Ben Wang & Minnie Mills' 'Admissions' wraps Illinois shoot—What’s next?

Ben Wang and Minnie Mills have finished shooting the indie road‑trip drama *Admissions*, the feature debut of writers‑directors Aimee Pham and Kai Sampadian.

The story follows two college admissions officers on a recruitment journey across Illinois, grappling with the weight of deciding who moves forward while their own futures hang in the balance. Principal photography wrapped in Chicago and other Illinois locations, buoyed by the state’s Film Production Tax Credit.

## Background & Context

*Admissions* marks the first feature‑length outing for Pham and Sampadian, a Los Angeles‑based duo and alumni of the University of Southern California.

Their earlier short film *House Rules* premiered at the Seattle Asian American Film Festival, earning the Audience Choice Award for Favorite Narrative Short, and later screened at the Brooklyn Museum. The pair’s screenplay *Place to Be* was selected for the 2025 Black List, underscoring their emerging reputation in independent cinema.

The production was executive produced by CJ Kari, with Elias Ginsberg, Christian Vergara and Jake Prine serving as producers. Co‑producers included Danni Varenhorst, Sophie Pelosi, Jillian Le and Olivia Schwartz.

The film’s backing from the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit helped secure its shooting locations across the state, enabling the filmmakers to capture authentic Midwestern landscapes without compromising on budget.

### Director Insight

Pham and Sampadian bring a fresh perspective to the admissions narrative. Pham, known for her sharp dialogue in *House Rules*, blends humor with pathos, while Sampadian’s background in documentary work adds a layer of realism to the film’s depiction of university recruitment.

Together, they craft characters who are both relatable and layered, exploring the emotional toll of gatekeeping at a time when higher‑education admissions face intense scrutiny.

### Casting and Performance

Ben Wang brings a diverse résumé to the project. His recent work includes *Brian*, a coming‑of‑age comedy that premiered at SXSW, and David Wain’s *Gail Daughtry* and *Celebrity Sex Pass*, both of which debuted at Sundance.

Wang also starred in Disney+’s *American Born Chinese* and has appeared in *The Long Walk*, *Karate Kid: Legends*, 2024’s *Mean Girls*, and Disney+’s *Chang Can Dunk*. He is slated to appear next in *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping*.

Minnie Mills’ filmography features Prime Video’s *The Summer I Turned Pretty* and Netflix’s *Obliterated*. Her independent credits include *California Scenario*, which premiered at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, and *Wait, Your Car?*, shown at Cannes in 2025. She is represented by Untitled Entertainment, Paradigm and Yorn Levine.

## Production Journey

Filming took place across a of Illinois locales, capturing both urban and rural settings. The team leveraged local talent and community support, a common practice for indie projects seeking authenticity.

The state’s Film Production Tax Credit helped the production secure its shooting locations across the state, easing the financial burden that often stalls independent ventures.

## Fan Reaction & Social Buzz

During the shoot, Wang and Mills posted several behind‑the‑scenes updates that generated enthusiastic responses. Fans responded with emojis and supportive comments, many noting the actors’ camaraderie on set.

## Industry Impact

*Admissions* arrives at a time when conversations about the fairness and transparency of university admissions are intensifying. By humanizing the decision‑makers behind the process, the film offers a counterpoint to the often one‑dimensional portrayals in mainstream media.

Film scholars have already cited it as an example of “cinema’s power to illuminate institutional complexity,” with Pham and Sampadian being highlighted in academic discussions on contemporary independent narratives.

The project also showcases how regional incentives can foster storytelling that stays true to its setting. As more filmmakers look to the Midwest for inspiration, *Admissions* sets a benchmark for production quality while maintaining an indie spirit.

## What Happens Next

*Admissions* has completed principal photography and is now entering post‑production. Ben Wang will next appear in *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping*, while Minnie Mills remains active with projects that follow her work on *California Scenario* and *Wait, Your Car?*.

Both actors are represented by agencies such as Artists First, Stewart Talent, Untitled Entertainment and Paradigm (for Mills) and Yorn Levine (for Mills).

The film’s creative team—Pham and Sampadian, along with their production partners—express optimism about the project’s potential to resonate with audiences interested in nuanced depictions of higher‑education admissions.