Tuesday, December 23, 2003
I went to Langkawi on 16 Dec till 21 Dec. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, check them out at my photoblog http://www.whatever-photos.tk
Thursday, December 11, 2003
I gazed into a crystal ball today and found out that I'm somehow related to Harry Potter. I wasn't a muggle in my past life. At least I had a life before.
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Friday, December 05, 2003
I went to Taman Tun this morning for a commercial shoot as an extra or in Cantonese "care lair fair". To be more politically correct, we are better known as "talents". At least I pick up new lingo from the "biz".
Well, it's a commercial for Courts Mammoth I was told. Something about a bonus or offer for their New Year's campaign. The commercial is only 30 seconds, but the shoot is damn tiring!
I arrived at around 11 p.m. at a small restaurant. Everything was set up, cameras, lights, the works. You know. Then we were given our roles. Most of us were seated like in a restaurant, chatting. My friend and I have to act as people walking into the shop as "naturally" as possible, whatever that means.
So I thought, that sounds easy enough. Walking into a shop. What's so hard about that? I do that almost every day. "Naturally" some more. Pbhht, what I do every day not natural enough meh? Sap sap sui la.
Ok, then suddenly the director shout, "Ok, people, rehearsal first, chat chat, when I say 'Look at TV', everyone look ok? Those who suppose to walk, walk. Suppose to eat, eat. Ok, 3,2,1, Action!"
At that very moment, I just did what is "natural" to me. I walked as "natural" as possible. Then, ok. Great, that was it. Yay. Easy what.
Then director shout again, "Ok, not bad. Now, camera... real shoot now ok, 3, 2, 1, Action!"
Then I walk again, the 1st of about 30 takes I think. That short distance of 5 metres, I walked with the unanswered question in my mind, "Will I actually be on TV? Barely half a second la."
Anyway, after about 30 times doing the same thing again and again, under the searing heat of the lights, the whirring sound of the camera ( no sound la actually) and the words "Act natural" in my mind, we are done with the first scene. Whew!
Those who seated lagi kesian, have to turn their heads, act surprise and look at a blank TV for 30 times.
After lunch, next scene. This time I was seated. And I have to turn my head also, look surprised and stare at camera. Different angle I suppose. Another 30 or so times. *rubs neck*
It's about 2 p.m. now. One last scene, we have to turn our heads back, look at our partner, and run like hell out of the restaurant. Courts Mammoth giving money away I suppose. Normal Malaysians la.
This scene of chaos only took 3 takes or so. Maybe our years of training for rushing to the buffet table finally paid off.
Overall, I respect those big actors in big productions. I mean, a low budget 30 second commercial, with 30 or so extras only I also feel so tired, what about movies like Lord of the Rings? But then again, they are paid big bucks la. I was paid RM 60. Not bad I suppose, for about 3 hours of shooting. Got free lunch some more. I heard some extras don't even get paid. The most they get is one pathetic packet of Nasi Lemak. That also lucky if got egg.
So don't forget to look out for a guy in dark blue T-shirt with beige pants in a commercial on TV soon. That's me! *crosses fingers*
Well, it's a commercial for Courts Mammoth I was told. Something about a bonus or offer for their New Year's campaign. The commercial is only 30 seconds, but the shoot is damn tiring!
I arrived at around 11 p.m. at a small restaurant. Everything was set up, cameras, lights, the works. You know. Then we were given our roles. Most of us were seated like in a restaurant, chatting. My friend and I have to act as people walking into the shop as "naturally" as possible, whatever that means.
So I thought, that sounds easy enough. Walking into a shop. What's so hard about that? I do that almost every day. "Naturally" some more. Pbhht, what I do every day not natural enough meh? Sap sap sui la.
Ok, then suddenly the director shout, "Ok, people, rehearsal first, chat chat, when I say 'Look at TV', everyone look ok? Those who suppose to walk, walk. Suppose to eat, eat. Ok, 3,2,1, Action!"
At that very moment, I just did what is "natural" to me. I walked as "natural" as possible. Then, ok. Great, that was it. Yay. Easy what.
Then director shout again, "Ok, not bad. Now, camera... real shoot now ok, 3, 2, 1, Action!"
Then I walk again, the 1st of about 30 takes I think. That short distance of 5 metres, I walked with the unanswered question in my mind, "Will I actually be on TV? Barely half a second la."
Anyway, after about 30 times doing the same thing again and again, under the searing heat of the lights, the whirring sound of the camera ( no sound la actually) and the words "Act natural" in my mind, we are done with the first scene. Whew!
Those who seated lagi kesian, have to turn their heads, act surprise and look at a blank TV for 30 times.
After lunch, next scene. This time I was seated. And I have to turn my head also, look surprised and stare at camera. Different angle I suppose. Another 30 or so times. *rubs neck*
It's about 2 p.m. now. One last scene, we have to turn our heads back, look at our partner, and run like hell out of the restaurant. Courts Mammoth giving money away I suppose. Normal Malaysians la.
This scene of chaos only took 3 takes or so. Maybe our years of training for rushing to the buffet table finally paid off.
Overall, I respect those big actors in big productions. I mean, a low budget 30 second commercial, with 30 or so extras only I also feel so tired, what about movies like Lord of the Rings? But then again, they are paid big bucks la. I was paid RM 60. Not bad I suppose, for about 3 hours of shooting. Got free lunch some more. I heard some extras don't even get paid. The most they get is one pathetic packet of Nasi Lemak. That also lucky if got egg.
So don't forget to look out for a guy in dark blue T-shirt with beige pants in a commercial on TV soon. That's me! *crosses fingers*
Thursday, December 04, 2003
Oh my god! I've just realised that about another month from now I'll be off to Germany! Good lord, I've got so much to buy! Oh no, oh no... what to buy? *scratches head*
Ok, first I gotta make a list...*takes out a paper and pen*...
Hmmm...clothes to block the cold, a big luggage, a backpack, some instant food, torchlight (don't really know what the hell for, but my friend's aunt is an education consultant, better safe than sorry), batteries, rice cooker (!), and...what else?
I'll wait for my girlfriend to come visit me this Sunday and go shop together. (Man, I hate shopping! That's why I bring my girlfriend along, sort of blocks out the negativity. In a good way, Yi Ling. =P)
Now, I promised myself to update my Shake-The-Online-Money-Tree.com site and finish at least another guide this week. (Let this written word be my motivation, damn you Gunbound!)
Gotta get myself a Space Suit! (I mean in Gunbound)
Ok, first I gotta make a list...*takes out a paper and pen*...
Hmmm...clothes to block the cold, a big luggage, a backpack, some instant food, torchlight (don't really know what the hell for, but my friend's aunt is an education consultant, better safe than sorry), batteries, rice cooker (!), and...what else?
I'll wait for my girlfriend to come visit me this Sunday and go shop together. (Man, I hate shopping! That's why I bring my girlfriend along, sort of blocks out the negativity. In a good way, Yi Ling. =P)
Now, I promised myself to update my Shake-The-Online-Money-Tree.com site and finish at least another guide this week. (Let this written word be my motivation, damn you Gunbound!)
Gotta get myself a Space Suit! (I mean in Gunbound)
