Production Diaries:
June 2004
July 2004
August 2004
September 2004
October 2004
Recent Entries:
HUNDREDS GATHER TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE LATE MAKO IWAMATSU IN CAGES!
Wed, 14 Nov 2007
A SPECIAL TRIBUTE SCREENING OF MAKO!
Tue, 16 Oct 2007
Perles Acquires Cages Distribution!
Wed, 01 Aug 2007
"CAGES" RUNS 4TH WEEK IN THEATRES!
Fri, 13 Apr 2007
IT'S MY TURN TO FLY!
Mon, 09 Apr 2007
"CAGES" SURPRISES MANY AS IT ENTERS THIRD WEEKEND IN THEATRES!
Fri, 06 Apr 2007
"CAGES" ENTERS THIRD WEEK IN THEATRES!
Tue, 03 Apr 2007
LOYAL FOLLOWING TO THANK, AS "CAGES" ENTERS THIRD WEEK IN THEATRES!
Mon, 02 Apr 2007
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Impressions: Part 2
08/05/04
The day started to fill up with the remainder of the crewmembers. Hass (production manager), whom I’ve heard a lot about but never had the opportunity to chat with online, was a breath of fresh air. She is definitely an ‘Los Angelene’ living in Singapore. Next is Sam. It’s hard to describe this beautiful and eccentric individual with anything else but with words like unique, one-of-a-kind, soulful, carefree, ingenious, and special. I look forward to experiencing her artistic touches in CAGES as it will set the tone that makes us all feel as though we all play a role, living with the cast, feeling and identifying with their surroundings, understanding that their environment will open up each individual for the ultimate performance.
And then there’s Wing - how appropriate. Wing, not on a prayer, but on CAGES. This handsome and free spirited 1st Assistant Director is among one of the most charming and kind Singaporean guys I’ve met. Although he made time for small chit-chat, he is someone who is very focused on his work. With such concentration put toward his craft, Wing is a driven individual and has a will to succeed; something we can all identify with.
Finally, I had the chance to meet my partner in crime, Aaron Corbett - in charge of local publicity. I’ve only had the pleasure of meeting Aaron through ichat, prior to that day. Aaron is a poised and a serious individual, with everything under control. He is professional and very much confident and at ease with himself, making our acquaintance a pleasant one. Then there’s Karin who’s also part of the publicity team. Although we haven’t really met in person, I immediately greeted her with an enthusiastic hey!! as she walked through the door. Then I thought to myself, maybe she’s not who I think she is. But indeed, it was Karin.
Fing Foung Fong…Miss wardrobe and makeup whom I first thought was three different people because I heard her name mentioned in three different ways. It wasn’t until I was getting drunk playing 5-10-15 with a group of them in a pub that I realized her real name. Fong is someone who you want to squeeze as soon as you see her smile and hear her laugh. Fong’s reactions to life are uplifting and complimentary to her colleague, Shawn (Location Manager). They are the Yin and Yang of the office, allowing matters to carry on with the great assurance that everything is balanced and in good Feng Shui.
Documentary Director Melissa and her entourage Daryl and Adrian, seem to be very self-sufficient. In addition to being a stand-alone mini production crew, Melissa, Daryl and Adrian are the kindest and friendliest people you will ever meet. I feel that it’s people like them who should be in the spotlight, they’re the ones working on capturing special moments documenting the behind-the-scene action, they’re there to recognize and capture the moments that are precious, authentic, heartwarming and true. All I have to say to them is that, “it takes one to know one.”
To know one individual in a lifetime that can see things in a way you cannot, is to be blessed. Someone who puts visuals into perspective the way you never thought could ever exist. Some who interprets the language of a moment so magnificent that it’s beyond the scope of our imagination. That individual is Mark Lapwood. Mark is a kind, gentle, creative, visionary who is well traveled and has a keen eye for culture, tradition, and purity. His vision in cinematic presentation is everything. Mark makes it easy for you to trust him. His concerns ranging from a particular hug, to a traveling focus-pull makes all the difference between excellence and mediocre. Trust is all we have in working with one another. And when talking to Mark, I hear the truth in his vision.
The office filled up in no time and it only took moments for everyone to coalesced together and function like a well-oiled machine. It was then that I realized a new ingredient had been added to my cookbook of standards.
Working through the weekend was not a problem. Graham and Tania were definitely keen to productivity around the clock. But I cannot mention enough about Executive Producer, Joshua Wong. He is helpful and very available to help tackle whatever hurdle we face. This individual is highly respected for being a true team player… a trooper who always looks out for his platoon. His advice and guidance is priceless and I can’t imagine not having him being an influential part of CAGES. When we speak of people “bringing things to the table,” Joshua brings the legs of the table. Without him we’d have a pretty low table.
And then there’s Anthony. What would we do without Anthony? He’s a sincere, genuine and considerate genius of a man who serves as the pipeline to the central nervous system of the CAGES machine. Within Anthony is the security and the strength from which Tania and the rest of the crew pull support from. He reminds us to take the time to refuel, informs us of the latest occurrences in the news, points out the humor in things we tend to overlook, address those issues that are important to our next steps, lends a helping hand whenever needed, encourages us to hold our heads high and accomplishes what seems to be the impossible. Without him, we question if there would be the same level of enthusiasm and drive and confidence in our efforts.
And to add wisdom, strength and integrity… a description that is evident when referring to Papa Sng. He provides us with a world of knowledge and incredible insight to what life offers and expects from all of us. He sees the intricacies of the moment and truly understands why. He accepts it, he owns it, and he translates it in the most positive way he can. I can’t imagine the confidence and strength more desirable in any human being. He is the mere result of someone who holds his head high with the support and strength of an incredible wife (Mama Sng) and two intelligent, level headed and highly motivated children. The project is about wisdom and love and family. I see Papa Sng, the heart of intentions, found within the spirit of CAGES.
Overall, even though I am from Hollywood California and have dealt with many professionals in the industry throughout my career, never have I encountered such a team. A team who is passionate about their work, a team that believes in what they do and loving every moment of it. They’re here for more than just the money and definitely for more than just the glamour. They’re here because they love CAGES - a project that opens our eyes to see with a sight that is not solely responsible for our vision. But in the end, we will see. I believe in my friend Graham Streeter and that the influence he has on everyone is based upon trust. The sensitivity he shows, reflects in his script. The honesty instilled in his soul, you see in his eyes. The love he has for his people, you see in his smile. To everyone back in the states, Graham Streeter is more than a Director, he is more than a writer, he is a mentor. And I’m proud to be in his life, and because of him, I am who I am.
Impressed by what you see so far?
Just wait!
Alex Lebosq
Publicity (Hollywood)
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