FINALIST BLOG: AYA 02/08/10
02/07/10
One down, one to go! This morning I seriously considered closing the curtains and going back to bed as the sky was SO overcast, and there were little droplets of water falling from the sky (I believe that it is called rain)! AGH!
I kept trying to think of ways to shoot around it, but let’s be honest – not even the legions of CGI gurus at WETA could turn rain into sun (well maybe they could – but not on my budget and time)! So I dragged my sorry self up to the office where I had a pity party and then got on with it.
Luke catches a big one
The day consisted of grabbing a bunch of short cuts of James traveling through NZ as well as getting some still shots to put in the album of both James and Sean. I knew that it was important to set the pace as we had a LOT of ground to cover and I had already been warned that there was NO overtime and that I had way too many shots. Therefore I think that I gave everyone heart attacks in the first hour when on first and second takes we moved along! That being said, I was also EXTREMELY lucky to have such a fantastic team behind me (seriously folks – these guys are awesome and my DP James crammed himself in the smallest of crevices to get a driving shot for me today … I am pretty sure I owe him a limb!).
Exactly how many crew members can you fit in a car? Let's find out!
Did this story end up a happy one? Yes indeed as not only did I get all the shots I wanted, we also were able to throw in a few more AND we arrived back to the office one minute early (hurrah)!
Granny and Nanna come to life!
I then met with my actresses who play Granny and Nana, and did a wee rehearsal before running off to help with pics for the album tomorrow. It is now 9:15pm, I am back in my room and will watch dailies before hitting the sack and waking up for my last and most difficult day of shooting …
02/08/10
Today was a little bittersweet – sweet (as!) that my film is finally finished production, and bitter in that my film is finally finished production! In amongst trying to get an unprecedented number of shots, answering questions, directing actors etc. I really tried to take moments here and there on-set to truly appreciate where I was and what I was doing. I still can’t believe it!
Aya directs the opening title sequence
It was sad to wrap the actors and say goodbye to my fierce warrior crew members – each and every one of them rallied to help me make the best film possible and there are not enough “thank yous” that I can say to show my appreciation! It is truly an unbelievable experience to shoot in NZ, not only because of the backdrops but because of the people. Their can-do attitude, no nonsense and cheeky senses of humor were the perfect breeding ground for movie magic and I will be going to bed tonight (if I ever get to my bed) an extremely happy and satisfied little director!
A stunt Granny in action!
Sorry that this is such a lame blog entry, but I am exhausted having shot all day, watched rushes, packed and had dinner with Rajneel, Andrés and my main actor Luke! I am afraid if I continue that I will start to write in a stream of consciousness so I will save you all the pain of having to analyze all of it – will promise a bigger, better and badder entry for tomorrow!
Aya
Well, I for one am amazed (and very grateful !) that you are writing us such interesting and tantalizing blogs at all considering how very very busy you must be! It is such a joy to be able to feel part of this amazing process. You give just enough information to keep us happy and leave out just enough to make us excited to see this final splendid movie. Bravo bravissimo to your crew. What an amazing experience to work with such a talented and fun group of professionals.
I will continue “to watch this space”. As always, across the seas ox Mem
Aya, my distant friend, and visionary.
Don’t lose Hope Aya… The Rain may drop with you now, yet in your heart the sun shines forever.
YOU AYA are living your dream remember…..
This time 30 days ago, it was dreaming of coffee maker into coffee drinker right!
and now your dream came true… So thanks to the creator of all things, when the moment is right, it shall continue to rain outside, but the light remains within your soul. Don’t lose hope and the brilliant SPIRIT you had within you 30 days ago ok..
We love you and your the viewers choice as well as the judges so have fun fun fun..
http://www.facebook.com/pages/POETRY-Mo-Nassah/284523136096?ref=nf
Wow, Mo, I’m speechless. What a beautiful poem you devoted to Aya, filled with deep thoughts and blessings…awesome!:) Yes, Aya, you are definitely doing a great job there with all the fierce warrior crew members, if I may borrow your expressions. I myself look at them in the pics and thought, “Wow, what a great bunch, I would love to work with them…” Maybe one day, I will. Like our dear friend declared above, Ït’s all in the Creator’s hands!” Let’s be thankful for each and every oportunity which never faulters us all. We are so very blessed for each present we receive every day to make a little better each time, in each step we take. The photo of the Granny and Nanny is so sweet! I dig the pic of Luke too, he’s so very lucky indeed. God bless everyone who participated in the shooting, it’s SWEET AS!:) <3
Love,
Ana
Hi Mo and Ana,
I am not even sure how to reply to your amazing comments – I am SO lucky to have such an amazing support network! Thank you for taking the time to write and for all your good advice, thoughts and prayers. I am so lucky to have this opportunity and it is good to have people remind me to “breathe” and not forget to enjoy each and every moment (even the scary ones!).
THANKS GUYS!!
We love ya!
Ditto!:) <3