2nd go at circles

My attempt at an experimental video for IM01

And this struck me as an important aspect of script writing at my current level.

Even if the script was an awesom-o piece of work.. the purpose of a script is ultimately to be filmed and produced. Drawing an example from The Big Tree, how will one be able to find the “right” tree, film the process of objects being thrown and get stuck up in that tree? Even though the finished work managed to tackle these questions effectively, the completed production deviated much from the original ideas of the script. Thus, the writer needs to have considerations to the time, place and type of scene enacted in mind while drafting the script to allow a justification to what and why he writes it.

Given the limitations of the short film we will be making, I reckon the constrains (3-5mins, 1-2 locales) will be a challenge in preparing the script. I will need to keep in mind these limitations while drafting my script.

Living in Singapore, I am sad to say.. I have never seen hail before.. so this was pretty much an eye opener.

Also, do not try to stick your hand out of the balcony when its hailing.

Where do you see this course (film-tv) or degree taking you? – This is a straw pole – We are very interested to find out what you think this course is giving you. What you are are going to take from it.

Was actually asked this question in class yesterday during an ice-breaking session and then saw the aboved quote in the TV reflection area.

I answered that I see myself doing some sort of post-production.. hopefully in a place where my creativity is allowed be to nurtured. Of course, that was more of superficial reply to get the ball rolling during the ice-breaker session but seeing this question posted.. really set me thinking of what I really want out of my degree at RMIT.

So far I think, the course or degree as exceeded my expectations as I felt being pushed and challenged last year more than what my 3 years in Lasalle had exposed me to (durr.. its Uni). Instead of theory being the main focus (unlike Lasalle.. yay.), I see a constant trend of reflective and process based learning.. which I feels allows us to add value to what we learn (as nothing beats going back to see what you screw up on and hope to not repeat it next time.. :x). Also, the fact that RMIT tries to gear us up for the industry makes learning so much bearable and understandable.

Granted, one could have slacked his way thru the year and still get a pass grade did cross my mind many times.. but I did not pay that much money to come here to waste it all. What I feel ultimately is.. I often question what I want out of the course instead of expecting something to be taught to me. Attitude plays an important part in how we make choices and I choose to gain the most I can out of these 3 years. Whether I see my in post-production 5 years from now, I think the fact I did not choose to slacken these 3 years and learn.. even if I ever decide to choose an irrelevant career path.. will prove to be the most important thing I will get out of Uni.

As to really answer where do I see myself 5 years from now? I see myself more knowledgeable of what I may encounter, having the ability to deal with complex problems and more accepting of criticism of the things I do.

Also, during the lectures of IM01 & TV01, I was intrigued by the fact that both mentioned on the direction of how videos today are increasingly made by amateurs & being posted onto video sharing sites. Abit of google-fu revealed the fact that youtube is capturing more eyeballs than traditional video mediums means that the typical idea of a video being produced in & by a production studio is starting to lose ground. So to say, one does not need fancy equipment and the right sort of backers to create a piece of video for a mass audience. But one thing struck me as important and that is “content”.

There is a reason why I will still choose to watch Lost over the countless funny or artistic home-made (or student) videos made online if given a choice. And I believe content plays an important part in that. By keeping me suckered in and completely immersed by the story, characters and conflicts within the content of the show, it makes me yearn for more. If a script or video is able to completely engage the viewer, I reckon it has done its job.

Also, seeing the type emergent social platforms of late, what sort of ideas or lifestyle are we carrying into the new decade as a society by embracing them? We often clamor of losing our privacy to governments policies and protest when certain actions invade our private spaces. But yet, we express more than we should within the comment or status boxes of these social platforms and we broadcast to the world what we are doing.. often without a care of what the people that are watching these spaces might do.

Is this what the global village has evolved into? Some place where we are instantaneously and constantly connected through technology but the boundaries of what makes us “self” and “private” removed? Social platforms make the bottle of things that we dare not say or do in real life gets uncorked and for all to see. This stuff scares me hence my initiate reluctance to engage in it.

“But but Ivan.. you can always choose not to partake in such activities.”

Yea sure, but what happens when these social platforms increasingly become the social norm and not having to tweet or comment about your lunch makes you a social outcaste? How many friends do you have that does not have a facebook account now? Take beepers and cellphones for example, they were not commonplace objects 20 years ago but yet have permeated deeply into our society today. With these objects, you are expected to be contacted almost 24/7 and if somehow you can’t be, something bad must have had befallen upon you.

If these social platforms continue to gain steam, I am truly fearful of the day when we have an auto-tweeter (and if it does, I should invent it first!).

Oh, Sir Barry greeted me with a bling on his neck.

I answered this questions so many times that I came up with a perfectly ambiguous response; “I like Singapore as I grew up here, but as you know, I recently got to know a Chinese girl.. so I might not even end up in Australia after I am done with my studies (add laughter).. so I’ll see where the wind blows me.. but ultimately, my family is still here in Singapore and the fact I will always be a Singaporean doesn’t change.” The reply seem to please most of the elders that insist kids studying overseas should always come back to home while still covering my butt if I choose to remain in Melb or elsewhere.

Thinking now, I have now lived in Melbourne for almost a year & obviously.. certain expectations were met and some weren’t. . In fact, the grass is always greener syndrome did get to me initially.. but as with every other place, there are some quirks and downsides of Melbourne (like.. FOOD.) that made me realize that Melbourne isn’t really any better than Singapore in certain ways. Take transport for example.. I had trams that stopped short of their destination and trains that failed to arrive though it was announced to be incoming on my iphone app & the little speaker on the platforms.

Still, I feel Melbourne has it perks over Singapore and these could be the reasons why I might not go back home.. Firstly, I really do like the diverse cultures and opportunities that this city has to offer. Secondly, there is an unparalleled feeling of open-mindedness and exchange of unique ideas that I constantly experience in Uni that I think this is important to me as a media practitioner. Finally.. the weather.. not having to perspire between my butt is an awesome feeling.

I like Melbourne City, perhaps even more than Singapore. No, I am not a quitter as I still regard Singapore as my home (see, years of National Education did work) but as I said, I will let the wind decide where it will blow me to when I am done with my studies here.

Meh, with like 16 hours to go in the final season of Lost.. they give us a FILLER episode? WTH.. And no less, a Kate centric episode. Kate! I seriously can’t remember any good episodes that was focused on Kate.. and the latest certainly does not raise the bar any further. It sometimes makes me wonder if she was just a filler character that the show writers couldn’t pull off giving her a stronger background in the whole story.

if she wasn’t that hot, she would’ve been the worst Lost character written.

/rant off.