Playing the role of filmmaker
IACT College broadcasting students get a feel of what it’s like to make short films.
A TOTAL of 35 final year diploma in broadcasting students of IACT College in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, had a taste of what making films was like.
Even though it was a short film, there were still talents and film locations to be scouted, necessary equipment to get and a budget to adhere to ensure the film’s success.
There were other challenges the students would discover for themselves.
Amanda Chua, a spokesman for Fruit Punch Productions who made Lex Talionis ( The Law of Retaliation), said her group’s film, a thriller, was shot in two abandoned houses.
“When filming at an abandoned house, a cast member was stung by a bee. However, he pushed through with filming like a champ!” she said.
Producer Nicole learnt to not take “No” for an answer.
“Despite being rejected 10 times, she pressed on and was finally granted the approval to film in a church – even for only three hours!”
Four short films by the students were shown at the “sold out” The Dream Explorer premiere screening at Wisma Ungku A. Aziz in SS 6, Petaling Jaya.
The students aged between 19 and 25 formed four groups of nine or eight people to work on their final assignment – a 30-minute short film as their final-year project. The estimated budget for making the film ranges from RM1,000 to RM5,000.
Fruit Punch Productions consists of Ryan Yoon Zhao-Cong, Andrew Chan Eng Keong, Nur Amanda Chua, Vanessa Mae Lim Poh Hui, Lim Shu Xuan, Nicole Lau Shynn Lynn, Adam Lee Ming Hern, Koo Siu Ling and Tan Si Yu.
Lex Talionis centres on themes of bullying and suicide.
The story revolves around a group of friends who explore an abandoned house only to discover things about themselves.
Tanukee Productions comprises Jonathan Lee Jia Wan, Sean Raoul Nagalintam, Poh Jia Lin, Kwang Wai Lup, Ang Keat Ming, Ng Yu Lin, Fam Yen Ee, Christine Lim Ching Hong and Madana Vilosyen.
Their film, Asymmetry, was a psychological thriller about a journalist pursuing a story on a serial murder case that gets her a little too close with the killer.
The group’s main challenge was time limitation to use some filming equipment according to Jonathan Lee.
“We’re lucky to get help from some freshmen during a four-night shoot. Props were costly and we even had to buy a generator for filming,” he said.
Paper Duck Production comprises Ng Jin Yee, Lai Zixian, Lew Sie Mun, Carmen Foo Yong Huey, Chew Wei Wei, Hoh Weng Yan, Subashini Kaneshwaren and Naveen Nair.
Their film, Bad Blood, tells of Ben who suffered a break-up and betrayal of friendship. He suspects his break-up was plotted by his best friends and now he’s out for revenge.
Crystal Lai said: “The film was shot mostly in Petaling Jaya. Some challenges included scouting for 10 locations and ensuring the availability of the talents and equipment.”
Ooi Ru Yi, Cendrey Chia Ling Fung, Lee En Yi, Chow Wye Zhen, Chong Hui Xin, Teresa Pang Ai Xin, Kimberly Ching Kit Lyn, Vivian Chin Rui Wen and Alessandro Miguel Guerzo make up Nein Nein Production.
Their film, Crossed, is a comedy and K-drama revolving around the relationship between a lawyer and a student, who join forces to solve a mystery.
The main location shoot was Alila Hotel in Bangsar.
Lee En Yi said: “The students faced the problem of arranging the talents on the same day, permission to get the location for filming and limited budget.”
With all these new experiences, the students now know that making films is not easy and takes commitment and passion.
Most of all, teamwork is also an important factor, to ensure everyone can pull through.