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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2nd Press Conference
09/20/04
The Press Conference opened up on Jessica Callahan, on a stage in the spotlight, performing PENNY, the theme song to the CAGES Soundtrack. There wasn’t a peep in the room as the angelic voice and profound lyrics of the able 18 y.o mesmerized everyone. A couple of audience members were witnessed tearing up from the touching performance.
The panel was made up of ten special members – Mako Iwamatsu, Zelda Rubinstein, Tan Kheng Hua, Bobby Tonelli, Asrani, Dickson Tan, Jessica Callahan, Director Graham Streeter and Executive producers Tania Sng, & Joshua Wong; all sitting around on various cozy pieces of furniture from AIR and Grandfathers’ Collection as canned illuminants spotlighted the special guests.
Two CAGES banners served as backdrops framing the stage area as birdcages were dispersed about the room. Refreshments included spring rolls and vegetarian curry puffs accompanied by coffee tea and orange juice. Never the less, it was a full house.
The difference between this press conference and the first press conference (held on July 27th) is that this one highlighted our international cast lineup as they voiced their support for SAVH (Singapore Association for the Visually Handicapped) and the “Just Listen” ability awareness campaign, and Songbird Championship Competition event being held that following Sunday on 12th of September at the Ang Mo Kio Bird Arena.
The purpose of this Campaign is to make a very important point. And that is…people with certain physical limitations are not technically all around “disabled.” Being disabled means you’re fully stripped of all your abilities. Whether you’re physically, mentally or emotionally limited in one area or another, one important thing to remember is that besides that uniqueness, we’re all pretty much the same. Besides that one limitation, we all share common abilities.
Besides Jessica Callahan’s fantastic ability to write and perform such meaningful songs that deeply touches her listeners, someone else on the panel was also highlighted and applauded for his incredible abilities. That someone was Director Graham Streeter.
Major Blockbuster star Mako Iwamatsu, when asked the question, “Why CAGES?” Mako replied, “there are a couple of ways to reel in an actor. One is to bait him with lots of money. But, since this production doesn’t have LOTS of money, the other is to bait him with an incredible script.” Mako went on and on describing his love for the script and how much he appreciates the sentimental value, passion and purpose behind the story. Each scene has meaning; each situation is a life lesson, and a universal one at that.
Zelda Rubinstein was asked how she identifies with the role of LIZ in the film. She sincerely replied “it was as if he wrote the role specifically for me, I am in many ways, LIZ”. Zelda states that her being a close and long time friend of Graham Streeter, knowing his drive and dedication and being the perfectionist that he is, she is fully confident that he will give the film everything it needs to be an incredible work of art.
The next question was for well-known Bollywood Star – ASRANI. The question that was posed was “Like Mel Gibson, Woody Allen, and in some ways, Tom Cruise (smirk) you are not just an actor with over a hundred films under you belt, but you are also a producer for film and television. What, in a production point of view, have you noticed that is different or similar to the production you’re familiar with?” Asrani replies. “The level of professionalism and preparation for CAGES is mind blowing. Everything is organized to the smallest details. Every member of the crew is highly knowledgeable of the story, the script, and what needs to happen next. Even my make-up girl knows the scene I’m doing next. In my country, the director is constantly running around reminding people who’s the boss! Here, when something needs to be done, our director jumps in and does it. It can be anything from moving the props around or picking up a broom and sweeping the markings from the set floor.” Asrani, an accomplished actor himself, also recognizes the day to day professionalism in his fellow actors.
The question for Bobby Tonelli, who plays ETHAN in CAGES, was, “you are somewhat responsible for bringing a level of ‘sex appeal’ to the screen. But your character also plays an important role in the dramatization of the piece. How does one prepare for such a challenging role and still able to meet the responsibility of maintaining the sex-appeal on screen?”
Bobby replies “well, I was very fortunate for having the opportunity from the very start. I don’t think of myself as SEXY, but I tend to delve deeply into whatever role I play, in order to provide the best performance possible.” In the film Bobby plays a frustrated artist (Ethan) who works for an advertising firm as an unfulfilled art-director seeking his identity through his paintings. Three weeks prior to the shoot in preparation for character building, Bobby under the direction and coaching of Graham Streeter, painted incredible pieces to be used as props in the film. "I'm very fortunate that Graham believes in me and my abilities to portray the role of Ethan. Because of his incredible vision and trust, I am here today."
The question to Kheng Hua was, “as the leading actress, you have to juggle many different roles and relationships with the various characters in the movie. How are you able to switch from one intense scene to the next with such powerful performance, and still be able to maintain your sanity at the end of the day?
Kheng replies… “I don’t know. I don’t really know. All I know is that my fellow actors make it easy for me. Their professionalism in very inspirational and I feel close to them because of it. The closeness I feel toward all of the actors and being able to work with them on a daily basis is hard to describe. Of course Graham's outstanding direction, and the production crew being responsible for keeping it all together and making the actors on set feel as comfortable as possible, really makes a difference. I find myself wanting to be with them all the time, not wanting it to end, not wanting to go home. Cages is my home away from home.”
In closing, Graham Streeter made his final comments and remarks on the project, thanking everyone for their support and that he takes a responsibility of not letting anyone down by doing his best to ensure that this project, throughout its journey, will help everyone become better people in their professional and personal lives.
Cages started out as just a small independent film hoping to be to be noticed. In a world of glamour and glitz, smoke and mirrors, premodonnas and superficiality, the creation of Cages has giving birth to a whole new concept. From our incredibly humble actors, to our highly informed crewmembers, to our professional, caring and concerned director, CAGES has already become a huge success in many ways.
Here’s to Graham and his ABILITY to take a vision in his head, put it into script, motivate others to believe in something so purposeful as they stand behind him in his quest to perfect a creation that will continue to touch the lives of many.
Hats off to our Director!
Alex Lebosq
Publicity
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