In terms of post production work, I was not involved in doing anything major, I guess. Kenneth, Jasmine and Fadly spent most of their time in the NLE room, editing the footage, putting in the relevant sound effects or music and Kenneth did the ADR with the help from Khairul.

Looking at the footage or edit now, and looking back to the day where we started pre-production all the way to production, I think everyone did their best in their own individual roles to make “Inquisitive Mind”. Because the first AFP shoot, my team had to reshoot, I kept praying till the very date the fine cut was delivered that everything will go well because things can be so unpredictable, it does not mean that you finish shooting, it marks the end of everything since if touch wood, we have to shoot again for whatever reason, I need to go and get the necessary items that is needed for the shoot and make sure that I do a better time each time.

I also learned that different people work differently and when different people come together, they will also work differently as a group if I were to compare “Inquisitive Mind” to “Offside” but at the end of the day, we have to make things work, we have to do what we are supposed to do and be responsible for it, in order for everything to be accomplished. For instance, I feel that Kenneth is more visual so if I want to buy certain things, I have to take a photo of it and let him approve so that I will not buy stuffs that is not what he intended it to look like in the scene; Zane is someone who will not ask you to do this and that such as adjusting the tripod, he could ask someone to do it but he did it himself, one hand holding the camera, one hand trying to adjust, and I will go forward and help him,etc. I think that observing is very important especially working in a team of people you are not so familiar with because then you will know how and when to help each other out.

As an art director, I think I contributed more in the pre-production aspect, a little lesser in the production aspect and almost none at all in the post-production.

The second day we started our shoot in school, nothing much really for the set design yet then we could go back to Loft to slack and everything before we leave for the Warehouse shoot around 4.00 pm. During the break, I tried to experiment another time with baking flour and my blood mixture at Loft. It didn’t turn out that well because the flour was either too sticky and would not take in any make-up or it was too dry to be on the skin. Then it was 4.00pm and we left the Loft. The van could not fit us all so Ernest, Charmaine, Jasmine and I took a separate cab there.

When we reached the Warehouse area which was a factory, there was a sandbag that leaked sand from the sides so I sew it up and picked up the sand from the ground for set design later on. The guys were pretty fast to set up the lights, decide where to shoot and started moving the tables,etc. One of our talents came earlier, so I started sorting out the clothing that they were required to change into. The last scene Jake has to be in the same attire as the Masked Guy so I had to tell them which one is their clothes and not mixed them up. I scattered some sand, wood dust around the table where the knife and noose were placed just to create some kind of ‘dirty’ feel. I pasted the ‘red and white tapes’ across the door in an ‘X’ but later on, went over and pull to stretch it slightly because it was looking too new and straight.

I had to crumpled Jake’s shirt so that it does not look that new. On and off during the shoot, I had to put baby oil on the talents to make it look like they are perspiring. The most challenging scene is the part where I have to cut Jake’s shirt and apply some blood on it, it was not very convincing just using the blood mixture alone. I had to put a bit of make up, apply some lipstick, add some water to make it more realistic. I did not take note of the time but it was pretty late and we were rushing against time before the sun comes up, so I really had to rush. While I was doing all that and preparing for the blood scene, Kenneth and the rest were shooting another scene. Then it came to the scene where we see Jake bleeding and cuts on his shirt. It was challenging because while it look kinda real on my hand, the wound and cuts and make up was hard to pull off on Jake’s body. It was awkward having to apply weird stuffs on a male talent’s stomach, chest, you get the idea… … Some parts of the wounds have to be a little more dried up, some more watery because it’s a new wound… It was really, really rush too because the rest were standing and watching me. They were nice not to rush me because they know I’ll get nervous and panicky but they could not shoot until i was done, so I had to really rush through it…

I think what I have learnt is that I should be more confident of myself. I think nothing is ever unachievable but really how good it is. I really hope the blood and wounds will turn out fine tomorrow when we go to D.I if not I would be very guilty. Before the entire production, when the first draft of the script was out, I told Kenneth, please get a make-up artist because I’m sure I cannot do a good job for the blood,etc but when I was told that I had to do all these, I told him beforehand, I will do my very best to do the blood since we are left with no choice but I’m not sure how it turns out. Although he never blame me or what, he told me that it was a very important scene so if the blood was not real, it will kind of make the film not a very good one, but he does not want to blame any department. But as much as he is trying to encourage me to do a good job, I can only give my best. This is the first time I ever did this so I really hope I won’t spoil the whole group’s effort, after all we have good script, perfect talents, wonderful locations, the blood and cuts cannot go wrong because I will be really really guilty for that. *Prays hard for tomorrow’s footage*

Although I was initially rather displeased that I have to be the ‘make-up artist’, I want to thank Kenneth and Ben for giving me a chance to try out something new and risk the chance that I may actually not do a very good job out of this but really, it was quite a cool experience. (:

Hope it’s still counted as having my journal written(:

This time round, I’m the art director for Inquisitive Mind. A lot of weird feelings along the way during the pre-production process because maybe I’m too used to being the producer for past productions, somehow when I get the props, costumes and everything else, I think a lot of the budget but because there is a change in the producer now, who is Benjamin and director, Kenneth, I realise different people have different ways of handling the way they manage things. While I’m always calling Kenneth or Benjamin up, they are quite okay with the budget until I think they may find me very annoying. For instance, I can tell them “Sorry I paid for the mask and then realise it’s very expensive, it’s $13″ and they will say, “Very cheap what…”. But I guess it was hard to switch from the role of the producer to art director and not keep in mind the budget because the look of the props is the more important thing now but somehow I will be thinking of the budget.

As the art director, I was supposed to decide the set design for the locations but since we have only 2 locations in total, the classroom scenes and the warehouse, the main concern was of course the warehouse because Kenneth wanted the interviews at the classroom scenes to look as simple as possible so there are no major issues for the classroom scenes. The more challenging one would be the warehouse because we only manage to sort of confirm the warehouse at a later date but luckily it turned out to look somewhat like what I wanted it to be like.

Every single day on the week before the actual day of production, I was somewhere trying to purchase and find the right and suitable kind of props, set dressings and costumes for the shoot. I bought the Masked Man’s long sleeved shirt, the latex gloves, the mask, Jake’s buttoned shirt, grey pants, working shoes, knives, boards. However, I wasn’t able to find the kind of ropes, cap and jeans that Kenneth wanted so Sabrina was very kind to buy them for our shoot while Benjamin bought the jeans. (:

One day before our shoot, I cried a lot of times because I was frustrated as I felt that whatever I was doing, it seems like “it’s your job”. Maybe it is but I was hoping there was more gratitude because I was rushing everywhere, everyday, somewhere. I’m not complaining but just speaking very frankly of what I’ve learnt. I need to be more observant if I want to stay in this line because in the future, when I need to buy some weird stuffs but yet very specifically described by the filmmaker, I would need to know exactly where to get them. True enough, Singapore is small but when I’m someone who can even get lost at Suntec not knowing how to go Esplanade, it’s hard for me to know where to get stuffs especaially when time is running short and you don’t have a lot of time to think. But all the same, I’m thankful I managed to get all the stuffs just in time for production.

On the same day, the day before production, I was told that they were unable to get a make-up artist and so being the art director, naturally I have to go and take up this role. Make-up artist sounds like a cool word but if it’s just those pretty make-up with mascara and foundation, I can easily help but not cuts, slashes or blood. I was really really scared, nervous and totally unsure of my capability to mix the blood myself, buy the correct make-up stuffs to pull off a realistic look. All the same, I am very very scared of how the scene will turn out to be.

Reshoot was not at all fun, in terms of the paper works and such. I had to contact the talents and make sure they could make it on either today(later) or yesterday. Unfortunately, our talent playing the Coach is unable to join us this time round because he has a lot of work at his hands and is not free to help. We got Douglas to help us instead. Louis, on the other hand, we wanted him to play for us badly and I tried to talk him in even until the weekend that just passed; even to to the extent of asking one of our other talents to help change his mind but he has to work and I guess he is really unable to be excused from work. Therefore we decided to ask Nelson instead, he was at our casting call auditions. The biggest issue I have to try to settle is the budget. Our previous budget was already $80 plus so I need to make sure it’s not that high this time round because we all still have AFP2, IBP that needs money.

It was hard and challenging for me to call the talents and eventually asked them if they could act for free because I just found it very hard to phrase and everything. In the end, I asked some of my group mates like if I phrase it a certain way, is it okay then I manage to finish the task. We are paying all of them because there are now 2 more new talents and the rest asked for pay but I lowered it already. In terms of food, it’s hard to cut down cost because we are looking to more extras since the other time, we had outsiders to help us but it was on a Vesak Day so outsiders can come in for family games or what, now it’s hard because it’s the common test period… Plus there are going to be helpers from the other class or group so compared to the last time, cost for food will go up. That is why we are not buying drinks since there is a water cooler near to our shooting locations.

Another problem is that we can only use the field from 11am to 1pm due to the tests and some work going on the blue tracks so tomorrow we have to really ‘rush’ through our shoot on the field but at the same time, ensure quality work. Plus, the weather is not that predictable for the past few days so I’m praying, we are praying everything goes on fine.

I filled up the tumbler with ice and water while the rest were getting ready to shoot on the field. I pasted names on the paper cups and carried the tumbler to the field, thinking that when there was a break in between shots, they could have some cool icy drink. However, the tumbler turned out to be dirty. ): I’m so sad. Maxi commented that it’s very dirty and that I never wash it properly, he meant it in a jokingly manner but me being me, I am still a little affected by it because I did wash the tumbler. So I went to wash it again with the help of Jasmine and Benjamin but in the end, I gave up because it was the nozzle inside the tumbler that was dirty, you can’t really clean it off.

Basically, I stayed indoors outside the male washroom to look after the equipments as well as the crew’s and cast’s belongings, I don’t want anything to go missing. I feel quite guilty actually, sitting there and not doing anything, maybe taking photos once in awhile when I can. Oh, yes I was the one who approach some of the people who were from China to ask if they mind helping to act as audiences in the background. The guy initially told me that they were having a match so if we started shooting before that,, maybe they could help us so Sofrie went on with the rehearsing and everything. Then when we were ready to shoot, Kenneth accompanied me and we went to ask them again. After much persuasion, they were all enthusiastic to help us. Then I went back indoors to look after equipments so Ben can go on set and act as one of the players.

Bharat was very nice to drive me and Atiqah to Clementi so we can buy lunch from Ananas Cafe. Atiqah helped to buy the kopi o kosong the Coach wanted and bottled drinks. Bharat dropped us off at the bus stop and left. Due to miscommunication, Atiqah bought plain bottled water. Haha she wanted to help us save money ’cause it’s was on promotion but I asked her to buy Istonic drinks but it’s okay(: Because Atiqah got the Coach kopi c kosong instead as there was no kopi o, the Coach was a bit unhappy. He told me that he cannot take sugar or milk. Although he insists that it’s fine, I insisted on buying the right kopi for him as well. So I told Ben and Kenneth about the lunch, like who’s having extra rice, extra chicken all these and asked them to eat while I go get some bottled Istonic drinks from Bukit Timah Plaza and the kopi o kosong from Bukit Timah market. Since it was Vesak Day, these are the only places I can go to. Unfortunately, on my way walking back, the plastic bags for the istonic drink broke): Luckily I was reaching school already.

When it was the indoor shoot in the male washroom, finally I can help a little bit!(: Because Atiqah was there she could look after the equipments(: I helped Jasmine to hold the boom pole for a few times! With Charmaine’s help, we decided to order pizzas for dinner for ourselves as well as the talents then we shifted the equipments to the Convention Centre. Halfway there, the pizza person called and I have to run all the way there ’cause he waited too long for me and he called me the whole time I was running to meet him since the money is with me): Paid the guy and I went back to find the rest to help them. First time round, I came up with Zane, helped him push the trolley full of dolly tracks. Then I found Jasmine and Larris who were with the cast. I think I did not tell them the place to meet exactly before running off so it was my fault when they sat for awhile under the link between Convention centre and Blk 56 and waited for me to call them back.

While the rest were setting up lights for the last scene, the cast eating their dinner, it was starting to drizzle and Jasmine and Zane pointed out that if we do not shift some of these equipments back, we will have to take the stairs to the cage later since it’s the only place with shelter and it’s very tedious because the equipments are so heavy, so Jasmine and I brought some of the equipments back to the mobile cage first.

What I learned from the production itself is that you have to be ever ready and prepared to solve problems that come your way during production. It can be a very small thing like not having ice packs on set but you have to solve it. Like Benjamin, he told me to put ice into the clear plastic for the socks that we bought for the cast (clean socks) to act as ice packs while he acted as an extra. I think for that, he is very very flexible(: Moreover, a more serious issue I will say that affected our shoot was our camera was making funny noises, we were deciding if we want to go on with the shoot, we thought about the consequences, how we ma be able to solve it using ADR if the audio really has very very major issues.

Also, although the music was on the whole time we were shooting, there was a point of time it became really loud so I went over to the estates near the swimming pool and told the uncle. However, the uncle is unsure as to what area our location is so he told me he has to off all the music because there were no faders only buttons so if you don’t want music, you off it completely. Initially all was okay until suddenly the music came back, then another security uncle, an Indian came and told us he cannot off the music for us because the people from the swimming pool will complain and we did not book or told the estates anything so he has the right to not off the music. Kenneth had to go with me to look for him again later on because the music was really too loud and can be heard from the male washroom. I tried to negotiate with him but I will keep quiet when he starts to rant about him not being able to off the music. I learn from Kenneth that when you face such problems, you must be calm and more firm. He told the uncle about us spending over $100 for our shoot just to shoot there and I can see the uncle’s face go less annoyed. Anyway the issue was solved in the end because luckily for us, the place where we shoot, the outside area is not that near to the swimming pool so he can off the music for us and not face complains from the swimming pool people since the music can be on. However, I learn that maybe in future shoots, we have to take note of these because during recce, I don’t remember hearing the music so I have to be more observant the next time round, see if there’s speakers, if there’s places like swimming pool that will affect the other community.

Initially, when we had our first one or two meetings, the atmosphere was weird and I feel very weird. Probably because we are from different cohorts, it’s the first time we are working together, first time we are talking to one another, and me being sensitive, I’ll think that why are they so serious? Why are they so stern? but probably in actual fact they are not. I would like to apologize and thank my group because as a producer, I’m not very out-spoken and I speak rather soft at times so when there were some conflicting ideas in the first meeting, I did not do anything to really help make the situation better. Along the way, I learn that communication is very important, if you don’t say what you feel, no one will understand, yes we may disagree with one another but at least we don’t have hard feelings. Also, a group project won’t even start or progress without the help and contribution of every member, without Sofrie, we won’t have a script, without Ben, we would have the list of props, without Ernest, we won’t have the overheads and things cannot proceed so it’s very important that we co-operate and work with each other because we have to be professional. Some of my talents are rather experienced so when they are questions, I have to sound sure and be aware of what’s going on if not they will not have faith in the project. i also learn that it is very unwise to be last minute because you may end up not getting what you want. For instance, I’m thankful I booked the stadium early.

Okay I’m going to catch 45minutes of sleep before my shoot. Jiayou my fellow crew!!

That’s is how I came to a conclusion why we should always associate perspiring to long sleeved clothings or jackets when we can perspire much more in a tank top or T-shirt. Why is it that we should always associate crying with sadness or grief when we can cry as much in tears of joy? I just feel that sometimes when we  calm ourselves down, keep our minds free, our hearts light, we tend to think more and wonder more. Even though I may appear to be speaking something that makes absolute no sense to you, today’s thoughts on jackets, perspiration and tank tops really got me thinking and by slowly exploring different possible reasons, I became really happy because I found MY answer for MY own question:] That is also 1of the reasons why I love to daydream, imagine, think because they are all reflections, that I feel are essential as bits of lesson in my life.

She smirked and burped. Ah, the taste of her ex-boyfriend was still lingering in her mouth. Her mother was the one who introduced her to her ex-boyfriend, Mr. B. The duo first met at Jurong Point shopping mall and they fell in love at first sight. Mr. B and her dated for 5days before she finally finished him off. Mr. B was a quiet man but that didn’t bother her. She could spend hours everyday just looking at him while he held her stare. Mr. B had beautiful eyes that were hazel brown in colour and she wished he would look at her forever. And like any other men, Mr. B knew how to whisper sweet nothings, that could make her fly. 5days were long enough for her to know Mr. B and her love for him became incredibly powerful, so powerful she had to finish him off. As she feel Mr. B melting in her heart down to her stomach, she regretted her harsh decision. But again, she reassured herself, “It’s impossible to look forward to a ever-lasting love with Mr. B and there can’t be a ‘happily ever after’ for them. She can always look out for another Mr. B… …”

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Interested to know how Mr. B looks like?

Introducing Mr. B… …

Yes. Mr. B is sadly a cookie. Hoho. He whispers sweet nothings because his mouth is truly sweet but he really utters nothing at all. I love this yummy cookie a lot so I came up with a ridiculous story. ) It’s really really delicious, you should try it!!

taken from: http://www.21st-century-citizen.com/2007/09/07/friday-fun-love-each-other/ A simple step you can take: Love each other

It’s been long since I last cried. I was watching the channel 8 charity show, in hope to raise funds for the people in Sichuan, China. Tears danced in my eyes almost throughout the show. My tears first fell when the host, Quan Yifeng, told us of a true story of how a mother who was in a very strange position when the rescuers first found her. She was in a kneeling position whereby her baby was securely safe in a blanket in her arms. A message was typed in her handphone which read: “Dear Baby, if you managed to survive, please remember that I love you.”. The baby survived in the death of his mother. I guess that is the power of love. I am very touched by this story. I choose to believe that the baby live on because the power of love is unbelievably strong, so strong even the angels can’t take the little baby along with them.

Baby baby,

Your mother gave you love.

The angels gave you chance.

Baby, though you know me not,

promise me you’ll love this chance and live life with hope.

May her love, your chance, our hope stay with you.

Loves,

Sheryl, someone who will pray for you.

Yellow and golden are vibrant colours.

The colour of happiness. The colour of hope.

The truth defers.

Crowds and gathering of people.

Friends and relatives.

Some of them may be the first time meeting, some of them may be someone familiar.

A handshake? No, it isn’t appropiate.

This scene should be a joyous one. Or at least, a hearty one.

The truth defers again.

Bright lights, shining in the darkness of a quiet night.

A supposed ray of spark, a supposed tinge of hope.

But, no, not tonight.

Somehow, the symbols of colours, people, lights are very wrong tonight, very wrong.

This was written when my mum’s friend passed away suddenly. She was just forty years old. Last friday, my best friend’s Dad, passed away of cancer. I thought of this emotional piece of poem I wrote last year and here I dedicate this to him. He fought bravely with the deadly cancer for a year already. Throughout the year, it a struggle and a battle for him. I doubt he had the strength to smile truly from his heart. I hope he’s in heaven now, watching over my friend and his wife, behind the fluffy clouds and blessing them in life. May God bless him too.