I was prompted with a series of questions relating to FilmMaking prior to the commencement of the course. Here are my answers:
In about 100 words, tell us why you’ve joined this programme.
(you may use the following questions as a starting point)
∑ Why do you to want to be a filmmaker?
Strong passion with very strong interest in movie making.
∑ What are your key influences in life?
A personal urge and desire to do something which I will not regret not doing in my later years as an adult. Taking the initiative to do something which I have strong interests in.
∑ What are some of the films that inspire you and why?
“Amelie”, “Matrix” trilogy, “Love Me If You Dare”, “In The Mood For Love”, “2046” and etc.
∑ What are the types of films that you aspire to work on and why?
Essentially films with unconventional storylines, quirky, and also philosophical subtexts.
∑ Which filmmakers do you admire the most and why?
George Lucas: For all the sacrifices (his wife left him and he took the risks of being bankrupt twice by getting huge loans off the bank), which he made in order to bring his ever wonderful visions of Star Wars Double Trilogy to realities.
Sir Ridley Scott: For all the dramatic and powerful historical war/action movies such as "Gladiator", "BlackHawk Down" and "Kingdom of Heaven", which he enabled the masses to learn history on a whole different note.
Alfred Hitchcock: The father of modern filmmaking…do I need to say more?
Wolfgang Petersen: A veteran director who brought us the powerful WWII drama “Das Boot”, as well as other compelling movies such as “In The Line Of Fire”, Air Force One, “Perfect Storm” and “Troy”.
Wachowski Brothers: The duo that brought us “Matrix” series of excellent works! I love their subtexts about the world and our societies, which we live in general.
Jean-Pierre Jeunet: The wonderful and talented director who brought us “Amelie”, “City of Lost Children” and “A Very Long Engagement”. I like his visual art senses and directions.
Steven Spielberg: For making me understand the true brutality of war in his depiction of the 2nd World War in “Saving Private Ryan” and HBO mini-series “Band of Brothers”.
Akira Kurosawa: A fine Asian filmmaker in his own ways, I love his samurai movies (with morals as subtexts within) - "Throne of Blood", "Sanjuro", "Kagemusha", "Ran", "Yojimbo" & "Seven Samurai".
Wong Kar Wai: A director whom either you love him or hate him. But i love his visual art and music senses albeit his unconventional and obscure concepts. Titles which i enjoy are "Chungking Express", "In the Mood For Love", "2046" & "Happy Together".
∑ What do you think will be the most challenging task in filmmaking?
Personally, there are 3 immediate issues. Firstly, getting the budget to produce the film. Secondly, there’s somewhat a lack of good actors locally and getting the ideal casts for the respective characters for the various roles. Lastly, transforming the story from script to visuals.
∑ What do you expect to be the most rewarding aspect of filmmaking?
As of now, getting a feature film in the theatres and getting recognition from the local moviegoers. And perhaps then working hard to participate in Film Festivals around the world – bring Singapore filmmaking industry to greater heights.
