EVENT: Stuff Premiere

I was at the Stuff premiere last Thursday watch the 7 short films made through the Parramatta City Council funded project that was managed by Amin Palangi at Information & Cultural Exchange (ICE). There was a good turn out of 200 people, either friends, families or distinguished guests, all wanting to watch 7 films from 7 different cultural groups and the issues that they faced.

I was one of the actors in Marie Setiawan's film "Fairytale", and it was the first time I acted on something "dramatic". I don't know why, and maybe its an actor thing, but I really hated my performance. I thought I did awful. I got external feedback and there were people who think I did well for my character and that they didn't expected a more mellowier performance from me.

Apparently, some actors have trouble detaching their true selves when it comes to roles and learning to act without bringing in remenants of yourself can be a tricky thing.

My sister, on the otherhand, didn't like my character. She reckons I'm a shockingly boring dramatic actor. Maybe so, I guess I better to either comedies or just plain action (which of course, I'm still developing).

P.S - Shout out to David Cheng (STUFF! Sound guy and his snapshots!

SCREENING: STUFF! - 7 Shorts by 7 filmmakers....

Quite recently, I've been questioned on whether I'm a "performing artist" or an aspiring "actress". The truth of the matter, I don't know. I dabble in things here and there and see myself as an agent of change and growth. But here's something that probably my parents would slap in the face for.

Last year (mid-June) I got involved in a film production called "Stuff" working with producers Billy Stone Marshall King and Amin Palangi. The short film was written by my film buddy Marie Setiawan and co-directed by her. (This girl paved her way into studying at the International Film School at the moment, but I'm definitely very proud of her).

According to my colleagues, this role builds more range for my acting palette. Most definitely - especially when you'll get to see some errmmmm.... on screen implied action (if that's the word).

So if you are in town (Sydney) do book yourself in to this free screening.

Details are below:
The long anticipated launch of the films produced for STUFF l The Drama of it all screen project is coming up on Thursday 24 March at Parramatta Riverside Theatres.

The premiere of these seven compelling films from seven unique directors in Greater Western Sydney is the culmination of almost a year's work honing their skills in writing, directing and producing.

Where: Lennox Theatre, Riverside Theatres
Date: Thursday March 24
Start: 6.30pm
RSVP: Monday, March 21 to Jackie.Leewai@ice.org.au / 02 9897 5744

The long awaited launch of STUFF l The Drama of it all is coming up on Thursday 24 March at Parramatta Riverside Theatres. The premiere of these seven compelling films from seven different and unique directors from Greater Western Sydney is the culmination of almost a year’s work honing their skills in writing, directing and producing.

Through the workshops and filming process the directors were introduced to the world of dramatic, character-based storytelling with mentoring by acclaimed screen writer and editor Billy Marshall Stoneking and director and writer Amin Palangi.

Marie Setiawan, one of the STUFF participants and the Director of the short film Fairytale, had this to say about her experience:

“As a filmmaker, this whole process has given me a greater insight into how things worked. Though it threw me into the deep-end regarding the directorial role, it’s only made me realise what kind of person I can be, and only made me strive harder to work efficiently and effectively as a filmmaker”

Thank you to Parramatta City Council for providing the funding for this.

STUFF | The drama of It all

I think filmmaking and storytelling has never been so hot before. Everyone is doing is its definitely the "it" thing. So for all you avid film makers out there across Western Sydney, this is for you! I can only wish that I can be able to make it for this one, however, I'm pretty much caught up on "Quest for Jackie Chan" this time round.

But if anyone out there needs some advice, throw me an email and I'll give you some pointers into applying. Otherwise, the contact is on the flyer people!

Western Sydney and Parramatta-based emerging writers, directors, and producers are invited to participate in a 10-week introduction to the world of dramatic, character-based storytelling.

STUFF | THE DRAMA OF IT ALL is an intensive workshop series for emerging filmmakers to advance their skills by working with some of Australia’s leading screen practitioners.

Meet and learn from acclaimed screen writer and editor Billy Marshall Stoneking and award winning director Amin Palangi and let them take you on a journey of exploration of DRAMA, characters and stories.

Collaborate on the production of short films - cast your film, direct actors and work with professional cinematographers, editors and sound designers.

Dates: 1st May - 9th July

Workshops will be held Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30am – 5pm

Venue: ICE’s Switch Digital Arts Centre, Level 4, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta

Limited spaces available. Bookings essential. To register or for further information please contact amin.palangi@ice.org.au or 9897 5744 by 5pm on Wednesday 28 April 2010.

To be eligible you must live, work or study in Western Sydney and be available every weekend for up to 10 weeks starting 1st May, 2010. You must have written, directed or produced a short film in the last 3 years.

This project is part of the Parramatta Screening three-year initiative building film skills and production in Parramatta. This project is funded by Parramatta City Council. ICE receives core support from Arts NSW, Australia Council for the Arts, and Screen NSW. This project utilises the facilities of Switch Digital Arts Centre, a partnership with Parramatta City Council.