something until like it's gone. You know what I mean? And like there's got to be that yin and yang. And I think um that's what makes something so beautiful is the nuance. Um and I think that this movie was the Hawaiian roller coaster ride of a lifetime. And I think that that was um a big thing for me all throughout. It felt like life imitating art. Art imitating life. I think getting into the industry and that sort of way. I created art or I wanted to create art because I wanted to feel connection and I wanted

22:00 to connect and I wanted I felt like whatever voice I felt inside of my head whether or not it was through singing or through um creating or trying to impersonate the person who was on TV and be like I wonder what they're thinking or how they're like interpret interpreting this or whatever. Um, I wanted to understand why they told their stories, too. And then, you know, kind of get more of a sense of perspective in that sort of way. And I think that's why a lot of people like to create or a lot of people do what they do is because

22:30 they get to connect with people and why they go to movie theaters and they go to different shows or whatever.

22:38 That's why we do it. Yeah. Um, yeah. And then, so even from you, so you went to high school in Kawaii or you went to high school in Aahu? Yeah. Oh, okay. Oh, so you graduated there and everything and so so did you want to um go to college or acting was something you wanted to pursue from school days like I'm going to do this.

23:02 Well, I was set on it. I was set on it since I was like when when there was a manager that came down. her name's Susie Mains and now she's my sister and I's manager and till this day

23:15 and she came down and did a workshop and um I remember my mom was telling me that that was the first time I think it was like in fifth grade and that was the first time that I was having like my own like sleepover um and I was going to go to a sleepover and it was like the popular girls or whatever and the next morning was a workshop and I knew I really wanted to do it but my mom was like okay well if you actually like want to do this it was almost a test for both of us. Um, but she was like, "If you want to do this, I think it'd be wise to stay home and like get a good night of sleep, you know, like prep yourself and then go." And I was so torn because like it was like that idea of like I really really want to be accepted by these group of people or whatever.

23:55 Um, but I also really wanted to be an actor and like that's like the present moment versus the future and like you know and also like something that's like instant gratitude versus something that you work toward. and I decided to stay home. I don't know if it was because I felt guilty not, you know, like staying or whatever or whatever it was, but thank you young Sydney for doing that because the very next day I was prepped. I was and and and my mom jeez like like I was prepped, prepared and um and I was quote quote discovered that day. Like she

24:27 saw something in me and she wanted me to come out to LA and then she came back once more. she saw something about my sister and then we went to LA two years later and got representation. We're very very lucky and then we continued on like going to LA within whatever time frame we had during pilot season and episodic two weeks at a time,

24:47 two months at a time or whatever up until I was in high school and then I was like done.

24:51 I couldn't keep up with school and I was just getting so rejected. Would not get anything and would not even get a call back

24:58 and I was like I can't do it anymore. I want to live my own high school life. Like I want to go into sports. I want to be in student government or whatever. Go to prom. Like all of this stuff. And um and then I came back to it after high school. Like and uh cuz my sister was still involved in it. And my sister and my mom were going off and she was working. And

25:19 I don't think if it wasn't for them keeping that in my life, I don't think I'd be here.

25:23 Yeah. Yeah. And that's a lot of the sacrifices people don't see, right? It's like, you know,

25:28 my dad staying home the whole time, you know, and or going back and forth, like that's huge.

25:32 Yeah. And like at an early age to be in a position that you had to make that choice whe whether you kind of really knew what you were doing or not,

25:41 you sacrificed, you know, you know, maybe friendships, you know, maybe, you know, building bonds with people that you wanted to build bonds with. And um

25:50 and you talk about that rejection. people to me people don't understand the amount of rejection that you have to endure in this industry especially as an actress or actor and can you kind of speak on that at a young age

26:07 having that rejection dealt with you do you remember a specific time where you just sort of was like devastated that you couldn't take it anymore or was that

26:17 you knew that was part of it I mean look they they can tell you or they can prep you all you want. But again, like you can never prep for mourning something or grieving something the way that you know until it actually happens. And I think I I I think it was just chipping away each time. And I think that um I remember I was actually at my second break where I was absolutely done. I think I was like at a point of acceptance where I had hit rock bottom and I was like, I'm good with it. like, you know, like I think this just isn't for me. And it was the moment before I auditioned for Lilo and Stitch.

26:56 What? Yeah. I know it's cliche, but that's that. And I know people have said it, but it's true.

27:02 What got you through that moment? Um I went home and um it's full circle, I'm telling you, man. Um uh I went home and I just from LA and I was exhausted and and I told my mom I wanted to stop acting. I wanted to stop singing and you know my mom and dad were fine with that. They just wanted me to come home and you know uh come back to everything and just kind of like regground myself and take a breath and and then I got the casting call. And then um I think at that point in time maybe I did one audition for them but I was totally like this is no way this is going to happen.

27:43 And then I think that that was the point that I got a call back and I was like nah

27:48 crazy. Still no before I had auditioned for it I was I was going to turn it down too.

27:54 Yeah. Yeah. I know, stupid, but why why you just because I was scared because I didn't want to mess up a beloved character and I was also like ah like and also like you know like I was really like I was also very very protective over the representation of it and and you know and like

28:10 and also the fact of being like you know like the live actions have been hit or miss and like

28:17 and and also like Leelon Stitch meant so much to me as much as it did to everybody else you know and like

28:23 I didn't want to be that person who wasn't able to embody her the way it should be embodied and or you know I wanted to make sure that we were it's you don't you're only one piece of the puzzle and you can't control everything

28:35 and for a control freak like me I'm going I can't even control the way that I'm playing this character because I have to be present I don't know how the story is going to go you know like and it just was so close to home but I think the difference was and the reason why I did it was because I just I I read the breakdown and I remembered why I loved Nani so much and why I loved Lilo and Stitch so much

29:00 and hoped that they were gonna bring this reimagination to life and I saw that Dean was doing it and I was like

29:08 h maybe you're on to something, you know? Yeah. Yeah. I mean, you know, that's that's wild. Um but I totally that's normal, right? Like you're landing it but now the pressure is hitting you like

29:21 totally. Did did someone have to walk um through it with you? Like totally. And who is that? Is that your mom? Usually that kind of

29:29 My mom, my dad, my sister especially. I mean my sister and I were the last two standing for Nani.

29:35 M um so we had to walk through that together. Mhm. We were basically um we had a reunion in the chemistry reads.

29:45 Oh wow. Really? So, we both met Maya at the same time and we were up in uh the the center over there and um where is that at again? I forget cuz my Aahu brain is not Kawaii. It's like

29:59 where did you guys meet? We went in the um business center. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Um, and uh, and yeah, I mean, she was going to NYU and we kind of like we're each other's best friend and and we had kind of were in a time where we were kind of a little bit spread apart.

30:16 And so for us to come together during that was kind of surreal cuz we were like, oh, we're like competing against each other in a way. We're both up for it and we were both like,

30:30 I don't care. like, you know, like we just want to see each other, you know, like I mean, like,

30:34 but at the same time, it was also like a dream roll, right? Like, so there was definitely a push and pull there, but I think we both felt like it was a familiar win either way.

30:42 Yeah, exactly. Um, but yeah, it was a weird tough thing. For sure. Yeah. And, um, yeah, just, you know, you being able to push through that. A lot of people don't see the courage that it takes for someone to be so uncomfortable to take on a role like this and just say, "You know what? I'm going to do it anyway. I'm going do the best I can." And you absolutely killed it. Like you Yeah. The the movie is, you know, speaking for itself. You killed it in it. And

31:12 so did you guys. And it was it was a hard one to shoot. And there are times on the shoot where I'm like, "How are they going to piece this together?"

31:21 I know. And they did it. And they fully dude. Stitch looked great. And I was like, there were times where I was like, did we forget Stitch? And I'm like, and he was a fullblown beautiful character. I was like, oh my god, I love him.

31:35 But that's credit to you guys cuz yeah, we're we're shooting scenes with like a puppeteer, you know? We're shooting scenes

31:42 for the barbed wire like outlines or whatever. Oh, so funny. So that's credit to you guys.

31:47 Thank you. Um but yeah uh it's it's um it's not an easy easy thing to endure and when you land a role like this it kind of brings it full circle for you. Totally.

31:58 And I know you you you kind of had a music career and an acting career going. Is was that something that you want to get back to? Like I know what your first what song came out at 10 years old.

32:10 Oh yeah. Oh my god. Yeah. Yeah. I was like, "Yeah, it was because I got in trouble with my mom and I said something I wasn't supposed to say to someone

32:21 and I felt so guilty. I thought she was gonna hate me forever that I spent my whole math class writing an I'm so sorry song." And that thing made the radio.

32:33 Crazy. That's wild. Is there is there anything that you want are looking forward to doing now now that um you've had um some success? Uh I don't know. Do you do you want to pursue music more or do you like where you at acting?

32:50 It's funny. I feel like so many people asked that question. It was just so valid.

32:53 I feel like they're they work hand in hand together. It feels like an eb and flow. And I feel like when music's doing great, film is kind of slow.

33:05 Or when film is doing great, music's kind of slow. And or I'm allowed to take a step back from either,

33:10 which is nice because I get to fuel back up and or the other will help me build, you know, and like I can learn from one cuz I mean like

33:20 you need inspiration to create art, right? So it's like if nothing's changing, you know, then where are you at? You're sedentary.

33:28 Yeah. you just keep things flowing and and you I mean you you've done every project there. You've done short films, you've done television, you've done movies.

33:38 Um what would you say is something? How did you feel Lelo and Stitch on like a big feature was compared to kind of maybe the projects that you was working on before that? Were you used to it? Was it different? Did you like it? Was it harder? I mean, I think I was blessed because I feel like all the projects I've been on have been really, really good vibes and this one especially very huge to be at home. Like it changed the game for me,

34:07 you know? I felt safe way sooner than I ever felt on a set, you know, and I and you know, I felt like I could like find my own peace of mind to get into my character room and do my job and not have to look around brighteyed and bushy tailed and feeling like

34:20 I was going to get fired. so quick, you know, and like I could kind of put aside how iconic the movie was, how big the studio was and um you know, and all of those pressures and all of the noise and do my job because of the environment. And it made it feel like, oh shoot, yes, all the glimmer, glamour, all of that stuff like Hollywood, you know, is really just a bunch like it's it all comes down to the same foundations.

34:47 And that was really nice to see like I felt like, okay, I have done this before. It looks a little different, different people, different environment, like you know, like different places, whatever, different storyline or whatever. But at the same time, like it's still the same rules, you know, and like we're still building the same type of vibe and like I was extremely lucky and very blessed to do what we did, you know. Even when I I got in into the industry, there was always that, you know, people telling me, if you ever want to be successful in this, you're probably going to have to go to LA. You're probably going to have to leave leave your home, you know, always.

35:25 And so, I know you had to do a lot, you know, you know, from high school, from before high school, maybe even going to LA. Um,

35:33 how was that for you? And was there any times that you felt alone where you were at on any of your projects?

35:40 Totally. Yeah, I think I I started cuz my sister and my sister and I started at very different ages cuz we were four year gap, right? So

35:48 I have only worked on projects like legitim I guess legitimate like you know those types of projects

35:55 um from adulthood on. Mhm. So I never had my mom around really. Um and my sister and and she was my handinand with my sister and I the whole way through. um you know we we crouched on her and um my sister would always travel with my mom because she was minor.

36:12 Y and um at the times that I got to go on set I got to learn from them and I got to kind of take in those things but at the same time like

36:19 I was walking out on my own. I think I was you know I had to quickly learn how to become an adult.

36:24 Yeah. And I think that that's true as just trying to pursue any sort of craft in that sort of way. If you're really wanting to take it seriously and make it make it or like become successful or or get somewhere where you're going to get into a stable career path,

36:39 you do have to like make those sacrifices and grow up pretty fast, which is a really hard thing, you know. Um, so there was definitely those trials and tribulations. And I recently felt that with a series that I did in Toronto.

36:53 And all over again, I felt extremely lonely, extremely scared, and feeling like I wanted to quit all over again. It was overwhelming. And you know, I realized too, I was bringing in my characters emotions too home, which is a m a thing that I keep having to learn over and over is as projects go on, everything will still change. You're still growing. things will, you know, never be the same in that sort of way. You can hold on to things, but they're not set in stone. And I think that that's the cool thing, too, about this art is that you continually have to be curious and have to have humility and like I'm going to make fun of myself at some point in time. And that's okay.

37:33 That doesn't mean that my worth is any less, you know? Yeah. So, yeah. And I always I think that's important. What has helped me and and maybe all of us right especially from being from Hawaii is like no matter where I go in the world however I act I'm not shame because I know my people would would laugh or or know oh yeah that's be that's how how he is you know so as long as you have the kind of that like you said that foundational whether it's your family or your group of friends know if they know who you are and how you are when you when you go out it's a lot easier to just be herself, you know. So,

38:11 I think that's what you guys brought me very quickly, too. And you guys help bring me back to myself on set. I think that that was a huge thing. Like that full circle moment that I was talking about, so many different ways I can connect it back in like a web. And it was a lot of it was like my identity.

38:28 Mhm. And seriously, the way that you guys have created that had created that relationship and that environment, not just because Maya was five at the time when she started and six filming the whole thing,

38:40 but like I think it was just I don't know. I think that everybody reinforced that sense of morale and value and love and care and passion that it felt like it was okay to be me, you know,

38:57 and you guys accepted me that way. Yeah. You know, I mean, where, you know, we're like,

39:02 you know, like Yeah. And and that is, you know, again, like for me, being able to stay home and work on projects here and never really needing to go to LA to to work, you know, now might be the time cuz we don't have anything going here.

39:20 Um, which is something I really want to talk about. Is there, you know, you had to go through it on your own. Is there anything um that that you would say maybe we can start developing that would help

39:36 maybe local actors or where do you see us lacking in the film industry in your opinion?

39:42 Um when you look at it? You mean as far as like the lonesome or like just in general? I'm just saying in general like you know you've been um you you grew up kind of theater here then you had a lot of your career in LA other places and is there ever a moment you look back and go you know Hawaii needs that like how come we don't have that

40:02 Hawaii needs it all in a good way like I think like we we need we need people to believe in us because we've already got it you know

40:10 I think I think that with more of these projects that are coming to let's get more um more and more of the world is seeing how capable we are and the more that we're exposing the fact that these are local people the majority local people who are doing this and we are very capable of doing it look at what we can achieve you know and I think that that will really set in in place it just takes time too which is sucky because we don't have a lot of time all the time

40:40 and um I think I think also too I think just get involved because so Many people are trying to create things and there are so many different beautiful like small companies and or and or just like groups or community theaters or acting classes or freaking um like improv. Uh we've got like like getting into dance, Tahhesian, like hula, whatever. Like just get involved, get to know people and connect them together. Like

41:12 you will find people. It's the six degrees of separation is so important cuz eventually like you'll realize we're all interconnected and it's just because we're a part of an island, we're a part of a chain and we're so much more close than we think we are, you know?

41:28 Yeah. And um yeah, that's I would I would ask that like if you had to give advice to kind of you you you just gave it, but was there things early on that you had to do like maybe you did a short film for free or you know

41:42 Oh my god. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Say yes. I mean like like there's no ego in this business, guys. Otherwise, there's no longevity. Like I mean, there's pride for sure, I think.

41:55 But at the same time, like that comes equally with humility. And I think that your relationships are so so important, maybe even more important than, you know, the talent.

42:08 It's the hard work. Yeah, it's your relationships, the hard work, the humility,

42:12 and then making sure that you're patient. Time is on your side if you let it be,

42:17 but it's you're playing the long game, and you have to understand that, but at the same time, it's there if you want it.

42:23 Mhm. You know, and I think that that's extremely important. But yeah, frick, man. Say yes. I did. So, I we'll still do things for free.

42:31 I You know what I mean? Yeah. Why not? Yeah. Why not? Exactly. And and and we talked about it on this podcast before. It's like it's kind of what you need in you to be successful in this industry. Like if you you just have to wake up wanting to create things for whoever, right? If it's so so and so's project, if it's your project and and I get that like even this podcast like everybody comes together for free on their own time,

42:57 this motivates me like you know I totally agree. Yeah. So, um, but yeah, I guess, um, you know, one of the things that we do like to speak about is the the state of our industry. Do you see do you see our state getting back to a point where we're busy? And what do you think are the challenges for us to to get back to

43:20 having a thriving industry here? I mean, I feel like you guys probably already talked about this many times, but

43:26 the dependency on tourism is tough, especially in tandem with the fact that we were supposed to have more of that

43:36 um going into the film industry and bringing more films down. And I'm stoked to hear that Josh Green vetoed

43:45 so we're still able to do that. And and um I think it's just honestly I don't know if it's creating more indies here or not or figuring out how to like gather around more collaborators or

43:57 you know hosting events to kind of like connect people or whatever and then see what's budget friendly and possible

44:04 or you know and getting things in practice or if it's like again like the more exposure it is I think the more that people will see that it's possible to do here and like

44:15 I don't I It's tough. Having said that, you have some um experience with producing, right?

44:21 Yeah. And I'm getting more, but this is new, but yes, I'm getting I'm getting into it, which I'm stoked about.

44:26 I'm just saying like the reality is it's a business, right? And if you if you got um into producing just a little bit, you would understand how hard it is

44:38 to make money off of a short film or a movie. It's it's a gamble, you know, and I I don't think a lot of people know that about um you know, things that we we work on, you know, and a lot of the the people who invest money, who have the money to invest on one project, 10 projects that in hopes that one makes it to cover the cost of the other losses.

45:04 It takes a lot, you know. So that's why it's so hard, you know, like how are we going to get the investors to

45:10 create a independent industry here, which is a dream for all of us, right? Like if we could create our own ecosystem totally of you know sustainable TV and movies that us all local people get to work on like Yeah.

45:26 but you know who who it's tough. I mean Rescue High should have been on still, you know.

45:31 Yeah. Yeah, for sure. I mean that was kind of a you know NCIS Hawaii you know even though even though that's not like a local show like Rescue High Surf was something we're really rooting for a lot of people were getting opportunities on it you know um were you on that show?

45:49 Uh I really wanted to be Oh yeah you would have been on it. Um but you know like a lot of people had opportunities to step up whether it was like just as grips, electricians, producers, um stun people, you know. So, um, but it's like you said, I feel like we just need an opportunity and you know, like when you look at like the UPM for for Lilo and S Tom like he believed in us like every time he'd come to say we speak with him, he just I felt that like he believed in us that we could do the job to the best of anybody's abilities and and that felt good. It felt validating. You know what I mean?

46:31 He believes in art still. way. I feel like that's also tough is like you get so caught up in in that which is something you can't forget like when you're looking at the business it is that rationale.

46:43 Mhm. But I think that when you have the opportunity and when you have the privilege to look outside and or you cut the budget in half in some way and you do it iPhone style, whatever, but you've got the story because you've got the heart and soul. I hope that that's the thing that will connect people and make them want to rewatch. I mean, like, and maybe that's just like a very naive perspective, but I feel like art needs to come back. The the importance for art needs to come back. And I will say like I think the cycle is eventually going to come back. AI, business money whatevers but

47:18 eventually people are going to need it again. Yeah. You know, and I hope that they will want and that will become something that they can invest in because the need is there. Mhm. Do you do you keep up with how the industry is is going here in Hawaii or you kind of just do your own thing?

47:36 Yes. And not enough. Mhm. You know, I'm still getting into the politics of all of that stuff cuz it's tough. It's like it's difficult.

47:44 Well, I've talked about it before like do you know anybody growing up in Hawaii who cares about politics?

47:50 You know, like I I never did. Did you? Like I never I think we all like we were somewhat separate. were like, "Yeah, yikes, guys. Mainland is tough,

47:59 right?" Yeah. Like I felt like I felt dumb, right, for not We have our own Yeah, true.

48:05 You know, I I felt dumb compared to everybody else. They knew everything about politics. And

48:09 I didn't even know about geography. Yeah, bro. I never even know about seasons.

48:18 You're like, "Wait, what's the stuff falling off the ground? Why is it cold? Changes." Yeah.

48:23 Um but no and um but I think that's one of the the biggest issues is is naturally

48:30 we we don't we don't speak about our industry enough, right? Like there's not an easy way for you to know about our industry. Everybody's in their own corners or has a little bit of information right?

48:42 And and some people do TV, some people do movies, some people do commercials. So, I think we're getting to a point where we all need to kind of come together and and and build a community. And I think that's what I what I'm trying to do cuz even for a person like you, right, it's not easy to get information about our industry. So

49:03 I only now started to get to know like I just started meeting some of the people like just actors too

49:09 who grew up together here and like this is where the basis of a lot of the the industry is is on Aahu and

49:17 and Sienn and I growing up didn't know that that was there. like we we would travel over to Aahu, but like we had a limited amount of time and we had no idea that there were so many different opportunities and resources and places and and or that you know like you've worked with probably the same people over and over and over again and I was like you guys knew this person from this thing and like

49:38 like for 10 years now and like where the heck was I like you know it's there's somewhat of like a FOMO but at the same time it's

49:46 nice to finally feel like I'm you know like oh okay we're building this again. I feel like, like you said, the more events that we have to be able to bring the creatives together

49:56 is important because then we can get to see the faces and get to connect. Again, the relationships are the most important thing

50:03 and we can't build them if we don't know them. Yeah. Yeah. And I think everyone is so willing to help, you know, we just have to connect the dots and

50:11 I agree. And we can bring people's projects to life and people can see our our culture. And I think just sharing our culture is very important or else

50:21 I agree. Or else we kind of just get lost in the shuffle of things. I agree. You know,

50:27 well, we're going to do is we want to talk about I just kind of like la that was absolutely perfect. Now, we're going to do something that we've never done before on this show. We are ending this episode with what we call the lightning round. Okay. No thinking too hard.

50:52 First thing that comes to mind says you're talking to an overthinker. Yeah. But uh quick, real, and unfiltered.

51:02 All right. All right. Lightning round with Sydney Agun. Ready? Musubi or Avocado toast?

51:13 Musub. Dream duet partner, dead or alive? Wait, what? No. Dream duet. Who? Who's your dream duet partner? Like if you had to do a duet, who would you do it with?

51:23 Oh, I gotcha. Dad joke. Who? Uh, Amy W House. One actor you drop everything to work with?

51:34 Foof. Um, Tom Hanks. Oh, that's a good one. Most used emoji. I don't know how you use it. Hearts.

51:41 This girl. This girl. Whatever that is. Uh, what's your go-to karaoke song? Go-to karaoke song. Yes. Oh, okay. Amy Wine House again, Valerie.

51:55 Oh, okay. First big purchase you made after landing a major role. My rent. Right. My back rent.

52:08 Okay. the celebrity that made you the most starruck that I've met. Yeah. You don't get starruck. Yeah.

52:15 Not really. I kind of don't. I feel like it's I don't know. It's like if you're a good human and and you're really cool at your job and stuff, then maybe.

52:25 Yeah. I guess Zach made me laugh. Zach was cool. He's funny. Yeah. It was kind of lluj for me was like the most like I was like, "Oh that's loo." Actually, I've never met her in person, but Hannah Waningham made me go because I sent her a message and she played Grand Councilwoman, right? Um, and I love her and all of her stuff. And she like sent me a voice message back and she was like, "Sydney, darling, it's so good to hear from you." I was like,

52:55 "Cool stuff we get to do. Would you rather surf with Lilo or have brunch with Stitch?"

53:01 Dude, surf with Lilo. There we go. Stitch would eat everything and or break the glasses.

53:06 Easy. Would you rather land a role in a Marvel movie or headline Coachella as Jane?

53:11 Marvel. Oh, yeah. Marvel. Did you hear the second? I did. I did. I did. I did. But I still said uh Coachella is cool, but I like do my own. Yeah.

53:20 With Jane. Yeah. Marvel would be bomb. Dude, if you could only eat one plate lunch for the rest of your life, what would it be? Uh, Kalúa pork. Uh, the ai poke and then spicy au poke plate. It's like that's like I forget. It's at home.

53:41 Really? Yeah. It's got lomi lom. Quiet. That's why. Yeah. Quiet. That's why Okay, final one. If you weren't in entertainment, what job would you be killing right now?

53:53 If I wasn't in entertainment, dude. Everybody is like I feel like everybody that's in like art is in loves science. Is that like or like medical field like it's like the flip-flop? There's a lot

54:06 my friends cuz they're went through. Yeah. Okay. Well, I wouldn't be a nurse. I'm the only group to come out of Eolani.

54:15 I'm like I feel like I'd probably want to be I'd want to be either I want to be in

54:23 Starbucks. Honestly, one of Yes. How did you know? No, I think I I wanted at some point in time I want to be a paramedic.

54:30 Oh, yeah. Really? Yeah. Cuz I really wanted to be an ER physician. Uhhuh. Um and then, you know, I didn't go to school for it.

54:37 Yeah. And I don't like um but Oh, yes. help. Yeah. I'd like to finish the show with you maybe giving a word of advice to the young ones of Hawaii trying to make it in the film industry. maybe words of encouragement. What would you tell them?

54:56 I would tell them that the cliches are all true. And I think that um everything happens for a reason. And I think that it's your community and it's your support system that really gets you through those tough moments. And if you really love something, it doesn't matter who approves of it or not in that sort of way. Like, you know, like not everybody is going to love your art, but someone will. And I think that you just have to push through. And you know, I think time is on your side if you make it. Like you are special for a reason and you are unique. And I think that that is your biggest gift. Everybody's got a story to tell. So tell it.

55:38 Thank you so much. And one more thing, I'm going to sneak this in there. You didn't make it to the premiere of Lilo and Stitch here, which was super bomb. It was like so fun. Saw Everybody

55:51 cool. If you were there, if you were there and you got up on stage, I would have left. I'm just kidding.

55:58 I'm out. And And the whole crew that was there um was watching the movie that we had worked hard on.

56:05 Yeah. What would you What would you tell them? Oh, you're going to make me cry if I'm going to do that. Why don't you do that? Um I think I would tell them that like, man, let's freaking do it again, man. And I hope that everybody comes back around. I I was touched by every single person on that set. I think that um again, you guys gave me a safe place and and a home and a family and I it is priceless. I can't I can't give that like, you know, I I just I'm so grateful. And you know, the way that everybody has poured their heart and souls into that is inspiring to me. And I admire everybody's hard work so much.

56:47 I mean, I met so many souls that um I'm just like picturing them all right now. I just like I just miss them all and I just hope that they know that I love them and I miss them and I'm so so proud of us all and congratulations for all the freaking hard work and um yeah, let's do it again.

57:04 I hope we can do it again. Yeah, we Why wouldn't we want to do it again? Yeah. And I heard Dean say, "If we do it again, he wants to do it here with the same crew."

57:17 Yeah, he's kind of superstitious like that. I heard I know. And I love that. Yeah,

57:21 he should be. But hey, thank you and seriously from the bottom of my heart coming here, being on this podcast, speaking to the people of Hawaii, Kauaii, and we love you and we support you and we hope you know you keep doing your thing, representing us well. We got your back 100% from here on out. And I and I hope you know that.

57:40 Thank you for letting me be on this. Seriously, it was such a pleasure. You're amazing. Thank you.

57:46 Love you. Thank you. You, too.

Questions about this episode

What is discussed in "Sydney Agudong’s Journey: From Kauai to Hollywood"?

In order: 0:00 Hawaii Children's Theater, Lilo and Stitch, Lilo and Stitch, Sydney Aguodong; 5:00 Lilo and Stitch, Lilo and Stitch; 10:00 Lilo and Stitch, Lilo and Stitch; 25:00 Lilo and Stitch, Lilo and Stitch; 40:00 Josh Green; 45:00 NCIS Hawaii, Rescue High; 50:00 Sydney Agun, Tom Hanks; 55:00 Lilo and Stitch, Lilo and Stitch.

What is mentioned in this The Big Picture episode?

10 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including Lilo and Stitch, Lilo and Stitch, Kauai, Hawaii Children's Theater, Sydney Aguodong, Josh Green. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "Sydney Agudong’s Journey: From Kauai to Hollywood"?

The episode runs 58 min; the transcript is about 11,463 words in 248 timestamped sections.

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