47

i am at the last two months of my 47th year on this planet; it's almost 20 years since I started this blog. What exactly do I have to say these days?

Working on TV drama in Sg Pt1

I have been working as a location sound recordist for TV drama series in Singapore since 2006. When I started, I was using a 3 ch Sound Devices 302 with 2 Sennheiser G2 wireless systems and a Sennheiser 416 boom mic. The mixer was tethered to the camera. 13 years later and we are doing the same, except with a Zaxcom Nomad/ Sound Devices 6 series with 4 or more Wisycom or Lectrosonics wireless system tethered to the camera. In a age of technological advancement in location sound recording, we are still not taking advantage of them when they are already taking advantage of tech innovations in camera and post production and even audio post-production. However as a location sound recordist, many of our hands are still tied by request to record 2-tracks into camera. Multitrack recording is only requested for TV commercials, short or feature films. Why don't we just record and deliver those tracks along with the tracks we recorded directly to camera? We don't do it because of the short turnaround time. With little time spent on sound design, many of our tracks simple get a simple touch-up, compressed, normalised with added music and effects and delivered. The multitrack recording would be treated as a back-up. Moreover, multitrack recording is adds additional cost to a soundman's rate and most production doesn't want to incur extra cost. If the old way of doing things worked, they do not want to change it.

Despite this disadvantage, I still see good in doing 2-track direct-to-camera recording. It enforces the need of the soundman to be a "mixer" and mix the dialogue of the the scene, especially in a scene where there are more than two people talking. Knowing that what I recorded is used on the final mix most of the time gives me a sense of pride in my work when I deliver a well mixed scene. However we do not work in a perfect environment all the time. Singapore is a very noisy place, sometimes the location of a shoot is chosen for the looks but they may be near a construction site or a main road. I do not see that as the fault of the decision-makers due to our limited shooting location resources, it is what it is and we must make much of the man-power and ability to rectify the problem. By that I do not necessarily mean requesting for a change of location, we must not forget the usefulness and art of ADR or Automatic Dialogue Replacement (Dubbing as it is more commonly known). It should not be seen as "more money spent", but as a means to "make dialogue sound better" when the noise of a location makes recording clean audio impossible. The change of mindset won't come easy, but I think our industry is advancing and it is only a matter of time before the main players realises the importance to work and to pay for the technological advancement in our possession.

Back again.

I have been in the business of recording audio for TV and Film on location and it related field for almost 20 years and still I am seeking excellence in my craft as well as trying to influence the next generation of people in the industry. It has been a great journey so far and I would like to share it on this old blog of mine which has been a space for me to release my personal thoughts. There is no wish for others to read, but if you happen to stumble on this page, I hope you learn something and be inspired in one way or another.

Happy Birthday Huimin

Last night was Bro Dennis' surprise 50th birthday party. This morning I found out from Facebook that's my secondary school friend, Huimin, celebrated her birthday too. This was what I wrote for her, it was the same when Dennis said a word of thanks to everyone personally.

Dear Huimin

I was at a very dear old friend's 50th surprise party yesterday and there is so much nostalgia when he thank every singer person in the room (I have known him for 30 years).

So for you, although we have not kept in touch since sec sch days (sadly I never kept in constant touch like u and the rest of the girls, because of my own persuit, but yet sec sch life was one of my favourite time of my youth), it was always great to be in-touch again with old friends. There is something about meeting sec sch friends: back to the days when things we simpler and less complicated. We sometimes fret we lost them or pine and wish them back again. So thk you Facebook for keeping me in touch with my friends! Thank you, Huimin, for keeping in touch with me. 😊✌🏻

Jenn

Reflection of the week past

Had a good week, butt not good the way one might consider it, but it was good for it was humbling and learned not to be selfish and be more mindful of others in production. I cannot imagine people habing issues with me but there are and it stems from my complacency. I think what surprised me was I was ready for the confrontation but chose to remain calmed and listened. In the the end I was made aware of habits that led me to be blind to other's ire. Really ate a humble pie and turn the other fat cheek while being quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. On hindsight, their accusation isn't without substance and I must admit the complacency and familiarity bred it's full discontent. But all is good for now. I only have my actions to prove my mended ways and only time will tell. No use talking about wanting to change, but make that change for now and pray that they see the difference.

Continue in prayer

Mr Spurgeon's encouragement to Christians as they start the new year: to...

"Continue in prayer."
Colossians 4:2

It is interesting to remark how large a portion of Sacred Writ is occupied with the subject of prayer, either in furnishing examples, enforcing precepts, or pronouncing promises. We scarcely open the Bible before we read, "Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord;" and just as we are about to close the volume, the "Amen" of an earnest supplication meets our ear. Instances are plentiful. Here we find a wrestling Jacob—there a Daniel who prayed three times a day—and a David who with all his heart called upon his God. On the mountain we see Elias; in the dungeon Paul and Silas. We have multitudes of commands, and myriads of promises. What does this teach us, but the sacred importance and necessity of prayer? We may be certain that whatever God has made prominent in his Word, he intended to be conspicuous in our lives. If he has said much about prayer, it is because he knows we have much need of it. So deep are our necessities, that until we are in heaven we must not cease to pray. Dost thou want nothing? Then, I fear thou dost not know thy poverty. Hast thou no mercy to ask of God? Then, may the Lord's mercy show thee thy misery! A prayerless soul is a Christless soul. Prayer is the lisping of the believing infant, the shout of the fighting believer, the requiem of the dying saint falling asleep in Jesus. It is the breath, the watchword, the comfort, the strength, the honour of a Christian. If thou be a child of God, thou wilt seek thy Father's face, and live in thy Father's love. Pray that this year thou mayst be holy, humble, zealous, and patient; have closer communion with Christ, and enter oftener into the banqueting-house of his love. Pray that thou mayst be an example and a blessing unto others, and that thou mayst live more to the glory of thy Master. The motto for this year must be, "Continue in prayer."

Passion Project

I always strive to do my best whenever I am called to do a job; be it a student film, an independent film, commercial film, big or small budget ones, as long as it is me on set, I do my best. Some people say that we are worth our price, and more than the price, we are worth our name. If I like the project, I may commit to it despite the low pay. There is a time for lots of things in life and giving back by working on a few "passion" project in a year is my way of returning to the filmmaker's community in Singapore. Such production provide me with a platform to continue in the mentoring of my two assistants, who are full-fledged location sound recordists in the own right. It also allows me to network with people who are not necessary in our industry but are taking time out to help a friend. There are also people who are in the industry who works full-time for a production house, but is there to help their friend as well. Another group are students who volunteered to be a part of a dynamic production team. I have gained so much from the interaction with people while lending my expertise in location sound recording. In my continuing quest to be the best sound recordist I can be through my professional work, I will never forget the journey that brought me there and till today, I still try to find time to do them. When they call me, it is my work that defines me. May my passion for what I love to do be displayed in my work, my walk and my talk.

Assessment of a Minion loved

For the past 11 years I have been trying to find my true calling in life. Prior to that, I found it in serving in R-age as a youth leader. Ever since I decided to freelance as a location sound recordist, my involvement in church ministry diminished as work increased, which I am truly grateful and thankful for, because through my course of work I found my "ministry", "calling" and "mission field" at work and at home.

What I like about my job is not merely my interest in audio recording technology but it is about being part of a story-telling process and in the process, the inter-personal interaction with every department of a production unit. They are just as rewarding than the work itself, but I will share more about that in due time. For now, there is something else I would like to share. I was asked to give an assessment of one of my Minions (which only I affectionately calls them) who just had a spat with one of the crew she was working with. Her sister sent me a message and asked how she was and this is my reply which is also a tribute to a young, diligent and hardworking member of the crew in Singapore.

"Hi **********,

Thanks for reaching out. I happened to work with her on Saturday and Sunday and the colleague in question is a friend who have issues in dealing with her, but I kind of figured how he works and understands where he is coming from although our working styles are different.

About the night in question, it is just a matter of misinterpretation. I had a chat with the person in question on the phone which I tried to remain as neutral as I can and I also offered different perspective as a neutral party. ********* gave me the privilege of being her mentor and allowed me to speak freely to her about my philosophy and style of work and I did that on Saturday when we wrapped early on another shoot. I hope this will be a lesson for her in managing expectations of different colleagues which she may have the opportunity to work with.

Her ambitious and carefree spirit is good. I feel young whenever she is around me. Keeps me young. I think overtime, with the right guidance, she will become wiser. Let's hope and pray that this is the case."

"Those with defeat on their faces
are those that we must keep alive"

-Further Seems Forever

In the new year

I have never felt the urgency to make a new year resolution until this year. The past 8 years has been one of challenges and trials that I wouldn't say I have fully overcome, but by the grace of God, we have overcome in part, though not completely, but well enough to live to tell the tale. In a glance the events that have shaped me this year are family and work among other events.

Family.

Josh is now 8. He has progressed so much from the day we felt he was different. Those early days were pure agony as I watch helplessly as SW went through the pain of a heartbroken mother while I hid behind the veil of my work. I was running - aimlessly running with no sense of direction. Instead of running to God, I was running away without knowing. All I wanted to do was run away and a hope for a more favorable outcome when I come back home every evening. I was detached. Jo-En's eczema and skin allergies did not help matters at all. Those years - learning about Josh's and Jo-En's condition- left us helpless.

I do not want to dwell into details about the trials we went through, but this year was a year of personal reformation; to claim back the years the locust had eaten; to bring restoration to my soul and allow God to breathe new life into our lives afresh and anew. 2015 will be a year to step up the reformation at home and at work to the next level. I want to address the resolution I have made for work right now.

This year was a good year. What is a good year? Did I earn more than I did the year before? Did I work on more high profile work than others? Did I claim a company from a fellow competitor that decided to use me instead of him? The answer to all of the above is a resounding 'No'. What made this year significant on the work front is what I learn from other location sound recordists. It is not about skill or any technical knowledge from work, but, very disappointingly, what I will never do as a professional.

There were two statements said to me that shocked me this year.

1) "Trade secret"

2) "Steal my rice bowl"

These two words were recklessly said to me directly and indirectly by other people. We all work in a very niche and extremely small and competitive market. I do not see my fellow soundmen as competitors but my peers and I know I do not have he right to impose my opinion on them, but even as I accept what they stand for, does not mean that I like it or approve of it.



"Those with defeat on their faces
are those that we must keep alive"

-Further Seems Forever