Arivind Abraham's Blog

Blocking & Meetings

2010-03-10T15:27:00.001-08:00

It's been a productive day to say the least. Spent the morning securing kit for "Timedancer", insurance and locations for "Vincent". Daniel then came by to check out the locations and we blocked out both the scenes for Sunday as well, which was real helpful.

What's also gonna be cool is us working on the Canon 7D's for Timedancer. Whilst I've seen tons of footage from the camera as well as the lauded 5D, I must say I am excited about using it on the project, if anything just to get a sense of what the workflow will be like.

Then popped over to Mazin's in the evening for an art department meeting with our very talented production designer Teresa Santos.

Teresa has been nothing short of impressive since the first day Mazin and I met her outside the Starbucks on Long Acre. She is detailed, intuitive and very creative. This evening was spent both on discussing the look of "Vincent" as well as the design idea for his "dwelling". Needless to say, the ideas were free-flowing and very exciting.

But now, time to hit the sack. Tomorrow, more casting!

Ben

2010-03-05T06:52:00.000-08:00

So we've cast the character of Ben for Timedancer. Meet Ashley Gerlach. We think he's gonna make an awesome addition to our already stellar cast. Shoot's next weekend and episode 1 is scheduled to be out early May!

Here We Go!

2010-02-24T11:52:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been a while since I've had some time to sit down and do this. The weeks have been getting manic, but it's a blessing to be busy I must say, even if it's not paying yet. Keeping creatively successful as Samantha would say.

So what's been eating up the time?

Timedancer

The scripts are all done, and Daniel and I have locked all the locations now. There are a couple of more scouts to do, just for a few more pictures and blocking, but we're all there.

All the major roles have been casted and we have assembled a wonderful ensemble including:

Ffion Jolly

John Moraitis

Steve Gilbert Scott

Samantha Tan.

Next Wednesday, we will be holding a casting session for the last member of the ensemble, the character of Ben. We're all excited about the talent coming in to audition, and it should be great!

Crew wise there's the usual suspects of Luke Yerbury and Ali Maggs and eventually Bahir & Ben in KL will be involved in this as well. As the episodes progress and the crew expands, look to see other people like Mazin Elfehaid and Will Hutchinson getting involved.

Another exciting development has been two individuals who have joined our crew. First up is Dave Brain, who is going to be doing all our visual and special effects work. Dave and I have been talking here and there about some minor effects to begin with, and eventually the more complicated work that may manifest itself further down the line. Dave is dreading that he said "we can do it" and that it's gonna come back to bite him in the ass.

Also on board is Nicholas Lee, a buddy of mine from the US, who is gonna be working on designing some key props for us. Here's a sample of some early sketches he's been working on for me:

We shoot the second weekend of March, so there's not long more to go and it's gonna be exciting to say the least!

Vincent

It's been a hectic week on Mazin's short film. We've just locked our DoP, started looking for production designers, put out a casting call and scouted further locations. The week remaining is now all about locking the crew, finalising the kit and securing the locations by the end of next week.

We've still got time till when we shoot come April, but the prep on this shoot is immense.

At the same time, I've been working for Ali on some recordings for a piece of language software, and will be doing some Flash work for him next week as well!

Can't complain I guess. Better busy and broke than bored and broke!

Windows You May Have Me Soon Enough!

2010-02-15T14:42:00.000-08:00

The Mac v PC battle is something I am all but familiar with. I'm an Apple fanboy, to the core, and put me in the room with a PC user and sparks will usually fly.

But since 2008, that undying love for Apple is slowly being tested, as the sluggish, tired behemoth that once was Microsoft has slowly begun to surprise, delight and entice me.

It began with Windows 7. My editor Ali Maggs cut both my features on Sony Vegas Pro, running on Windows 7. It never crashed even once in the 6 months that we were editing. For me, that was unheard of with a Windows based system. I was impressed. And in tough times, Ali was running a machine with such power that would cost a fortune on an Apple ecosystem.

And then there was today...

Make no mistake, things have changed. With the Windows Phone 7 Series, Microsoft has thrown one helluva punch into the smartphone arena. The iPhone, Android and RIM are beginning to look like the awkward teenagers next to a suddenly present adult.

Provided they get the implementation and execution right over the coming months, the fact is a Microsoft ecosystem suddenly looks very tempting.

Cheaper more powerful machines, a total integration of computing, mobile tech and gaming, all coming together to make one VERY attractive package. Because the fact is, cost matters at the moment.

Let's face it, us Apple users are no longer the smug thugs in the playground.

Being Geeky

2010-02-13T04:51:00.000-08:00

Second last shot, 0:52 seconds in.

1st Location Scout for "Vincent"

2010-02-10T01:14:00.001-08:00

So recently director Mazin Elfehaid asked me to write him a script for a 16mm short film he wanted to shoot. I did so, and on top writing duties, he asked me if I'd like to produce for him as well. Naturally I said yes, both jumping at the opportunity to collaborate with Mazin, but also to learn about shooting on film as well.

Yesterday, we spent some time on our first location scout. Below are a sample of pictures Mazin shot using Artemis on his iPhone.

Great Tips From The Key Guys On Lost.

2010-02-09T00:07:00.000-08:00

Week So Far

2010-02-06T09:58:00.000-08:00

Daniel and I have started working on floor plans, shotlists and schedules for one of the shoots. This will soon tie in with discussions with Luke and Ali about execution when it comes to post. We've also chatted with cast members and there is real sense of the project finally moving forward which is a good feeling to have.

At the same time, Mazin, a fellow director has tapped me to produce a 16mm short film I wrote for him. Past couple of days has seen us start talking about the early steps like equipment and location possibilities.

Next week will see location scouts for both projects, photo boards and more logistics.

Just realised that none of this make for an interesting post does it....

But hey, from next week onwards, there'll be more pictures, videos and detailed posts about working processes etc which hopefully is of more interest to everyone.

My Feelings On The Box Office Juggernaut That Is Avatar.

2010-02-04T22:37:00.000-08:00

This 2 part video review sums up all my thoughts on Avatar very well:

Part 1

Part 2

Oscars

2010-02-02T06:09:00.001-08:00

So the nominations are out and here are my personal picks for who should win in some of the categories I take an interest in:

Best Picture
Tough call; torn between The Hurt Locker, Precious & Up In The Air. Would be funny if Up won and did not get Best Animated Feature because how can one be Best Picture if you aren't even the Best Animated Feature eh? Most deserving? The Hurt Locker.

Actor In A Leading Role
Jeremy Renner hands down though Jeff Bridges is likely to get it and no one can begrudge him that to be honest.

Supporting Actor
Can't say.

Lead Actress
Gabourey Sidibe!!

Supporting Actress
Mo'nique!

Best Animated Feature
Not likely Up is gonna get Best Picture so they must win this.

Cinematography
Avatar

Direction
The Hurt Locker.

Original Screenplay
Inglorious Basterds

Adapted Screenplay
Up In The Air

Editing
Inglorious Basterds

Foreign Language
A Prophet

Original Score
Up

Original Song
Crazy Heart

Exciting Times

2010-01-28T11:11:00.001-08:00

So funnily enough the lack of posts for a few days has not been due to a lack of things to blog about, but rather because I've been trying to start lining up all the elements for this new project. On top of that, I've been in the usual freelancer zone of making sure all debts are being cleared as responsibly as one is able to, whilst trying to earn money at the same time.

Ali Maggs (@alimaggs) and I have been working on a new app idea, which will be exclusive to the iPhone, and now, the iPad as well. Since getting back to London, we've been spending time assembling an initial small team to start work on it. It includes:

Daniel Bariagaber, Luke Yerbury (@lukedyy), Dave Brain (@ornsack), Samantha Tan (@samantha_tan), John Moraitis and Steve Gilbert Scott.

In the long run the team will expand to include Bahir Yeusuff (@bahiry) and Lim Benji (@limbenji) as well from Malaysia.

I can't blog much about what it is exactly but can say that it is a game.

It's gonna be exciting, busy and unpaid times till March! Woo Hoo!

The Joshua Tapes - September 2010

2010-01-22T06:01:00.001-08:00

So we've finally been offered a slot by Golden Screen Cinemas in Malaysia. After an atrocious lack of communication from Cathay, GSC has come back with a solid slot for us to consider and confirm.

So what's the ballgame now?

Well we gotta secure a distributor. Bahir is going to make a decision as to if or not Perantauan will finally get into the distribution game or if we'll take it to our S'kali allies, Asa'ad Entertainment.

Then there's the marketing of the film itself. Cinema runs are notorious money losers in Malaysia so we gotta work hard to make sure it's not an utter cockup and we get some bums on seats. What will be particularly challenging is to see if we can persuade the Malay audience to part with their cash for what is a 95% English language flick.

Then there's sponsors, we gotta get some of those on board.

And also, we're considering taking the completed film with the secured sponsors and locked slot to investors and seeing if they would be interested in helping us put it out to 35mm, so we can secure a bigger release.

But at the end of the day, 2 years after we wrapped on the final shot, The Joshua Tapes is finally coming to Malaysia.

Come ride with the boys.
The Joshua Tapes.

Making A Film By Committee

2010-01-20T03:20:00.000-08:00

Most filmmakers have heard the saying "You can't make a film by committee". Whilst there may be execs, producers, studio heads and whole plethora of people who will have something to say, in the end it essentially boils down to the intentions of the director and the writers. The very nature of filmmaking is that decisions eventually have to be made by a very small number of people, the majority decision isn't always the best one for the movie.

So this new idea being spawned in Malaysia is of great interest to me:

In essence, this is intended to be a film, by the people, for the people. But we all know, that even in the best of democracy's, the peoples will can only extend so far. On top of which, what makes a good film, or in this case a "Malaysian" film is highly subjective, so how will it play out to a mass audience, all of whom will have very different opinions?

Either way, the team running it have to be lauded for just doing it. It's a remarkable exercise to undertake and the results, good or bad, should be fascinating.

The Weary Kind

2010-01-16T13:03:00.001-08:00

This Outline Is Owning Me

2010-01-15T12:55:00.000-08:00

"I'm eating it" as the characters in Studio 60 would say. This outline for the 5:13 graphic novel officially owns my ass at this moment. I can't seem to advance the story forward, and though I can see the end, I can't figure out what Richard's next move is going to be.

Priscilla meanwhile is working out OK in the studio, though with her, I've still yet to discover what final decision her character is going to make, after the final broadcast she makes as per the film.

And that is officially the sentence with the worst grammatical structure in the history of mankind.

It's gonna be a hard weekend alright trying to crack this one.

Updating The Skill Set

2010-01-14T13:23:00.000-08:00

So 2010 has been marked by me as a year within which I need to build upon my skills as a filmmaker. I ended 2009 feeling a more or less like I was getting a bit left behind, that I was spouting old information and needed to up my game not just creatively but technically as well.

So there are 3 things I will learn this year:

1. RED - Taking a training course that will teach me both how to use the camera, and also to manage the post-production workflow.

2. Producers Certificate - The Raindance Foundation does a very well-rounded course that should allow me to bone up on the financial and contractual side of the business.

3. 16mm - I never worked on film in my life and whilst I may never use it in any of my movies, it would be a shame not to acquire the skill anyways. I also want to know for myself is shooting RED is going to be cheaper than shooting 16mm and putting it out to HD.

Which one am I doing first? Not too sure yet, it most likely the RED and producer courses first as they are a little cheaper compared to the 16mm course.

The Fine Line Between Tolerance And Being Put Under Siege

2010-01-12T13:27:00.000-08:00

Recent events both in Malaysia and the UK have got me thinking both about Islam on a micro level, and organised religion on a macro level. Now I'm no atheist (agnostic best describes me), but I have to say the last few days have presented me not with a crisis of faith, but a confirmation of the dangers and flaws inherent in organised religion.

In Malaysia, Muslims have decided they have sole claim to the word Allah, that Allah is a "Muslim God and a Muslim God only". This has led to church burnings, and as of tonight, the stoning of a Sikh temple if tweets coming out are to be believed.

In the UK, a group called Islam4UK decided they were going to hold a blatantly violent protest in Whooton Basset when the bodies of British soldiers were brought home to be honoured by the people as they passed through the streets of the town. Their agenda is to establish an Islamic state within the UK.

I grew up in a once moderate Muslim country,and to this day count Muslims as my closest friends who I would trust with my life. I have heard and seen and read all the examples of a moderate Islam, the connections between the people of the Book, the Abrahamic faiths, you know what I am trying to say.

However, I am beginning to think that at the same time, people need to start facing up to the fact that none of this discounts the fact that around the world today, more and more, there is an Islam out there that demands to be respected and tolerated, but chooses not to give any respect or tolerance in return. It seems to me a lot of Muslims want people to play by their rules but they won't play by others.

Don't get me wrong, other faiths have been no better. But in the context of todays world, it is safe to say that it is Islam which is being exploited far more than any other religion for violent means. And not, I don't buy the argument that the war in Afghanistan and Iraq is about religion just because Bush & Blair were particularly religious men. Oil yes, power yes, but religion would be way at the bottom of that list.

From the on in, the debate always leads to the point of misinterpretation and the exploitation of the "word of God" by man.

But is this not precisely the problem? These books of faith, are always going to be nothing more than a collection, mans interpretation of the supposed word of God, thus always, permanently rendering them as tools for exploitation. Always being defended by arguments of "only the truly religious understand it, that the ones who are doing these things don't". If most people can't even understand the intricacies of the current economic crisis, what more the supposed arcane knowledge stored within The Great Books.

Which begs the question, whilst spirituality and faith may have a place in humanity today, what has organised religion of any kind done save to tear people apart?

Filmmaker or Storyteller?

2010-01-11T00:47:00.000-08:00

Been having a bit of a to and fro with myself about what I am really interested in being. I mean yes, in essence a filmmaker's job is to be a storyteller (well some would argue that with me I know), but there is also the issue of how do I want to tell stories.

I'm becoming slightly caught up with the idea of storytelling platforms. Somehow the quest has gone from trying to make the perfect film to trying to tell the perfect story, on a variety of new and exciting mediums.

So then it leads you to questions of definition. Am I a filmmaker or a storyteller? Are both things mutual, or does calling oneself a storyteller mean opening up a whole new plethora of ways to apply ones skill.

Then again this could all be the result of being indoors to much due to the weather and spending most of the in front of Final Draft trying to write.

Meh.

The Big Break

2010-01-08T03:31:00.000-08:00

So I got my pitch uploaded to the site of the Your Big Break and would really appreciate it if you guys would drop by and give me a vote. There are 5 finalists that will be selected to head on down to New Zealand and shoot their shorts. 1 will be determined by public vote, the other 4 picked by the panel. And then, as the Immortal say, "There can be only one!".

Meanwhile, a break in society occurs in Malaysia.

Monday

2010-01-04T21:05:00.000-08:00

Monday has been about sorting out finances, alongside diving into some app and writing work. Spent the morning sorting out a balance transfer, moving a Cash ISA and setting up some charity Sam and I are gonna jointly do from now on.

At the same time, I also spent the day exploring a variety of non-traditional distribution options for 5:13. Whilst The Joshua Tapes will be taking the traditional route of cinema - TV/DVD/Digital Download, 5:13 looks like it will be more suited for an online & festival route followed, if there is interest with some TV sales.

I suspect this will be a funny week of easing into things, since a lot of the day was also about working out deadlines and targets for finishing off test builds of apps and drafts of screenplays. I also need to schedule meeting up with people I have not seen, or need to see soon, try and get them all packed into January I guess.

It's been interesting to see how coming back on the 29th of December and having that time before the 4th gave both Sam and I some pause for thought to collect our intentions and ambitions for 2010 and I think it was important.

Also, there's a lotta tech buzz out there this week to keep an eye on. The Google Nexus One launch today and then CES of course.

How's it kicking where you're at and how you been feeling as the year kicked off?

KIck Off

2010-01-02T23:25:00.001-08:00

It's early Sunday morning here and it's the last day before all the real work kicks off tomorrow. 2010 presents to me a rather odd feeling I've noticed. Whilst I know what I am working on this year, there is also a sense of the unknown.

I think part of it is perhaps the knowing that if I don't really get a foothold into my career this year, it's going to get tougher. So 2010 is really going to be a watershed year of sorts.

So what's on the plate?

Well, there's a myriad of applications I am working on with Ali, some small and one very big. There is also the graphic novel I've blogged about here and there which I will be working on with Kumar.

At the same time, there is 5:13 and The Joshua Tapes to get out. Distribution is always tough, and I forsee months of concerted effort being spent on options that promise the best exposure and financial returns.

And what about new movies?

2010 will be the year to write for 2011. Unless something exceptional is put on the table all of a sudden.

Top 10 For 2009

2010-01-01T09:32:00.001-08:00

Initially thought I was not going to do this since I have yet to see The Road, The Box, Up In The Air, Precious, Where The Wild Things Are etc which are all technically 2009 films, and thus the list would not be fair, but hey, I could not resist, so this is my top 10 based on what I got to see before 31st December 2009.

1. Let The Right One In
2. Muallaf
3. Moon
4. The Hurt Locker
5. Harry Brown
6. 500 Days Of Summer
7. Star Trek
8. Public Enemies
9. Drag Me To Hell
10. Headhunter

Needless to say this list would have been different should I have managed to catch some of the films I have yet to see, but as it stands, that's my Top 10 films of 2009.

The End Of 2009

2009-12-31T14:12:00.001-08:00

So here I am, finally back in London after a month in Malaysia and as 2010 looms, I sit to post the final thoughts for the year. Initially I had intended this post to be a list of the films I felt meant the most to me this year, but I then realised there are a lot of 2009 movies I have yet to see like 'Up In The Air', 'Where The Wild Things Are' and the such, thus it would not be fair to compile a list. Instead, I figured I'd just blog about what I felt needed to be said at the close of the year.

2009, for me, has been a lot about losing people. The biggest loss for me was Yasmin Ahmad. In fact, it was only last week that I finally caught what I now consider her finest film, Muallaf, which I'll blog more about further down.

In fact, the films that stand out for me in 2009, are 'Let The Right One In' and 'Muallaf'. These 2 films for me were perfect in every way, from execution to emotional engagement. They are both exercises in great filmmaking and are required viewing in my opinion for anyone. And yes, there were many other great films I saw this year, as well as some I have yet to see, but right now, sitting here in my flat on the couch with the telly on, it is these 2 films that remain with me.

This year saw me consumed with the post-production of 5:13 and The Joshua Tapes. Whilst back in Malaysia, we had a chance to screen the film thanks to the invitation of the Malaysian Film Club. The screening went well and the Q&A (of which there is video which I will upload soon) moderated by Hassan Muthalib threw up some interesting questions and observations. Needless to say it's been made clear to us that people feel it vital for the film to be shown in Malaysia and trust us, we're working on it.

Like I mentioned above, I also managed to watch Muallaf in the cinema whilst back in Malaysia. The film finally opened on Christmas Eve and, in my opinion, is Yasmins's strongest feature overall. What I liked about it was that it's a film where Yasmin reflects on the truths she was seeking in her own life. Be it the truths within religions or the truths that lie between parent and child, it is in fact the film which I think encapsulates her emotions best.

I came out of it tweeting and Facebooking "Muallaf is the real Christmas movie for 2009" and the reason for that is it was the only movie in the cinema at Christmas that had at its core, all the values that should be associated with the season. Absent as well was the overt sentimentality that usually permeates her films, and that lends such a gravitas to the work that is sometimes lacking in her other movies.

Some have felt the performances lacking in conviction, but I felt it was the very first time I was "seeing" (to take a term from that other Xmas behemoth of a movie) Sharifah Amani. Her performance is nothing short of stirring in this film and that moment at which she struggles in pain to remove the skullcap under her headscarf as it chafes against her wounded head is stunning, the strains of "Sing A Song Of Home" cutting right into you.

And that's a great way to wrap this off. As 2009 ends and 2010 begins, here's hoping you all have a good year in your "homes" wherever and with whomever that may be.

See you all in 2010.

Getting Beaten To The Good Ideas

2009-12-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

I was sitting in the living room yesterday as my mom watched E! (I worry to, when parents begin to dig E!) and an ad came up for a local TV series which seemed to have a theme related to ripping apart the space time continuum etc.

So I got online and popped by their website, and it turns out it was a new show, 4 episodes in, that was solely being pushed as mobile content.

I kinda sat there for a long time wondering how did we at Perantauan not come up with this first. It's geeky and it's sci fi and that fits totally with us as a company and as creatives.

I have not actually seen the show but just the idea and its delivery is interesting enough, especially in Malaysia.

Damn! Sometimes you just miss the boat on the great ideas.

New Horizons

2009-12-07T19:53:00.001-08:00

Last night the Perantauan team go together to have a discussion about 2009, 5:13, The Joshua Tapes and 2010. The meeting went well and it was interesting to see how things have fallen into place very well.

Perantauan will now be made up of Perantauan Pictures, our feature film arm, as well as Perantauan B, which will deal with work for clients in the vein of corporate videos, ads, internet programming etc.

This is a very similar set up being taken with the sister company Befour, in that it will, as of 2010, be made up of Befour Creative & Befour Film.

2010 is looking to be a good year for both companies.