UP WE GO

This week, I have the opportunity to participate in a photo shoot…I was in this medium-size studio in Kepong, of course; it was a non-glamorous event…there were no models, actors/actresses, singers, boybands, DJs, celebrities or whatsoever. It was a photo shoot purely for children furnitures that will be feature in our next month Professional Kids Catalogue. To meet the tight budget, the company's Marketing Department even eliminate the participation of children models in the photo shoot. There were 3 themes – Mickey Mouse, Winnie The Pooh & Disney Princess. It was supposed to be a very simple & quick process (or so I thought) because it involves objects and not people but the whole photo shoot takes up half a day. My logical understanding was – just arrange the furniture nicely, snap the picture and off I can go back home. But no…the photographer and his 2 crew members have to arrange the settings, make sure they are in the right position & adjust the backdrop, put in the suitable props, make sure the lighting is at the right angle to create the right & soft shadow tone, look into the tiny details etc. I was with Kelly (the A & P Manager) and Zoe (the Art Director from our company’s appointed agency) and they are so fussy & particular in making sure that there are no flaws in every angle. Just one simple shoot of the Mickey Mouse set also requires several snaps because somehow they complained that the lighting tone is too bright, the carpet is not in the right position, the arrangement of the books in a book shelve is not nice, the pillow is not fluffy enough, the quilt is not curvy enough, more windows needs to be added, the overall style & emotions failed to be projected out, the angle was just not accurate etc. So, changes after changes have to be made again and again until the pictures turn up right and perfect. It has been a one good experience for me.

So then it struck me…its really not easy being an actor. That is why they are so highly paid. I finally understand why. It’s so time consuming waiting for their turn. First, they have to memorize the screenplay, they have to practice their facial expressions, their tone of voice and their body language…and in some certain movie genre, the actors may also need to acquire certain specific skills…like playing the violin, learn how to sing & dance, ride a horse, ballet, martial arts, military training etc. Then the actor have to put on the make-up, wait for his turn on the set…then get into his character…once his scene is finish, he have to step out from his character and wait for his next turn in another scene. And this goes on and on until the movie is fully completed. Really, it’s hard work. Plus, filming inside the studio is already hot & humid, outdoor shooting will be even more worst. No wonder Hollywood artiste demand so much more like a diva compare to their Asian counterparts.