Update 62-01 Update 62-01 Update of presentation today, screening tml, meeting dates 31st July 2006 6:34 PM
After two weeks of poor audio during chapel, today's presentation finally went through without any hitches whatsoever. Thanks to everyone for turning up in the morning, Ms Jamie Tan for organizing the entire event, and Darren Chew for being so shameless on camera. Kudos to MR as well for facilitating the smooth running of the video. Anyway, BLINDED will be screened tomorrow at The Substation at 8 PM. The location of which is available HERE. Its basically next to SMU near the National Library. The session should not last beyond 10 PM. I've been promised some newspaper coverage by the organisers but I suspect (From past [Bad] experience) that it'll not exceed the length of an extremely short sentence that goes along the lines of "BLINDED. 8PM at The SUBSTATION". Something like that (Or worse).
Anyhow, onwards to the mega-ass action film project. I am pleased to announce that we have managed to collect enough donations from kind sponsors to nearly cover the bus fees there and back for both days. Unfortunately, the real killer is food. The estimated conservative cost to cover 3 meals over the 2 film dates is $400 - Exclusive of drinks and delivery charges. We also have yet to figure out how to acquire more funds for the purchasing of additional props such as dry ice, a broken HDD, and police lights, etc. I have no idea how we're going to get this sum of money. Oh well. I'll think of something. Anyway, meetings for this film are as follows:
1. Wednesday, 2nd July - After Anglo-Olympics or during it if you're not taking part) 2. Thursday, 3rd July - Script reading for all main actors) 3. Friday, 4th August - Possible meeting - Pending availability of everyone) 4. Sunday, 6th August - Night filming of Execution Scene at Ivan's place 5. Wednesday, 9th August - Script reading for all main actors 6. Friday, 11th August - Filming after school 7. Saturday, 12th August - Filming whole day
That's all for now. I'll update everyone as time goes on. I know it seems kind of excessive but we don't have much choice here. I'm really sorry for making ya'll come down so often but yeah - We gotta' settle quite alot of issues that require everyone's wholehearted attendance and participation. This film is easily the best shot we have at making it big in the film industry. All it needs is your help and dedication. Afterall, it's just a mere 2 weeks more to the shoot; from the 12th onwards I won't bother you further (:
By the way, I feel the need to address this particularly pertinent issue. I've been hearing that some people have apparently been saying that Ben Soh's burning of lockers had something to do with me in the creation of smoke effects for film (Something like that). I'd like to say for the record here and now that I NEITHER CONDONE NOR APPROVE OF TORCHING LOCKERS - OR FOR THAT MATTER, ANY OTHER ACTIVITY BEN SOH WAS ENGAGED IN. Not only was I at home when the incident happened but I am not responsible for what the crew do on their own time. If i needed any smoke/fire effects, I would have used the friggin' smoke machine which we invested quite a bit of money in >.< So yes, I have no part in that awful situation.
That's all I have for now. I shall update tomorrow. Thanks everyone.
- posted by BLT @ 2:54 AM(0) comments
Friday, July 28, 2006
Update 61-01 Update 61-01 A Tribute 28th July 2006 11:34 PM
As most of you probably know, today was Jeffrey Chan's last day in school. Reflecting on our friendship over the past 3 years, I must say that it has been the greatest honor of my life working with such a great guy it is indeed sad to see him go. Apart from helping me out in nearly every single production since I first started film in Secondary 3, Jeff has also been an awesome friend and loan shark helper in my times of (financial) need haha. Kidding – I still owe him money. Shh. Anyway, I can say that it is without a doubt that Jeff has been fundamental in most of our films thus far. A friggin smart guy, I can't help but constantly admire Jeff's unwavering perseverance to excel and undying dedication to our film productions. Having been through more trials and tribulations in his life than the average teen, I often wonder where he draws his strength from.
As he leaves for Hong Kong tomorrow, he takes with him the hopes and aspirations of a man who has the intelligence, capabilities, and determination to succeed in life and achieve great things next time. Although it saddens me to lose his presence here in Singapore, I know for sure that he has a very bright future ahead of him.
Though most of you would think of Jeff as one of them silent, stoic, stoner types (which isn't far from the truth), I got the privilege of knowing a deeper side of him not often seen - A side of him which exudes the qualities of a generous, caring, and kind individual. So today, on behalf of all the crew and class 4.16, I truly and sincerely wish him well in all his future endeavors and hope that we will all meet again someday for a good laugh at the films we made when we were teens.
I think that it is perhaps fitting that I dedicate an entry to Jeffrey Chan Ka Chun; pictorially chronicling his exploits and recollecting our own humble beginnings as a team. I originally typed out this lengthy page-long exposition but I think that as the cliché goes, ‘a picture tells a thousand words’. Please Enjoy! We love you Jeff! (:
Update 60-01 Update 60-01 Update of our very screwed up situation 27th July 2006 4:41 PM
If you've not heared yet, we are still lacking a location so this leaves us with two alternatives: We either cancel the film or shoot it 2 weeks from now. I did a consensus today and I dare say everyoone would rather get this thing over with later than stop after going through so much trouble and money. I'm really really really sorry that I forced ya'll to be free this weekend and am now backing out on you. My sincere apologies. Sorry. Anyhow, the new time for the shoot is the 11th and 12th of August. We're most probably filming at Ali's Dad's warehouse. Please let me know ASAP if you can make it. Again, I'm sorry for postponing and dragging this thing on longer.
There'll probably be a few more meetings before the actual day to do a couple of dry runs and stuff. There'll be a mass meeting next Wednesday - Is there yet another round of AngloOlympics? If there is, then we'll relocate to next Thursday. Please also keep the following Monday, Wednesday/Thursday free again. For all main actors and partial leads, be prepared to stay back 3 to 4 times over the next 2 weeks before the shoot for a few dry runs and script readings. Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the moral & financial support you all have contributed to making this production a success. Every bit helps so thanks (:
Btw please meet at 7:15 in the front of the audi this coming Monday for the presentation of BLINDED. Thanks again.
- posted by BLT @ 1:27 AM(0) comments
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Update 59-01 Update 59-01 Update of today’s meeting & our very screwed up situation 26th July 2006 10:41 PM
Hey everyone. Past few days have been really really really really killer. I'm at a near panic state right now. Its 2 days to the shoot and we still dont have a location. We're dead if we can't get anything out by then. Sighs. What to do... Thanks everyone for coming today btw. Really grateful for your support. Those of you who did not come today, please visit me anytime at my class (5.14) tomorrow before school, during recess, lunch, or after school. It is of utmost importance that you come. Please SMS me if you cant. It kinda sucks when people promised to come but cant. If you can't, at least message. Thank you. Sorry for being somewhat pissed and angsty. I know ya'll are doing me a big ass favor here but I'm really up to my eyeballs and horribly stressed out with everything.
Anyway, please take note of the scenes scheduled for Friday & Saturday:
Friday, 28th July: Meeting Time: 12:40 After School (Short briefing followed by lunch) - Venue: 5.14 Meeting Time: 2:30 (Have to wait for those having Oral) - Venue: In front of new flag poles
Scene Sequencing: Estimated 3:30 to 4:00 - Preperation/Briefing Estimated 4:00 to 5:00 - Office Scene Estimated 5:00 to 6:00 - Traid Scene Estimated 6:00 to 7:30 - Fight Scene Part I Estimated 7:30 to 8:00 - Dinner Estimated 8:00 to 10:00 - Fight Scene Part II
Saturday, 29th July: Meeting Time: 9:00 AM - Venue: In front of new flag poles Estimated 10:30 to 11:00 - Preperation/Briefing Estimated 11:00 to 12:00 - Office Scene Estimated 12:00 to 12:30 - Lunch Estimated 12:30 to 2:00 - Traids & Invasion Scene Estimated 2:00 to 3:30 - SWAT Captain - Lead confrontation/ Bomb planting/ Discovery Estimated 3:30 to 5:30 - Fight Scene Part I Estimated 5:30 to 7:00 - Cop Car Arrival/ Reporter Scene/ Partner Scenes Estimated 7:00 to 7:30 - Dinner Estimated 7:30 to 10:00 - Fight Scene Part II
That's all for now. All the times are 'estimated' and tentative because once filming starts everything becomes extremely unpredictable and anything can happen. This also means that you cannot have you come only at a certain time for your particular scene. Everyone has to come for the entire shoot from start to finish. I'm not sure when that'll be for one and this schedule is very very subjective to change. I apologize and am sorry in advance for the inevitable boredom when your scenes not being filmed. I do suggest you perhaps bring along your IOP/EE/IA (Or cards) to pass the time when you're not involved in a particular scene. Anyhow, will definately keep ya'll updated with regards to the location. Once again, those of you who have not seen me yet please come to my class tomrrow. Thank you!
- posted by BLT @ 6:58 AM(0) comments
Friday, July 21, 2006
Update 58-01 Update 58-01 Update of today’s meeting & other general stuff 21st July 2006 8:41 PM
Hey would like to say thanks to everyone who came down today. Sorry for wasting your time. Had a rather okay meeting - Wish the turnout could be better but I understand we're all damn busy people. A draft of the script is downloadable here as well as the list of personnel. Anyway, for the benefit of those who did not come today, here's a general update of what to expect so far:
1. NEXT MEETING - Next meeting will be on Wednesday, 26th of July at Classroom 5.1 again. It may be quite long. I know ACSOlympics is on but we'll be in the room all day so please do drop by when you're free. Thanks. This is the last meeting before the actual shoot so its damn important.
2. WHAT TO WEAR - Cops are just required to wear school pants (We provide the rest of the uniform) while triads are to please wear a white collared shirt, dark/black long pants, with blazer/jacket/suit(NOT THE SCHOOL ONE!!!), and black formal dress shoes. If anyone of you don’t have any one of the above, do let me know ASAP.
3. CAS HOURS - Yes, everyone is guaranteed CAS Hours and we have a teacher in charge who will sign for us.
4. TIME - We're filming on the 28th and 29th so please keep these two days, Friday & Saturday free. It'll be the whole day on both days till night.
5. VENUE - We don’t have a location yet. I'll keep ya'll updated as time goes on. If any of you have an office we can film at, please let me know.
6. AVAILABILITY - If any of ya are unavailable at certain parts of each day, please let me know what time you can come down or have to leave by.
7. PLOG UPDATING - Please check here regularly for updates over the next few days.
8. BLINDED ANNOUCEMENT - We're making a prize presentation for BLINDED on Monday so all cast & crew for that please report to the audi this Monday at 7:00 AM for a dry run.
9. SCRIPT DISCUSSION - I've e-mail the script and list of all personnel to everyone. Please let me know if you don't have a copy. Please familiarize yourself with the lines and story. If you have any comments/suggestions/criticism/feedback/ideas, do not hesitate to let me know. Also, please try and think of character names for the 3 leads. Thanks.
10. DONATIONS - I'm heavily in debt so if anyone is willing to donate money to this cause, please do. I'm not making compulsory (Because I can't haha) and I'm not setting a specific amount so any sum will be great - Be it either 10 cents or 10 dollars. Every bit counts!
That’s all for now. My gratitude again goes out to everyone for supporting this project. Thank you!
- posted by BLT @ 5:27 AM(0) comments
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Update 57-01 Update 57-01 Update of next meeting & postponed action film (Again) 18th July 2006 8:21 AM
Harloe. Okay there's gonna be a meeting this Friday, 21st July, immdediately after school at 1:00 PM (Or a few minutes after the Racial Harmony Day events - Whichever comes first) at Classroom 5.1 as it has air-conditioning unlike 5.14. This meeting is off great importance so please do try to come. It shouldn't last more than half an hour. Thanks!
Btw Haven Trailer (Real one) is viewable online HERE. Its also gonna be put up under our 'Films' section on the sidebar. Enjoy.
- posted by BLT @ 5:34 PM(0) comments
Monday, July 17, 2006
Update 56-02 Update 56-02 Update of next meeting & postponed action film 17th July 2006 10:21 PM
Okay action thingy is postponed to 28th and 29th July, Friday and Saturday whole day. The aforementioned meeting is pushed forward to when I get the script out. We seriously cannot film this week because the script is still not yet done, logistics are far from complete, administration is in disarray, and a hell lot of people cannot make it. Oh well. This gives us more time to finalize all the logistics and plan more. On other notes however, we're screwed for locations. Anyone have an office they wouldnt mind us wrecking filming in?
Our many many countless problems still remain unresolved but i hope that the extra week will perhaps give us some valuable time to alleviate them. Much uncertainty lies ahead. BLT is stressed.
Update 56-01 Update 56-01 Update of today's screening and next meeting 17th July 2006 6:21 PM
Haven trailer screened today. Firstly the wrong version got showed - The previous draft with completely different music was shown, it was paused at awkward moments, and the sound system was not working. Oh well. All in all a damn bad performance although I am grateful for the recognition from the school - Such thanks is hard to come by these days... Anyhow, the shit has hit the fan for this upcoming action film on the 21st and 22nd. Alot of issues remain unsettled although I did finally get a more or less confirmed synopsis done. I will post it online (Along with the proper Haven Trailer) when its fully ready.
For the action film, there'll be a very very very very extremely important briefing this coming WEDNESDAY at CLASSROOM 5.1 IMMEDIATELY AFTER SCHOOL AT 2:40 PM. Please try your utmost best to come. It is our only meeting prior to the actual shoot this coming Friday and Saturday. I will also have to discuss very constraining budget issues... Which may very well mean that each of you have to donate some money to the cause - Though as it is subject to a majority consensus, its ultimately up to ya'll. Thanks again everyone for your cooperation thus far!
Stuff that remains unsettled for the action film - Need to settle:
1. Location - Going to see Mel's place tomorrow 2. Cars - Not sure who can drive 3. Police lights - Not sure how many we can afford 4. Extra vests, holsters, guns, walkie-talkies and tapes from David 5. Eough debris for the action sequences 6. Glass shards and planes 7. Two bombs - One suitcase and the other a huge one 8. Collect back my camera from David 9. A ladder 10. Handcuffs 11. Hard disk with a hole through it 12. Water spray from mum for 'sweat' effects 13. Nanchukus from Darren & Ben Lai 14. Old Hi-8 Camera from Ben Soh 15. Meal problems 16. Bus/lorry problems 17. John Loh's reflectors 18. Ski masks from Arthur 19. Boots in cupboard 20. Loudspeakers 21. NPCC uniforms from Mr William Lai 22. NPCC uniforms from Jon Lui & Reuben 23. Fix props and costumes 24. Smoke Grenade 25. Dry ice (?) 26. SCRIPT!!!
Update 55-01 Update 55-01 Update of yesterday's filming 15h July 2006 10:21 AM
Thanks everyone for coming down yesterday as always. Filming was extremely hectic and we ended up being behind schedule most of the time but I think we got the job done in the end. (Barely, at that) Was interesting shooting with 2 prosumer cameras simultaneously - Although we ended up being in each others shots most of the time. Ah well. Here are some photos from yesterday as always. We're going into post production for this one after this morning's shoot then its full steam ahead with the action idea... Which is still horribly lacking at this point in time.
Update 54-01 Update 54-01 Update of yesterday's meeting, todays filming 14th July 2006 9:30 AM
Hey thanks everyone for coming down yesterday. Appreciate all the help. Had a rather... Condusive discussion with regards to all the films. Had an awesome dinner too haha. Going school in a bit to deliver the Haven Trailer. Apart from that, today we're gonna be filming A Film About Lvoe. Hope that goes well cuz its raining quite heavily now. Hope it clears. Wish us all the best today.
Update 53-01 Update 53-01 Update of everything 13th July 2006 10:30 AM
Harloe. Common tests are finally over - Not overjoyed that I dont have to study anymore (Because I didnt in the first place), but now I feel less guilty slacking. Anyway, yes updates. Okay thanks everyone for coming down today. Sorry for calling such a long ass meeting from morning till night but got no choice heh. Gotta settle this troublesome action story which is really killing me as well as discuss the final logistics and possibly do a script-reading session for A Film About Lvoe. Owe ya'll lunch or something someday (When I can afford it).
As most of you have probably been wondering, Haven trailer's been going okay I guess. I spent the entire weekend and the day before the History exam setting it up. Its more or less done except that the higher-ups would like us to use their own music and change somethings which I feel are completely unnecessary. I will not say anything more that will incriminate me but you can just imagine me hurlting my hands in the air and screaming vulgarities about the lack of advertising sense in... I shalln't say anymore. I'm going to submit the film to Mrs Fanny Tan tomorrow for some censorship checking. I wont be surprised if I have to spend this weekend editing too because of whatever changes improvements she'll probably force suggest.
For the action thing, my gratitude again to everyone who has consented to act. To reillterate again, we'll be filming after school all the way till night time (10 PM plus) on Friday, 21st July and morning till night again on Saturday. I haven't quite figured out the location yet; pending approval from kind souls who will let us have a gunfight in their workplace. I will probably charter a bus to take us from school to wherever the hell the office is but everyone might have to find their way to the place themselves on Saturday. Apologies for being so cheapsake - Budget constraints. By the way, would everyone mind donating money? Again, sorry for being so stingy but we're totally out of budget (I'm beyond bankrupt!) on this one and I need to cover transportation, props, and food cost. Sorry. I won't make it compulsory but donations will definately be of great help. Thanks.
Problems I am currently facing:
1. Our SWAT boots are locked in a random cupboard in school. Estate somehow went and locked it. Hopefully they haven't thrown away the key. 2. We need more NPCC uniforms. Gotta pursuade Mr William Lai again. 3. I hope all the baddies have enough suits and ski masks. 4. I need to acquire fake glass, a bomb, police lights, police stickers, more SWAT vests, debris, and bomb bags. 5. We dont have enough cars. Anyone's parents free that day? 6. Need to get a van and a bus to transport us from school 7. Need to figure out what food to cater for everyone 8. Gotta mod and fix up props such as guns, vests, other costumes, etc. 9. Coordinate all personnel with regards to which day they can/cannot come because of events such as the FURL gig, UYOs, CCAs, and other commitements, etc. 10. Haven't figured out casting yet 11. SCRIPT IS STILL NOT DONE!!!
- posted by BLT @ 7:22 PM(0) comments
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Update 51-01 Update 51-01 Haven Trailer & Next film project 4th July 2006 10:30 PM
Hey everyone. Thanks so much for that kick-ass dinner and all the presents the other day. I'll never forgot it haha. Anyway, on to business. Some of ya'll have been asking me whats been up with the Haven Trailer and stuff. Basically we've suspended all work for now in light of the ominous Common Tests (Which I've not studied for at all) but it'll definately be out by the 17th of July which is our release date. I really have to rush this thing after Commons are over. Please find attached for your viewing pleasure (And to prove we're not slacking) some grabs from the footages below.
On other fronts, immediately after the CTs are over, we'll be embarking upon Malcolm's project 'A Film About Lvoe'. We'll be having a pre-shoot meeting on Thursday afternoon the 13th of July (Most probably at DML's place in Bt Timah) and we'll be shooting it on Friday afternoon, the 15th, and the whole of Saturday, the 16th (Both days end at night). After this film is over, we'll be shooting our action idea the following Friday and Saturday (21st & 22nd). It'll occupy the whole of Saturday and Friday after school until night per usual. I apologize for the short notice but please keep these days free at all costs. Thank you! Anyway the action idea is as follows:
This idea has a rather unique concept which basically shows the last ten minutes of the character’s lives. The film is divided into 4 portions. One segment is dedicated to show events from the perspective of a triad (Can either be a normal thug or the kingpin himself), another portrays the situation through the eyes of a police officer (Preferably the leader) and lastly through the point of view of a civilian who becomes a hostage later (Preferably a female actress for diversity). Deploying split screens, each of their segments is about 2-3 minutes long while the last part of the film shows what happens when their paths across and the chaos that arises.
I was thinking that perhaps all 3 of them are seemingly unrelated and the start out their day very normally but somehow do something or another that appears completely innocuous but catalyzes their simultaneous deaths 10 minutes later (Using the ‘everyone dies’ action ending below). Each of their actions affect one another in extremely subtle ways but are inextricably linked. Their moves are sublimely intertwined in a complex web of karmic design. This concept is rather artsy and even has room for moral meaning: Perhaps all 3 characters all smoke or all steal or are workaholics and thus somehow lead to their clash and demise later (Obviously we have to think of something less cheesy). By the end of the film, each of the characters has to realize the err of their ways but it is already too late before they get killed off. (Think Crash)
Again, the script for this one has to be completely watertight as potential problems may arise from lack of time. Acting has to be pretty decent too. I’m also contemplating introducing a countdown concept like what they used for ‘24’ – Perhaps a ten minute countdown timer to the end of their lives.
I would like to thank JX for taking up our script and writing it. Really appreciate it man. Anyway, if all goes according to plan, we'll be able to shoot it according to schedule if logistics and script are done by then. Till the next update, I wish everyone all the best for common tests and for those of you who need it (me), the best of luck. Happy Independence Day.
