In which a conversation about Jaw Surgery was hotly debated over breakfast.

The last movie I watched was Blade: Trinity. That was last December in the cinema. I was sourly disappointed in the way the Blade Trilogy ended. After so much hype, I was saddened that it ended up as nothing more than an average Hollywood action movie. Ever since then nothing really caught my eye that is until I caught the trailer for Million Dollar Baby on Apple’s Quicktime website.

First I have got to thank Latiff for organizing a gathering of old acquaintances and booking those tickets. In actual fact it was just the same three of us again, a talented producer who idolizes Andy Lau (Michelle), a gifted writer who is godfather inspired (Latiff) and a director who is clearly insane (Me).

We met and had our breakfast at DeliFrance accompanied by deafening drums. Latiff got to hand it to you, choosing to have our conversation in the worse possible place in the whole of Plaza Singapura. Right beside a bloody Lion dance performance. Remind me not to let you do to location scouting. Haha, just kidding buddy.

After breakfast we caught up with our daily lives. Sadly we parted ways with Michelle whom had to attend a photography class with half retards. Oops or was it people from various walks of lives. Anyways thanks Michelle for you animated conversation about jaw surgery when people were actually having their god damn breakfast. Haha. It’s always a pleasure of having you around.

Anyways after Michelle left, Latiff and Me went around the Plaza wasting our time until it’s was Showtime. After buying those hotdogs combo sets at a rip-off price, we headed to catch our show. I must say it was the best show I seen so far this year. I was holding back my tears for some of the scenes.

Well it always breaks my heart when I see people lose their dreams. To me it’s more cruel than death. Do not worry my readers I have written a short review on the movie for those interested in watching this Clint Eastwood masterpiece.

After the movie, Latiff headed to his religious class and I was condemned to head home listening to my brother’s selection of Mp3 music. Upon reaching my station, I proceed to buy another of Paulo Coelho’s books.

Well that was how I spent the eve of my birthday. Yes, my dear readers it’s my 22nd birthday tomorrow. Nothing to worry, it’s just another guy growing a year older. Hmm… is it me or am I getting sexier as I’m getting older.

I wonder…

In which the author receives a brand new shirt from his wonderful friend.

A new year and already I have gotten a new shirt. It was presented to me by a special friend whom I hold in high regard. I really couldn’t have asked for a better gift because I am not the kind of person who window shops for clothing.

Having said that I now realize how little arsenal of clothing I possess. Every single pair of jeans I brought before my national service term is now way too big for me. It’s about time I spent some money on my personal appearance rather than pouring my money into those silly little games.

Well as I am getting older, my thinking and mindset is different from the person I used to be. But some how, my thirst for knowledge and curiosity still runs rampant. If I knew better I think it is growing to a point where is staring to consume me.

Anyways nothing too serious, it’s been my curse to doubt the notion of man and his forebodingness.

As the years are starting to pile up, I starting to understand the need to dress and act smartly. I now face the realities of the adult world and realize the importance of dressing smartly. So I presume I need to dress myself a little better if I ever want to be acknowledged. Also not only it makes me look good, it’s easier on others’ eyes too.

And before I go, to this friend; I thank you for the truly wonderful shirt and also taking the time to share your experiences with me over a cup of spilled coffee and a can of coke.

My Lovely Evening at the Substation.

It was Michelle who first asked me if I was interested in watching Short Films at the Substation. My answer was a resounding yes. I really wanted to see what was the standard of our independent films. So what better way than to watch these films with my favourite producer, Michelle and the genius Scriptwriter, Latiff.

After all the planning, we three met at city hall MRT station. Funny Michelle and I were traveling in the same coach of the MRT and didn’t even see each other until we reached City Hall.

We then proceeded to have a snack at burger king before heading down to the Substation. Though we arrived way ahead of time, we did some sight seeing and sat down together at the coffee shop opposite the substation and a little chat.

As the show time neared, we got in line for the show; we were like the second group of people there. Anyone who saw us there would be thinking that we were so supportive of our local films.

While waiting for the show we joked about our own video assignments and also how we could turn them into art films.

When the theater doors opened we quickly made our way to the top and secured the good seats. As the crowd was filling, I noticed a familiar face. It was our storyboard lecturer from year one, Mr. Lau. I was delighted to see him there. I was also very proud to see that he really had a strong interest in local films. Most lecturers would only ramble on how we must support local artists but Mr. Lau was not rambling but showing it instead.

As Mr. Lau was sitting on the front row and had no idea that his former students were in the crowd, Michelle influenced by me disturbed the poor man with sms messages. Mr.Lau being the good sport that he is had no choice but to play along.

Though I have heard many complaints about Mr. Lau, he has in my estimation lived up to his end. I am truly glad that I have met Mr. Lau in the polytechnic. He is the one I credit as being the catalyst who created my interest in movies and storytelling.

Ok. For those of you who are not aware of the short films I have watched, I have typed out the synopsis of each of these short films so that you get a rough idea of what they were about. Also I have made some comments on each film.

1. Under the Manhattan Bridge
7 min. Directed by Li-Anne Huang

Set in New York City’s Chinatown. A young Asian boy falls in love with an edgy Brooklyn street-girl. Both seemingly share the share dream: to make enough money to leave their neighborhoods, but unknown to him, she walks across the Manhattan Bridge with an ulterior motive.

My thoughts
I have to admit I am not a huge fan of Asian American films. This short film is no different from any other art film. It just simply takes to two different characters and put them together to play out an interesting scenario. The script was mediocre at its best and the actors were not convincing enough. It just gave me the impression that this short film was done under extreme budgetary constraints and a tight dateline.

2. Portrait of a Young Man
25 min. Directed by Francis Lau

Portrait of a young man explores the different routes that a young man can take in his search for deliverance and success, and the consequences of taking that route. A dramatic re-enactment of the life of Laurence leow, now Executive Chairman of the Crecendas Group of Companies, the film heralds the redemptive power of education.

My thoughts
Well to tell you the truth, the moment the words Singapore Polytechnic flashed across the screen, I was having the doubts about the quality of this short film. But to my amazement the short film turn out quite the opposite of what I have imagined.

The first thing that caught my eye was the good cinematography and quality of this short. The story was engaging but the narrative could have been better. The only problem I had was the fact it was a propaganda film made to celebrate the Singapore Polytechnic’s 50th anniversary. And it could do without the cheesy moments.

3. The Assassin
5 min. Directed by Melvin Kuan

A mockumentary-satire on the gangster genre about a professional killer on his last job.

My thoughts
The moment this short played, I knew it was going to be funny. The actor was so full of himself almost everyone in the theater were either giggling or laughing. It was just a slapstick comedy about an Ah-Beng gangster trying to act like a professional assassin.

Although the director seemed pretty proud of his short, I wasn’t impressed. It has everything that gave Singapore a bad image in the international film festivals. Crude, badly edited, no budget, shaky cams, stiff actors and the worse mistake of all, it tried to be professional.

Not than I am condemning the director’s effort, I just feel that he could have made more effort to produce this short film rather than producing what film critics will most certainty deem as trash.

4. The Funeral Photo
11 min. Directed by Ong Wan Shu

A retired couple decides to have their funeral photo taken. An accident happens during the photography session that sparked off a discussion about the subject of “untimely death” between the couple and the photographer.

My thoughts
The funeral Photo was the only short film that had an interesting topic. Although there have been similar stories based people dieing after taking their photos, I wanted to see if the director could bring anything new to the genre.

His efforts were commendable as the short film come through with a strong impression on me. The actors were really doing a good job expect for the young couples. The story flowed from one scene to the other in deliberate pace. Although the plot and the ending were predictable, I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Overall it was the best short film on the card.

Post interview
After all the films were presented, the directors took the center stage. Only the director of the last film, the funeral photo, was not present. After half and hour of Q & A, everyone called it a day and left. Latiff incidentally posted a question to the directors and got reasonable answers from them. The Q & A session was a nice touch but nothing useful was gained.

A keychain to our Friendship
Later as everyone was leaving, we caught up with Mr. Lau and had a hearty chat with him. We just talked about our post polytechnic lives and how disappointed we were with the polytechnic.

Well after the lengthy episode at the substation, we decided to discuss about our little outing. So we went to Starbucks or was it Coffee Bean, Oh never mind. We sat and discussed about the films and even chatted on how fate chose us. After all on the first day of polytechnic, Michelle, Latiff and I were in the same group and after three years we are still together as friends.

She told me how quiet I was back then. Well don’t judge a book by its cover. By now she would have realized I just can’t keep my damn mouth shut.

I also took this opportunity to present my great buddies a keychain commemorating our friendship. They were as gracious as always and thanked me. But I do admit, I wanted to buy a pink piggy bank for Michelle and a Merlion statue for Latiff just to irritate them.

As it was getting late, we said our goodbyes, went our separate ways and it happen on the first Tuesday of this month. Sorry for the late post as I was having trouble remembering the all details. Anyway it was a truly memorable experience for me.

Blank videos and a ludicrous theory.

Today was the day Michelle was supposed to come to my house to export the video she was doing for her gym. She was coming to my room to use my pc. So being the impressionist that I am, I quickly got up early and sought to the task of making my room more hospitable.

The doorbell rang just as I was about to taste my food. I quickly opened the door to let her in. In Indian customs it’s bad to keep anyone waiting outside your doorstep. Though I do not believe half the crap my Indians fore fathers had said I do believe in doing the right thing because I always put myself in other people’s shoes. How would you feel if you rang someone’s doorbell and just stand there for someone to finally open the door. It’s not a very pleasant experience.

What strikes me the most was that she bought drinks again. Sasi and Coke. She knows that Sasi is my favourite drink.

Anyway there she stood looking at me as I spoke gibberishly. Sometimes I just don’t know what I am saying. It’s like my brain is telling me one thing, and the mouth is says another thing.

I ate my food as quickly as possible and invited her to my room to use my pc. She was nice enough to say hello to my grannies and even had a small chat with me ma.

My mother offered her Indian sweets and a glass of coke. And it’s not the one she bought incidentally, I went to shop before she arrived and bought 2 bottles of coke. Later she was treated to a homemade pizza my mother had made for us.

Soon she got down to work. I offered my help. But I soon realized that I was getting in the way, so I gentlemanly offered my pc for her to use. Although she did say I looked pretty bored, I was actually day dreaming.

When she took out a cd album if that’s what you call it, I was amazed at her organization. No wonder I picked her to be my producer. She knows how to organize her things. Well organizing was never my strength; it was more evident when I was rendering multiple files for my animation Akiro. My naming convention made no sense what so ever that I spent more time finding the right files than editing the final video.

While she copied her files over, I showed off several of my games I had. We even poked fun at Spiderman 2’s animations. We played a head to head race in need for speed underground. But the game that impressed her was Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.

After converting all the files, we proceed to export the video. But as fate would have it, the video turn out to be blank as it did in her com. My first impression was that the codecs were not installed. But I soon realized that the codecs were indeed working because we could view the file with the media player. And I checked it out with my codec finder software.

As it was getting late, I told her or was it a promise, never mind that, that I would figure it out for her. After she left, I began scouring the net for any information concerning the matter. I searched the many forums for an answer but to no avail. When I actually found something or real value the explanation was vague at its best.

So I put my thinking cap on, I managed to decipher the problem by eliminating possibilities; I soon arrived at a reasonable conclusion. The source file was viewable but corrupted during the export process. So I decided to try to convert them into mpeg to and reinsert them into the Adobe premiere.

The idea was just crazy enough for it to work. But first I need to find software to convert the videos. After a brief downloading session I soon got down to work. Although the software did its job, it was rather slow in converting the file. I later found a more reliable and effective converter.

I performed a test and would you believe it, my method worked actually worked. Only downside was the quality suffered a slight loss. I managed to bring a 451mb avi file to at mere 81mb mpeg file. So I spent the whole night until 4am converting all her files.

Although we chatted at late at night, she apologized many times for making me do her stuff and she felt guilty. I told her it was nothing and I would gladly do it for her. She has helped me so many times that I am glad to have had the opportunity to help her.

I remember the time she helped arrange a recording session with one of our lecturer’s band. She was not even in my group. But she took the initiative to help me. Those moments will not go unappreciated by me. Overall it was a very fun day; I am sure going to miss these moments when I enlist for national service.

Somehow I just know National Service isn’t going to be any fun.