As-salaamu alaikum,
Alhamdulillah, yesterday we had a brother who acted in Rush Hour 2 and is a standup comic named Omar Regan come over to audition for one of the roles. He did a stellar performance and I and Khaleel were quite impressed. He is a natural and we are glad to have him on board.
As mentioned previously in the last post, Brother Saad Imam had purchased the Canon HV20. Insha Allah it will arrive in a few days and once it does, the next step would be Saad Imam coming down here to LA with the camera so we can begin filming.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
ALHAMDULILLAH! Camera Bought!
As-salaamu alaikum,
ALHAMDULILLAH, Brother Saad Imam bought the final and most important equipment needed for 'Going Up North': the Canon HV20 camera! With the help of a VERY GENEROUS BROTHER, Saad Imam was able to purchase the camera. May Allah reward the brother who donated his money to Saad Imam for the funding of this movie.
Insha Allah, the camera should arrive by the end of this week, since Brother Saad Imam choose the 2nd day shipping option.
Please make du`a that the camera arrives on time and in good condition. The next step is for brother Saad Imam to come to LA for the shooting at least one week before Ramadan so we can get the filming on schedule insha Allah.
ALHAMDULILLAH, Brother Saad Imam bought the final and most important equipment needed for 'Going Up North': the Canon HV20 camera! With the help of a VERY GENEROUS BROTHER, Saad Imam was able to purchase the camera. May Allah reward the brother who donated his money to Saad Imam for the funding of this movie.
Insha Allah, the camera should arrive by the end of this week, since Brother Saad Imam choose the 2nd day shipping option.
Please make du`a that the camera arrives on time and in good condition. The next step is for brother Saad Imam to come to LA for the shooting at least one week before Ramadan so we can get the filming on schedule insha Allah.
Light at the End of the Tunnel? Possible Good News Regarding the Camera!
As-salaamu `alaikum,
I was talking with one of my good friends and founder of Dawah Works Saad Imam about the issue with the camera and 'Going Up North' in general. As many of you know, he also does da`wah via videos (and hopefully movies insha Allah). Ever since I started working on 'Going Up North', I wanted him to be in the movie.
Not to divulge into too much details, but insha Allah, there is a chance that we might get Saad Imam on board for the movie and on top of that, get the camera we need for the movie. So far, things look great.
Make du`a for us folks so I can make the next post one that will contain the good news we are expecting to hear.
I was talking with one of my good friends and founder of Dawah Works Saad Imam about the issue with the camera and 'Going Up North' in general. As many of you know, he also does da`wah via videos (and hopefully movies insha Allah). Ever since I started working on 'Going Up North', I wanted him to be in the movie.
Not to divulge into too much details, but insha Allah, there is a chance that we might get Saad Imam on board for the movie and on top of that, get the camera we need for the movie. So far, things look great.
Make du`a for us folks so I can make the next post one that will contain the good news we are expecting to hear.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Mahdi Finds the Camera He Wants; Speaking of Cameras...
As-salaamu alaikum,
These are pictures and a video from last week where I went to a local Best Buy and was trying out the camera I want to use in 'Going Up North'.
The whole movie's timing rest solely on getting this camera. I can't afford to rent it nor buy it. A brother who promised to get it changed his mind.
Now I have to resort to begging. I have emailed several key people I know and talked in person to a few more. I am making du`a that I can get this camera within a few days because I do not want to delay this project any further. It's been delay too many times and enough is enough.
So if anyone of you guys can help, please do so. I hate to have to resort to begging, but I am. That's how things go in life...
These are pictures and a video from last week where I went to a local Best Buy and was trying out the camera I want to use in 'Going Up North'.
The whole movie's timing rest solely on getting this camera. I can't afford to rent it nor buy it. A brother who promised to get it changed his mind.
Now I have to resort to begging. I have emailed several key people I know and talked in person to a few more. I am making du`a that I can get this camera within a few days because I do not want to delay this project any further. It's been delay too many times and enough is enough.
So if anyone of you guys can help, please do so. I hate to have to resort to begging, but I am. That's how things go in life...
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Got the Steadycam; Now I Need the Camera and Shotgun Mic!
As-salaamu alaikum,
Alhamdulillah, I was able to get Ali's steadycam and the two main things that are left are the Canon HV20 camera and a shotgun mic.
For the camera, I recently encountered a problem. The brother who was supposed to get it had second thoughts on getting it now and that is causing problems of course. While the shotgun mic is kinda easy to get, the camera is not that easy without the money to buy it.
The plan was this: go to a place where we can buy the camera, use it for less than one month and return it for a full refund. That way we end up saving money for using something like a camera. Is it being deceptive? No, we are not 'lying' about why we are getting the camera, we are taking advantage of what is allowed under the policy of that store. But the brother said that he can do it (with conditions) after the beginning of Ramadan. I want (and still plan to insha Allah) film it before Ramadan, so it would make it easier on us.
We'll see. My next step is basically trying to find people who can get the camera because the mic is not a problem to get (kinda).
Make du`a for us folks...
Alhamdulillah, I was able to get Ali's steadycam and the two main things that are left are the Canon HV20 camera and a shotgun mic.
For the camera, I recently encountered a problem. The brother who was supposed to get it had second thoughts on getting it now and that is causing problems of course. While the shotgun mic is kinda easy to get, the camera is not that easy without the money to buy it.
The plan was this: go to a place where we can buy the camera, use it for less than one month and return it for a full refund. That way we end up saving money for using something like a camera. Is it being deceptive? No, we are not 'lying' about why we are getting the camera, we are taking advantage of what is allowed under the policy of that store. But the brother said that he can do it (with conditions) after the beginning of Ramadan. I want (and still plan to insha Allah) film it before Ramadan, so it would make it easier on us.
We'll see. My next step is basically trying to find people who can get the camera because the mic is not a problem to get (kinda).
Make du`a for us folks...
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
The Camera of Choice: Canon HV20 and Casting Updates
As-salaamu `alaikum,
Alhamdulillah, we have selected the Canon HV20 for the movie. It's an HD camera that shoots in 24 fps (that's movie standard folks) and well as having a mic port for adding the shotgun mic. The reviews of this camera are quite impressive and I am happy to be getting this camera.
Alhamdulillah, Brother Nabil, who will play one of the main characters of the movie will be buying this camera. It's a great investment and we will make a good quality movie insha Allah and thanks to Brother Nabil for chipping in.
The casting update so far is me, Khaleel (who is also co-producing this movie), Yahya, and Nabil. We will change the name of the characters to our names, so I will play Ahmad, but the name Ahmad will be changed to my name which is of course Mahdi and so on.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Dates for Principle Shooting Chosen! Sept. 8-9 Insha Allah!
As-salaamu alaikum,
Alhamdulillah, we got a date for principle shooting for 'Going Up North". The dates will be the weekend before Ramadan insha Allah, which will be Sept. 8-9.
Our camera insha Allah will be an HD camcorder. I still need to get a shotgun mic for better sound quality and possibly lighting equipment.
Alhamdulillah, we got a date for principle shooting for 'Going Up North". The dates will be the weekend before Ramadan insha Allah, which will be Sept. 8-9.
Our camera insha Allah will be an HD camcorder. I still need to get a shotgun mic for better sound quality and possibly lighting equipment.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Playing Myself? Method Act is the Only Way to Go
As-salaamu `alaikum,
I have written the character "Ahmad" based mostly on myself and while I am still casting for the movie, I wondered if I should take the role. I wanted realism and natural acting when it comes to the characters, and since I am not an actor, I naturally felt that I should be just behind the character instead of being in front of it as well.
But watching the practice clips early in the day when me and Ali started Ummah Films, I realized that I can act without acting; being myself while I am a character and not act a character by trying to be myself.
I am a big fan of method acting and I believe that allowing the characters to ad lib and improvise as in 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' will maximize the effect of acting. That's why my movie is all about method acting and that's why I felt that I am inclined to cast myself as the lead actor in this movie.
I have written the character "Ahmad" based mostly on myself and while I am still casting for the movie, I wondered if I should take the role. I wanted realism and natural acting when it comes to the characters, and since I am not an actor, I naturally felt that I should be just behind the character instead of being in front of it as well.
But watching the practice clips early in the day when me and Ali started Ummah Films, I realized that I can act without acting; being myself while I am a character and not act a character by trying to be myself.
I am a big fan of method acting and I believe that allowing the characters to ad lib and improvise as in 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' will maximize the effect of acting. That's why my movie is all about method acting and that's why I felt that I am inclined to cast myself as the lead actor in this movie.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Storyboarding Time and Update on the Casting
As-salaamu `alaikum,
Brother Khaleel, who will be a co-producer of this movie, will be storyboarding with me insha Allah. He already updated the character sheet, giving a more detailed descriptions of the characters in the movie and we plan to give update the plot summary to include you guessed it, a "love interest" (because brothers and sisters these days are always thinking about getting married).
Regarding casting, we got a few potentials that I am interested in but since I do not want to compromise at all on the quality of the movie (for the small budget that it already is), I will not just get anyone who wants to act and looks good on camera. If all else fails in finding the "perfect one" to play characters like Ahmad, I might up ending myself (since he is loosely based on me). Casting is so important for this movie that I believe it can make it or break it.
Brother Khaleel, who will be a co-producer of this movie, will be storyboarding with me insha Allah. He already updated the character sheet, giving a more detailed descriptions of the characters in the movie and we plan to give update the plot summary to include you guessed it, a "love interest" (because brothers and sisters these days are always thinking about getting married).
Regarding casting, we got a few potentials that I am interested in but since I do not want to compromise at all on the quality of the movie (for the small budget that it already is), I will not just get anyone who wants to act and looks good on camera. If all else fails in finding the "perfect one" to play characters like Ahmad, I might up ending myself (since he is loosely based on me). Casting is so important for this movie that I believe it can make it or break it.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Budget for 'Going Up North'
As-salaamu alaikum,
We are trying to keep the budget for the movie under a 1000 bucks. Since the cast and crew will work on a credit-only basis, our main focus is the camera equipment. We plan to get a shotgun mic, clapboard and of course a camcorder.
The hardest part so far is finding what camcorder to get. Since I want a "Blair Witch Project" look, a good camcorder with good picture and an audio jack so that I can hook up a shotgun mic. So if anyone has any suggestions, please feel free to post them in the comment section!
We are trying to keep the budget for the movie under a 1000 bucks. Since the cast and crew will work on a credit-only basis, our main focus is the camera equipment. We plan to get a shotgun mic, clapboard and of course a camcorder.
The hardest part so far is finding what camcorder to get. Since I want a "Blair Witch Project" look, a good camcorder with good picture and an audio jack so that I can hook up a shotgun mic. So if anyone has any suggestions, please feel free to post them in the comment section!
Friday, August 3, 2007
Here's the Plot Summary!
As salaamu alaikum,
To make it clearer for any potential actors how I want the movie to be, I am posting the plot summary. Although I've written the script for this movie, the plot summary will give people a better understanding of the scenes so they can really improve on their improvisation and ad-libbing. The script will merely serve as a reference more so than a guide. The lines and descriptions will be more explicit in the script, but the summary gives more freedom to the actor to be creative. The plot summary will be the main source of inspiration in other words.
Now let's get to it. Below is the plot summary:
SCENE ONE:
Ahmad, Eric and Muhammad are in a middle of a debate. They are waiting in front of the apartment (which is Muhammad's and they are waiting for his roommates to open the door because Muhammad forgot his keys) and already knocked a few times. Muhammad is holding the camera (which he will do throughout the movie) and Ahmad is talking to Eric and Muhammad about the issue of using the term "African American" to describe blacks. Ahmad is against the usage, Eric is somewhat for it, Muhammad is somewhat neutral but tries to help Eric a little.
SCENE TWO:
The three enter the apartment and the rest of the brothers are hanging, talking about the upcoming road trip to a Islamic conference.
SCENE THREE:
The next morning, Muhammad and Ahmad are getting to leave to go to another apartment (Eric's and Fareed's) and they talk about picking up snacks for the trip. Then the issue of a very "liberal" Muslim brother who owns a liquor store is brought up. This liberal Muslim once talked to Ahmad about how converts aren't real Muslims. Muhammad, although being so-called "neutral" on many issues and "liberal" on others, tries to defend the "liberal Muslims" while Ahmad is trying to criticize them harshly. Then the issue of dispelling the wrong notions of "liberal, conservative, fundamentalist, moderate, modern, etc.", is brought up by Ahmad and Muhammad tries to give the viewpoint of the side that calls themselves or others these labels, but generally (but not completely) agrees with Ahmad on this issue.
SCENE FOUR:
Ahmad and Muhammad are at Eric's and Fareed's apartment to pick them up. They talk about "Muslim time" for a brief moment and Eric asks Muhammad for his daily advice for the day.
SCENE FIVE:
Everyone is back at Muhammad's apartment. Ahmad talks about how it's more important to have understanding than knowledge after Eric expressed a desire in getting more knowledge on Islam. Then someone brings up about how a guy at Eric's job is debating him about Islam and Muhammad and then Ahmad goes off and tries to defend Islam and Muslims, to help Eric (and others) if they were to ever encounter such people again. Of course Eric agrees with Ahmad, but Eric and Muhammad try to play "devil's advocate" while Ahmad and Fareed are not. Eric mentions how he bases his emotions on beliefs (and not vice versa) ever since he became Muslim.
SCENE SIX:
We see all the brothers getting ready to pray. Muhammad turns off the camera and then resumes filming after the brothers were done praying. The brothers now talk about getting married. First they talk about the bad things like racism amonst Muslims. Everyone is opposed to the racism of course, but once again, Muhammad tries to play devil's advocate for the sake of trying to be fair to both sides of this issue. Then the brothers talk about virtues of being married, how it's hard to resist temptations of these "fine women" out here, esp. these "college girls".
SCENE SEVEN:
To end on a more positive note, Ahmad poses a question to everyone on how to end these debates with resolution and positive support. He mentions how we are all human and humans are perfect. How Allah is all forgiving and how we must work hard to ask Him forgiveness. How we can unite with non Muslims and be more of a positive influence in our society. The brothers discuss these things so the labels they place on each other and the debates they had do not matter anymore, it's about the positive aspects of being Muslim and practicing Islam.
To make it clearer for any potential actors how I want the movie to be, I am posting the plot summary. Although I've written the script for this movie, the plot summary will give people a better understanding of the scenes so they can really improve on their improvisation and ad-libbing. The script will merely serve as a reference more so than a guide. The lines and descriptions will be more explicit in the script, but the summary gives more freedom to the actor to be creative. The plot summary will be the main source of inspiration in other words.
Now let's get to it. Below is the plot summary:
SCENE ONE:
Ahmad, Eric and Muhammad are in a middle of a debate. They are waiting in front of the apartment (which is Muhammad's and they are waiting for his roommates to open the door because Muhammad forgot his keys) and already knocked a few times. Muhammad is holding the camera (which he will do throughout the movie) and Ahmad is talking to Eric and Muhammad about the issue of using the term "African American" to describe blacks. Ahmad is against the usage, Eric is somewhat for it, Muhammad is somewhat neutral but tries to help Eric a little.
SCENE TWO:
The three enter the apartment and the rest of the brothers are hanging, talking about the upcoming road trip to a Islamic conference.
SCENE THREE:
The next morning, Muhammad and Ahmad are getting to leave to go to another apartment (Eric's and Fareed's) and they talk about picking up snacks for the trip. Then the issue of a very "liberal" Muslim brother who owns a liquor store is brought up. This liberal Muslim once talked to Ahmad about how converts aren't real Muslims. Muhammad, although being so-called "neutral" on many issues and "liberal" on others, tries to defend the "liberal Muslims" while Ahmad is trying to criticize them harshly. Then the issue of dispelling the wrong notions of "liberal, conservative, fundamentalist, moderate, modern, etc.", is brought up by Ahmad and Muhammad tries to give the viewpoint of the side that calls themselves or others these labels, but generally (but not completely) agrees with Ahmad on this issue.
SCENE FOUR:
Ahmad and Muhammad are at Eric's and Fareed's apartment to pick them up. They talk about "Muslim time" for a brief moment and Eric asks Muhammad for his daily advice for the day.
SCENE FIVE:
Everyone is back at Muhammad's apartment. Ahmad talks about how it's more important to have understanding than knowledge after Eric expressed a desire in getting more knowledge on Islam. Then someone brings up about how a guy at Eric's job is debating him about Islam and Muhammad and then Ahmad goes off and tries to defend Islam and Muslims, to help Eric (and others) if they were to ever encounter such people again. Of course Eric agrees with Ahmad, but Eric and Muhammad try to play "devil's advocate" while Ahmad and Fareed are not. Eric mentions how he bases his emotions on beliefs (and not vice versa) ever since he became Muslim.
SCENE SIX:
We see all the brothers getting ready to pray. Muhammad turns off the camera and then resumes filming after the brothers were done praying. The brothers now talk about getting married. First they talk about the bad things like racism amonst Muslims. Everyone is opposed to the racism of course, but once again, Muhammad tries to play devil's advocate for the sake of trying to be fair to both sides of this issue. Then the brothers talk about virtues of being married, how it's hard to resist temptations of these "fine women" out here, esp. these "college girls".
SCENE SEVEN:
To end on a more positive note, Ahmad poses a question to everyone on how to end these debates with resolution and positive support. He mentions how we are all human and humans are perfect. How Allah is all forgiving and how we must work hard to ask Him forgiveness. How we can unite with non Muslims and be more of a positive influence in our society. The brothers discuss these things so the labels they place on each other and the debates they had do not matter anymore, it's about the positive aspects of being Muslim and practicing Islam.
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