Lone Time, No Postage

Last I’ve written anything for this meagre blog, it was only to catch up on what I’ve done recently. Now, for over half a year later (?), I’ve rekindled writing only after some downtime with extended family overseas.

Yes, I am overseas for all four occasions – Christmas, New Year’s, my sister’s 14th, and Lunar New Year, all with the extended family here in Indonesia.

I’ve come back to write to reflect on a few things, whether it was through travel or experience, or both, I’ve learnt a lot about myself – good and bad – and also about some of the world I’ve come to know a little more about.

My travel here has led me to revisit old family members again, those I cherish and can only visit every three years. Along with them is the growing family of stray cats my uncle looks after, all of them allowed to roam the house only when he’s around – and when he allows it. Right now, my sister is playing with the playful duo – two ginger cats, both brothers, who are the most energetic and affectionate of the cat family here. By far my favourites. Now you would know where my love of cats come from. Each one of them have a personality of their own, and some times, it makes them human to me that they are a part of the family, despite them being from the streets.

Along with revisiting family members, I’ve come to see how much has changed and how much they have grown in many ways. I’ve learnt recently before my travels that a cousin of mine (one of the older ones) had married. Another cousin (the quietest one of them all), has himself a girlfriend. Many younger cousins have grown to my height, which kinda amuses me so. My grandmother is perfectly healthy after learning of a cataract operation some years ago. Things have changed, just as much as we have in three years. It’s during this time that I cherish the time I spend here. It’s a pity that I lose one month due to my school priorities back home. I haven’t even touched anything about my school work except only revisualising and thinking about it in my head, which I think is a miracle in itself. My sister had said that I was turning into a workaholic. And so had sworn not to talk about school TOO MUCH, (which I did break every now and then, including today, but only for short bursts).

I’ve also learnt about myself on this trip, and realise that I continue to do so every time. I’ve learnt that no matter how much repellant you use, you’ll still get bit by the mosquitoes that hang around. I’ve learnt that I can conquer illness, at least a little better than the last few times I’ve travelled before. I’m not afraid of heights as I had originally assumed – I’m afraid of falling from them, especially if a glass floor is present. I can withstand heavy rain without an umbrella, but not without a little whine about it every now and then. Acclimatising to the heat and the cold had been a long run, but my body is stronger than I thought it’d be. And then, most amusingly (and embarassingly), I scream like a girl. Literally. Never get me into a horror house unless you want to hear me cuss almost every time I squeal.

Having the Lunar New Year edging closer, and also the end of my trip following after, it makes me think that I really don’t want to leave. Not just yet. True that I’ll feel better once I reach home. There would be better plumbing, my own bed, my car… but I think about how much my extended family has done to make our lives a little more comfortable here. I remembered when I was younger, we had to shower with a bucket and a pail. Toilets weren’t really toilets. The family overseas aren’t wealthy. They live in modest housing and are fairly low-to-middle class, and now they have installed showers and working toilets for us, and of course for themselves. It makes me feel grateful for what I already have, and grateful to my family for doing these things for us.

It has been a great mental holiday. Creativity has been on a high overtime and coming back will only make me work harder than ever. But despite any priorities I have when I return, nothing can comprehend everything I’ve learnt again here, overseas, with family. I regret nothing.

More Portfolio Updates

Special thanks goes out to Ellen Revello – owner and manager of The Jitterbugs – for sending me a number of graphic projects.

For more, head for my portfolio at: http://mamese.daportfolio.com

Portfolio Updates of 2011

Since 2011 rolled in, I’ve done a few more works to add to my portfolio: Upstream, Fairfield Mobile Expressions, and Koori Story Exchange. To view them, please visit one of these two places:

http://mamese.daportfolio.com

http://www.theloop.com.au/meiling2086/portfolio/Graphic-Designer/Sydney

Thanks to Christian Tancred (ICE) for giving me these great opportunities to work on community projects!

48 Green Hour Challenge

Well, the crazy in me had happened not too long ago. During production shoots of my own involved with the school, I had decided, crazily, to take on the 48 Green Hours Challenge. Why did I decide to do so? To tell you the truth, I really have no clue. Especially since I had another production shoot to attend to on the first day, and then rehearsals with my own actors on the next. I… didn’t think this through, but really, deep down, I wanted to experience what 48 hours was. How to cope with it, deal with the restrictions, and complete something in that time frame. Collating a team in itself was a bit of a problem too, considering the callout was only a week BEFORE the 48 hours. Luckily, a few people had replied to jump on board at such short notice.

The night of the first day, I waited at Riverside Parramatta for the opening of the elements for this challenge (i.e., object, character, and dialogue that must be incorporated/included in the film). I met with a friend that night, finding the surprise that he is in this challenge with his own friends. We had a chat, despite us being in competition after all, but I didn’t mind. But may I be truthful to you? Our conversation unnerved me… just a bit. It’s not because we’re competitors. It was one question he posed that night, but I’m digressing…

Later, I was able to meet up with parts of my team and signed ourselves in, got our elements, and brainstormed through the night. It was this point in the 48 hours that was most crucial: what were we going to film? We made up our minds and went to a very late night. I spent half of my time on another production shoot the next day while everyone else filmed part of the film without me. Afterwards, I met up with them to continue the arduous journey of the 48 hours. The shooting lasted until 4 in the morning! Of which we ended up editing as much as we could while I had to work out rehearsals and pre-production meets for another production shoot happening the next week.

It was a close call. We were exporting our film as we drove to the Riverside to hand it in. Luckily, we made our entry, bid the coordinators and producers adieu and were on our merry way, previewing the work at my place afterwards.

I wouldn’t be surprised if we all dropped dead.

MY CONCLUSION

I will be honest and blunt with you. As Team Leader I wasn’t fervent and assertive enough to push ideas to generate for the 48 Green Hours. Honestly, the film we produced had no relation to the theme of ‘Green’ and ‘Water in the Landscape’ as we were sadly leading ourselves off the brief on that very first night. However, I will say that it was a job well done on everyone’s part. We planned, we filmed, and edited all in a span of two days. With very little sleep might I add.

The next time a challenge like this comes around, think twice. I am never going to multitask like that again. Ever. But I got a lot out of it. It was my first 48 Hour challenge, and from the mistakes that went with it, you learn to improve better for the next one. Just next time, I’m sticking to what guns I got. It’s helped me open my mind more to what there is. And now, I’ve got more ideas locked in my head, waiting for their chance to come to life.

For more info, go to 48 Green Hours.

I would personally like to thank Fairfield City Council for giving me the opportunity to enter into this 48 Green Hours challenge. I would also like to thank Nick Andrean, the photographer who was gracious to instil some knowledge about the Fairfield area on the day we had the photo shoot. I’ve learnt a lot more (and even know a few good locations to shoot some things now).

Thanks to those who participated in the 48 Green Hours and shared the experience with me: Laurent Boiteux, Thuy Ng, Jack Ng, Winnie Mann, and Chris Lewandowski. We did it.

Uploaded by the very well-organised Thuy Ng!

STUFF Premiere

Date: 24 March 2011
Time: 6.30PM onwards
Where: Riverside Parramatta, Lennox Theatre

I know it’s been a few months since the premiere, but with school having caught up with me, I’ve not found the time to jot my thoughts down. Still, now that I’m back (sort of), I’ll attempt to recollect what had happened that night.

I had the privilege of attending the premiere of all the films that had been going hard in production since the STUFF workshops. For over eight-nine months, each of the writer/directors (including myself) had been hard at work, slaving on our edits, cleaning audio, creating work. The premiere previewed all of our work, and personally, I was both excited and nervous about it. It didn’t really help that I arrived late as well… A director should never arrive late! Shame on me.

Otherwise, when my family and I (yes, my family) seated ourselves, we all indulged in the films that were about to screen. Everyone’s film turned out excellently well. Throughout it all, many can’t tell the hard work and long hours that had been slaved to even make a short film come to life. But it has only made me cherish the time and effort I, as well as many others, had put into making these films, and for that, I don’t regret one bit of it. Watching my film for the first time was unnerving. It was especially made so because I invited my parents and my youngest sister. As soon as my film was announced, I kid you not, I hid myself in my jacket. I dreaded the screening for what type of reception it would bring. The scenes played. I did not look up to see what was going on. I’ve viewed the final cut to the point that I know every nuance and line that spoke in it. To me, I wanted to be away from this film, as far away as possible.

But then, something happened in the theatre. A crack of a giggle, then a snigger.

Everybody was laughing.

Everyone (or at least the majority of the crowd) was laughing in response to the dinner scene – the scene that took the longest to shoot. I even heard my parents laugh and saw a smile on my little sister’s face. I may never know what I’ve done, but whatever it is, I’ve done something right. It may not be the best thing I’ll ever make, but I felt like I’ve connected with people… at least on a humourous level.

Many thanks again goes to Amin Palangi and Billy Marshall Stoneking for teaching us, enlightening us, and for giving us the opportunity to open our creativity to different places. Thanks to ICE for holding these workshops, and hoping that they are one of the first to continue on in the future. Congratulations to all the participants of the workshop for their screenings of their films: Gary Paramanathan (The Lebanese Wallet), Saber Baluch (The Job Hunter), Sadia Saeed (apologies, I don’t quite remember the name of your film… for shame), Lidia Luna (Mother’s Day), Peter Yu (Ad Man), and Mike Kang (It’s About Survival).

Also, thank you to the cast and crew for making Fairytale possible. You have captured the hearts of many others, including my own.

IF article: http://if.com.au/2011/03/18/article/STUFF-The-Drama-Of-It-All—short-films-to-premiere-in-Parramatta/VFTDRQUVWS.html

Concrete Playground article: http://sydney.concreteplayground.com.au/event/16228/stuff-the-drama-of-it-all.htm

AFTRS screenwriting seminar w/ Richard Walter

Date: 19 March 2011
Time: 10AM – 3PM
Location: AFTRS – Main Theatre

Thanks to ICE and Maria Tran, I was given the rare opportunity to attend AFTRS Open Program led by UCLA Professor and Screenwriting Chairman, Richard Walter as a representative of Information & Cultural Exchange. After a good drive and a warm cafe latte, I made my way to sit in the seminar. I walked out enlightened and a little more wiser. Curses to the fact that I had no recording device with me, and the fact that I could only take photos from the low-quality pixels of my iPhone. However, the notes I’ve jotted down during the seminar resonate with everything that I had learnt insofar with International Film School Sydney. He illuminated to a few contingencies with the art and craft of screenwriting. It had only furthered my understanding of its practice, and complemented with what I had learnt by pounding it further into my mind like a second sense. Sadly, my eyes were starting to fail me in between a good half-hour, like this sudden wave of drowsiness enveloped over my entire being. This was due in part of the school hours and the time to drive in between… plus I had a late night beforehand. But I was able to take down notes in my semi-catatonic state and continued learning the bare essentials that make up a compelling and overall great script for a film. I even tweeted every little interesting note that was mentioned in the seminar, now forever on record in my online existence.

But for now, let us review my petty little notes:

• STORIES are central to the BUILDING of the art and craft of screenwriting.
• Industry thought (i.e., the professional approach) follows these principles: GAUGE TRENDS / GROSS EARNINGS / DESIGN APPROACH. They believe writing personal stories is a mistake!
• Screenwriters must write INTIMATELY & SERIOUSLY: NEVER BE SAFE! BE BOLD! BE VULNERABLE! Only ever write a PERSONAL screenplay.
• Richard Walter’s believes that a great script, an interesting screenplay, all comes together when INTEGRATION occurs inside its making. What is integration?
• The conglomerate of two major characteristics (i.e., sight & sound) along with character.
  Little tid bit: 99.9% of a film is what we hear! Whether that is in sound or dialogue.
• Every sight and sound moves the story PALPABLY & MEASUREABLY forward! <== IFSS reference!
• Great examples of engaging EXPERIENCE to the audience include “About Schmidt” and ”Sideways”.
• CHARACTER-CENTRED screenplays are GOOD SCREENPLAYS. This goes all the way back to Greek scriptures and Shakespeare!
• Richard’s rules in screenplay writing:

1. No restaurant scenes! (but if you do attempt to use one, don’t make the characters order food!)
2. No voiceover narration!
3. No flashbacks!
4. No “writer” protagonists!

• Being the writer means being the CHARACTER. YOU MUST EMBODY! <== Billy Marshall Stoneking reference!
  The unfortunate thing is that people tend not to do this because it is time-consuming. This is a form of PERSONAL INTEGRATION into your screenplay.
• Three rules to a successful and poignant screenplay:

1. $$$: try to reach as big an audience as possible. This means reaching the populist masses. Hollywood believes in two types of cinema: commercialism & arthouse. For yourself, there is only one way to go: ACHIEVE BOTH ITEMS to reach a large audience!
2. Sex & Violence (S/V): create as much conflict in your screenplay as possible. The more drama, the more inticing!
3. Truth?: You actually need to LIE! You must create the PLAUSIBLE IMPOSSIBILITY over IMPLAUSIBLE POSSIBILITY.
   The only truth in a screenplay is the EMOTIONAL TRUTH. You have to make the audience FEEL!
   In other words, DON’T BE BORING!

• Screenplays work similar to how communication theory and rhetoric works (… now we’re coming back to my uni studies…). Following the minds of Aristotle and Plato:
  
  SOURCE ===> MESSAGE ===> RECEIVER

  In this way, we see the structure of the screenplay as so:

  IDEA ===> STORY ===> THEME

  Even so, screenwriters must be clear, concise, and deliver a manuscript that is easily readible for the reader receiving the product.

• Industry thought when writing a screenplay: NEVER BE GUILTY! ALWAYS FOCUS! BUT! We should do the opposite to deliver the best out of a script.
• It’s all about BREAKING DOWN. We DISCOVER rather than BUILD AND/OR CONSTRUCT a script.
• The World Vs. The Country?: US films centre around the basis of humanity and humankind. Thus creating a more international response. Most countries internationally focus more on their regional audience without thinking about international notice. (In a way, it makes me question about the Australian film market and industry right now after Richard mentioned that.)
• All in all, the nature of art/film/cinema is an intricate, beautiful, poignant reflection of LIFE!
  
• “E Pluribus Unum”: One made out of many.

On a side note, I had also grabbed a copy of Richard Walter’s book that was selling at the front desk. In it, he lists 66 principles of a screenwriter. That’s right. 66! All integrated into the book like a trail of breadcrumbs to follow. I suggest if you’re interested in a read that may help guide you as a screenwriter, this book is a good start.

Just for a little plug, to grab a copy, I give you the courtesy of visiting its Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Essentials-Screenwriting-Business-Television-Writing/dp/0452296277

Overall, the seminar had given me a better understanding of the writer and their relationship with their work and others who view it, especially since evrything Richard Walter had imparted onto us was what UCLA students were taught. It didn’t complement structure, or any technical/mathematical equation to it. It pushed that aside in order to focus on the core essence: the character, the story, the heart of the script. It surprised me that the seminar ended earlier than I thought it would, but it was a fountain of knowledge, one that will always keep me believing that everything I’ve been doing so far, and everything I’ve learnt, all ties in together.

Good Morning Mad World

Allow me to re-introduce myself.

For the past half-year, I’ve been strolling past life, busy with projects, activities, decisions, and my direction in life. I know it’s been a long while since I’ve updated this blog, but ceasing to post anything isn’t the end of it. I’ve just found myself enough time to write up something on my progress thus far.

A lot of projects I had mentioned earlier in my posts have come and gone. Some have stayed with me, others had been put away. It all came down to timing, whether that was in interest or resources for that matter. But a lot has changed over the course of these passing months. And when I mean a lot, I mean a smorgasbord.

Since 2011 rolled in, I’ve been busy with a few things (which haven’t put any coin in my pocket), but has been progressing to a stage where I am now being serious about what I want. I mean, dead serious. We’re talking about taking the leap of faith, that giant step forward. I don’t want to be meandering around, hoping and believing something will happen. I WILL make things happen. For better of for worse. It all comes down to pushing yourself and becoming all you can be. I know I’m sounding a lot like some hacked up morning show or whatnot, but yeah, it’s been a long time coming.

In a way, it’s a new year’s resolution… only the resolute decided to visit me two months after.

Since February, I’ve enrolled into IFSS, the International Film School Sydney. It’s been a whirlwind of a ride, having to embark long driving trips every morning to reach the school and then endure the rest of the day… attempting to stay awake. Reasons being that I once was a nocturnal insomniac didn’t help the situation and I’m slowly weaning myself off of my usual late nights. How unfortunate that my inspiration only works at night and it’s been clashing with my moral high ground to actually sleep. For the past couple of weeks I’ve been falling asleep in class, which isn’t a good sign. DAMN MY INSATIABLE NEED TO STAY AWAKE AT NIGHT. It has got to stop. Unusually, unlike my days of working as a casual office hand/telemarketer for the past two years, I actually WANT to take that hour/hour-and-a-half drive to the school, even if it means waking up before the sun touches the sky. Too bad my body’s going to cop it one day.

The decision to even attend the school came about from coincidence, perfect timing, and frankly, my need of direction for myself. I’ve been considering film school since my sister brought back an info pack from the Careers Expo 2010. I sifted through it and read on everything the course would offer… and so I attended Open Day. I have been past the school a fair handful of times due in part of an acting friend of mine, Laurent Boiteux, who attended auditions there last year, but I’ve never really stepped foot into the place. Needless to say (and I’m not saying this to impress mind you), I was impressed. Truly. That was my first instinct walking into the school. Cosy, relaxed, everything in one place. Of course, now known to be the largest intake of students IFSS has ever had, it gets a tad bit crowded inside.

I was surprised though, that after Open Day I immediately filled out my application and sent it in that afternoon. Give or take a few weeks down the track and I was asked back for an interview. Now, knowing me… I ABHORE interviews. I hated job interviews really, but that only stemmed my despicable distaste for the process. I was excited, nervous, and dredding about what the heck I was going to say. I can only think back to after the interview was over, and I was relieved and happy with what I had to say. In the end, I was being myself, not some uptight girl that had to appease to the coporate man behind a desk or clipboard. I felt free to be who I was, and I think that being myself and having that confidence that I hid for so long for so many years has repaid me in kindness. Still, embarrassingly enough, I didn’t expect the Favourite Five Films question to be asked…

Yeah Marie, why didn’t you expect a question like that FROM A FILM SCHOOL?

Anyway, go check out the website: http://www.ifss.com.au It was a decision well worth it on my part.

In part of that, I’ve decided with my good friend Maria Tran that I would teach her a thing or two on what I’ve learnt. And so the act of giving and passing knowledge has been achieved. This has been going on for the past two weeks (i.e., two lessons) and a few others have joined in the long and arduous task of listening to my ramblings every Saturday. Still, with film school draining me of sleep, these Saturdays may very well be a sixth day of my week to prepare. I may even end up running out of things to teach and pass on, and all it’d be is a recapping of the week prior. Really, there’s a lot to learn, it’s just a matter of figuring out what everyone wants to hear.

Also, I’ve been hanging around ICE every now and then regarding the short film I shot last year. STUFF has finally come to a grand beginning. The launch is happening next week. In a way, I’m relieved, excited, and yet tentative about the shortcomings hereon. I’ll admit, I’m the type of person that hates to see her work towards a live audience. Truthfully, I’ll run and hide to avoid watching the looks on everyone’s faces when they watch or see any of my work in general. I feel more comfortable just being… anonymous. That’s why I love online art communities. In a way, I have to face the music one way or another. My work will always be critiqued and people will be critical. I say this now without knowing how I’ll react, but it’s for the better. Adaptation after all.

Yep, I’m plugging it. I’m entitled to.

On the side, I’ve had a project going on with Laurent Boiteux. I won’t say much on the details yet, but we’ve had tremendous help from fantastic and talented people who were willing to put in their time to shoot in a span of two days late last year. Everything’s complete except for some tidbits that still need sorting on my part. In a way, I’ve come to realise how hard a producer’s job is in this regard. Still, I’m co-producing with Laurent, so at least there’s less weight on my shoulders for now.

Aaaaaaaaaaaand really? That’s all I’ve been doing. Just re-reading this now makes my head hurt. Why do I do so much? Or at least feel like I do? I don’t know if I even have time to myself anymore. At least not as much as I wished. I miss drawing my art. There’s a heap of Photoshop files that are laying in my hard drive, incomplete. I miss writing fanfiction. I haven’t been for the past year actually. I miss playing the piano. I haven’t touched it at all, and still want to perform Tangled’s Healing Incantation again to at least upload onto YouTube for reference purposes. I haven’t touched my books still lined up in a row on my desk. I’m counting three, four, no five books I haven’t read or have yet to complete. I haven’t read the latest mangas I’ve bought, nor have I played any of my games in a long while (except for Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands. That was a guilt trip after the consultation I had this week).

This is just me being a geek. A very weird one unless you sympathise with my hobbies. But overall, I know I miss these things, but I know I’m doing what I love doing right now. The one thing I really miss is seeing my sisters when I return home. I never see them as often as I want (and half the time I’m stuck in my room working on assignments… or this post for that matter).

So many things have been happening. I have bigger plans to attend to soon after I make a few arrangements, but I remember a bit of advice I was given that has to be helping me so far. (It was originally in regards to co-ordinating and producing, but it still applies):

“Follow your gut instinct and trust your intuition.”

Yeah, I feel like I believe in that. That doesn’t mean I’m going to be simple-minded and stubborn about it, but I will follow what I feel is right for me. Whether that is for school, for side-projects, for teaching, for everything.

Good Morning Mad World. It’s great to be back.

STUFF: The Drama of it all

STUFF - What dreams are made of...

Well, after having months on end busy driving around, traversing, writing, drawing, designing… (you get it already), I’ve finally decided to return to this blog for some recollection time. Trust me, there are so many unfinished blog entries that I need to clear them out! So, let’s begin with this one before I move along. (Expect a lot more blog entries from here on).

It’s been a few months now since my tumultuous ten-week course with ICE, but now since things have settled, I’ve decided to finally blog about it. Since May 1, I’ve been attending a film production course held by Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE) called STUFF. Yep, that’s right. STUFF: The Drama of it all.

At first my interest in the course was a little tedious to say the least, but after a while having some time to think to myself (plus gaining some support from a few people), I decided to say: “Why not?” and signed myself up.

I had absolutely no IDEA what I was getting myself into.

The ten weeks that passed through that course had made me realise how much a story can unfold if you put yourself into it. Needless to say, I was a little hindered by the fact that this was all new to me – the process of storytelling dramatically had its own way of unfolding and collapsing plots to no end! Heck, I went around in circles. I can tell you this that writing dramatically, authentically for that matter, can drain you. Billy Marshal Stoneking (creator of Where’s The Drama?) had been instilling us with the elements of dramatic storytelling over the course of the workshop, and to think, at first I thought it would go all pear-shaped, since I wasn’t really a fan of drama (having been growing up with such television shows as The Bold and the Beautiful, The Young and the Restless, Days of our Lives, etc., etc.), but after a while, I began understanding how it all worked, despite my lack of writing drama at all. After being surrounded by very weak soap dramas to Asian dramas for that matter, it was no wonder why I couldn’t wrap my head around these concepts at first. They were almost impossible for me to apply to my writing, but I managed to pull through, being able to think more about what I truly believed in. To begin with, the course actually started with ten people, but soon dwindled down to seven. To those who weren’t able to continue with the workshop, I hope that you have continued on writing scripts and producing great work of your own out there in the world.

After three or four (or was it five) changes to the script I wanted to write, I finally came up with my script ‘Fairytale’ about a young woman who is in relations with a man her family cannot accept. Typical, I know, but continue twisting it around and it turned out great! If I last recall, it was during the last few weeks of the workshop that all writer/directors including myself had written scripts that not only reflect some experience in our lives, but most importantly, had focused solely on family issues and community relationships. The potential of such dynamic yet synonymous works gave way to a new path that this project can direct itself. The project was coded as ‘Chains’, which would not only create seven separate stories, but incorporate them into one long feature. This was exciting news! Didn’t really help that I had another production to work on at the same time, along with my responsibilities in my casual work at the time too. But that’s the life of a creative I guess, it’s all a matter of juggling tasks and making time for everything!

During the weeks leading up to shooting the film, it was all a matter of casting the characters. I had only four people to cast. Only four. A mother, a father, a daughter, and the boyfriend. Easy enough, you say? Not when there is ethnicity involved. The dilemma that I came across was finding the right ‘family’. There were a few actors coming in for the boyfriend role, but unfortunately, casting the right daughter… with the right family… now that was hard. Over the course of the week, I was feeling the strain, there wasn’t anyone coming in for the role. Eventually, I had to make it open – Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, anything to get the right family (and this was originally written for Indonesian, even though my heritage is still questionable with the Chinese bloodline… but anywho!). After much deliberation, my good friend Maria Tran popped in for an audition for the role, and just out of curiosity, asked if she knew anyone that could play Mom and Dad for the script. She did.

My film became a Vietnamese story, but it worked.

Now, with the cast set and after much planning (and I mean A LOT of planning), the shoot for my script would cover over two days. Just two days. Oh the joys, the nerves, and the excitement I had for directing something for the very first time. But all I can think about was the really excruciating parts of this experience. So, in ending that, what was my experience directing? … horrible. Absolutely horrible! I won’t lie, it was one of the hardest, energy-draining, mind-sapping things I’ve ever done in my life… and to be frank, I don’t do many things in my life. First, it’s the production design, a lot of rearranging, muddling things about and making quite a mess of things actually. Not only that with the very little rehearsal time we had, it was a little bit of a slow day trying to make things work. I discovered that I had much pep in the day, only to find it draining as the time went by. I won’t lie, I’m not the best at directing unless you hand me a can of Red Bull and V to perk me up! Drive me nuts. Food was involved. That didn’t go down too well as time went by. I actually metaphorically-speaking hung myself a few times by my scarf. ANYWHO after two long days of shooting, each equating to over twelve hours, we finally made the film. Through all the frustrations, the agony, the pain, we came out graceful and swimmingly. Swimmingly graceful.

I give my thanks to Amin Palangi, who not only co-ordinated the project, but helped me dearly on my two long, overdrawn shoots. To Vanna Seang for his camera work and his awesome innovation skills (check out his showreel here). I’m still reeling over the fact that he could set up a crane shot in a small apartment. Truly. To Maya Newell, Amy Kwong, and Eddie Abd for your extremely generous support and help during the production shoots. To Jackie Leewai for her support during the casting and production process and her patience with me during that time (I was a wreck. Literally). To the actors and actresses who had to put up with the long hours despite the little rehearsal time we had. To the sound mixers who attended the production shoots separately and had to put up with the constant sound of low-flying planes in the local area. To Billy Marshall Stoneking, for instilling a new and somewhat refreshing outlook on storytelling and helping me refine anything I could salvage out of it. And, of course, to all the writer/directors in the course that walked the same path as I on this whirlwind of a rollercoaster! Gary Paramanthan, Lidia Luna, Mike Kang, Peter Yu, Saber Baluch and Sadya Saeed.

After all of this, I’ve learnt more than a could gnaw my teeth into. It was a HUGE learning curve and something that I’ve thrown myself into the deep end… and almost drowned. Otherwise, after everything that has happened throughout the project, I was given these last words of comfort:

“Everything bad that could’ve happened, has happened to you.”

… not so comforting when you think about it. But, it’s made me realise that in order for me to keep up with this, I have to adapt to things, grab them by the metaphorical balls and take control. And besides, knowing that everything bad has happened to me during the project, it’s only made me come out of it stronger. And I don’t regret that. Not one bit.

Ever since, I had been busy with other things, as well as highly anticipating the fruits of everyone’s labours for this project. At this point in time, it is now heavily in post-production mode and I can’t wait to see the final product!

UAFF & Q4J: Action films get discussional

Last Saturday (07-08-2010) local guerilla filmmaker and good friend Maria Tran held an event: the Urban Action Film Forum, where a number of special guests arrived to join in the festivities and the discussions. Among them were Chris Pang (Tomorrow, When the War Began) and Wang Fei (Shanghai Lady Killer), but the honorary guest of the night was HK director, Antony Szeto whom has graced us with his presence. It was amazing that a small local suburb like Fairfield would be honoured to have Szeto’s company at this forum event, and to have him discuss his experiences in the film industry, especially in regards to the action genre itself.

The event held a number of guest speakers who joined Antony Szeto up on the panel, including:

• Craig Anderson, writer/director/actor of ABC TV series Double the Fist.
• Ali Khadim, local filmmaker and parkour artist of Team 9Lives.
• Warren Coulton, actor/stuntman/director/producer of shorts Yakka Oy! and The Transit, and managing director of Clear Vision Films.
• Igor Breakenback, actor/stuntman/filmmaker of upcoming film Good Luck With That, and managing director of Breakenback Films.
• Peter Castaldi, managing director of distributor Pack Screen.

T-Shirts anyone?

We had our laughs, but we got down to the real nitty-gritty about the action film industry, especially the prevalent (and problematic) lack of such genre films in Australia. In fact, it was the main focal point throughout the night. It did bog me down that action films don’t get any attention or say in the Australian film market, and even if they did, it would never get picked up due to the ever-prevalent ‘gods’ of the industry saying “No! You shall not pass! It’s too stressful!” It reminded me of a short conversation I had with a stranger, and with this night fueling that train of thought, it’s only given me this sense of passion and duty to write and make an action genre film… actually, that’s what I’ve been doing this whole time! I have so many ideas that they haven’t been properly written or typed down yet! What the hell am I thinking?!

But I digress, the fact that Australian funding for an action film is rare, it IS possible! Just have a look at Daybreakers and tell me that it wasn’t Australian-funded. It’s a start, but it’s possible! The decline since the late 1980′s is probably the reason why no one’s even thinking about action genre films in Australia. Perhaps the film industry needs to understand the popularity that action can bring, especially in an international market.

For most of the night, after the discussion forum, everyone mingled. Unfortunately, I had to man the front desk, but that didn’t deter the fact that I sold a number of Q4J tees on the way. At least I was useful for something, right Maria? Thanks goes to Lauren Maher for taking a snapshot of me all on my lonesome that night. And yes, those are her balloons. I know a number of familiar faces had attended the night, if not for the forum then for the media coverage for the night. It was abuzz with life, and probably the most I’ve seen people in the PYT.

After the night, it made me think about where I’ve been going with my writing, and a majority of the writings that I have written or kept in backburner in my head. I will still hold onto them dearly, but there will come a time when I want these stories to be told and made for an audience that’ll appreciate them. If not for the bad-assery laced in it, but for the complexity of story-telling itself. Action is what I’m aiming for, just for now.

At the end of the day, I say: “Good on ya Maria!” Best wishes and heaps of luck on your Quest for Jackie Chan!

… see what I did there?

Movie Review: The Karate Kid

The Karate Kid feat. Jaden Smith

Date: Tuesday 13 May 2010
Time: 9.30PM
Location: Wetherill Park Hoyts, Stocklands

Old classic reborn. Let bad-assery ensue. Times two!

Last week my entire family decided to finally watch The Karate Kid. After hearing the good, bad, and mediocre reviews about the film, I decided to wipe my mind blank before entering into the cinema complex. Needless to say, it was pretty insane! Tuesday night was packed full of people lining up in queue to watch the films they had in store. Having not eaten dinner as of yet, my father and I patiently waited in queue while the rest of the family went ahead with dinner for themselves at Pho 76. Give or take half-an-hour later, my father and I finally made our way to the counter for the 8.30PM session. Keep in mind that we got to the complex at around 7PM. You can never guess what happened.

“I’m sorry, that session’s just sold out.”

My jaw would literally drop if it weren’t held up by the sheer excitement for the film. Sold out? Really? That alone spoke volumes about the film and the numbers. Without thinking, we decided to eat dinner with the rest of the family before walking back for the 9.30PM session.

Having indulged ourselves at The Chocolate Room, we made our way half-an-hour early for the 9.30 session. Luckily for us, the hall was empty. By the time there was only ten minutes to showtime, the hall was overcrowded with an eager audience. The queue spread from the door to the stairs (and for those who know of Wetherill Park Hoyts, you know what I mean). No wonder the 8.30PM session sold out. There were even heaps of people willing to watch the 9.30PM session for this film. I can still remember my father with a grin on his face: “Y’see, that’s why it’s all sold out. This movie has to be good!”

And those words will always stick in my mind.

Put simply, I loved this film. Or better yet, I applaud the film. It stayed almost true to the original in style, narrative structure, and thematic issues. Although I was raised watching the original Karate Kid, this rebirth of an old classic had elements that were both old and new to me, and that was refreshing. I heard the audience laugh, cry, and even applaud the film. That’s right. APPLAUD. They literally clapped their hands. This film has done itself the self-righteous justice it deserved.

Young and upcoming star Jaden Smith brought life into his performance as Dre Parker. The one thing that struck me in the changes of the film is how much of a little tank he is. It only shows how dedicated he is to his role, and that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree after all. He exhibited a huge range and brought a strong performance, and that was already clear in his appearance as his own father’s son in Pursuit of Happyness. Jaden has a bright future ahead of him.

And of course, kudos to Jackie Chan and his performance as the wise yet eccentric mentor for Jaden Smith. His role was enlightening to me, being one (if not the only) Hollywood film Jackie plays a character with a serious demeanour. I thought I would never cry at any of Jackie Chan’s performances, but I was proven wrong. He delivered the most heart-wrenching, dramatic, and upsetting performance I have ever seen him act, and it touched me so hard I shed tears. I don’t know how many others were crying with me, but I know that it brought tears to my sister’s eyes, and knowing her, that’s speaks volumes. If this film is the last Hollywood film Jackie will ever star in during his career, it will be an everlasting impression on his legacy as an actor, stuntman, choreographer, and most importantly, an icon.

For the record, although it is traditionally “Kung-Fu”, I’d rather not get into the details between the martial art and the title. It delivered well with great action, great drama, and an absolutely stellar performance from the actors. The Karate Kid had touched my heart. Again. This remake, filled with the wonders of Chinese heritage, culture, and antiquity can only be described as breath-taking. It re-taught us how life is more than what we know. It’s who we are, where we come from, and learning to live without regrets.