As I’m writing this, my Aki Nabalu shoot is over…
At the village where i had only one scene
Under the tent at the airstrip
It’s been a long time since I blogged about the shoot (Pt 1) and it *feels* like a loooong time too. So much has happened since then…
Between the CNY celebrations/breaks and what-not, my scenes have moved and things have developed rapidly from a storyline standpoint. If prior to CNY my scenes were mainly at one location and with a single distinct “feel”, these changed dramatically with the development of my character and with the story.
The week after CNY I was shooting at the camp, village and airstrip. This was quite a nice time in general - the festive season with CNY dinners and the bit of merry-making I could squeeze in – cuz I also had to finish some writing work (plus some important appointments) - with close friends, Shueh Miin et al, metaphysics colleagues, peperred with interesting shoot days at various locations.
[With some effort, I also managed to squeeze in a very postponed shoot for a TV2 teenage programme (Inspirasi Remaja) where the host ties-up with an "IKON" of a relevant skill (eg. mountain biking, figure skating...and TAP!) to learn the ropes and share it with the young-oes out there.]
The bombed airstrip!
Re Aki Nabalu, I loved how my character and storyline had developed at around this point and the scenes were challenging my acting chops (esp the ones against Craig Fong’s character).
The main thing i now had to “budget” for shooting at these other locations (plus the plentiful “jungle” ones that followed) was toilet breaks/trips! I think my sole ”diva” request during the entire shoot has been trips to proper toilets (and for decent coffee or hot water for 3-in-1 -which fell on deaf ears!)
As we moved to shoot at more dynamic locations (as in locations which change by the day or within the day) for the jungle scenes, I realised that B camp was starting to be quite a luxury! As it wasn’t possible to set up semi-permanent tents, we didn’t have any flat flooring that we could lay on to rest, and so the REAL ”hardship” began…plus the set-up for these scenes were much harder as they were outdoors with the exact shot determined usually right b4 on the spot (which usually had been just only scouted). On some of the scenes were didn’t even get to rehearse before the shot!
The weather around this time also become the dreaded Klang Valley “hot/humid from morning then super-heavy downpour in the evening” – which took out shoot time in the evening and sometimes affected the early night scenes as well.
My my leaches!
This situation of course took some toll on everyone. Plus cast-wise, as it’s largely an ensemble cast, many of the jungle scenes required us to all gather together to shoot. So not only logistically it was more difficult, (communication amongst like every department blurs a bit when things are so dynamic- also, shooting outdoors requires more time for set-up, prep etc), we also had longer waiting periods and the minor problems cropping up here & there.
Honestly, there were a few days where it was hard to keep my spirits up just with these considerations… and when you get a bunch of artists together in these circumstances, you can imagine what happens, right
Setting up for a night scene
I personally picked up a bit as we headed towards my character’s “big bang” so to speak (am still suffering partial hearing loss in my L ear!). It was weird going into that day I had to shoot some rather big scenes - I felt a sadness, a nervousness and also attachment (fear of letting go).
But I tell you, I probably had the best experience acting that day! The mood of the scenes were vastly different, I was with different actors and for the 1st time, I went into that day feeling literally alone. However, after the 1st hour, I settled into things and then towards the end of the day it felt exhilirating!
I was bone-tired the next day and I can’t recall when I last felt sore all over my (upper) body! My scenes were to wind down the next couple of days and that was “good” timing too as I then developed a stomach upset (after having lasted the duration without sickness and stomach issues ok).
During the whole last stretch when people got tired (physically and mentally), I was reminded of the importance to stay present and not let others’ attitude or the external circumstances affect you. Also how crucial it is to only “worry” about what you are, where you are and what you need to do – and not to worry for others or look at or imagine others’ perspective. And besides relations with others’, not to let the external situation (which changes alllll the time) drag you down – ie. just “allow” things to happen without resisting what’s happened!
Of course, our inculcated human nature takes over and makes all these a challenge. A large lesson was in staying grounded inside and and not be affected by others regardless of whether they’re celebrity, diva or extra. Crap tends to happen when we worry about others, what they’re getting & what they’re getting *more* of etc etc.
As the show goes into post-prod and then airing (which I hear will be May), I thank you – Aki Nabalu by Filmscape 2010 – from the depths of my soul for everything…
Captain Ishida
