Then & Now

Ok, 缘之烩 is friggin boring i know. I didnt even have to finish reading half of Ep 1's script to realise that. Strangely however, production was the complete opposite. What could have been 3 months of torment surprisingly translated into actual fun, laughter and bonding; making all of us members of one big family. Watching the final product on TV now certainly brings back heaps of memories; and not to mention recollections of all the buckets of blood, sweat and lost sleep that went into producing it. (Like hello! For how many days did i have to start work at 6am thanks to those kitchen scenes...) So sure, the story can be condemned for all i care (we ourselves have already done that long ago). Cos thats not even why i turn on my TV at 9pm every weekday now.

* * *

On another note, 变奏曲's a whole different ball game. The story and cast itself certainly weigh tons heavier than 缘之烩 on the quality scale. And queerly, it seems that theres an unstated industry rule at work which somehow dictates that there always has to be a balance. In all honesty, the production process is evidently less fun and constitutes minimal bonding. As if the multiple threadlines arent enough cause for segregation; the invisible internal power struggle makes it all the more impossible to see any form of 'familial' relationship ties whatsoever. Its sad to see how lines are drawn between the 2 "departments"; and how on our side we have to play along to the other side's own political game. To clarify though, im not saying that im not enjoying this project. I am - its just that the "additional stress" heightens the tension more and i find myself constantly having to keep my words and actions in check. O well, i guess its still all good since i dont feel it shaking the sense of job satisfaction yet.

CAMEOS

It very sad how being a member of the production crew doesnt necessarily mean that we only work behind the scenes. Unfortunately, part of our job scope encompasses "extra" work (pun intended) which we die die cant say no to. Anyone in the CD dept who has gone through the production rite of passage would have definitely made their public (albeit often trivial) appearance on national TV at least once. (And yes, through this we have also been trained to easily spot our fellow colleagues even in the tiniest flash of appearances.) For examples, see below:







It so damn hilarious when i see my fellow directors/APs/PAs/Propsmen cameo-ing in all sorts of scenes/place/situations on TV. Then again, they'd prolly be laughing back at me as well since I wasnt excepted too of course. Oops. Erhh ok hint: try spotting me from Jan 22 onwards. O_O

Masquerade

Wrapped

IT'S A WRAP!

Finally.

缘之烩 has officially finished filming!

The past 2 1/2 months have certainly been an unforgettable experience. I've made many new friends, learnt an invaluable number of things and thoroughly enjoyed myself despite the many obstacles thrown my way. It's been a fun ride and i cant wait to feel that materialised sense of fulfilment once it goes to air. (Although the story sucks (blame the scriptwriter!), please give us some credit for all our bloody hard work ya.)

Anyway, im going into editing with Wen next week (BOO to normal working hours!) which is prolly considered quite a rare opportunity for a PA like me. They all say this is the phase where we get to learn the most; so i hope i really do. As much as i hate staying indoors and doing paperwork(so cant stand 厂景), i know i wont be bored with Wen around. At least i get to see the first cut of my very first project (and get hammered for my horrible conti errors haha)!

O how time flies.

Workworkworkwork

SIAN. I have to work on Xmas day! At least they gave us the eve off (for now)...

Anyway, YAY to 破茧 for winning Best Drama! Congrats to Xibin, Edmund, Yanjin, Ah Fu, Ah Bao, Xiaobai, Yanping and Ah Ya! Feel so glad to see all their hard work pay off! I wonder if 变奏 will get the same honours next year...if it does, that would have to be the ultimate sense of job satisfaction for me!

All that Drama!

This pic's specially for u Meely!

THANKS JAC!!

Haha i got a free cup of sugarcane juice today courtesy of Jac! Was initially thinking along the lines of Coffee Bean or Starbucks but aiya, she's still a 小妹妹 so sugarcane juice will do la. So yes, we were betting on the wrap time for yesterday's hospital shoot - Jac guessed 5pm, i 5.45 and Ah Heng 6.15. Well, i won in the end of course! To think that that girl was still confidently arguing her way through with us. Tsk tsk. All i can say is: 小妹妹, you should've known better than to over-estimate *ahem*'s ability! Anyway, im looking forward to our next bet! Haha.

Blessings

THANK YOU LORD!!!

I think im extremely fortunate and blessed for all my prayers to be answered. I honestly couldnt hold back my joy after hearing the good news today and i know i really have the Lord to thank. Everyone has been saying how 'lucky' i am to be a part of these 2 amazing teams - an opportunity that some have never even gotten before. I know for sure that it's not luck, but God who has so kindly paved this path for me. I know that it is His way of telling me that this is truly my 'calling' and that i really ought to persevere on despite observing the many not-so-positive influences around me. Yes Lord, i have understood Your intentions.

But yeah, i have to admit that it's been a long while since i've felt this drive, enthusiasm and more importantly, joy towards production. Work (so far) hasnt been about the pay or the working hours, much less the office politics or the bad hair/skin. Rather, its the crazy crappy people, ridiculous mental and physical training, and seriously "O SHIT" challenges that offset all my grumpiness from getting up at 6 (or even 5) every morning. Perverse? Perhaps. But thats really where all the fun sinks in. I can expect my next project to be equally fun, if not more (albeit doubly tedious). Nonetheless, i have to agree its a huge learning opportunity and hopefully nothing will get me down - especially lack of sleep! O well, i just hope i wont get too 'pampered' after these 6 months of 'holiday' (as they all claim) so i'd better start keeping myself in check.

But before that, can i just shout at the top of my voice, "I LOVE MY JOB!!!!!"?

Yet another 大场面 - Ep 21 大结局！

9/11/07

Still in progress...