End of another chapter

TGO.

What is TGO? TGO is 'The Guilty Ones', a musical production by Stage 52.

I got to know of TGO because all my friends is involved in it and most of the conversations that they had were all about TGO. So one day, during one of their conversations, Mel was talking about how difficult it is to look for costumes for the casts and dancer within the limit budget. Without thinking, I asked Mel if she needs an assistant, because I don't mind doing wardrobe stuffs.

So, during the pre-production of TGO, I was running around between 2 departments. Helping Kristen for Art Department and Mel for Wardrobe. I really like how all the sets and designs turns out. Working with Kristen has got to be the best experience I gained from TGO. From building the revolving stages, tables and chair from scratch to the designing of signboards and everything. She managed to get everything done within the limited budget.

Drawing of the cats' eyes

The very nice and glittering signboard that I love a lot.

Glittering lightbulbs that was hung on the scenery bars on the stage!

Welcome to THE BLACK CAT

Look at the 'bar shelf' at the back!

Awesome set

Awesome set with angst lighting

They actually built a partition on the revolving stage, so that it can be turned and one side of the partition is the black cat's eyes while the other one is a stage with red curtains.

You don't want to know how much these chairs and tables cost us

LOL this was during the Curtain Call on the 2nd night. My first curtain call.

Blk 73, The Music Box backstage had gradually became my 2nd home for the past 1 week. All the people who had worked hard for this production, a big THANK YOU to you. Thanks for making TGO a successful musical. And probably the most meaningful production in my FSV life. (:

Check out the behind the scenes videos of TGO at stage52 facebook page.

TGO BTS

This is a video by ctv, the campus tv from NP. (:


Photos were all taken from facebook.

Another new beginning

It's another new beginning.

Year 2, the start of another torturous year. On the first week of school, I literally surrendered. I have not had a good sleep ever since school started. I don't understand why lecturers have to give out assignments on the first week on school. And I really can't understand why school have to start on 9am everyday except for Friday which is at 10am. I am freaking irritated by the fact that I am being absent just because I couldn't board the bus at Clementi and shits like that. NP, please do something about it! 

Anyway, I've turned 19th last week and a big thank you to those who wished me. Really appreciate it, especially Jasmine & Kasper <3 Thanks for the day. Not forgetting that I met up with my girlfriends, QQ & Rons. It's been a year! There's just so many things to talk about and reminiscence. Also, I think what I really enjoyed most was having a good dinner with my family that day. (: Lastly, a birthday treat from Qamariah, Calvin & Cheekeong! 

Okay, shall really start on my assignments now! Some much things to do but here I am, procrastinating! ):

It ends tonight

Today marks the last day of my 2 months semester break.

No more freelance job, sleeping at 3am and waking up at 1pm, slacking around at home facing my laptop from the time I wake up till the time I sleep and many more. Seriously, though this break isn't as fulfilling and interesting as the previous one but I get to know more people from the industry by working on different tvc.

I love the experience and satisfaction I got everytime the shoot ends. Like the recent tvc that I did, the director, Desmond, is a very nice and funny person which makes me feel comfortable working for the shoot. I love my job, though sometimes it can be very frustrating and irritating when the instructions given by the producer/production manager.

Anyway, it's time to get ready for another torturous semester ahead. I predict that I will really really look like a vampire towards the end of the semester. 17 weeks faster pass so that I can be a freelance again and go on shoots! 9am lecture later on. Not sure if my eyes will be closed or opened. Ciao~

Review of XY's life in 2010

2010 flew past in an blinking of an eye. Still remember getting so tensed up while waiting for my O level result, enrolled into poly and now, 2011 came. There's no way I could catch up with time.

January

One of the most important event in my life: O level result release. I still can remember the feeling when I got my result. Although it was not that great but given my standard, I knew I did it! I don't care what people say about me, because I am satisfied with my result. Also, "Hello, FSV!"

February 

Event of the month: FSV KINO 2009. Have you ever wondered what's the feeling of watching your own short/ thesis film on the big screen in cinema? I may not be able to feel it, but being able to watch "Love Song, the Musical" on the big screen with a lot of people is really awesome. Somehow it makes me proud of my brother and the crew. 

March

Filling up enrollment forms is a bitch! Really annoying. On a brighter note, I went back to help out in AVA for JVS Speech Day. Seriously love to the feeling of being in AVA, especially working with the familiar team. Also, "Hello, MacBook Pro!"

April

Events of the month: Iris' wedding, Last day of work @ Popular HQ and not forgetting, "Hello, Poly life!" Attended the first wedding of my friend's for the first time! Also, the days in Popular were great. Really thank Iris for being there and being the big sister! Days without her can be compared to living in hell in the office. Poly life started on 19 April and I have a love-hate relationship towards it now. Love my friends but hate the modules. "WHAT IS THIS?!" Oh, watching fireworks on my birthday is awesome! 

May

The most significant event I could remember was giving a training for those current AVA kids in JVS. (: Photography trips around Singapore started too. 

June

Looking back, there's so many things happening in June. The most memorable event was meeting up with SHELLY love! Too bad, Kala was not there. ): It's also a month of me to meet up with friends and more shooting trips with Phoebe Khoo! 

July

Event of the month: Being the Assistant Director of Studio Prod Interview show. Hehe my first and one of the most successful show indeed! 

August

Semester 1 finally ended! I got the opportunity to help out in a feature film under the Wardrobe Department as an intern, for pre-prod. It made me realized how important wardrobe is and it is not easy at all. However, I actually enjoyed myself ageing the clothes because it's better than staying at home. HAHAHA!

September 

Pre-prod work continues and I went for the production too! I must say, I did not regret going because I've learnt a lot from it and also 'Endless Day' is some production which I really wish to be part of it. Besides that, I've made a lot of friends there too! :D An awesome month, really!

October

Survived the whole of 'Endless Day' production. Forest, Changi coast, mosquitoes, insect repellent, sand-flies, wardrobe van, lalang, packet food, etc became my best friends. It's really an eye-opener. After that, school re-opens. I must declare, I really love my friends! :D

November 

Received paycheck from 'Endless Day' and was so glad that my effort were being recognised. (: Also, my first time going to Timbre with friends and wrote a script for shoot! Not forgetting, I WENT TO SEE XIAOXIAOBIN. Hehehe. 

December

Freaking stress and tiring month. Lots of shoot and editing to do. First time being a director and I screwed it up big time. Helped out for a lot of people's shoot and I gained a new knowledge after every shoot ends. Thanks for supportive friends and loved ones. Editing is another bitch but we survived. To my lovely friends, "We're like a family, seeing each other everyday without fail except for weekends.". Please note that you guys are important to me and I love you always, for being there for each other. I really really love them and seeing them everyday just makes me smile. 

Wishing for a better year ahead! 2011, hoping for the best! :D

BACK

HO, I'm back. Haven been updating this blog ever since my 3 months holiday started.

Helping out in 'Endless Day' production and learning a lot from there. I'm under the wardrobe department so it's super tiring because there's like 15 characters acting as soldiers and each of them have at least 2 sets of uniforms. What I need to do is to age them to make them look old and rugged using sandpaper and rocks. So yea, go imagine yourself okay. Overall it's very fun and nice experience! (:

Awesome gang gathering tomorrow! Can't wait to see them seriously! (:

XY A Polaroid A Day Blog
(To Keep all the memories together)

Week 7 Reflections

Lovely looking dog @ Botanic Garden from Ang Mo family.

1 more weeeeek to go!

Alright, this week was great, seriously.

On Monday, we had IS and did the Policy Paper. It's a total crap. Spent my whole night settling Photography Assignment #1 for submission. SKL very troublesome to the max lah! Made my desktop flooded with pictures. Thanks ah.

Tuesday, we had Audio Tech Lecture as usual but that day was different. 3/4 of the class was busy burning our assignment to DVD disc. HAHAHA and Si En's and mine lappie literally hang like shit. Ran down to office to submit before 2pm and yay I screwed my photography quiz #1. Shit!! ): After that, during Intro to Film, we watched "In the mood for love" directed by Wong Kar-Wai. We didn't dozed off for the first time because we have to watch the film carefully and note down the cinematography used in the film. Could not understand the film anyway, hahaha but I like the cinematography used. Slow motion, shallow depth of field, etc.

Had Photography Assignment #1 Best 5 photos presentation. I really like Lincoln, Kristen & Melissa's photos! Very nice and interesting. After photography, we had make up lesson for Audio Tech tutorial. Almost the whole class were dozing off and Chin Boo tested us in the studio recording room. HEHEHE, I unofficially passed his questions and skill test. Woohooo!

Studio Production was very scary on Thursday because AKU WAS THE DIRECTOR. Last director of the day. I was very nervous and trembling non-stop. Tongue tied also. Want to thank FSV T1B1 because they were so good to me. I told them to do simple simple one can already and Deeshraf and Saiful did awesome camera stunts which Douglas liked it a lot! YAY! Thank you people! :D First experience of being a Director was great because of you people! Directing is.. stressful. You must check on everything before recording and make sure your people know what to do. You must also have a good Assistant because they will keep reminding you of what you've missed out. Thanks Melissa for reminding me of so many things! :D Although I made some mistakes but it made me very happy knowing that I did well for this role rotation but I am still nervous. :/ Had Intro to film and we get into groups. All of us were given different film to analyze. My group got Nosferatu, some film about Dracula. After that we had Art & Design and well, I sucks at drawing facial expression. I totally can't draw what I want. ):

Friday was awesomeeeeee! We learnt INSERT, AUX RETURN & some editing stuff in LOGIC PRO! Me & Grace got early dismissal because we finished our stuffs damn fast and Chin Boo was impressed. CHEYYYY! :D

Doing movie poster now. It sucks seriously.

Oh, and I received this email from NP yesterday.

NICE loh. Skipped lesson because I went to take an English test lah, idiotssssss.

Next week will be worse.

Have Audio Tech research and Intro to Film quiz on Tuesday.

Recording directed by LEEXINYING for Studio Production and Research & Presentation for Intro to film on Thursday.

Studio Production written quiz and Audio Tech research presentation on Friday.

I predict sleep-less nights ahead.

Jiayou for movie poster! :D

NO SCHOOL ON MONDAY BECAUSE NO IS CLASS! Long weekends ahead! 1 more torturous week to MIDTERMBREAK!

I miss those days

Hello all! It's been almost a week. A week of holiday.

So the rest of my holidays were spent by attending FMS Induction Day on Thursday and slacked on Friday. Saturday and Sunday were spent with Juying Sister at my place, helping him with his powerpoint slides which he was very satisfied with the end product and returning home at 1.30am yesterday night.

So, FMS Induction was pretty boring. Made a few friends like Grace, Phoebe, Jason, Tila and Kristen. And there's only 6 ladies in my class out of 15! Woah woah. So my class consists of 2 types of people: half of the class belongs to those who are really hyper, and the other half belongs to those 'orh, okay' group and yes, I belonged to the second half. I find it weird if I have to be hyper with people I am not close to. I prefer to be hyper only if I have known the person long enough. ):

My Friday was spent idling at home, watching video clips, listening to songs, and yes, playing Zoo World in fb. How pathetic right? -.-

Had a discussion with JVS Info com club teachers and it was really a good one. Afterwhich, the discussion between JJ, Juying Sister & me continued at my place. At the same time, I was helping Juying Sister with his powerpoint slides.

Went to catch Singapore Short Film Competition 2010 Screening at Singapore Art Museum because Love Song, The Musical was inside. Had lunch at Ajisen Ramen because JJ was craving for Ramen (first time). Met Qamariah at JP and shop around waiting for Juying Sister. Continued the powerpoint slides and I hope his team mates will appreciate it and do a good presentation. (:

Today was the first day of school and I was supposed to meet Grace at 12.40pm but was late. So sorry! ): Had IS module and I seriously couldn't understand what the how lecture is about. Was in a class whereby 3/4 is MCM students. The stress level in me increased because I am reminded again, to brush up my english.

I hoped that tomorrow will be a better day. This kind of feeling really sucks. ):

Today's work was long and dry.

Right shoulder aching again. ):

Had fun in the morning because of this:

Fortune cookie!

And this is the slip of paper in my cookie.

Hahahs, this made the office so lively this morning. However, after everyone opened and ate it, back to normal. My department so quiet, so dead. ):

I am going out with Qammie and XQ auntie tml! BYEBYE! :D

Best interview

Yesterday, I went for my JPSAE interview at NP.

It's damn funny throughout the whole interview.

& I found my way to the library without much difficulties. (:

Chatted with Xiuqi auntie via SMS while waiting for my turn.

I was so nervous and tensed up. :\

I don't know how to calm myself down.

& I asked XQ auntie how to intro myself, and this is what she replied.

"Hello, I'm JJ's sis." -.-

So eventually, it's my turn.

Took a very deep breathe and opened the door.

Indeed, FSV lecturers were super friendly, thru' their tone and facial expression.

The two interviewers were Leonard (FSV Course Manager) & Chinboo (AudioVisual Lecturer).

So here's how my interview goes (some parts are cut away):

Leonard & Chinboo: HI! Good Morning! Take a seat please.

XY: Hello, good morning. I'm Xinying.

Leonard: Looked at the file in front of him, and asked, 'You acted in Love Song directed by Calvin Choo and was a PA too?'

XY: Yes, I did that in 2008 while they were filming Love Song, their IBP.

Leonard: OMG! You acted for Calvin that crazy guy! So how you find their production?

XY: Well, it's pretty excellent I would say. The way they planned their schedule, and everything! Professionals at work. It's a good experience working with them.

Chinboo: That's good.

______

Leonard: I was amazed by your portfolio. Simple, organised and neat.

XY: *shocked* heh heh, thank you.

Chinboo: Woah, there's a disc. Does it contain anything? Let's check it out.

LEONARD LAUGHED SUPER BADLY AT THE VIDEO WHICH I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY.

Leonard: I like your video. Seriously. What is your role in this video?

XY: I was appointed as one of the camera person and editor.

Leonard: So how you find being the camera person and editor?

XY: Not too bad and not too good. Not too bad because it's my first time being a crew myself and had fun doing the things that I like! Not too good because it's tiring and you need to know clearly what you want to video down and how. But overall, it's a great experience to me.

Chinboo: Some of the scenes were well taken, not a bad piece of work. So other than this video, do you have anything else you did which is related to FSV?

XY: I don't know if this helps. *took out my Career Profile Project*

Leonard: What is this? And you looked like a magician! Took this out suddenly!

XY: It's my secret weapon, so must take out suddenly and amaze you, you see! Alright, this is a proj whereby we were asked to do, to create a self awareness to ourselves on which path are we heading to after O levels in 2008, when I was still a Secondary 4 student. And initially I did a 'Director' one instead of 'Film Editor'. But it was not returned to me, so I thought of doing it again.

Leonard: Amazing! You mean you already know about FSV in 2008, and made up your mind that FSV is where you're heading to?

XY: Yes.

Leonard: So how did you get to know about this course, FSV?

XY: Actually my brother was a graduate from FSV. I was somehow inspired by him and his friends, like how they express themselves, their passion in their work. Besides this, I was also curious about how media works and FSV is a course which is so different from other courses whereby you get to do alot of hands-on stuffs. And plus, I am those who can die under books. :D

Leonard: Who is your brother? *wondering*

XY: Lee Jun Jie.

Chinboo: turns to Leonard and said, "sounds familiar"

Leonard: Junjie... *Shocked and eyes opened widely* (Calvin said he could imagine his facial expression when I told him.) OH! You meant JJ?!?!

XY: Yeap. Hahaha.

Leonard: JJ the other crazy guy was your brother? You are JJ's sister? OMG! This is getting more and more interesting. We're getting more siblings joining FSV. How great.

Chinboo laughs.

*Interview was paused, talked about my brother and crapped.*

Leonard: So do you have anymore secret weapon to show us?

XY: HAHAHA. no more. I only prepared 1.

Chinboo: Cool, come, tell us your X-factor.

XY: blahblahblah~.

*Throughout the whole interview, I was still very nervous and tensed up to the extend that my voice was shaky and I was shivering. My eyes were watery ttm and I realised my tears rolled down suddenly, despite how funny both lecturers are.*

Leonard: Can I ask you something?

XY: Yes

Leonard: Why are you crying?!

XY: Hahahs, I was nervous and tensed up and I have watery and tired eyes today! Not crying okayyyyyyyyyy.

Chinboo: Oh, you need to be CONFIDENCE! Next time if you work in this industry, you cannot show people your fear! You need to face everyone with confidence. (:

XY: Yea, thank you.

Leonard: So how eager you want to join FSV? Ranging from 1 to 10.

XY: 9.

Leonard: What's stopping you in saying 10?

XY: My results :D

Both of them stared at my results.

Leonard: Pretty good what. It's exactly what I scored in my time.

XY: Hey, different generation hor. Don't compare.

Leonard: Good.

Chinboo: So do you have anything you want to know more about FSV?

Leonard: Aiyah, if you have anything, can ask JJ. He will answer all your qns. HAHAHA.

XY: True. :D

The last sentence Leonard said to me was this:

"I see a bright future in both JJ and you in the media industry. Work hard."

I wanted to scream out loud but managed to control my feelings. :D

____________________

This is basically what my interview was about.

Really interesting people.

Well, I didn't regretted saying 'YES' to Mr Mao when he said he needed help in making a video for competition that time. It gave me a brand new experience, being a crew myself.

The best thing was, I didn't regretted being an AVA Club member. :D

5 more days to 27th January. (: