Dancing In The Rain

I wanna paint my room.
I wanna head to the gym.
I wanna get new plants.
I wanna put up the new curtains.
I wanna read the book.
I wanna organize my album.

... the list could go on.

I'm too tired.
I'm too busy.
I'm hungry.
I've got people coming over.
I gotta run to the hardware first.
I'm out of budget.

... the list could go on.

*notice how for every single thing that we plan to do, there's always an excuse that we could come out with to hold us back from completing the tasks at hand.
Excuses were made so we could comfort ourselves in lines of denial that we simply just don't feel like doing it just yet.

I'm writing this done so I could remind myself to get off my ass and JUST DO IT!

hahah.. easier said than done. I'm fasting.
*God, help me.

On 14th of July 2008, I was awaken by the far too familiar-annoying sound of the alarm that went:
"It's time to wake up, the time now is five am"

The sky was dark, this was one of the mornings that showed not a single sense of urgency- married with breeze that chills you to the bones- making it more difficult to comprehend why in the world did I tell myself to be awaken so early, when even the birds are still resting peacefully in their nests?

A few seconds later, it hits me.
"Yes, it's finally here!"

Today is the day where I get to experience my very first TV Commercial (behind the cameras, i mean). For weeks we; BnBC Advertising have been planning the whole concept, budget, locations, talents, timeline, props, crew, pre and post production, approvals, scripts and the list goes on -I must admit, being in-front of the camera is much easier then behind the scenes. Managing this whole project while still staying on top of numerous other tasks has proven to be very time consuming, mind straining, physically challenging and you know what..?
It comes with the job. That's what advertising is all about.

Tai Thong Group of Restaurants fall under the great umbrella of Dijaya Corporation Berhad; which is my main client. Being a high end-fast paced multi-directional corporation, managing this account is never a walk in the park.. Thank god for the strong team that followed every step of the way, especially my ever so staunch partner, Carmen; I was on the verge of mental breakdown before she came to keep me in check. Truly a life saver and although this is her first experience in advertising; she makes me proud- every single day. Andrew; my super passionate and brilliant boss. The creative team; Ben and Craig- with their never ending ideas that could shock and rock the world if theydecide to do so but most importantly- my heart and soul, my burning fire, my strength; Ajoi. He made sure I am geared up to face each day and soothe me down every night. An angel in disguise.. Well, the rest of the team members- too many to name but not forgotten; also contributed hugely into this task, once things are good to go, we signed on HotPictures as our appointed Production House with no regrets. Experienced, professional, meticulous and creative; they are I must say, one of the best that I have came across with so far in the entertainment industry.

7am, I was already busy calling the team and client, making sure that everyone knew exactly where to be, the summary run through, updating my final details checklist so I would have everything in order.

8am. This is where it all began.

Future site of Tropicana Avenue; a commercial development by Dijaya Corporation Berhad- they were more than happy to cater to our needs. In the close proximity of the elite Tropicana Golf&Country Resort; this particular site is A VAST EMPTY LAND.

Props were brought in to make the tv commercial work and ustaz was also called for rain control.. you can never be too careful =). Weather forecast: Thunderstorm.

Throughout morning till noon, for numerous times, dark clouds came to threat our progress but calmly shy away to other directions and it was bright and sunny all over again. I guess no matter how much you try, mother nature will take it's course. From 2.30pm onwards, it was raining cats and dogs and lightning were battling above our heads. Ajoi was there to bear witness to my screams that came with every strike. What made matters worst, it did struck just a few meters away from our set.. those who were there will know the drama that follows.

Moving on- after the rain had subsided, we continued till about 7pm. "It's a wrap!", shouted the director which was a huge relief for me as this means we can finally proceed to the next location; The Spring Garden Chinese Restaurant- one of Tai Thong's babies, at Tropicana Golf&Country Resort Clubhouse. Most of us were already soaking wet right down to our socks. The night felt extremely cold and flu started to hit. Upon arrival at the restaurant, a hot cup of Chinese tea was just heavenly. As we were all exhausted, drenched and starving, HotPictures arranged for us a 5 course meal for the whole crew. Even the clients were grateful for the gesture. The serving was excellent!

Armed with a full tummy and regained strength, the shoot proceeded and finally ended at 11.30pm.

Project Planning ... check!
TVC shooting ... check!
Post Production ... check!
Final material ... check!

Sweat, chills, headaches, muscle pains, paperworks, negotiations, endless meetings, mountaining phone bills, supporting radio commercials and print materials.. after all that, ladies and gentlemen... may I present to you:

Tai Thong's 2008 Mooncake TV Commercial by BnBC Advertising.

*applause