How To Do A Movie 'Marathon'!

I used to watch back to back movies in the cinema. A movie 'marathon' - I'd coin it.

On many times, I'd watch 3 movies. And I've even watched 4 movies - back to back.

And recently, over the long weekend, and as a form of 'rewarding' myself, I once again found myself doing the movie 'marathon'!

Now, here's some tips & advise!

1. Book the tickets early!
With all the online booking & booking apps, getting the tickets early is now possible.

Why is this important? Well besides wanting to get the right shows and good seats, it's also good to plan on the movie times. Meaning, no clashes in timings.

The best tip here is to leave some time after a movie ends and before the next movie starts.

2. Watch A Good Mix Of Movies!
I'm not sure for others, but this is what I'd suggest. Usually, I'd pick 2 from my favourite genres (if available), and the rest - something still good but from different genres.

In my recent movie 'marathon', I watched the biography of Katy Perry, the Canto thriller Bullet Vanishes & the thriller / action movie Cold Light Of Day

This is not to overload oneself. Remember too much of something is bad enough :)

3. Choose The Right Day To Watch!
Continuing from point 1 & 2, it's important that the day you are choosing to do the 'marathon' has enough good movies to your liking.

And that you've not already watched them. If there isn't enough good to watch cut down on the no. of movies. No point watching movies that you'd regret spending your time & money on.

4. Dress Right! Wear Your Favourite Tee!



Like the saying goes, dressing gives the mood, so dress up like you are going out for a fun time!

For me, it's simple - wear my favorite Batman tee will do the trick! ;)

5. Bring a jacket!
Movie theatres can get cold. And it will only feel colder if you are in the theaters for hours.

Feels like overseas? Yes, it can get cold.. luckily, I brought my jacket along!

So a good jacket that can warm yourself is important. You don't want the room temperature to spoil your movie experience!

6. Have break meals!
Yes it's a 'marathon'. But this is a leisure one - so take your time, and schedule meal breaks.

Of course, one can opt for the counter food & snacks, but given time, I'd rather go for some good food in between.

I had a simple Japanese meal in between the movies. 

This may not need to take so much time - probably around 30 mins to an hour.

In fact, you can also schedule a full course meal too - with the right planning!

7. Invite your friends!
Not many would love to do a movie 'marathon'. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the movie with friends.

What one can do is simply get different group of friends to accompany you for different movies.

In between the movies, you can still hangout & chill with them.

On my last movie, I had my family members over for dinner at one of my favourite cafes, before watching the movie together. 

Tho if you are watching 3-4 movies, you might expect 1-2 movies to be watched alone.

I know some creep out from that idea, but hey, it's only watching movies and during the time, the engagement is usually you and the movie..!

8. Don't Overwatch!
It might be the weekend, or your day off.. but still you'd want enough rest.

Know your limits. Don't cause tiredness out of something you are suppose to enjoy (yes watching movies cabled to that).

And if you are new to this, maybe just watch 2 movies for the start.. and slowly increase it in the future.


Well there you have it. Simple guides to do a movie 'marathon'! May you find these tips useful and create your own movie 'marathon' experiences!!



*Have not done 5 back to back movies yet. That would be something!

The CNY Movie For 2011: Great Day! (天天好天)

When I first read that the producers of last year's CNY movie, Woohoo, are coming out with a movie, I got all excited. Last year's CNY movie by Astro has been simply awe-some and still have fresh memories with me.

So it was obvious that I'd watch Astro's movie for this year too! And I must say that I wasn't at all disappointed.. for it sure lived up to its expectations!

So what about this movie, aye?

Well, it's simply touching & heartwarming. And oh yeah, funny too!

This show emphasis a lot on relationships, family ties & togetherness - like the relationship between father & son, children & their elder parents/ grandparents, friendships between friends.... all the stuff that you will feel especially during the Chinese New Year.

And then there's the togetherness of the 'kampung spirit' that many of us Malaysians & Chinese communities worldwide can relate to someway or rather.

Apart from its heartwarming theme, what I like about this movie - is the shots in the village. I just love the kampung views! (yeah call me a Kampung Boy! haha!) Btw these scenes reminds me of how blessed we are in this beautiful country (seeing is believing!). But it's not just the kampung views that are nice. Even the KL views that we are so accustomed too is quite well taken here (there's one scene where one of the actors were on a motorbike around the city).

Another thing that this movie has done well is to make it funny. Cos usually movies that are funny are not that heartwarming, but this CNY movie managed to do juggle both very well.

At times, I laughed, and a times, my heartstrings were touched. And that's what makes this movie special.

So, if u want to watch a CNY movie this Chinese New Year period, well, you don't need to go all blury over the many shows out there. I'd highly recommend this... if you are Malaysian. And even if you are not, I think this movie can touch you too!

*Simply love the title Great Day (天天好天) - also translated as tian tian hao tian = everyday good day!

Did I Really Watched A Singapore Movie?

Yeah, I don't believe it myself.. that I actually watched a Singapore movie just a few days ago.

While I must admit that I've been quite supportive of Singapore movies while I was in the island city when I stayed there my good 8 years.. but after a few good start, I felt the movies in Singapore were getting too cliche, and boring.. and have too many irritating stuff: lots of shouting and arguments, mother in law is always furious, a good fair of weeping (not crying), and it's about money (or lack thereof).

Hence, my vow to not watch Singapore movies - unless they got standard lah.

So, what made me change my mind the other day?
Well, I was invited to a blogger's preview of the movie Homecoming. In my mind, well, Chinese New Year is just round the corner and since this is free (I got to admit this), hence, I thought why not. Besides, there's a fair bit of Malaysian talents in this productions too! (that sure is a pull factor for me).

So how do I find this movie? One word: Surprised.
Yes, this movie stayed away from the stereotyped Singapore productions.No money talk, no mother in law getting angry, no weeping with loads of tissues & hands.

There was only one part in the beginning that made me cringe when there were loud arguments. But apart from that, the rest of the movie is rather hillarious and at times touching.

Jack Neo acted well (which btw I think he should stick to his feminine roles - playing the mother here). The relationship between Mark Lee & his daugther is the highlight and was done rather well too.

The movie is also nice cos it was filmed in KL (and informing the viewers that it is KL! - not a fake olden days Singapore or something), hence giving the movie a wider spectrum of things and a wider scope to cover.




My conclusion: All in all, this is a decent CNY movie, one that has restored Singapore productions in some way (in my humblest opinion, ehem).

So, if you are in the CNY mood, then go ahead to watch this. But don't expect to remember this movie as yr memorable CNY movie for the years to come. If you want that, then I'd say watch the all Malaysian production Great Day which is way more touching and meaningful (and I'm not being biased here - as much as I love Malaysia more, seriously).

*Malaysia's Double Vision is one of the co producers for this movie. Malaysian Ah Niu is also one of the main stars in Homecoming.

Inspiring Slumdog Millionaire

It's been a long time since I've really watched movies (especially for a movie buff like me). Time has in a way taken this luxury.

And what's more - been really quite a while since I've watched an inspiring movie that keeps in my mind days and weeks after I've watched it.

Then comes this wonder movie - Slumdog Millionaire.



Honestly I didn't thought much of the movie at first, thinking it's just another love story, and an English/ Holllywood take on things Asian... which so far in a lot of times, get Asians not agreeing or 'not getting it'.

Well, actually I'm not wrong - the people in India are not so happy about it for this movie seems to show a poor side of emerging India.

But what I think I didn't know (and those who most likely haven't watched it) is that this movie is way beyond that. It's an inspiring love story of a poor street boy (from the slumps), Jamal, falling in love with another street child, Latika.

It is his strong love for her that he goes all out to find her, despite them already growing up and losing each other many times in between (sometimes, I wonder if this just in the movies).

Anyway, this is where fairytale of movies happen - he joins the competition, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. And through every question, it brings him back to how his life & falling in love with the girl began.... and in it, we the viewers get to see the glimpse of the slumps in Mumbai.

Actually, despite the outcry of many from India on the rather negative perception of the slumps but to me, that's just as to give more depth to the show. And besides, the view of beautiful Taj Mahal and even the 'colourful' streets of Mumbai tempt me to visit Incredible India!

And it just don't ends there. There's more reasons I find this movie inspiring - so much so that it's in my top 10 (make it top 3) best movie I watched so far:

This movie is itself is a tale of 'rags-to-riches'!
To the director (Danny Boyle) - Slumpdog Millionaire is like a semi indie movie (ie not the super big budget ones)... yet for it to make way to win so many awards (Best Movie - Golden Globe, British BAFTA Movie Award and even in the running for the Oscars) is so inspiring. ... I believe many other filmmakers round the world will be inspired to do great movies now, despite the smaller budget.

Foreign Perspective On A Global Theme & A 'Local' Background
I've always believed that universal ideas go far (in this case - of hope & love). However, rather than the more common 'universal' backgrounds of USA (or USA look alike), this movie uses Mumbai/ India.... giving the movie more depth. Mumbai suits the movie well - and the movie suits Mumbai!. Btw, it has really put light on India (and I believe positively!)

Not So Known Cast... Yet Film Goes Big
Have you heard of Dev Patel & Freida Pinto before? Yet, the Slumdog Millionaire is doing well because of these 'new' faces who suite their roles well, playing the innocent yet determined hero & heroine... and now turning becoming stars themselves.

Inspiring Music/ Soundtrack
Hollywood may not have heard much of A R Rahman, but this is the music face of Bollywood... and his touch, just like to his many other hits is simply mesmerising... blending so well with the movie!


The dreamy song of hopes & dreams: Dream On Fire - how aptly titled!

So, if you hardly watch movies, don't bother bout the other big bang-wang shows... but put your money into this for this movie will most likely touch you for a long long time.

Port Dickson Trip

A few weeks back, I decided to go for a short break - a one night trip to Port Dickson. The reason was I wanted to enjoy the sea - and that seems to be the nearest sea getaway from Malacca.

Actually despite the destination point was Port Dickson, but what I enjoyed most throughout the trip was the journey along the way.

I took the kampung road (village road) rather than the usual highway/ expressway... to experience a different view. And an experience I did!

First, it was interesting to pass by 2 kampungs with unique names.

Ramuan China Kechil - 'small Chinese ingredients'

Ramuan China Besar - 'big Chinese ingredients'

Next was the Malacca - Negeri Sembilan border. It has been ages since I've passed this route, and think this must be pretty new.

I wonder how the people living at the border feel like living in 2 states :)

Driving onwards, I then passed by this very quiet street, which has just 2 rows of shophouses. And this really caught my attention. I would say that this was the best part of the whole trip!

It's so queit that there are hardly any cars.

And most of the houses are empty.

Honestly, it does give a certain atmosphere.
The only restaurant there. There was a fair bit of people here on a quiet afternoon.

Quite beautiful - though a pity it's empty - just like the many other shophouses here.

I spent a good twenty minutes or so at this small town. Though it is rather unoccupied, I hope that the buildings remain.

I'm glad I did this journey. The trip here to this small town got me thinking that this place can be a good location shoot for a movie. Afterall, it does have the 'feel' and 'atmosphere' already. And it's pretty quiet... Maybe someday, this place will be in one of the films I do :)

Crazy Movie Lines

Recently because of the upcoming productions, I'm rather tuned in to the my surroundings... and relate a lot of them to the movies.

One of them that I've been doing is to pay more attention to the daily quotes and observe the situations more closely, especially on human behaviours.

Better Than The Movies
Sometimes we laugh at how silly some movie lines can be... but well, they are in fact not far off from our daily lives.

"Wah, bunyi handphone dia tu... canggih lah" (Wow, his handphone sound... so modern lah).... a lady says to her friend when my phone rang in a public mall in Singapore. She spoke loud enough to her friend and all around to hear, including myself who was walking beside them.

Of course, I acted as if I didn't understood what they were saying - for I don't think she expected me to understand the statement lah.

In fact this is not new. I've done this a few times now - acting as if I don't understand a word uttered - most of the times laughing inside.

But once in a while, I do like to spring a surprise or two at times - answering back in the same language when they least expected.

This usually happens when at the counter for something and the people talk in a language they think you don't understand. I suggest you to try this if given the chance, as you'll get to then see the 'horror' look (plus the 'mata terbeliak' - popped eyes!). Lol.

Worst Movie Line
Another incident was also quite weird. I was filling up some lucky draw coupon with the pen I brought. Then someone wanted to borrow it to fill up his coupon, which of course I lent him.

But after he used it, he just asked "Do you need your pen back?" Huh - what a question... seriously, do one need to ask?

I would say if this goes into the movies, it will be in 'The top 10 worst movie lines ever!'


Beyond Lines
Well the next one is not so much about the line. Anyway, it happened the same time while filling up the coupons.

Someone came up and asked "That one what?". And before I know it, he tries to reach out to my coupons while I'm writing them. Again, huh?


These scenarios sure are kinda weird... and it really proves that Hollywood is not far off! Talk about bad lines - they are all around us.

One more thing - I'm not sure if these scenarios & lines can ever be used for the movies. But if ever it is used, I believe the disclaimer should then be "If ever any characters depicted resembles anyone, it is purely intentional"!


*How bout you? Have you had any such weird scenarios?

Using Internet For Filmmaking

Filmmakers all know the tedious works and relatively high budgets one need to make films and movies for the big screen. But now with the internet, things are changing... and this is what I discovered at the recent Digital Media Festival Singapore.

Making Movie Using The Internet
This may sound new to some like myself, but not for Timo Vuorensola, a film producer from Finland.

His movie, Starwreck, was actually done a lot online (maybe except filmming with the actors), and taking a good 7 years to do so.

Now what is interesting is that he actually got a fair bit of the online community to actually be part of his movie project - eg. some parties helped developed the spaceships for his sci-fiction movie.

This method came good as he only had a shoe string budget (15000 euros only). How Timo survived 7 years for his project with his tight budget is interesting, but what makes it more interesting is that this movie had 8 million online downloads since launched! Now that is quite something for a first time producer... and especially for an independent movie coming from Finland (have you watched a Finnish movie? - well, that was his question).


Timo Vuorensola, Iolo Jones, Hugh Hancock


More Insights On Digital Filmmaking
Another interesting key speaker is producer Hugh Hancock who showed the potential in the tv/ flim industry going online - and how ordinary folks like ourselves can be part of it as well.

He contribute this mainly because of the low entries, like the relatively low budget films (he does funny cook shows for less than $100/episode). This means nearly any Tom, Dick or Harry can be an instant film maker/ show producer.

The only drawback, he cautions is - Noise (ie too many players) hence the difficulty of getting heard or in this case, seen. But even though he understands this, this positive outlook personality still insists on aspiring film makers to just go out there to make their films.

And what happens if the film/ movie is bad? Just do another one! (Of course, these are more for mini series rather than feature length movies).

More To Just Making Films
Of course, we all know (and should know) that there is much more to film making than just producing it like finding the right platform to showcase it - from using the internet and even mobile phones or even the traditional theatre and DVD release, which was actually shared by a few other speakers... Add all these and the going is not as easy as it seems, though it can be lucrative and huge when breakthrough.

But for now, let's all know that at least, that the internet can help filmmakers in film making and who knows, creating that blockbuster hit!

Tourism Movies

I've recently watched a few movies, many of them seem to be featuring picturesque China.

From the animated Kung Fu Panda to the Chinese war epic of the Red Cliff movie, China is given quite a good highlight, and in a way, 'playing a vital role' in the movie. Of course, these international movies were scripted with China in mind, and can't be replaced with a backdrop of any other country for that matter.

But then, the recent Hollywood blockbuster Batman, The Knight Rider which has background of modern day cities choose to have a feature of Hong Kong. Though it was just a small glimpse in the film, but featuring HK as a prominent international Chinese city here is something to be recognised about.

Of course, there are many more films using China as backdrops... and all this is good for the country, especially when the beautiful sceneries from the country (in this case, China) is used as backdrops.

But it's not only China that the film makers have made popular. Remember how Lord Of The Rings (LOTR) made quite an impact in the tourists flocking to the relatively quiet country of New Zealand? Well now, there is even LOTR tour guides there - touring the places that were shot in the country.

This goes to show that big blockbusters especially give a good impact on tourism to a particular country. The background view may seem unimportant to the viewers, but in fact, it makes the movie complete... like I mentioned, some just need these backgrounds because the films are meant to depict a certain country, while others enhancing a movie & complimenting its script.

And when we viewers watch these picturesque backgrounds, we may remember the movie, but we also remember the sceneries. And that could jolly well be one of our destinations in the future.

So, that is why many countries welcome film makers to make 'tourism movies'. Film makers, especially the ones with big outreach are spoilt for choice as many countries tourism bodies/ boards welcome them with open arms.

The help & assistance usually do not come in monetary terms though I've read about TV shows that are sponsored. The help come in like visas, production location shoot, accommodation & flight/ transport.

I guess the big film makers already know all these info. But for budding film makers, and even local film makers, we should use this information wisely for our future films and aim to go global with it.

Next up: Movies that have made our country on the world map.

When East Goes West

I've recently watched 2 movies.


Forbidden Kingdom

One features the 2 kung fu legend action heroes - Jackie Chan and Jet Li. It also stars Michael Angarano in this more Chinese cast who speak English throughout. This movie was filmed mostly in China with scenic views of the jungle and mountains.


Escape From Huang Shi/ Children Of Huang Shi

The other one stars another 2 of the most popular Chinese movie stars who has made it in Hollywood, Hong Kong's gentleman, Chow Yun Fat and Malaysia' very own, and one of the most popular Bond girls, Michelle Yeoh. Though not the main leads, they together with Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Radha Mitchell are the 4 main characters in this again, China filmed movie. And again, it's an all English script - only snippets of Mandarin between the Chinese characters.

Watching these two movies have been awesome... and I've just had some thoughts and feel good feeling, mainly for a few good reasons:

1. The Asian stars (or rather Chinese stars) are playing amongst the leads in the movies. Last time, if you remember, Asians are only heroes in their own movies - where they are the good guys, while the Westerners are the baddies. This happen a lot in Jackie Chan's old kung fu movies.

However, Jackie Chan acting in Rush Hour was one of the first to change that. He playing the lead role together with funny guy Chris Tucker is one success story Asian-to-West story.

2. But apart from Rush Hour, most Asians are still baddies in Hollywood films.

If ever they are the main roles playing the good guys, most of their movies do not attract the crowd - we've seen Chow Yun Fat's foray into Hollywood (remember Anna & The King or Replacement Killers?), and even Jet Li's. It could be partly international audience are new to them. Also, the script & budget may have played a factor.

So again, watching these 2 movies and seeing that Asians and Westerners stand on same good ground is a good thing. There's no 'with me or against me', but rather in these 2 movies, they all serve a common goal for a good cause (especially on Escape From Huang Shi).

3. One of the other turning point to the acceptence of Asian actors/ actresses for the global audience is at the award winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which also made an international name for Chinese swordplay and kung fu action. It was there that one of most recognisable Asian woman, Zhang Ziyi made her mark.

So, once again, to feature credible Asian actors/ actresses in these Hollywood films show an acceptance to them. In fact, it is even better that they are now cast alongside the Hollywood actors/ actress giving them equal attention and better scripts and movie roles.

4. Another highlight that though they Asian stars have Asian coloured skin, but they speak anything else from Cantonese/ Mandarin but a 'foreingn language'. It is admirable for them to learn a new language.

Yes, it may sound a lil weird or monotonous English, but the Chinese have learnt the language quite alright. (Of course, it comes naturally for Michelle Yeoh who of all speaks perfect English - not Manglish/ Singlish or even the American-wannabe slang, but standard English with great diction).

And now, even the once don't-care-about-Hollywood actor, Jet Li is marching into Hollywood with English.

5. All these East into West clearly shows the power of Asia (with help of the awaken dragon China). It could be a marketing tactic to one extend to reach to an even wider audience. Smaller countries are already doing crossovers (eg. HK-Thai, Singapore-HK, etc) and obviously Hollywood's in the game as well.

Yes, this will help Hollywood (not that they need much more as Asia is actually very receptive of their movies).

But the ones to gain most are actually the Asians. The stars are one, but also the production crew and now even the tourism dollars! Watching the above movies make more wanting to just visit the various places in China. Just like what happend to New Zealand with the filming of Lord Of The Rings.

6. And furthermore, now that these actors/ actresses can play in proper roles, they can showcase their Asian culture in themselves. The Asian values which many times have been misinterpreted by the media in the West can be ironed out through the movies (even with Jackie Chan playing the funny cop, it shows that Asians are not dumb and unable to speak proper lol).

Of course if the movies are like the above, where they are a lil more ancient China, it will show more on the Asian values. Small things like drinking tea in tea cups (ok, I know it seems normal for us in Chinese retaurants lol) or the grace of the ladies and their respect for elders will all be showcased. Asian values are going West!


With all these feel good (and are really good reasons), it's no wonder why smaller countries are taking the movie industry seriously. Singapore has started it with a more serious government backing. The principles how movies make East Goes West can be applied to how Singapore Goes Global or for that matter, even Malaysia.

But these are for a next post.

:)

Related: Oscar Goes Global

Movies Review:
Forbidden Kingdom
Escape From Huang Shi

Want To Be A Movie Star?

Yes, look no further if you like to be in action.

Model-actor Christien New (Jarum Halus) is producing a movie under his production company, Christien Lavin Production. The movie title is Life Is Good (aka Back To School). It will star Sazzy Falak, Daphne Iking, Asraf Sindair, Razif Hasim, James Wong and the producers themselves - Christien New and Lavin Seow.


And they are looking for more talents to join in this uni musical, which looks into the lives of students. This humour movie focus will be on groovy dance moves, singing and basketball game scenes.

If you think you've got talent in acting, dancing, singing or simply playing basketball, then simply download the form and head to the auditions!

You can be the Next Big Thing! (just remember to thank me when you become famous :) )

PS: Apparently they are open to non Malaysians as well in their form. So Singaporeans, you may want to join in the fun as well? :)

Money No Enough-lah

Singapore's hit movie, Money No Enough, produced in 1998 is going to be back - most likely this year. And I had the chance to see the process and be part of it.

In 1998, this smash hit garnered S$5.8million. Then, it starred Jack Neo and his 2 all time cast - multi talented Mark Lee and Henry Thia. The movie clicked well with the audience on local theme (of basically not enough money) and it's inclusion of Hokkien in between.

With such a big success, it is no surprise that there is a sequel to the film. And like some mentioned - it's good time (on raising costs now).

10 years since the hit success, Jack Neo has much gone into directing and is now Singapore's most commercially successful director. His movies are known to subtly injected with political & current issues (eg. Malaysia-Singapore ties was widely used in the Homerun movie, and his latest Ah Long Pte Ltd played on Malaysian politics). He now has his own company, J Team Productions - which manages and train artistes, TV & film production and also does TVC.

The Call Up
I was called up a few days in advance for a full shoot day. Actually when we were called up, there was no mention as to what we were to do, or what movie we were to be in. All I knew that it was for Jack Neo's latest movie.

Having not acted in any movie before, and though this is really a small role (more like an extra), but I took this offer up for 2 reasons. One, it was for a movie - that sounds cool lol. But more importantly, it was with Jack Neo - I wanted to learn both on production and also on Jack Neo's directing/ advise.

This despite my hands being rather tied with the 50+1 Malaysia Book already.

The Shoot


I arrived at 8am to an old school which is going to be refurbished. There were already a group of youngsters mainly teenagers. But there were also a few more senior members. A little too early, and we were told to go for breakfast and come back later.


We continued to wait a little for the production crew to start. All the while still don't know what are we to do yet.

Then we were asked to be protesters against the ERP (for those not in Singapore, the ERP is like a toll system to ease traffic flow into the city - where vehicle owners will have to pay before entry). We were divided into 3 teams. And our voice were recorded saying 'No ERP!'. These were done at the school compound.

Next we were asked to go upstairs. It was there that I was quite awed with what I saw. It was a huge green panel - which means this movie is using the Green (some call Blue) Screen technique. The whole day was spent on us marching in groups and sometimes all together.



We were joined by another fresh group of people later - to add to the multi racial theme of the movie. There were breaks in between, but by midway a lot of us were tired from the continuous shouting of 'No! E.R.P!'



Another highlight for me on that day was to see the mock up ERP gates. We filmed carrying it around - rather carefully, as it was not fully secured at its ends. And there was a scene which we had to take - us literally pushing the ERP gates down (apparently the sea or the river scene will be added). Lots of cordination were needed for this as we thought it would be a one time thing - ie. when it collapse, that's it!

Well, were we wrong! It was stable. And very solid. So, goes the shoot and re-shoot of the scenes by different groups, sometimes by all once again. And from different angles as well.

The tired faces of the many extras were seen especially when it was already dark outside. But one final task - to record another sound from us - us shouting & screaming happily when the ERP gates fall.

It was only after then that we signed the talent release form.. and on it it states for MNE2. No guessing it was for Money No Enough 2!








What I Learnt
1. Production takes a lot of time & effort. It reminds me of the time we did the 3 day shoot for my previous project - the Batik Inspirations book. Already then it took so much time, not to mention the post production. And for a feature movie, there is much more cordination and filming days.

2. Green/ Blue screen is the way to go - because shooting can continue despite the bad weather outside. And the director can then multiply the people to create a LOTR effect.

3. The more cameras the better - that will save time as there won't then be a need to retake the same scene and actions from the same angle. However, a point to note is that this may increase costs - in equipment and cameraman.

4. For the actors: act like it's real - even if it's a small role or a short scene. As an actor (big or small), this project still relies on us as it can affect the flow of the movie.

5. Get good crew to build the props. Like for the ERP prop, we do retakes over and over again because it was hardy enough to be re-enected and be 'thrown' again and again. Balance between hardiness and budget is important here.

The Conclusion
For the pay, it is really 'money no enough'. But hey, I don't think anyone's complaining because although it may not seem so cool on set, but Im sure when the movie is out, all of us would be trying to see where were we in the movie (if they don't cut us out! lol).

And the lessons learnt - invaluable.

Oscar Goes Global

This 2008 sees the golden statuette from the Academy Awards (or more known as the Oscars) coming of age, celebrating its 80 years. And it's time again to recognise the best from the film industry.


Originated from USA, and held there, this awards ceremony is seen by many as a USA-Hollywood thing. Hollywood stars, actors, actresses, directors and the film industry players gear up for the 'most prestigious night in the film industry'. And though it's broadcast outside of Hollywood as well, however, the ripples caused overseas are a little less.

Of course, the introduction of Best Foreign Language Film do give the nominating overseas country some cheer and more attention.

Asians will remember Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon when home-born Asian stars were seen in the audience. It was like the rise of China, and Asian movies then, and with the movie winning 4 awards that night.

Then in 2005, there was the much anticipated Taiwan born director, Ang Lee's Best Director nomination, which he eventually won for Brokeback Mountain. Though a Hollywood movie, but because of Ang Lee's roots, it was a thumbs up from Asia.

Well this year don't see any Asian movie making waves there, but the Oscars have kept up with its global attention. This year, it has shifted back to Europe, and sees a fair bit of European film players making waves. Amongst them:
Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis, British
Best Actress: Marion Cotillard, French
Best Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem, Spanish
Best Supporting Actress: Tilda Swinton, British

The list is quite a surprise with non USA born making their mark in these 4 categories. But as Oscar goes global and the need for worldwide attention, it is only fair to also recognise those from other countries, and this time they did just that.


The award winning moment for Marion Cotillard, amongst the best receiving moments.


A colourful & happy moment by Javier Bardem.

This goes to show Hollywood is much more open than we think it is. And I will be rooting once again when in the near future maybe an Asian movie will be coveted the Best Picture or an Asian star for the Best Actor/ Actress!

And like the winners said, Dreams Do Come True, and maybe it can just be mine :)

Inspiring Marketing

Though it's past Christmas, but I figured that since this movie is still screening here in Singapore & Malaysia, I would like to share one of the ways the trio of Alvin & The Chipmunks are promoted.


The whole staircase leading up to the cinemas are covered with them. The amount of hard work the workers had to lay on each step can clearly be seen. But of course, it is well worth it... who could miss such a giant poster?

I'm not too sure on the ROI on this, but nevertheless, it was something unique :)


Picture taken in Vivo City, Singapore.