The Moment Production Blog

In The House of Straw

2010-03-13T08:12:00.000-08:00

We are truly in an exciting time for The Moment.

We won't spoil it to you yet.

Meanwhile, check out In the House of Straw, produced by The Moment producer Chris Yeo.

Hey Internet!

2010-03-03T08:20:00.000-08:00

It's the Internet!

(A hint of things to come.)

The Pregnant Pause

2009-08-24T22:20:00.000-07:00

Hello people,

There has been a lot of rush to complete paperwork for Chris Yeo's The House of Straw. To add, the producers are still in the middle of post for Wayne Xu's I Am Sincere.

A lot of other projects came in out that require our immediate attention.

We will resume the final touches of The Moment soon. This means that our coloring stage is about to begin.

I apologize for the wait people!

JD Chua
Screenwriter/Producer, The Moment

While in Post...

2009-06-05T03:33:00.000-07:00

Finally an update!

While The Moment is still in Post Production, JD Chua did another short - Black & White Kings.

As for The Moment, a test screening with targeted audience is scheduled.

Expect a video response soon.

First Soundtrack

2009-03-16T03:50:00.000-07:00

Composer Teo Wei Yong has finished his first run with the score.

Producers JD Chua and Chris Yeo are reviewing the soundtrack for now.

More updates soon.

Video Message

2009-01-12T03:59:00.001-08:00

For those who have problems with the audio, click here.

Incoming.

2008-11-26T11:08:00.000-08:00

A video message from the writer/producer of The Moment.

Coming Soon.

Release Dates

2008-11-23T03:04:00.000-08:00

Hello People,

We apologize for taking such a long time with the post production of The Moment. Chris and I are preparing to finish up the post of a feature film as well as preparing for an upcoming short by a few of our friends.

As I'm in a middle of a prep meeting break, I shall rush and include an update on The Moment thus far:

* Our deadline for Christmas release have to be pushed back a little further.
* We have two different cuts, one of which needs a picture lock down.
* Without that picture lock down, our audio post and design are not done.
* This also means that our film score is on hold.

We are now aiming for July 2009 release.

There are lots of people who are waiting for this film and again, we apologize for the wait.

So far, the footage are rather exciting and some of our crew members and friends have seen it. Also, do watch out for The Children, Harsh City and Monique in the future as events of this story spans into three features.

We thank those who have been behind us and have been waiting patiently for this film.

Regards,

JD Chua
Screenwriter/Producer, The Moment

Selected Still from New Scene

2008-10-03T11:02:00.001-07:00

This is from the new scene.

Rough Cut

2008-08-10T03:34:00.001-07:00

The producers have seen the rough cut. It is shaping up so far. The scene in the picture takes place in school between the siblings.

Side Notes

2008-06-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

Post-production for The Moment is still on-going but at a very slow pace. The producers still hope for a Christmas release.

Spin Off

2008-06-17T22:07:00.000-07:00

The feature screenplay spin-off of The Moment is complete. The first draft is being registered and will circulate around script reads.

Previously entitled Hong Kong Street, it is now Monique. The time line of this story is set four years after The Moment. It features the character Yan and the unforgiving streets of Singapore.

If this project takes off, a new blog site will be set up.

One More Scene Pushed

2008-05-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

The Producers are heading to Nepal for a documentary shoot. Thus, the new extra scene is pushed back to a later date.

They are extremely excited over the scene as how it would give the whole film an extra edge to the story.

Meanwhile, the release date is aimed at Christmas 2008.

One More Scene

2008-05-17T21:31:00.001-07:00

The producers are planning to throw in one more scene to add to the conspiracies and drama.

We introduce the character JAMES and his belief in police brutality.

Pick up shoot may commence around June with a second unit team set up.

JD Chua in the midst of recce.

Poster Draft & Stills

2008-04-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

The stills are up online here. Not all are uploaded as the producers are still collecting from the photographers.

Teaser Poster (Draft) released:
It is on the sidebar of this blog.

Set Photos

2008-04-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

For those who are waiting to check out the set photos will have to wait a little longer. The producers are collecting the stills from a few photographers and will post them online here.

Producer JD Chua and his shirt.

Post Production & Other Updates

2008-03-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

The producers are currently raising funds to get the film into post production stage. They are looking for color gradings and online transfers.

Meanwhile on other updates, Producer #1 Chris Yeo continues with his shoot on The House of Straw.

Producer #2 JD Chua is already working on his next screenplay working title: Hong Kong Street with returning character Yan.

Featured in Sindie

2008-03-22T05:48:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to Jeremy Sing.

While the crew are still taking a break from the shoot, Jeremy and JD Chua chat up online.

Read article here.

Stepping into Post Soon II

2008-03-18T04:17:00.000-07:00

Just a few hours more. The end of production is coming soon.

Here's to the cast that has been putting up with this crazy film production.

Stepping into Post Soon

2008-03-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

18th March 2008 will hopefully be the very last day of production. If things are good, no pick ups or reshoots needed.

Here's to the crew that has been putting up with the daily shoots.

Next Monday

2008-03-07T04:22:00.003-08:00

Production begins 10th March 2008.

Rehearsals

2008-03-02T07:15:00.000-08:00

The filmmakers had a rehearsal with the children.

JD Chua behind Kimberly and Brandon as they play out the scene.

Imagine them with this storyboard still.

Big special thanks to Patricia, Kristy and James (their parents) for allowing the children to come for the rehearsal.

It Could All be Happening Here...

2008-02-26T07:41:00.001-08:00

Chris Yeo stand posed.

Imagine what could happen here.

Test Shoot 2

2008-02-20T08:08:00.000-08:00

Another test shoot takes place.

Jason is having fun with his self made steadi-cam and people down at Sinema Old School took turns to play with it.

Big special thanks to Alfred Choong for setting this test shoot up.

Also on the cam is the SG Pro adapter. Special thanks to Cain Chui for the loan of the equipment.

Introducing...

2008-02-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

Brandon!

Big special thanks to Patricia, his mother, for taking him to meet the producers.

Imagine him in this storyboard.

It could happen here too...

2008-02-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

JD Chua in thoughts about this location.

Production Manager

2008-01-28T09:06:00.000-08:00

The producers welcome Xie Shiling as the production manager.

She is camera shy and approves this picture to be posted on the blog.

Test Shoot @ Sinema Old School

2008-01-18T05:55:00.000-08:00

The crew had a test shoot, getting more familiarized with the Panasonic HVX202.

Big thanks to Alfred Choong from Panasonic for setting this up.

Stills Peak II

2008-01-13T07:13:00.001-08:00

We decided to release another peak at a storyboard panel.

This is drawn by Wong Chun Xi

Jansen Koh

2007-12-30T08:24:00.000-08:00

Jansen Koh plays a young police lieutenant who is about to face his most difficult case.

Lyon Tay

2007-12-27T09:01:00.000-08:00

As the Teenager, the one who masterminded the events that started the ball rolling.

Vehicle Wrangler

2007-12-26T09:32:00.000-08:00

The producers would like to thank Emily Qian for helping out.

Associate Production Manager in charge of vehicles. (Or known as a Vehicle Wrangler on set.)

Storyboard Part Two

2007-12-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

Discussions on shots through the storyboards are done.

Shot revisions are in order.

Work continues after Christmas.

Still Peak

2007-12-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

This storyboard panel is drawn by Tiffany Leong in 2005.

Storyboard Part One

2007-12-17T17:39:00.000-08:00

The crew sat down with JD Chua and discuss shot for shot how the story goes.

Twenty two scenes down. About twenty eight more.

Vel Ng

2007-12-15T19:35:00.000-08:00

Vel Ng is playing the supporting role as a female police officer.

Sunny Pang

2007-12-15T19:31:00.000-08:00

"Angry Boy Lee" of the film, Perth.

The role that he has in The Moment, he claims that it is the role he has been waiting for.

Sunny has been around in a few films. For The Moment, his image will change a bit. Something to watch out for.

His imdb profile can be found here.

Talks with Panasonic

2007-12-15T19:27:00.000-08:00

Scheduled for a test shoot. We might be able to see some videos up soon.

Production Designer

2007-12-08T05:43:00.000-08:00

Big special thanks to Cain for taking up the role.

A little camera shy.

Discussions will take place soon. Next step, a wardrobe/makeup person working with him.

It could happened here...

2007-12-08T05:37:00.000-08:00

More scouting of locations.

Very nice place at night.

Secretive Places

2007-11-26T05:13:00.000-08:00

Imagine two people speaking here:

More location scouting updates coming soon.

Ethan Tan

2007-11-15T23:40:00.000-08:00

In most of JD Chua's writings, there's always a character named Chen who is very weathered but wise cop. He has appeared in The Undying (__), Fallen, Harsh City (Working Title) and now in The Moment.

Ethan Tan joins the line of actors who has played this character.

Script discussion with Ethan Tan took place on the 5th of Nov, 2007.

Film Score Discussion

2007-10-28T06:13:00.000-07:00

Roman chips in on which direction the producers should go on the score of the film.

JD's long time friend and musician, Haw Yann dropped by.

Both of them had worked together on JD's previous film Fallen.

The Moment will be a departure from the filmmakers' usual industrial, rock and metallic sounds, to something more organic.

The film's soundtrack and score will be produced by The Sound Guys.

The discussion on the music's direction continues...

Storyboard

2007-10-13T17:25:00.000-07:00

The storyboard stage is finished.

This is the only shot we can show you: Vincent in his car.

A picture tells a thousand words.

Aid

2007-10-07T05:42:00.000-07:00

The producers wish to thank JD Chua's cuz, Ms. Chua Hwee Chee for chipping into the funding.

She is rather camera shy, thus there is no picture of her here.

Script Read @ KAP

2007-09-30T05:21:00.000-07:00

Our first script read at King Albert Park.

Big thanks to Jordan for answering the call to location scouting.

The following are pictures of those who attended. Missing from the pictures is Norainah, who took these pictures.

Top picture (L to R): Wayne, Justicia & Jordan
Bottom picture (L to R): Jordan, Lester & JD Chua

After this session, the story is clearer and everyone knows what each scene is about.

Everybody had fun, which is the most important thing.

Recruiting Help

2007-09-20T04:21:00.000-07:00

The producers are currently seeking for:

- PRODUCTION DESIGNERS
Able to work up a design in wardrobe and working with props in association with the location.

- LOCATION SCOUTS
Looking for locations suitable for production and assist the producers to seek permission.

- CASTING DIRECTORS
Must be able to find a specific talent and manage actors on set. Unlike most productions, casting for this short feature has a special kind of challenge.

Do note that the roles above are not paid. We like The Moment to be a homage to Hong Kong crime films. Fans of Infernal Affairs or any of Johnnie To's works who can commit are most welcomed.

We aim to begin production by mid Feb 2008.

For more details, please email charles_carmen@yahoo.com with the subject heading THE MOMENT. Or drop us a line at 9858 0701.

Equipments Test Rides

2007-09-14T23:28:00.000-07:00

The Sound Guys @ FEG speaking to Bala.

Had a field day where we traveled to CineGear and FEG to check out what their equipments can provide, test riding them a little.

Overcoming the Failures

2007-09-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

Three attempts at a short film is too much. So some asks, why continue?

Here's what I said, "the more times I fail at this one, the more the reason I should make it happen."

First of all, it's inspired by several true events and the stories. Are. Too. Amazing.

Second, we learn from our mistakes no? I am one mistake less in making this film.

The stories sum up to The Children, a feature crime drama that I finished the screenplay a few months before 9/11.

The first attempt was back in film school. I brought up the ten minute short version of The Children up and renamed it The Moment. It was to be shot in S-VHS.

My lecturer and friends taught that it's too complicated and should attempt something simpler.

The second time was still in film school two years later. I rewrote it and brought the fifteen minute version up for my final year project. It was to be shot on 16mm film.

Here's what they said, "too violent."

The third time was when I got really frustrated. With a small budget of a thousand, I set out to shoot it.

It was to be shot on MiniDV.

It was under a very short time span: most of the crew are enlisted into National Service in two weeks time. The preproduction time was squeezed and rushed. Locations gave a lot of trouble. I didn't even have time to ask for fundings.

While shooting it, I also had a nagging feeling that the script is missing something. After three days of shoot, I pulled the plug before I do anymore damage to the budget and production.

Great.

Enlisted into National Service myself, I took two years to look into the screenplay. After breaking the scenes down and constructing back up, I finally figured it out. I have inserted more back stories and it seems more complete.

This version of The Moment is half an hour. And it's the only true version that is right.

With more time invested in it, we have been making lots of notes, references, research and preparation for this shoot. If the funding is supportive, it will be shot in HD.

Hopefully. Let's keep our fingers crossed. :)

Regards,
JD

Origins

2007-09-07T22:03:00.000-07:00

The concept of The Moment first came about around 2001.

I went to Thailand to visit my friends and relatives. They told me about the current news about how a father got murdered in front of his children just to tell me what's the crime like there then.

I have always been interested in crime. Many have told me, if I'm ain't a film maker, I would be a cop. And if I ain't a cop, I would have been a criminal.

So that story sticked with me for ages. How can anyone kill another man in front of his children? How is he going to live with the rest of his life? What about the children? What would become of them?

What if you are one of the people at the scene? What would you do?

There is more to this story, but I regret to say that if I put it up here, there'll be nothing else to watch.

So now you know. The Moment will have, a murder.

Something to look forward to.

Regards,
JD

It Begins...

2007-09-04T04:47:00.000-07:00

The eleventh draft is almost complete.

After four years into it, three failed attempt at this project, and two producers teaming up to tackle it, we will make The Moment happen. We are now entering the pre-production stage of this short feature.

As we go along, we will blog on our progress, our thoughts and our tears.

Our target shooting dates: Mid Feb 2008. We will need support, so please do contribute if you can! We accept almost anything, cash or kind!

Drop the Producers, the Screenwriter or the Director a mail at screenplayaction@hotmail.com

Next, we will go into the details of the screenplay's history that dates back six years ago. So come back and check us out soon.