The Making of Positive Poles

Positive Poles - My sixth short movie, in simple words, it just tries to show how simple relationships may have complexities.

Duration :- 60 seconds (75 seconds including titles)

Language:- Hindi, English (Hinglish)

Updates:
Festival Entry -PassionForCinema 'OneMinuteFestival'
We missed out on the competitive segment entry of this festival. Our movie is released officially at http://passionforcinema.com/pfcone-2008-day-one/

The Beginning:

It was last week of September, I receive an email from PFC (Passion for Cinema) inviting me to participate for their second online one minute short film festival. At that time, I was busy with my fifth movie (one shoot left), which is now still under post production, there are films which take months to get shape and there are some which take weeks to form it's entirety, Positive Poles gets into the second category. Coming back to the email, I thought this time I would give this festival a miss, as I was not ready with a topic to explore it's possibilities visually and to add on the deadline was 15th October 2008. So I have only 2 weeks to complete the movie, which I thought would be impossible. I talked this to Joseph (Colleague/Associate Director) about the email and I told him to make a one minute short film for which he smiled! (don't know why ;-) ).

An Idea Strike:

The PFC festival was running all over my mind day in out. Then one fine day, an idea striked for which I thought might be a different project creatively for Edakkattil Arts (A small production company which believes in Zero/No budget Movies) and moreover this could be achieved within 2 weeks if things go right on time.

Pre Discussion:

It's time to review my idea and get a instant feedback and retrospect about the same. I discussed the same with Joseph. I asked him what he can think of when I gave him the topic 'Positive Poles', he was not in a mood to think (as he was already screwed with loads of work). Then I thought it's better to narrate him the idea and get a instant feedback for which he again smiled and replied "I don't know how the viewers would relate to?". Again, I don't know why he smiled? But one thing I was assured, he was not satisfied with the plot as there were many pauses while he commented (maybe because, he was in huge pressure to get back to work). End of the day, I am confused !!!!!

The Decision:

Later that evening, I completed the story write up and read it few times. As most of the directors pretend that they find the subject engrossing and different, even I felt the same, I mean the plot not the pretension. The plot comprises 4 characters (2 real and 2 virtual characters). For real characters I had Mubeen (my colleague) and Niranjan in mind. I reviewed the story with Joseph and again he commented with a smile 'Don't know how viewers would react'. This time I got what his smiled conveyed! Gotchaaaaa. Even though I was firm about the plan for my sixth movie as I wanted to submit the film to PFC, the shoot of my fifth movie haunted me, as it build a guilt feeling that it could not be completed on time (will discuss the entire making of fifth movie in the next blog, Stay tuned for that, I bet it's load of fun and I feel the blog itself would be used as a script to make my seventh movie).

The Actors:

As I mentioned that I had Mubeen and Niranjan in mind while the project was being scripted. I

conveyed the same to both. Mubeen gave me an instant yes. I love this guy, because he never questions the director! Niranjan, being in mumbai, had a tele talk, he had few doubts about the credibility of the film. We discussed on phone and Niranjan was convinced. I thought this time I am lucky handling actors, but who thought the future rarely stays on the smooth road. One day before the shoot, I get a sms from Niranjan that he could not join the shoot as he needs to get back home for some personal reasons. I was not left with any choice than to let one of the finest actors in the town to do the challenging role, you might know this famous personality, it's one and only Suraj Nair. I can hear you guys applauding!! Jokes Apart. this was a backup plan, as I got a feeling or intuition that Niranjan might not turn up, so I thought of playing the character rather adding up dependencies.

So the final Star Cast for this movie:

Mubeen -> plays Vishal.

Suraj -> plays Paresh.

The Shoot:

On October 9th 2008, we decided to shoot the entire project.

This was the first time we didn't had a screenplay. We were just working on the scenes and not the shots. The shots were decided while we were executing/shooting the scenes. And also to mark that this is my first project (ideally second) which has dialogues.

There were in all 2 scenes and we needed 2 locations. It was at 10 am we started our shoot at Joseph's place. At Joseph's place I had a double task of directing and acting out the scenes. You wont believe that we altogether improvised on the location. Thanks to Joseph, as we tried many shots at different angles. Joseph is solely responsible for the frames in which I pretend to act ;-) . Acting is tough when you have other responsibilities. I remember the scene where I had to emote an expression, I found it difficult doing it in front of the unit.

I told them to move out for that shot and I did that shot alone, Phewwww was very difficult....! I am not sure whether that shot has lived up to the expectation. But still it was not bad either. The final scene was shot at around 12 noon at my place. The shot was planned at the balcony. Again we improvised a lot during the shoot and learned few tricks about the moving camera. Mubeen was ready with shots. He had some doubts before the shoot, how come he had doubts, as I mentioned earlier he never questions the director.... hmmm .... it's ok ... like it's human to err . ..it's very human to question !! Mubeen will also be seen in my fifth movie where he plays a different character altogether when compared with this one. Mubeen has lived the character I would like to thank him personally for his enduring effort. The shoot went off smoothly and we were just following our plan on time.

Post Production:
(a) Editing:- This is my second film, where I am holding the digital scissors and chopping out the raw footage. It's fun to edit and see the totality of the visuals shaping up forming a continuity. After a busy shoot we sat at the editing table located at the famous editing lab, my workstation. Again we saved money on editing, Whooopie !!! At around 7pm we were ready with the rough cut, as Mubeen was available for one day, we wanted him to dub his part on that day itself.

(b) Dubbing:-This was the first time where we were indulged in dubbing. It was new,

were excited how this would turn out. Simple sound recording software were used for dubbing. I have never seen Mubeen as excited when he was dubbing his scenes. I feel he just realized the magic of this medium when things start shaping up. It took around 3 hours to dub Mubeen's dialogue. My dubbing was scheduled for the next day.

The force which drove the team during the post production was cups of Tea and heavenly sleep.

Music:
Music is an integral part of my life. If I am working on a bad script, not so good actors, poor direction , still it's ok with me provided I have the best in music. I hope this work of mine should be appreciated for the music as the music director thrived and enhanced my visual effort to the next level. As we are working on a tight budget, it is very kind of Sagar Patil to support our project with his immense talent and sincerity. For me Sagar is a good human being f irst and then a talented musician. This was the first time I worked with the music director who is far way in Belgaum. So the only mode of communication was Phone/Gtalk/Emails. We had hundreds of problems while designing the music. Firstly, my system had a poor internet connection, due to which I was not able to upload the first cut (first edit) of the project. Then at some internet cafe I uploaded the files. Later when Sagar downloaded there was a new problem with the files. There was no audio and video synchronization at his end. But thanks to Sagar, as he managed to give music with the incomplete footage and deliver the music on time. I remember we used to be online till 2 a.m just to add final touches to the music. It's because of the patience of Sagar we managed to complete the music on time and that too peacefully. I would like to know how he felt working with me.

Final Cut:

On October 14th 2008, we were ready with the final cut, as the music was ready and

was synchronized with the video. It looked the way I conceived. I submitted the files on time to the festival and then cut a DVD. This realized me how can a project can be completed on time:

(a) If there is a commitment, a deadline.

(b) If the topic stays fresh in one's mind, even if the film gets delayed.

(c) If the team wishes to complete the

project.

(d) And lastly, if the filmmaker wishes to.......

I would really thank Joseph who always contribute positively and always adds on to my visualization. It's because of Joseph/Mubeen/Sagar we were able to complete 'Positive Poles'. Good JOB Guys!

To conclude, I hope this was not a flattering comment from Joseph and Mubeen stating that this is one of my best works till date. I don't know!

The video would be available after 5th January 2009, as the rules of the festival is not to share the video online. Please wait, I will keep you updated.

Cheers,

-Suraj Nair

(Filmmaker/Actor)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Music Director 'Sagar Patil' Expresses:

Well, as a composer, i enjoyed my work with Suraj. He has his own style of working, Suraj is a very creative and enthusiastic director. Film Direction, no doubt, was excellent, but Suraj was ready even with the type of music he wants for his film. When he narrated me the script of Positive Poles, he was 100% sure and accurate with what he wanted.

And finally we both got agreed on each others ideas about music for the film. Its always great to work with a director, who knows, what he wants. And i can say, Suraj is one among them.

Cheers,
Sagar Patil

P.S. Suraj, aray tune ye padha kya? barabar hai kya? kuch galat to nahi na bola maine tere bare me?? thik hain .. ab toh ... online money transfer kar de mere yaar !!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Associate Director/Cinematographer - 'Joseph TC' EXPLODES

Suraj had told me passion for cinema is conducting the online film festival this year. Hearing that, for a moment I was a little disappointed because after last time's competition i had thought to make two or three short films for submission this year. Something ready made well before the deadline date. Hmm... Now only!!! Without a deadline 3 one min movies. And now that we were dragging on for 6 months to finish the shoot of current project, how can we prepare a one-minute movie.

The next day I guess suraj said he has something to talk about. We had missed the day i guess because some of my project deadlines. After a day or so we met for a short while and discussed. Behind my mind was to get back and finish work as soon as possible. And also was wishing my manager doesn't see me discussing about movie in between because then I would lose one excuse "No enough time sir".

Suraj throws the title to me "Positive Poles", "What do u think about it?" . First thing that came in top of my mind was positive thinking. But then I asked "This poles is something do with north pole south pole or the pole in the street ". Without giving any hint he asked me the same question again "What do u think about it the first time you hear Positive Poles?". I was not in mood to guess so I said "I don't know".

Suraj has very good way of telling the story. Suraj explains the story with full enthu on his toes. Then he suddenly ends, freezing himself looking right into the eye without a blink raising his eye brows a bit and he would ask "Hm mm... How is it?" That look can be used in horror movies, It like the cat that stares right into the eye stealing all info from the mind. It didn't click me the first time I heard it. I felt something was missing didn't know what was it. After telling a story any story teller would expect "Wow Excellent Great " including me. Suraj was expecting that from me I guess but I gave neutral gesture + smile. I usually don't say " Hey there is problem out here " without having one or two solutions in hand.

Then another thing on my mind was involvement of mubeen. Mubeen too was working with us on the dragging 6 month project. It was little funny, without having an output for the earlier project "NEXT PROJECT???". First thought on mubeen's mind would be "Are these people fooling around with me?"

Suggestions

There can 101 suggestions to a told story. We have to see which suggestion befits the vision of the story teller else it can end up in a debate club.

Some introduction on the debate club members. Suraj is spontaneous short-time debater and Joseph is a understanding long-term debater. Means Joseph simply can't debate while he is understanding a person's point of view. It takes time for him to gather enough material to discuss his stand. Suraj does it instantly. The examples and supporting stories would come flying.

Every individual has particular way of thinking and storytelling. The topic in this movie was used in our early stories which still remain as stories, one of which was Suraj's and one was mine. My way of putting up the topic ______ is a little rebellious way, showing the root cause of the topic which I understood from my teacher who said

No animal in the wild is a _____

But in zoo they tend to be a _____

Society is one such zoo

The dashes, I think you can fill it up after seeing the movie. Consider it as a marketing technique or a take away test.

It took some time for me to get in track with Suraj's frame of thinking. When something goes out of track I ask Suraj more details, his expectations. He said this movie is neither message oriented or a entertainer.It helped in narrowing down my 101 suggestions. If the story teller is not assertive enough, some may feel it stubbornness it would a entirely be a different story if all the suggestions are accepted.

After review we had a technical _____ and age issue which was corrected with the help of research done in earlier stories.

I felt the title is apt for the movie after the shoot, then I suggested Suraj to name it "The Positive Poles". But feeling some elements of spoon feeding it remained as "Positive Poles".

First shoot was at my place. Since director was acting I got a hand in to Cinematography, holding the camera. I think mubeen was getting a little bored in the initial shooting since his shooting was scheduled later. Mubeen had helped in setting up the scenes and making up Suraj. But i could feel little irritation and boredom from mubeen non verbal gestures.

Irritation bcoz if his shooting was scheduled later why did he have to get so early on a public holiday. Actually we planned mubeen's shooting at suraj's location first then Suraj's shooting at my place and back to suraj place for dubbing. But to the reduce travel we changed the plans, but mubeen timings remained same. So to cheer him up I gave some Osho times magazines, I could see that boredom levels shooting up. He likes to discuss philosophy,To read Naa.... Then I got a book of his interest. "Why do men lie and women cry". No more irritation no more boredom at-least from the outside. He and book was in their world. I think next time when we called Mubeeeeeen.... we were becoming the "hadi in the kabab".

Suraj had a emotional scene to act. He wanted to do it Amitabh style no glycerin, no onions, no sprinklers only natural preparation. It was not working out as he wanted so he asked me to move away, leaving the camera on record mode. I left turning it on, but i had to come back to call mubeen too. Mubeen and the book was in their world. Again "Bloody Swargathile katturmbukals".Swargathile==paradise, katturmbukals==big bitting black Ants. It is Malayalam version of "hadi in the kabab".

While we were leaving from my place to next shooting location I got a call from my friend. Her scooter - Service - near my place - directions - no understand - so I go - for help. I told suraj to 'carry on' while splitting he gave me mubeen bag, I guess it was a mortgage. So I asked "what is inside this". Reply "Mubeen's costumes". I said " See don't put any dependency on me, u can start the shoot". Suraj was shocked for a moment, thought I was giving out a indirect speech indicating " Fire in hole... ESCAPE!!! "

Service - Shop closed - Public holiday - showed shop - ok bye bye Tata birla - Then Destination Suraj's house.

Mr.Suggestions started pouring in from mubeen and me. Suraj "Sorry the code is already checked in baseline is already created and locked, you both had done the code review yesterday now reporting the bugs". "Oh we(Mubeen, Joseph) forgot it was film making". Suraj called up the rapid response team, prepared some immediate patches and did an emergency release.

Then we had some delicious homely Idli's, taste of kerala. Thanks to suraj and his sister-in-law. It was made as per ankit's request I guess, but ankit missed it. No problema we managed it.

Suraj started of with rough cut, editing. Again boredom creeping in, this time mubeen found her by himself. She was none other than the soduku in Suraj's mobile. "I love this game in mobile, Joseph try getting me this game on nokia mobile". I think she was the headache type, he slept very soon. Me too joined the league while suraj was still editing. After tea mubeen and me were trying to catch lightning in the photograph. We took about 15 snaps, but no result. Since the my mob had a good amount of delay time.

"Picture of lightining"

Hmm... Then how did we get this? Video mode - Snapshot.

Try to be part of solution not the problem. "Joseph I will come to pune and break your bones if one more word of philosophy" This was my best friend's dialogue when .....

Then we started of with dubbing. First dubbing experience, the voice was too low in headphones. We tried lot of options then shifted on to using speakers. It was the problem with the headset.

Then I got a call to give the lights for shooting of different a project. "What to do Busy person aaa" I went to give the lights, had to stay for longer time since it was his first project. Spent an hour with him and then back to suraj house. Almost finished with the dubbing of mubeen. Played a rough cut. Looked good. End of the day mubeen was happy as he had learned the entire process of film making. He told it was a productive day, rather watching the idiot box lying on lazy couch.

Then after a day or two I had gone to Suraj's to see the pre-final cut. I didn't like the fonts, It was not easily readable. In end titles two rows of title of were shaking continuously as it rolled on. I felt it like the irritating Internet pop up style. Then some changes were done.Still i was not so happy, but it was Suraj's goal not to make people happy seeing that. So then felt it was fine then.

But when music was added the things were looking different. The font shaking was suddenly looking like it was the ending of short scary movie. For the above writings "No generalizations there can always be exceptions". I would like to be a dynamic flowing river not sticking to the past,means I am bound to contradict myself to any of above statements.

Bye for now

Signing off

Joseph T C

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STAR PERFORMER OF POSITIVE POLES 'MUBEEN' CONFESSES

I am a weekend Mumbai traveler, weekends shooting needed planning. I had already committed for shoot of Take lite (Suraj’s fifth movie) that weekend. Well, Take lite is taking some time last shoot we did was months ago. My grown hairs additionally a beard made me look much different than that first shoot……oooooops this is blog for positive poles

Bottom line I wasn’t willing to crop hair or even shave beard. There comes Suraj’s SMS “Not to crop hair and shave” ……….yippie…..This look was for required Positive poles.

After listening to script first time my facial expression were normal, not what Suraj (The write) expected. I made a second scan on the papers I got the idea…..I had a doubt, what’s the message that would be conveyed!!! But anyways I was ok with script or in Suraj’s words( The Director) I never say no to him. I was more or less happy about my hairs.

Suraj served us(me and Josesph) Idli after shoot. Idli were delicious BUT MAY BE there was something in Idli ……May be he wanted us to shut up while he was editing ….result is in the pictures alongside. Hehehehehe……

Tea was fantastic antidote for that … right away on the business after tea. It wasn’t easy though ! Dubbing a new experience for us. But Suraj ( the actor) and I learned it gradually.

I havnt seen the final product yet ( with the music), but I have liked the movie without music as well………Let us C how it goes.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VIDEO
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=FJElQi-Fakg&feature=PlayList&p=604CF2013A2220FE&index=7&fmt=18

Credits:

Actors

Mubeen Muqadam

Suraj Nair

Cinematographer

Joseph TC

Suraj Nair

Music

Sagar Patil

Associate Director

Joseph T C

Produced by

Edakkattil Arts

Story/Editing/Direction

Suraj Nair