As I sit here almost 37 thousand miles over the Pacific Ocean, I cannot help but feel a huge stinging pang of regret as I cruise away from my native island that has been home to me for the past 4 years of my life. I can still recall nearly 4 years ago, on a eerily similar one-way plane ride from America to Singapore, I felt the very same sentiments. The memory of me crying violently at Los Angeles International Airport and wishing Singapore were nuked off the map are still vividly fresh in my mind. Now, in retrospect a mere 4 years later, I have to admit things have changed. Truth to be told, my life in Singapore not been all fun and games - It has been filled with both good and bad times. On good days, I believed that I could live on this little island paradise with its friends and material comforts forever; and on many a bad day, I often wished the opposite - I'm sure many of you can recollect me bitching about ditching this politically restrictive place permanently.
And so we talked all night about the rest of our lives Where we're gonna be when we turn 25 I keep thinking times will never change Keep on thinking things will always be the same But when we leave this year we won't be coming back No more hanging out cause we're on a different track And if you got something that you need to say You better say it right now cause you don't have another day
Nonetheless, as I look back now, I dare say that I have no regrets coming back after all. The friendships that I've forged, the lessons that I've learned, the films that I've done, the relationships that I've cultivated, and the experiences I've garnered have all made my time in Singapore worthwhile - If not wonderful. I can say that the past 4 years here in Singapore have truly been the best years of my life. I had always scoffed at the old adage that one's secondary school years were the best of his life - Now, only after leaving all that behind do I realize why.
Cause we're moving on and we can't slow down These memories are playing like a film without sound And I keep thinking of that night in June I didn't know much of love But it came too soon And there was me and you And then we got real cool
I've been doing alot of stonning thinking the past 8 hours since my plane took off from Changi. Truth to be told, when I think about about my life in Singapore over the past 4 years, only my friends come to mind. When deciding between the States or Singapore, friends were the only thing that really held me back in making the decision to go. Sure, Singapore has its luxury and prestige, but friendships and relationships matter much more than that.
Stay at home talking on the telephone with me We'd get so excited, we'd get so scared Laughing at our selves thinking life's not fair And this is how it feels
Ultimately, I don't wanna turn this into another slash-my-wrists-BLT-emo/angsty entry because you guys are what has made my time here truly memorable and just plain awesome. When I say I miss Singapore, the only thing I miss about it is really my friends. For now, you guys are synoinmus with the country. So really, this entry shouldn't be about me - Not because I've moved on or dont feel the slightest bit emotional about leaving. Rather, its because you guys have so strongly defined and characterized my life in Singapore for so long that I feel a little dedication is the least I can do sitting here leaving on a jet plane; not know if I'll ever be back again.
As we go on We remember All the times we Had together And as our lives change Come whatever We will still be Friends forever
If anything, I must thank you guys for always being willing to do anything and everything for me - Whether it translates into helping me carry props & costumes, lying in pools of stinky blood, putting up with my nonsense or sacrificing your time for doing something stupid for my films. Seriously. What can I do without ya'll? I've said 'thank you' so many times (Nearly once every post) that it cheapens the emotion, but do know that I mean it every single time. Read any of my previous entries and you can sense the underlying desperation and depression behind each of them - I was often on edge of giving up but you guys spurred me forward. It is without a doubt that I could not have done any of my films if it wasn't for the strong support and help of everyone involved.
So if we get the big jobs And we make the big money When we look back now Will our jokes still be funny? Will we still remember everything we learned in school? Still be trying to break every single rule
All my non-film friends - All of you too played a part in making my life here unforgettable and enriching. Thanks for always supporting me in all my endavors, always being there for me, and also always finding a way to cheer me up in some way or another. Your undying care and cocern has touched my heart deeply. You've made my life whole and I don't know what I'm gonna do without ya'll.
Will little brainy Bobby be the stockbroker man? Can Heather find a job that won't interfere with her tan? I keep, I keep thinking that it's not goodbye Keep on thinking it's a time to fly And this is how it feels
You guys have made my life in this country so worth living for and it scares me now being all alone in a foreign country with no minions friends, no network, and no family. Its like being robbed of your only reason for living. That sounds damn 'i'm gonna slash my angsty wrists soon!!', but its true. My friends, you have been my source of comfort, security, strength, laughter, stability, and joy over the past 4 years and it saddens - No it PAINS me to go.
As we go on We remember All the times we Had together And as our lives change Come whatever We will still be
Mrs Mervlyn Goh, among others at my school farewell pizza party, told me to move on.
I wish I could, but I can't.
I suspect that having having left for America once before in primary school under similar conditions, I will probably be forgotten in about a month or so. I don't mean to be pessimistic or create a self-fulfilled prophecy but it may very well become a sad reality knowing how much pressure the hustle & bustle of the stressful Singaporean education system can create; especially with exams barely around the corner.
Will we think about tomorrow like we think about now? Can we survive it out there? Can we make it somehow? I guess I thought that this would never end And suddenly it's like we're women and men
And as for me, here in America cut off from the pack, I have to say that because everyone has been such an integral part of my life for so long, moving on would be too diffcult - It would hurt me way too much. Although I will ultimately have new friends (I hope so, at least...) and carve out a new legacy here in America (Wishful thinking?), you guys will ALWAYS, ALWAYS have a unique, special place in my heart forever and ever - Be it 10 weeks, 10 months, or 10 years from now. So try not to forget me, alright? (: I anticipate and apologize that there'll be times when I may get pretty damn irritating on MSN bugging one of you to talk to me or needing something from Singapore sent over desperately, so please please please tolerate and bear with me as I embark upon the long and arduous journey of settling down in this foreign land and acclamatizing to the entire culture of things here.
Will the past be a shadow that will follow us 'round? Will these memories fade when I leave this town I keep, I keep thinking that it's not goodbye Keep on thinking it's a time to fly
I'm here, in the United States of America, for the long run. As soon as my plane hits the tarmac at LAX, there is no turning back. I've past the point of no return. I can only take solace in the fact that as cheesy as it sounds, I entrust my life into the hands of God and hope that whatever happens, I will make it somehow. I cannot pray that I will have no regrets - Because I do. I just hope that i can make the best of the situation and make it big here somehow haha. America, afterall, IS the land of freedom and opportunity. But whatever happens, be it good or bad, do know that I will be counting on ya'll in the long days ahead to be my pillars of strength and comfort.
As we go on We remember All the times we Had together And as our lives change Come whatever We will still be Friends forever
So as I log off now and end off my 71st post after nearly a year of posting on this site, I just wanna say a gargantuan (:, sincerely, and earnest 'thank you' from the bottom of my heart and hope that even though the times will change, we'll be able to meet up one day, someday, in the States, Malaysia, (Or maybe even Singapore. Who knows?) and re-live good ole' memories once again as if we were back at ACS(I). Its been an honor and pleasure knowing each and every one of you and I'm very sad that it has to come to an end. However, whereever we may be or whatever the circumstances, please do keep in contact over MSN/e-mail/phone calling, dont forget me, and try not to change - Too much =P
Update 70-01 Update 70-01 Post Production... 27th August 2006 8:04 PM
Hello. Check out Malcrum's really cool poster.
Just a tentative first draft - He just wanted to show off stretch his photoshop muscles. Thanks Mal. The real movie poster shoot will be tomorrow, at 5.14 for all main actors + actress. Shouldn't last beyond an hour. Please bring your costumes. Thank you. That's all I have to report for now. Rest assured post production is going alright - I'm definately working on it and I should be able to get it done by absolute latest the end of next month. Thanks again everyone for your help.
Thanks Lui, Tim Seow, Mich, David, Mel, Kiat, Becca, Tim, Brendan, Sern, DT, Ivan, Luke, Kentay, Ethan, Ali, JJ, Becca, Ben soh, Cass, Darren, Hans, Jun Wei, Kia Hua, Orion, Lynn, Sam Chan, Slow, Dil, Andy, Ken Ho, Alvin, Amy, Daryl, and Mervyn for making the past 2 dinners and lunch truly unforgettable. Thank you!
Sometimes I just wish things were different. What to do?
Update 69-01 Update 69-01 Post Production Again 25rd August 2006 11:14 PM
Hello everyone. Thanks so much for the support over the past few days. Unfortunately, a whole lot of shit is still unsold. What to do? Anyhow, post-production is going okay I guess; am giving out all the raw source footages to David, Ben soh, and Malcolm. Post-production I estimate will take about 3-4 weeks. I need a great deal of help with music. Many thanks to Chris Cheong for your help here. I'll be posting more photos soon of screen grabs soon as well as my newly acquired photos from Alison. Thanks! Btw the French dude has also published some photos online available HERE... Mich will be happy to know that this is my favorite pic. I'll keep posting photos in the upcoming days though I still need to collect the rest of the photos from Keith & Ivan.
Before I forget, thanks dale for coming out with a really cool downloads page. Really cool man. Thanks. I'm thinking of coming out with a new overall group name, by the way; something to replace the taboo Film Actors Guild and egoistic BLT Productions. Also need a new animation and logo to go with whatever we choose. We will also be needing SFX people to do stuff like muzzle flashes, other blue/green screen stuff, as well as construct a good intro animation of the title.
Speaking of title, we more or less decided on 'Coutdown'. If anyone has a better alternative, please do not hesitate to suggest it to me. Thanks! Speaking of which...
Countdown: 5 Days
Leaving on a jet plane, dont know when IF i'll be back again.
Update 68-01 Update 68-01 Post Production Again 23rd August 2006 6:12 AM
Some screen grabs. You can get the full range of what I've extracted so far from Malcolm's flickr account. They're very basic - Not color corrected and stuff. So yeah. Enjoy what you can haha. Still having problems with titling and music. Thats all for now. Good luck with all the homework everyone!
Update 67-01 Update 67-01 Post Production 22nd August 2006 12:09 AM
Hey thanks for the post ben soh. Anyway, I've been knocked out with a heavy bout of flu, fever, and sore throat the past week so apologies for not updating. With regards to editing and all that now, I'll be basically just trying my best to edit by the end of the month but if not I'll definately continue and see it through to the end eventually. I forsee music to be a huge problem because all film competitions require us to use original music. Apart from that, I just captured the footage from over 9 tapes today. Was a tedious process as I had to sit through every second of them uploading it to the computer - Excluding the many many many times I had to re-do an entire one hour tape because the computer hung. I still have no idea what we should do for the film title. Feasible titles that've been suggested by some of ya'll include 'Countdown', '3/10', 'Incursion' and 't3n' (ten).
Stuff that needs to be done: 1. Fundraisers & sale of stuff to cover production costs 2. Title; we still dont have a title yet 3. Music 4. CAS Forms & other paperwork 5. Filming of small left out scenes & Jeff's voiceovers 6. Long process of editing
Apart from that, everything else is more or less okay. Been extremely busy lately with alot of shit. Anyhow, thats all I have for now. Will update ya'll with screen grabs once I upload all the footage. Once again, thanks again for everything guys. Although Friday and Saturday were easily the longest and most intense days of my life, this has been an awesome production and I would not have missed it for the world. While the actual shoot may be done, I beg for your patience and understanding as I undertake the more tedious process of editing and compiling this film together. Thank you.
BLT
Bye Jeff!
All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go I'm standin' here outside your door I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
But the dawn is breakin', it's early morn The taxi's waitin', he's blowin' his horn Already I'm so lonesome I could die
So kiss me and smile for me Tell me that you'll wait for me Hold me like you'll never let me go
'Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane I don't know when I'll be back again Oh, babe, I hate to go
There's so many times I've let you down So many times I've played around I'll tell you now, they don't mean a thing
Every place I go, I think of you Every song I sing, I sing for you When I come back I'll wear your wedding ring
So kiss me and smile for me Tell me that you'll wait for me Hold me like you'll never let me go
'Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane I don't know when I'll be back again Oh, babe, I hate to go
Now the time has come to leave you One more time, oh, let me kiss you And close your eyes and I'll be on my way
Dream about the days to come When I won't have to leave alone About the times that I won't have to say ...
Oh, kiss me and smile for me Tell me that you'll wait for me Hold me like you'll never let me go
'Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane I don't know when I'll be back again Oh, babe, I hate to go
And I'm leaving on a jet plane I don't know when I'll be back again Oh, babe, I hate to go
But I'm leaving on a jet plane... Don't know when I'll be back again... But I'm leaving on a jet plane... Don't know when I'll be back again...
Update 66-01 Update 66-01 A Very Big Thank You 13th August 2006 3:37 PM
Hey all, Ben Soh here. Filming with 3 cameras and 4 directors was certainly a novel experience, and personally i think that despite many differences it was certainly necessary to finish everything we wanted to do; though if we had more time we certainly could have done more. Still, the plot, being as comprex and convoluted as it is, certainly looks to be more riveting and logical than the previous films (for those not entirely familiar with the final plot, it involved Jeff the SWAT captain working for the triads, killing Kiat the lead cop, double-crossing Shawn the Triad Boss, and being in League with Elsa the Office Worker all along... comprex huh) and I must say that were this not BLT's last action movie (yup you heard me) before the onset of exams, assignments, etc. it certainly would not have been so grand.
Well, the last two days have been terribly hectic and rushed (as usual with all productions of this scale) but i'm sure we'd all be proud to say that filming is finally over. All told it took about 20 hours and many DV tapes, but i'm sure we've all certainly captured many memorable moments on film, and so many more that weren't, but which we'll keep for a long time to come. I just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved for all your countless hours of invaluable help and effort.
SWAT - Thanks for all your endurance through countless fight scenes, entry scenes, and gun scenes, and your tireless spirit even while sweltering under those vests and uniforms. You know that you've formed an essential part of this movie, (as every BLT production must have a SWAT team) and your efforts certainly will make up a fair portion of the movie. Apologies, of course, for the long wait and long choreography sessions many of you had to go through, as well as several highly-strung and rushed directors near the end of saturday's shoot. Not to mention lying dead for fair durations while stuff continued around you. When the movie's done, least you'll be able to see yourselves kicking ass onscreen =)
Police - Admittedly all of you had somewhat of a thankless job, with long down-times and quick deaths onscreen. Do want to apologize for all of that, and to reassure you that your "deaths" will certainly not go unnoticed. Thanks for being so patient with all of us, and of course being so compliant with our demands, such as lying down in pools of blood (i know that stuff ain't the nicest smelling thing in the world) and getting killed in various cool manners. Also thanks to the bomb technicians for contributing a large part to add to the tension of the story, and for being convincing techies. At any rate, thanks also for an awesome warehouse entry scene from the cars. You died for a good cause!
Triads - Of course, who can forget you? From being menacing henchmen to vicious thugs, I can say that all of you put up a convincing act to ensure the tension and "bad-ass" feel to this movie. Thanks also for waiting so long, especially near the end of saturday where I know most of you were hanging around for close to 3-4 hours with no scenes to shoot, and for complying with our demands - especially to be reused =P with any luck, people will think there were really close to 50 of you (the reality being closer to 20) and we'll achieve that shock and awe feel for this movie. Thanks also for running about in your suits (which I'm sure got rather hot after a while) and itchy ski masks, and of course, dying over and over again. No conflict or tension could have happened without you!
Leads/Supporting Actors/Actresses - The best action scene ain't worth nothing without a good plot, and I think you all really brought out different shades of emotion in your acting - from Kiat the angry cop to Shawn the cold triad boss to Elsa the sweet but devious office worker to Jeff the confident SWAT captain. Thanks for your tireless effort and input that helped us not only to develop the story strongly, but to fit it around your own personal characters in real life. Thanks also to all supporting actors, who put up a solid show that helped to bring out the feel of each scene, and who all added his or her own important lines to the entire movie. Thanks also for coming down for dramatic reading sessions and being so open to constructive criticism from our external consultants. I know for many of you, this was your first time acting on film, but I must say at the end we were all convinced of the opposite.
Crew - Props to you all for working so tirelessly behind the scenes before and during the film shoot, and taking so much personal pain to mould every plan, every storyboard, and every line of dialogue. Though you may not eventually appear on screen, thanks for being ever so hard-working and compliant with our various demands, and being such good minions =) Haha kidding, only BLT's qualified to say that. I can say that this has been BLT's best planned movie so far, and of course, from cheoreography to script to location to props, you guys made it all happen. Thanks for lending us all your talents and labour, and thanks for helping us make this awesome. Couldn't have done without your help by our side.
External People - To the drivers of the 4 cars, Ali's Dad, Edward, and the rest of the adults, thanks for taking time off your busy schedules to indulge us in our movie-making aspirations. Thanks also to all the parents of all people involved, for letting them stay out late to film, letting them bring props from their houses, and being so generous to all the people involved. Thanks also to Ivan Cheng and his parents for letting us use their house for the flashback scene. Whether we like it or not, we can't change the fact that we're 17 and there's still many things that we cannot do at this point in time - so a huge thanks to all the adults for making everything possible, especially a HUGE thanks to Ali's dad for letting us use (mess) his warehouse again, without which we'd have no location and no movie.
Thanks of course to Malcolm and David Liew, who though beginning as camera people became directors in their own right, assisting and mobilizing people for all the different scenes. As one of you I know you didn't have more than a few seconds' rest to catch your breath and eat a little before rushing off to the next scene. Thanks for working so hard and so independently, without external compulsion or pressure. You guys have certainly shown your dedication to make this film a success, from working professionally in BLT's absence to always keeping a level head and a good sense of time. Thanks also to David for making the bomb - I still remember that time where BLT was walking down citylink mall telling you over the phone "I need two bombs. One primary bomb and one secondary bomb." You guys were even more kickass than your several thousand dollar cameras those days.
Finally, saving the best for last (as should be the case) let's all hear it for BLT, whose single-minded dedication and determination to make the movie to end all movies has certainly been the most key factor in bringing all of us, from so many different backgrounds, classes, and even ages together to work together for these two days, and whose force of personality has made us all believe and work together to this - not just his dream, but ours as well. I know many of you, myself included, have worked with him before on many projects, and will agree that the sheer scale, epicity, coordination, time, duration, logistics, and personnel required of this endeavor beats anything we've ever seen from anyone else. From working on script to coordinating transport, location, props, casting, storyboarding, camera work and now editing, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that no one has worked harder for this than him, and that no matter what we have done it pales in comparison. Now, even as he embarks on the editing and compilation of this movie, I hope you all will pray for him and encourage him, even as he spends the next few weeks intensely on this.
At the end of it all I know, in my heart, as do many of you, that this will be one helluva movie, and in the words of the SWAT captain, the contents will literally blow us all away. But for now that we have crossed the hurdle of the actual filming, I must say that no matter how big or small your part, you people made it all possible. So once again, a big shoutout to everyone.
- posted by BenSohBS @ 11:18 PM(1) comments
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Update 65-01 Update 65-01 Update of The Big Day 10th August 2006 3:29 PM
One more day to the shoot. The outcome of over two to three months of tireless planning and preperation will all boil down to how well the actual filming over the next 2 days goes. I seek everyones full cooperation and backing once filming starts. I warn you in advance that with so much going on simultaneously, I'll most probably be extremely short-fused, stressed out, and impatient. So please bear with me; and in anticipation of this, I'm sorry. Once the shoot starts, the shit hits the fan: We only have about 4 hours of real film time on Friday and 12 on Saturday.
The issue is alot of people cannot come back on Saturday so alot of stuff has to be done by tomorrow. Although it's going to be for the most part really rushed, intense, and stressful, I also anticipate that there'll be those of you who will feel left out and sian when your scene isn't being shot. While I hope to minimize such instances, I would like to again apologize before hand. I beg you to put up with it by doing your IOP, EE, or IA homework or playing cards. Unfortunately, we only have 3 cameras so we cannot do everyone's scene at the same time.
I hate repeating myself but please come to my classroom, 5.14, IMMEDIATELY AFTER SCHOOL (12:40 PM), for a short briefing. Following which, ya'll can go for a quick lunch before coming back to 5.14 where costume/boots/weapons/choreography assignment awaits. Traids please do not forget to bring a white collared long-sleeve shirt, black non-school blazer, black pants & formal shoes.
All cops, please wear your normal navy blue school pants. For all who have Oral, ab initio classes, or other obligations, please do try to go earlier or during the first slot available. We should be leaving around 3 PM in order to accomodate these individuals. A chartered bus will take us there. We should be done by 10 PM. The bus will send us back from the warehouse to school.
Thus, please tell your parents to pick you FROM SCHOOL by 11 PM; taking into account journey time from the warehouse. Thank you. Please also do not forget to bring lots of coins for canned drinks in case our store runs out. Again, for those of you who need to go to the location by yourself, please note the address: 34 Pioneer Sector 2 Salcon Building, GramhamTek Company
The Scene Schedule is as follows:
FRIDAY, 11th AUGUST:
12:40 to 1:00 - Very short briefing at 5.14 1:00 to 1:30 - Lunch 1:30 to 3:00 - Rehearsals for leads/Selection of costumes, props, etc./Choreography 3:00 to 4:00 - Journey to location 4:00 to 4:30 - Briefing/Preperation/Setup of equipment 4:30 to 5:30 - Filming of Elsa's office scene/Filming of Shawn's entrance/Fight choreography 5:30 to 6:30 - Combined filming of Elsa's - Shawn's scenes/Fight choreography 6:30 to 7:00 - Rooftop scenes/Bomb scene/Fight choreography 7:00 to 7:30 - Dinner 7:30 to 10:00 - Fight Scene (Warehouse) 10:00 to 10:30 + - Journey back to school
SATURDAY, 12th AUGUST:
9:00 to 9:30 - Short briefing 9:30 to 10:30 - Journey to location 10:30 to 11:00 - Briefing/ Preperation of equipment, etc. 11:00 to 12:00 - Filming of Elsa's office scene/Filming of Shawn's entrance/Fight choreography 12:00 to 12:30 - Lunch 12:30 to 1:30 - Combined filming of Elsa's - Shawn's scenes/Fight choreography 1:30 to 2:30 - Bomb Scene/ Fight choreography 2:30 to 4:00 - Conference Room, office screw up - Main actors/ Fight choreography 4:00 to 5:00 - Office fight scene 5:00 to 7:00 - Cop arrival car scenes/ Reporter scenes/Cop perimeter scenes/ Lead-Partner-SWAT Cpt confrontation 7:00 to 7:30 - Dinner 7:30 to 8:00 - Shawn breakout scene 8:00 to 10:00 - Continuation of fight scenes/Anything else left out/Cleanup 10:00 to 10:30+ - Journey back to school
As you can see, there will be certain times where specific groups of people will not be involved in actual filming. For example when I'm filming the main actors/actress, all SWAT/Traid people will be involved in choreography of the fight. Please do cooperate with Jeff and whoever else coordianting the fight. It is essential that the fight scene be perfected and completely rehearsed multiple times before the camera comes down to the site. Do not underestimate these rehearsals. Sorry again if it gets sian at times. Anyhow, as I sit here storyboarding and preparing all the last minute issues, I cannot help but feel rather overwhelmed at the magnitude of tomorrow. Nevertheless, I know that whatever happens, I know I can count on ya'll to pull through with this project no matter what. Again I wanna thank all of you for your hardwork, perseverence, and patience over the past few months and hope that I will be able to garner this same support over the next two days.
Update 64-01 Update 64-01 Update of filming on Sunday Night & next big shoot 8th August 2006 1:34 PM
Thanks to everyone for coming down on Sunday night. I'm terribly sorry it took so much longer than anticipated and some of ya'll ended up stonning most of the time. Apologies as always. Apart from that I guess that's done. Right now, I'm really really tired but that can't be helped. Apart from having daily meetings at class after school, I've been sleeping really really late because of film planning. A very basic choreography has been completed though a detailed one will be out soon pending storyboarding - Something which I shall begin soon.
Main issues left to settle before the film begins is probably one of casting for the lead cop - Bloke or Kiat? A tough decision to say the least, both have their strong and weak points which makes it all the more problematic. I fear we may end up having to make 2 versions of the same film. I guess that SHOULD be settled at tomorrow's script meeting at my place though. All commitee members and main leads are required to come. Starting at 10 AM, it should not last beyond lunchtime (I hope).
Other issues such as budget have been nearly solved with your kind support and generousity. I'm not saying we've reached our target yet - Cuz' we haven't, but at least the burden is much lighter right now. Those of you who have yet to pay, I implore you to do so ASAP on Friday as I need to pay for food and transport on the day itself. This money does not go into my own pocket. To be honest the money collected won't cover all the costs, although it will help alleviate the massive cost of catering food and transport for the two days. So please donate generously haha! Thank you.
By the way, although my parents are paying for drinks (15 x 1.5 litre bottles), please bring lots of 50 cent coins and other small denominations as there is a vending machine at the warehouse which dispenses 50cent coke cans and other softdrinks. This is just in case our existing supply of drinks runs out -Considering this is a 60 man production it may be likely.
Speaking of Friday, please come to my classroom, 5.14, IMMEDIATELY AFTER SCHOOL (12:40 PM), for a short briefing. Following which, ya'll can go for a quick lunch before coming back to 5.14 where costume/boots/weapons/choreography assignment awaits. On that note, traids please do not forget to bring a white collared long-sleeve shirt, black non-school blazer, black pants & formal shoes. All cops, please wear your normal navy blue school pants. For all who have Oral, ab initio classes, or other obligations, please do try to go earlier or during the first slot available. We should be leaving around 3 PM in order to accomodate these individuals. A chartered bus will take us there. We should be done by 10 PM. The bus will send us back from the warehouse to school. Thus, please tell your parents to pick you FROM SCHOOL at 10:30 PM plus; taking into account journey time from the warehouse. Thank you.
For those of you who have other stuff on and have to proceed to the warehouse straight, please not the address:
Some damn random bus, number 257 goes there from Jurong Point btw. Though I strongly strongly highly recommend one take taxi there because the area is extremely confusing. Anyway, that's all I have for now. After two months of careful planning and 2 postpones, the end of the road for this film is finally nearing so I beg for your continued kindness, understanding, and help over the next few days. It'll be tough and things may get a little rough so please bear with me. Lets see this through together. Thank you!
For all you patriotic people out there, happy national day.
- posted by BLT @ 9:59 PM(0) comments
Friday, August 04, 2006
Update 63-01 Update 63-01 Update of location scout today, filming on Sunday Night 4th August 2006 11:34 PM
Went down to scout location today at Ali's Dad's warehouse. Its quite an appropriate place overall, not to mention pretty interesting too. I just hope we won't lose credibility as people remember it as the Blinded warehouse location. I filmed and took a hell lot of pictures. I can more or less visualize how I want to set up the scenes and all that kind of stuff. Will probably begin detailed storyboard and choreography very soon. I subsequently went back home and edited script after a long ass 2 hour ++ MRT & bus ride. This revised script is more or less 'improved'... I think... With many of the plot holes are plugged and new twists added (Maybe a bit too many). With the addition of these new twists, I only fear the film will get too intense, complicated, and complex in the span of 10 minutes to the extent that too many twists lose their effect or the audience becomes overtly confused. I'm trying to avoid either though the fundamental question of how Elsa knows how to plant a friggin huge bomb and kill 4 triad thugs in a small room remains unsolved...
Anyhow, for this Sunday's filming, everyone please head down to Ivan's Place at 6:00 PM. His address is 81 Greenfield Drive. I'm hoping that we'll be done by 9:00 PM or so. Maybe latest it'll drag on until 10:00 but I strongly doubt and hope not.
For other rehearsals, main actors, please do try to be free on the 8th & 9th (Tuesday & Wednesday) next week for an ESSENTIAL script reading session. Some of you have never even came for a SINGLE script meeting, so please do try your very best to come next week. We CANNOT just improvise on Friday/Saturday itself. We need to run through at the very minimum one or two rehearsals. In fact, doing just one or two readings so close to the actual shoot is cutting it extremely close. Speaking of which, I hope ya'll aren't that patriotic to be free on National Day. Just try to come for as long as possible. It'll most probably be at my place on both days.
For all other crew and cast like SWAT and Triads, please do pop by my class at any time before/after school, recess, lunch (I don't go for recess or lunch) for a short briefing by me and to select your costume. Despite having organized several meetings over the past few weeks, some of you have not come for a single one at all. That kinda' pisses me off. Oh well... What to do?
With regards to the food/transport fees, please pass the money to either Dickson or me personally. We need to pay a deposit for both transport and food before they'll agree to cater to us so please do try to pay up ASAP. Once again, as it is $3 per meal and there are 3 meals (2 dinners & one lunch), please do try to donate at least $10. Food is going to cost minimally $400 ++ (Excluding delivery charges & drinks) and transport at least $260 ++ (They charge extra for night charters).
Although it may not seem like it, collecting money from all of you pains me greatly as I've prided myself on paying for the cost of each film personally and not forcing any cast or crew to cover any of the production costs. Unfortunately, because of my very very very dire financial situation, I cannot afford to do so again for this film. However, if any of you vehemently object to paying and would not like to donate for any reason whatsoever, I'm honestly totally cool with that. What's more important is that you be available on the 11th and 12th of August. On that note, any of you who are busy or have any other things happening partially or fully on either of the days, please let me know in advance! Thanks.
To end of today, I just want to announce that the BLINDED Trailer is online and available HERE. As usual, it'll be added as a permanent fixture to our sidebar.
That's all I have for now. Please keep me posted if anything. Thank you.
