Being a diehard My Sassy Girl fan, I joined a fan created facebook group that discusses the movie. One of the wall posts lists down all the little subtleties and hidden messages of the movie. So I came up with a list too...heheheh. Me and Jas enjoy putting these little things into our movies cause...well, we enjoy it. Private joke and to those who want to take notice.
Subtleties in Mat Superhero
1) The colour of Jas's shirt went from bright and colourful at the beginning of the story, to dark and black. It is to show that his intentions were sincere and true at the start but became misguided at the end of Mat Superhero.
2) The end scene of our lead actress talking on the phone and talking about her failed engagement is actually the first scene of Mat Superhero. It happens before she leaves the house to commit suicide. It explains the reason why she wants to commit suicide and the conflict she faces between her Faith and succumbing to her emotions.
3) 3 different types of bags were used in the bag-snatching scene. We had to re-shoot that scene on another day because the original chase scene was too short. We forgot that the handbag belonged to the actress. So we had to improvise. One of the bags is my GS500 camera bag. hehehe.
4) The guy in red where Jas saved a gurl using the Singapore map is Farid. He is my good fren and the Farid character in TDC is based on him. In the end, our lovable Yazid Jalil pulled off a better performance.
5) The shoe that Jas threw at the gurl near the end of Mat Superhero is the same shoe that was used in the scene where Jas helped a tudung gurl replace her broken shoe. We want to show the crap things Jas keeps in his bag throughout MS. hahaha.
Subtleties in Tak Dong Cheng
1) Fitting the theme of multi-culturalness (is this even a word...), Yazid's lion dance costume has a batik design. It shows that a fusion between 2 cultures is possible.
2) Khai's (Jas's onscreen girlfriend) original character is suppose to wear the Muslim headscarf. Her character is strong in Malay culture but contradicts herself by showing that she has been influenced by Western media. For example, she talks about strong malay roots but enjoys eating pasta with a fork. She talks about Malay roots when she is mixed Indian blood. Even though her character is of a supporting role, we feel it has a deep history and background and can be elaborated further if a longer version of Tak Dong Cheng is made.
3) Yazid went to two sessions of lion dance practice while Gab wasnt able to attend due to his busy schedule. We used a body double for Gab during the lion dance stunts. Gab is actually an actor with no lion dance experience.
4) The sticker on the toy lion head that Yazid and Jas were holding says Sewel Road. Sewel is actually the title of a story me and Jas wanted to make before TDC. We postponed it cause there were lots of loose ends. We also wanted to fit in Mat Superhero's sequel in Sewel but couldnt find the right formula. Sewel is a malay word for crazy. The story is about a gurl who has an imaginary fren and how she tries to decide whether she should cure her sickness or accept it cause she is happy being with her imaginary fren.
06 February 2009
First post in 2009 and a future project
My goodness, it is February 2009 already?!? How time flies. 2008 has been a good year, and prospects of 2009 looks exciting. What have I done other than my job? Played soccer to stay fit and joined this facebook society called Singapore Malay Film Society founded by Isnor. Fun stuff. I made lots of new friends, got involved in short films (and learning more stuff than ever about production), and was even interviewed on tv (my malay sucks. speaking 100% malay on tv was really tough. All thanks to the producer and crew for being so patient).
2008 has been very generous to TDC. It won audience favourite in best of First Takes 2008 and hopefully, its success will allow me and my smartmat Films team to embark on a more ambitious project we have in mind for 2009. I am excited because I got to know this wonderful director, Adrianna (a.k.a Nat). She is Isnor's friend and she made her first short film titled 'Videotape' last year. It was about a man having an alter ego. The story shows how he suffers from/embraces/understands/realises his sickness... at the expense of those around him of course. Though a bit artsy for mainstream audience (personally, i liked the story. I did, especially, enjoy the bed scene in the first few minutes. *wink*), Nat enjoys portraying an individual's inner self conflicts. In other words, deep. More impressively, the poetic narrations in the story is created by her. I like this sort of self conflict and deep thoughts in a story because it challenges the audience's minds. Rather this than brainless harold n kumar stories (i love harold and kumar but i feel that audience should sometimes watch 'stimulating' movies once in a while... mmm...there's a movie called Doubt coming soon that looks interesting. Wonder if I can trick someone into watching it with me... And there's the curious case of Benjamin Button. If it is compared to Forrest Gump, it must be good...Ok, I'm going off topic...).
So yes! I am excited that Nat is on board in our next project along with me and Jasmin (Farid's best friend in Tak Dong Cheng). She will add a whole new dimension to our story. At first, we had two stories in mind; one was feasible, achieveable and can be completed by 2009, the other is more ambitious but we love the storyline. We settled for what we loved of course. hehehe. We have already decided on the title: 'My First Lipstick'. It is a love story between a gurl and a guy (duh). The special thing about it is, just like Nat's short film, our gurl in lipstick has bipolar (a sort of split personality disorder). At the moment, I am still writing the story treatment. We welcome anyone who wants to help out in our journey :)
Join Singapore Malay Film Society: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=16987756594
Oh, I want to share my first 24-hour-no-rest-but-very-fun shoot experience but I'll keep it for another post.
04 October 2008
Roaring Success
The first time I saw Kallang Roar (KR) trailer, I went.. finally! a movie about local soccer. The last one was one leg kicking and even though some people disliked it, I like it cause it had that homely feeling. And when I found out that Cheng DinAn was the director of KR, I smiled to myself. I knew Cheng when I was studying in Perth and this guy is crazy bout soccer. A very good player at that. So i guess mixing his passion and making it into a movie should be fun...here are the questions I asked him.
Is this your first feature? Are there any of your other works that we can view or being showcased?
Yes, this is my first feature, fresh off KAllang roar the short film being nominated for top 7 best short films in Singapore Film festival.
How large is the cast and crew for Kallang roar?
We are quite commando unit, so we have a relatively small crew, less than 40.
Which is more supportive of KR, govt bodies or sponsors?
I would say both has their good guys n bad guys hahaha!!
Luckily sports council, there was their CEO, and a Dr Bervyn, who saved us, allowing us usage of the National stadium for filming, as there wont be any movie.
For sponsors, Milo can forth with so much marketing, product, event sponsorship, and Canon bought out a Film magazine cover to co advertise our movie!!!
How tough was it working with green screen? How much time did that take up?
There was a curved stadium shot, which took us 4 hours and appeared on screen for 5 seconds. These are the 1 or 2 luxury shots that I am not very fond of spending on as i like to watch my budget.
Tell us something we do not know or cannot see during KR. Cameos maybe...
i am in the film, behind the goalpost as a cameraman taking photos.
How did you manage to pull off that 70s look? The wardrobe, props...
We had an experienced old Art director whos been with mediacorp for decades, and a very hardworking wadrobe lady who took charge of finding difficult to find wadrobe.
What are the roles you played in kallang roar other than being director?
scriptwriter. I wrote the story in between working freelance for 3 years. They announced the tearing down of Kallang stadium so i no longer could sit back and watch my slow ladder progress in film indsutry. so i stood up and went about finding ways to make the full feature.
What are the most memorable moments while making Kallang Roar?
The last day? upon the final moment, i would not say Cut...in fact i never say cut, ever.
I laid down on the orange track of a sports stadium and looked at the stars, as my actors n crew went around congratulating each other on the super tough journey... phew...my assistant director got his pants pulled off.
From concept to script to production to cinemas, how long did the whole process take?
Concept and script 3 years. The rest started in december and ended before august. We were trying to catch the national day in time.
What is your advice to aspiring film makers who wanna make features?
Hmm...Financial finding is the real challenge, and i will be honest with you, there are no rules or textbook methods. Solve this problem and you can embark and safely sustain your passion without incurring the term "poor film maker".
Any future projects? :)
no comment, wahahahha, finally get to use the word.
Is this your first feature? Are there any of your other works that we can view or being showcased?
Yes, this is my first feature, fresh off KAllang roar the short film being nominated for top 7 best short films in Singapore Film festival.
How large is the cast and crew for Kallang roar?
We are quite commando unit, so we have a relatively small crew, less than 40.
Which is more supportive of KR, govt bodies or sponsors?
I would say both has their good guys n bad guys hahaha!!
Luckily sports council, there was their CEO, and a Dr Bervyn, who saved us, allowing us usage of the National stadium for filming, as there wont be any movie.
For sponsors, Milo can forth with so much marketing, product, event sponsorship, and Canon bought out a Film magazine cover to co advertise our movie!!!
How tough was it working with green screen? How much time did that take up?
There was a curved stadium shot, which took us 4 hours and appeared on screen for 5 seconds. These are the 1 or 2 luxury shots that I am not very fond of spending on as i like to watch my budget.
Tell us something we do not know or cannot see during KR. Cameos maybe...
i am in the film, behind the goalpost as a cameraman taking photos.
How did you manage to pull off that 70s look? The wardrobe, props...
We had an experienced old Art director whos been with mediacorp for decades, and a very hardworking wadrobe lady who took charge of finding difficult to find wadrobe.
What are the roles you played in kallang roar other than being director?
scriptwriter. I wrote the story in between working freelance for 3 years. They announced the tearing down of Kallang stadium so i no longer could sit back and watch my slow ladder progress in film indsutry. so i stood up and went about finding ways to make the full feature.
What are the most memorable moments while making Kallang Roar?
The last day? upon the final moment, i would not say Cut...in fact i never say cut, ever.
I laid down on the orange track of a sports stadium and looked at the stars, as my actors n crew went around congratulating each other on the super tough journey... phew...my assistant director got his pants pulled off.
From concept to script to production to cinemas, how long did the whole process take?
Concept and script 3 years. The rest started in december and ended before august. We were trying to catch the national day in time.
What is your advice to aspiring film makers who wanna make features?
Hmm...Financial finding is the real challenge, and i will be honest with you, there are no rules or textbook methods. Solve this problem and you can embark and safely sustain your passion without incurring the term "poor film maker".
Any future projects? :)
no comment, wahahahha, finally get to use the word.
19 September 2008
Finding that perfect story..
Many people are impressed by the story of Brotherhood. The short film shows loyalty and easy to relate events accompanied with lots of action sequences. I got the chance to interview Shahrezza on his short film titled Consequences: Brotherhood and what inspired him to make this great story.
Did you write the script yourself?
The story is about my past life. My experience in life led me to write stories that i can tell visually. That is film-making.
In your opinion, what makes a good script?
One has to be a good scriptwriter. Everyone can write stories. A well written script gives an important edge to the story. Like for example, Consequences:Brotherhood, i wrote the story but my scriptwriter added more elements to it.
How was your experience managing and directing such a huge cast, especially since brotherhood consist of a few well known actors?
To me, the directing part was easy. You only need to explain the situation to the talents, get them in the right mood, motivate them and give encouragement. Sometimes if they are unsure what they are supposed to do, show them an example, or act out the scene to show them. For wellknown actors, you just need to give them the script and they'll know what to do. (haha)
Was the final product onscreen different from the script? Tell us how easy it is to bring it from script to screen.
Its very tough to bring content of the script onto screen. Though the script guides you, ultimately, you need to visualize the situation. Furthermore, you need to be creative and think out of the box. For example, if it suddenly rains, you need to change the script to suit the situation. Kind of difficult but the experience is fun.
Name me two of your fav movies and tell us why it is good to you.
I like Minority Report and 300. Reason, I just like it. :)
What advice can you give to those aspiring writers out there?
Keep on writing stories and let your stories be known.
Any future projects?
I'm currently producing a horror featured film entitled RED(Merah) which is directed by 5 upcoming directors. Its a Rezzuraction Pictures and Media Chantek Production. The project is currently on-going and the 1st director has finish the 1st act. 4 more to go.
Next is another featured film that is produced by Originasian Pictures and Rezzuraction Pictures titled Perkataan Cinta (The Word Love). The story is still in development and is scheduled to start production Jan 09. Upcoming talents such as Syed Azmir and Shaffira Jailani will lead the movie and will be supported by veteran actors, Dato' Jalaludin Hassan and Rafaat Haji Hamzah. Audition for other supporting roles for this featured will be held on the the 18 and 19 Oct 08. Those interest can email me at rezza@flavastudios.com.
For those who have not experienced an audition before, please email me at smartmat.films@gmail.com so I can share with you some pointers before you go for Rezza's auditions. Depending on my spare time, I will try to post some audition pointers on this blog.
Did you write the script yourself?
The story is about my past life. My experience in life led me to write stories that i can tell visually. That is film-making.
In your opinion, what makes a good script?
One has to be a good scriptwriter. Everyone can write stories. A well written script gives an important edge to the story. Like for example, Consequences:Brotherhood, i wrote the story but my scriptwriter added more elements to it.
How was your experience managing and directing such a huge cast, especially since brotherhood consist of a few well known actors?
To me, the directing part was easy. You only need to explain the situation to the talents, get them in the right mood, motivate them and give encouragement. Sometimes if they are unsure what they are supposed to do, show them an example, or act out the scene to show them. For wellknown actors, you just need to give them the script and they'll know what to do. (haha)
Was the final product onscreen different from the script? Tell us how easy it is to bring it from script to screen.
Its very tough to bring content of the script onto screen. Though the script guides you, ultimately, you need to visualize the situation. Furthermore, you need to be creative and think out of the box. For example, if it suddenly rains, you need to change the script to suit the situation. Kind of difficult but the experience is fun.
Name me two of your fav movies and tell us why it is good to you.
I like Minority Report and 300. Reason, I just like it. :)
What advice can you give to those aspiring writers out there?
Keep on writing stories and let your stories be known.
Any future projects?
I'm currently producing a horror featured film entitled RED(Merah) which is directed by 5 upcoming directors. Its a Rezzuraction Pictures and Media Chantek Production. The project is currently on-going and the 1st director has finish the 1st act. 4 more to go.
Next is another featured film that is produced by Originasian Pictures and Rezzuraction Pictures titled Perkataan Cinta (The Word Love). The story is still in development and is scheduled to start production Jan 09. Upcoming talents such as Syed Azmir and Shaffira Jailani will lead the movie and will be supported by veteran actors, Dato' Jalaludin Hassan and Rafaat Haji Hamzah. Audition for other supporting roles for this featured will be held on the the 18 and 19 Oct 08. Those interest can email me at rezza@flavastudios.com.
For those who have not experienced an audition before, please email me at smartmat.films@gmail.com so I can share with you some pointers before you go for Rezza's auditions. Depending on my spare time, I will try to post some audition pointers on this blog.
15 September 2008
Watch more short films at 8th Asian Film Symposium
The 8th Asian Film Symposium is back again! It's a highly regarded film programme that brings together exceptional local and regional independent films and filmmakers and includes “S-Express”, a regional travelling short film programme.
If you guys have nothing on, why not go and have a look. Forget hollywood for a moment... I have been to the substation theatre and I found it very cosy. The people there are friendly as well. I might be going to the Thailand and Indonesia S-Express this Friday... cause to me, I will improve if i watch many different film styles. Oh, there's a question and answer session after every screening. So you can listen to the directors' experiences or even ask a few questions yourself... hehe.
Check out the website here -> http://www.substation.org/AFS08.html
To get to substation, just drop off at cityhall mrt station, take the exit nearest the church and walk towards SMU. its at Timbre.
If you guys have nothing on, why not go and have a look. Forget hollywood for a moment... I have been to the substation theatre and I found it very cosy. The people there are friendly as well. I might be going to the Thailand and Indonesia S-Express this Friday... cause to me, I will improve if i watch many different film styles. Oh, there's a question and answer session after every screening. So you can listen to the directors' experiences or even ask a few questions yourself... hehe.
Check out the website here -> http://www.substation.org/AFS08.html
To get to substation, just drop off at cityhall mrt station, take the exit nearest the church and walk towards SMU. its at Timbre.
07 September 2008
The thing bout Acting is...
I was one of the interviewers to audition an actor for a role in an upcoming indie short film titled 'Genggam'. Another interviewer was Nazrin and his advice to the actor at the end of the audition session really made alot of sense to me. It made me wan to be an actor!!
His advise was...as an actor, one have to observe 3 basic rules. The order is as follows:
1. THINK about the character you are playing. Think about the scene and the situation the character is in. Plan your character's actions.
2. EMOTION of the character in that particular scene. Emotion can be portrayed thru facial expressions as well as movements. Also, the character has to interact with other characters in the scene too.
3. DIALOGUE. An actor need to know how a dialogue is delivered. How are the words said, with wat tone, speed, volume, etc. Most directors dont mind if you dont follow the script word for word. As long as you know the main points in the dialogue and it suits the scene.
Another important point is breathing. Control your breathing while acting so that you are not out of breath. Breath thru your stomach and not your chest so that you dont get nervous.
The Internet and library are good places to learn bout acting. Get your acting experience by acting in plays and short films. Just go out and do it!
Here are some websites you can read from. I do not agree wif some of the points but overall, acting is simple and easy to learn. Anyway, if all these is too much reading for you, I agree!! The best way to enjoy acting is go out there to act now!!
Recommended read on acting
http://www.abwag.com/actor.htm
The complete idiot's guide to acting
His advise was...as an actor, one have to observe 3 basic rules. The order is as follows:
1. THINK about the character you are playing. Think about the scene and the situation the character is in. Plan your character's actions.
2. EMOTION of the character in that particular scene. Emotion can be portrayed thru facial expressions as well as movements. Also, the character has to interact with other characters in the scene too.
3. DIALOGUE. An actor need to know how a dialogue is delivered. How are the words said, with wat tone, speed, volume, etc. Most directors dont mind if you dont follow the script word for word. As long as you know the main points in the dialogue and it suits the scene.
Another important point is breathing. Control your breathing while acting so that you are not out of breath. Breath thru your stomach and not your chest so that you dont get nervous.
The Internet and library are good places to learn bout acting. Get your acting experience by acting in plays and short films. Just go out and do it!
Here are some websites you can read from. I do not agree wif some of the points but overall, acting is simple and easy to learn. Anyway, if all these is too much reading for you, I agree!! The best way to enjoy acting is go out there to act now!!
Recommended read on acting
http://www.abwag.com/actor.htm
The complete idiot's guide to acting
Chris and his acting experience
Chris had acted in several short films of different genres and in TDC, he acted the lion dance teacher giving guidance to Farid and Jas.
I met him when I was helping another director fren, Vik on a short film titled 'The Prize'. From 'The Prize', I saw that Chris's acting was natural and not forced so when I wrote the script for TDC, it was with him in mind. Chris also turn out to be a very fun actor to work with - the whole team enjoyed ourselves on set.
So what makes Chris go into acting and what are his tips for actors out there? Here is what he has to say...
1. We know that you have a full time job and acting is a weekend activity. What motivated you to take up acting?
I was actually 'forced' into my first acting role by a friend who was directing a play. Being an introverted person by nature, it was with much hesitation that I agreed to let myself be in such a situation where too many eyes would be watching me and judging my talent (or lack of it). However, I found myself liking the process of getting into character and reflecting on how I would react in the context of a scene. Acting allowed me to explore a more sensitive and creative side. In contrast to the mundane daily life, acting called for emotions one would not normally encounter (I mean how often do you have to react to a dead girl on the floor with butterflies lying around her). The fun and challenging part about acting is expressing an emotion so as to communicate it accurately to the audience.
2. Tell us your most memorable moment while acting.
Many fun moments on set. But a unique experience was when I got to drive an old MG. I'm not really a car fanatic but having not driven for over ten years and then suddenly getting behind the wheel of an antique car was no less thrilling *Vroom!*. Especially since I was not expecting to drive. You see, I was totally rusty and the owner was really protective of his car. We have to put the car on free gear while someone pushed from behind to look like I was parking the car. And then there was the scene where I drove off. We decided to have the owner wear my clothes and he himself drive the car away till he said "Aiyah..you drive la". Gulp...I need a refresher course! This uncle is gonna crush my skull after I crush his car. So I asked him to sit in the car with me as I stepped on 3 million horse power (I told you I'm no car fanatic). He had to stoop low under the door to hide from the cameras. I think I almost ran over the director.
3. In the future, what kind of roles/characters would you want to try? Why?
I'd like to try complex characters. Characters that are hard to figure out, quirky and somewhat dysfunctional, and with a darker side (shaken not stirred?). Why? Hmm...maybe I'm a bit of all that myself? Haha. I think it'll be fun to play because you can be creative and out of the ordinary when you play...well... out of the ordinary characters. Think Johnny Depp kinda roles. I'd also like to play villians, I don't get to be villianous usually. Its fun to be bad.
4. How do you get into a character? Any rituals before acting? hehehe.
I don't really have a method of gettting into character. I just ask myself how I would react if I was the character and just make believe I am in the moment when I hear "ACTION!".
5. What is a difficulty you faced while acting in TDC?
As for all roles I play, I constantly struggle to let myself go when acting. I tend to be a little selfconscious still. Its kinda like 'double acting'. First I need to overcome being shy in front of the camera then I have to act out the scene. Generally, TDC was without much problems. One of the challenges was speaking 3 different languages, 2 of which I don't use that much.
6. What is your advise for actors going for their first audition?
Don't give up! Ha ha..cause you're probably gonna be very nervous and not nail it. After that you'll feel like you can't make it as an actor. But if you really like it, don't give up.
And try to learn the script, I have sat on the other side of an audition and it really doesn't reflect well if you go in unprepared. It'll also allows you to act more freely without the script in your hands.
7. Any other wise words for all those local aspiring actors out there?
I'm still searching for them myself. I am after all, still aspiring. But what I can say is, do it for the love of acting.
I met him when I was helping another director fren, Vik on a short film titled 'The Prize'. From 'The Prize', I saw that Chris's acting was natural and not forced so when I wrote the script for TDC, it was with him in mind. Chris also turn out to be a very fun actor to work with - the whole team enjoyed ourselves on set.
So what makes Chris go into acting and what are his tips for actors out there? Here is what he has to say...
1. We know that you have a full time job and acting is a weekend activity. What motivated you to take up acting?
I was actually 'forced' into my first acting role by a friend who was directing a play. Being an introverted person by nature, it was with much hesitation that I agreed to let myself be in such a situation where too many eyes would be watching me and judging my talent (or lack of it). However, I found myself liking the process of getting into character and reflecting on how I would react in the context of a scene. Acting allowed me to explore a more sensitive and creative side. In contrast to the mundane daily life, acting called for emotions one would not normally encounter (I mean how often do you have to react to a dead girl on the floor with butterflies lying around her). The fun and challenging part about acting is expressing an emotion so as to communicate it accurately to the audience.
2. Tell us your most memorable moment while acting.
Many fun moments on set. But a unique experience was when I got to drive an old MG. I'm not really a car fanatic but having not driven for over ten years and then suddenly getting behind the wheel of an antique car was no less thrilling *Vroom!*. Especially since I was not expecting to drive. You see, I was totally rusty and the owner was really protective of his car. We have to put the car on free gear while someone pushed from behind to look like I was parking the car. And then there was the scene where I drove off. We decided to have the owner wear my clothes and he himself drive the car away till he said "Aiyah..you drive la". Gulp...I need a refresher course! This uncle is gonna crush my skull after I crush his car. So I asked him to sit in the car with me as I stepped on 3 million horse power (I told you I'm no car fanatic). He had to stoop low under the door to hide from the cameras. I think I almost ran over the director.
3. In the future, what kind of roles/characters would you want to try? Why?
I'd like to try complex characters. Characters that are hard to figure out, quirky and somewhat dysfunctional, and with a darker side (shaken not stirred?). Why? Hmm...maybe I'm a bit of all that myself? Haha. I think it'll be fun to play because you can be creative and out of the ordinary when you play...well... out of the ordinary characters. Think Johnny Depp kinda roles. I'd also like to play villians, I don't get to be villianous usually. Its fun to be bad.
4. How do you get into a character? Any rituals before acting? hehehe.
I don't really have a method of gettting into character. I just ask myself how I would react if I was the character and just make believe I am in the moment when I hear "ACTION!".
5. What is a difficulty you faced while acting in TDC?
As for all roles I play, I constantly struggle to let myself go when acting. I tend to be a little selfconscious still. Its kinda like 'double acting'. First I need to overcome being shy in front of the camera then I have to act out the scene. Generally, TDC was without much problems. One of the challenges was speaking 3 different languages, 2 of which I don't use that much.
6. What is your advise for actors going for their first audition?
Don't give up! Ha ha..cause you're probably gonna be very nervous and not nail it. After that you'll feel like you can't make it as an actor. But if you really like it, don't give up.
And try to learn the script, I have sat on the other side of an audition and it really doesn't reflect well if you go in unprepared. It'll also allows you to act more freely without the script in your hands.
7. Any other wise words for all those local aspiring actors out there?
I'm still searching for them myself. I am after all, still aspiring. But what I can say is, do it for the love of acting.
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