Blind Sight Film Premiere - My Thoughts
Thursday, April 17th, 2008-First of all, I want to say “Thank You” to everyone who came to watch our film and support us.
-Secondly, I want to say a BIG “Thank You” for the support, trust, time, and hard work from everyone who helped bring this dream to life.It has been an incredible learning process for me to work with so many new people with such different backgrounds. Though I took on more roles on this film (writer, director, editor, & cinematographer) than on any other film I’ve ever worked on, I also collaborated on this film more than I’ve done previously.
-Starting from the story-planning stages of the film, I shared ideas and themes I wanted to explore with friends and collaborators: Hazel, Christian, Evi, and Joy. Everyone brought their unique voice and perspective to my ideas and it helped to shape the focus of the project into something more meaningful and truthful.
-I remember often not knowing where to go with the script, and having to start all over again. Gradually, the characters became more and more familiar to me. Then there was the sudden inspiration for the opening prologue, which I wrote in one day in a UBC library until they kicked me out. It was essentially only about five pages, but it took me about one hour to write each page. I listened to one piece of music over and over, struggling to describe each visual in my mind. When I read my words and could finally see every landscape painted clearly, I knew the prologue was finished. I went home, feeling as proud as I was hungry.
-We held auditions for this film, for the part of Aaron and for the Flower characters. I enjoyed meeting new people who were passionate about acting and film. Unfortunately, holding an audition meant that I had to turn someone down. Not including the audition, I would also have to replace three different actors/actresses. To Jiajia, Darren, and Jingchan…I am sorry that it didn’t work out for you to be featured, but I believe everything happens for a reason. Perhaps this was not the right script, or the right time for your debut to the world. My Producer Hazel and I managed to find people for all of the necessary parts, and now I can’t imagine anyone else in their roles. (Hazel is immensely gifted in finding people who are easy to work with and perfect for each part).
-Having to jump into filming with an incomplete script was both a blessing and a curse. It presented many challenges, but gave me greater flexibility, especially in taking actors’ suggestions, which I greatly appreciated. The shooting schedule lasted quite a while, as we began filming in June 2007 through July. There was a gap when I flew to
-January 2nd, I returned to Vancouver. We did not finish filming until February 29th. Translation of dialogue from English into Cantonese proved to be more time-consuming and challenging than we originally anticipated. In February, I also had the great fortune to meet our film’s composer: Daniel. This prooved to be one of the most important and helpful collaborations in the entire film (along with music editor: Jennifer). It was an incredibly short amount of time for a great deal of music, but Daniel accepted the challenge. It proved to be quite intense, including many many sleepless nights staying up working on the music (but they did a fantastic job). I know, because I was also awake, editing the video. Literally until the night before the premiere (April 11th), we were still touching up the final audio mix. Editing video and music for an 80 minute movie is incredibly difficult. I don’t recommend it to anyone who is also taking courses and trying to live a normal life with normal hours.
-But we did it. The premiere was a success. About 120 people came. People laughed. Some people cried. We sold DVD’s and T-shirts, and we can now follow up on our goal to donate to a charity for children’s education in rural parts of China. To me, one of the biggest rewards was the “thank you’s” that I received from the cast and crew. The people who trusted in my vision from the beginning were satisfied. Our work was worth it. The sleepless nights were worth it. If only one person who watched the movie was inspired by it, leaves the theatre feeling moved and thoughtful, then our job is done.
-Stanley, you’ve grown into a skilled actor so quickly. But always remember that many of your original natural qualities are what give you credibility on screen. The scene you received the most compliments for, would never have worked if you hadn’t earned the audiences’ trust and sympathy from previous scenes. Selena, having you on this film has been a blessing. You are talented in some many different things; you gave some much extra life to your character and to the film itself. Calvin, you were brilliant on screen and off screen, surprising both Hazel and myself numerous times with your creativity and energetic performance. Lulu, you have grown a lot as an actress since I last worked with you. Never stop believing in yourself, and you’ll go far. Irene, working with you has been a constant joy. You are one of the coolest people I know. We need more Irene’s in the world. Marcia and Emily, directing you was incredibly easy. You already are intelligent, beautiful, and super-kind flowers. I’m just lucky to stand next to you. Dick, you’ve been so supportive of my dreams and I respect you immensely. Lastly, Hazel…you are the other parent of “Blind Sight”. You’ve stuck by my side throughout the ENTIRE process of this film. You’ve been more valuable to me than a scuba diver’s oxygen tank. That may sound crazy, but oxygen only keeps us alive. You provided me with strength, guidance, and enough light to know where I was going. The hope in this film exists because of you.
-All of you have been inspirations to me, for which I cannot thank you enough. It’s been a pleasure working with everyone. I’d love to do it again (and I’m planning to).
-So keep watching our films! And keep making your own! Keep telling stories and keep dreaming.
-See you at the next premiere,
-Andy