As-salaamu `alaikum,
Alhamdulillah, finally, the script is done. I've decided on the final revision (for now). Since I want this movie to be ad-libbed and improvised, of course what's in the script won't necessarily be in the movie.
I'm working with the UCLA brothers and now off to getting the equipment needed for this movie!
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Finally New News! Revised Script Almost Finished; Collab with UCLA's MSA
As salaamu alaikum,
Sorry for the lack of updates, but alHamdulillah, good news regarding the movie. I am almost finished with revising the script and this time, I am getting Br. Khaleel (a friend of mine) to help with the revision.
Also, several brothers from the MSA (Muslim Student Association) at UCLA have decided to take part in the movie!
Insha Allah, more details later to follow!
Sorry for the lack of updates, but alHamdulillah, good news regarding the movie. I am almost finished with revising the script and this time, I am getting Br. Khaleel (a friend of mine) to help with the revision.
Also, several brothers from the MSA (Muslim Student Association) at UCLA have decided to take part in the movie!
Insha Allah, more details later to follow!
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Dawah Works-Ummah Films Colloboration and Filming Schedule Change!
As salaamu alaikum,
AlHamdulillah, Saad Imam of Dawah Works has agreed to partake in the film project and even act in it insha Allah. It is good to colloborate with fellow Muslim entertainers to work together for a common goal and that is da`wah via quality entertainment.
Also, the film schedule has been pushed back to sometime in June insha' Allah. Another announcement will be made for the schedule.
AlHamdulillah, Saad Imam of Dawah Works has agreed to partake in the film project and even act in it insha Allah. It is good to colloborate with fellow Muslim entertainers to work together for a common goal and that is da`wah via quality entertainment.
Also, the film schedule has been pushed back to sometime in June insha' Allah. Another announcement will be made for the schedule.
Monday, April 2, 2007
The Shooting Schedule for "Going Up North"
As-salaamu `alaikum,
Alhamdulillah, the schedule for principle filming of Going Up North has been decided. The shooting will take place on the weekend in order to accomodate everyone's schedule. Since it is a short film a bunch of Muslim guys on a road trip, a lot of the scenes will take place in the car and it most of it will just require one actor at a time reading his lines while a few scenes will require all the actors in them.
I've decide that the weekend of May 4-6 will be the principle shoot and if necessary (like we need to reshoot something, etc.), May 18-20 insha Allah.
Insha Allah, with "Tomorrow Never Comes", are dive into the short film arena will be worthwhile. Originally, our intention at Ummah Films was always to make movies, starting off with short films and then feature length movies. But with the huge success of "The Reminder" video series, we had to hold off making movies and focus on the show. Now I and Ali can focus on movie making and produce something that will not be only entertaining but be inviting people to remember and obey Allah.
Alhamdulillah, the schedule for principle filming of Going Up North has been decided. The shooting will take place on the weekend in order to accomodate everyone's schedule. Since it is a short film a bunch of Muslim guys on a road trip, a lot of the scenes will take place in the car and it most of it will just require one actor at a time reading his lines while a few scenes will require all the actors in them.
I've decide that the weekend of May 4-6 will be the principle shoot and if necessary (like we need to reshoot something, etc.), May 18-20 insha Allah.
Insha Allah, with "Tomorrow Never Comes", are dive into the short film arena will be worthwhile. Originally, our intention at Ummah Films was always to make movies, starting off with short films and then feature length movies. But with the huge success of "The Reminder" video series, we had to hold off making movies and focus on the show. Now I and Ali can focus on movie making and produce something that will not be only entertaining but be inviting people to remember and obey Allah.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Shooting Schedule to be Announced on Monday (insha Allah)!
As salaamu `alaikum,
Alhamdulillah, the shooting schedule for "Going Up North" will be announced on Monday insha Allah. There are two possible dates: the last weekend of April or first weekend of May insha Allah. This will be enough time to get everything set up and arranged so we can begin filming.
Look for the announcement this Monday insha Allah.
Alhamdulillah, the shooting schedule for "Going Up North" will be announced on Monday insha Allah. There are two possible dates: the last weekend of April or first weekend of May insha Allah. This will be enough time to get everything set up and arranged so we can begin filming.
Look for the announcement this Monday insha Allah.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Storyboarding FINISHED!
As salaamu `alaikum,
AlHamdulillah, the storyboarding is finished! I took out some scenes I felt were unnecessary and started to take pictures and write the accompanying text with it. In a day, it was finished.
Now the next step is meet with the cast and crew. From here on, it's basically getting everything organized for filming.
AlHamdulillah, the storyboarding is finished! I took out some scenes I felt were unnecessary and started to take pictures and write the accompanying text with it. In a day, it was finished.
Now the next step is meet with the cast and crew. From here on, it's basically getting everything organized for filming.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Storyboarding Begins Today!
As salaamu alaikum,
AlHamdulillah, today I will begin storyboarding the script. I am now living in LA and have a lot more access to people and resources than I did when I was in Orange County.
Since drawing people is Haraam, I am using a camera to take pictures of the scenes. It's not absolutely necessary to storyboard, esp. when I am the director and I know what I want, but it does help.
AlHamdulillah, today I will begin storyboarding the script. I am now living in LA and have a lot more access to people and resources than I did when I was in Orange County.
Since drawing people is Haraam, I am using a camera to take pictures of the scenes. It's not absolutely necessary to storyboard, esp. when I am the director and I know what I want, but it does help.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Hip-Hop Artist 580 to Act in Movie; Cast to be Announced Soon (insha Allah)
As salaamu `alaikum,
Muslim hip-hop artist 580 (http://www.myspace.com/deenmusic) has accepted a role in "Going Up North"! Basically casting is done, and more information on the cast will be posted later insha Allah!
Muslim hip-hop artist 580 (http://www.myspace.com/deenmusic) has accepted a role in "Going Up North"! Basically casting is done, and more information on the cast will be posted later insha Allah!
Friday, March 9, 2007
SCRIPT FINISHED!
As salaamu `alaikum,
AlHamdulillah, the script is now done. I have made some MAJOR changes to it, such as deciding to making it all male, adding and deleting scenes, etc.
I must reiterate that the script is merely a guideline to the scenes and dialogue. I definitely am for allowing ad-libbing where I see fit and the actors coming up with ideas for the scenes. So what you see is not necessarily what you will get.
I want the style of filming to stand out the most. Me and Ali experimented in the early days with action and dialogue scenes with no script at all. What lasted for less than a minute took us hours to edit. I believe that in a more fine-tune approach to filming this movie will make out the final product look good. For example, when I directed the commercial for Muslim Wristbands, I came in there with an idea of how I wanted to film it. Less than an hour later, my ideas changed and I decided to shoot a "Mentos-like" commercial with no script whatsoever. Editing was the key to make the final product look good, and my biggest concern is editing.
Insha Allah now in the next 2-3 weeks, I will begin storyboarding. Most likely I will do what Ali did with "Pray As If It's Your Last Prayer" movie and that is to take pictures of the scenes for my storyboard. I will keep you guys up to date on that insha Allah.
AlHamdulillah, the script is now done. I have made some MAJOR changes to it, such as deciding to making it all male, adding and deleting scenes, etc.
I must reiterate that the script is merely a guideline to the scenes and dialogue. I definitely am for allowing ad-libbing where I see fit and the actors coming up with ideas for the scenes. So what you see is not necessarily what you will get.
I want the style of filming to stand out the most. Me and Ali experimented in the early days with action and dialogue scenes with no script at all. What lasted for less than a minute took us hours to edit. I believe that in a more fine-tune approach to filming this movie will make out the final product look good. For example, when I directed the commercial for Muslim Wristbands, I came in there with an idea of how I wanted to film it. Less than an hour later, my ideas changed and I decided to shoot a "Mentos-like" commercial with no script whatsoever. Editing was the key to make the final product look good, and my biggest concern is editing.
Insha Allah now in the next 2-3 weeks, I will begin storyboarding. Most likely I will do what Ali did with "Pray As If It's Your Last Prayer" movie and that is to take pictures of the scenes for my storyboard. I will keep you guys up to date on that insha Allah.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Shooting Method
As-salaamu `alaikum,
In "Going Up North", I plan to employ the following method in terms of shooting: shooting characters' scenes individually (by themselves) and with the whole or part of the cast. Let me elaborate.
In some of the scenes, I will have a character say all the lines in the scenes I think can be shot with just him, although the scene is part of a group of people. I will shot the character most likely from different angles, repeating the same lines. Also, with each character, there will be cut away shots used as fillers.
Of course I will shoot the group together, because it is a movie with a group of people in a car. I want to use not only cost-effective techniques, but time-effective as well.
In "Going Up North", I plan to employ the following method in terms of shooting: shooting characters' scenes individually (by themselves) and with the whole or part of the cast. Let me elaborate.
In some of the scenes, I will have a character say all the lines in the scenes I think can be shot with just him, although the scene is part of a group of people. I will shot the character most likely from different angles, repeating the same lines. Also, with each character, there will be cut away shots used as fillers.
Of course I will shoot the group together, because it is a movie with a group of people in a car. I want to use not only cost-effective techniques, but time-effective as well.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
The Style of "Going Up North"
As salaamu `alaikum,
After deep thought and consideration, I want "Going Up North" to have a combination of different styles of filmmaking so it can bring out an interesting and even unique experience.
From day one, I wanted to allow ad-libbing and improvisation to give the actors the freedom to express themselves the best way they see fit according to the scene.
Here is the style: "The Office" mixed with "Curb Your Enthusiasm" set in a car full of practicing Muslims on a road trip to an Islamic conference.
Now imagine that...
After deep thought and consideration, I want "Going Up North" to have a combination of different styles of filmmaking so it can bring out an interesting and even unique experience.
From day one, I wanted to allow ad-libbing and improvisation to give the actors the freedom to express themselves the best way they see fit according to the scene.
Here is the style: "The Office" mixed with "Curb Your Enthusiasm" set in a car full of practicing Muslims on a road trip to an Islamic conference.
Now imagine that...
Friday, February 16, 2007
Re-writing the Script!
Asalam alikaum,
Alhmdulialh I went through the script and I liked some of the contents. But due to the nature of the situation here in San Antonio and the fact that Brother Yusif, Sadeeq ( check Usamah 2: Where Art thou?) myself and Brother Mahdi are going to be in this short film if possible, I decided to make some changes on the script. This will be just another version of the script. Inshallah It should be done by the end of this weekend. Wa salam alaikum.
Alhmdulialh I went through the script and I liked some of the contents. But due to the nature of the situation here in San Antonio and the fact that Brother Yusif, Sadeeq ( check Usamah 2: Where Art thou?) myself and Brother Mahdi are going to be in this short film if possible, I decided to make some changes on the script. This will be just another version of the script. Inshallah It should be done by the end of this weekend. Wa salam alaikum.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
San Antonio: Possible Location for "Going Up North"?
As salaamu `alaikum,
Brother Yusuf and I were talking and he suggested that I shoot "Going Up North" in San Antonio, TX. This location is ideal for several reasons: it has a lot of highways in, around and outside of the city. I have family and many friends there, and the friends there are more than willing to be part of the cast and crew.
I've sent the script out to Sister Kayla and Brother Yusuf and it's currently being read through and edited. If the set location is confirmed, then I need not to really worry about the cast and the crew insha Allah. That's makes the job much easier because we can jump into pre-planning and other important logistical issues.
We shall see insha Allah...
Brother Yusuf and I were talking and he suggested that I shoot "Going Up North" in San Antonio, TX. This location is ideal for several reasons: it has a lot of highways in, around and outside of the city. I have family and many friends there, and the friends there are more than willing to be part of the cast and crew.
I've sent the script out to Sister Kayla and Brother Yusuf and it's currently being read through and edited. If the set location is confirmed, then I need not to really worry about the cast and the crew insha Allah. That's makes the job much easier because we can jump into pre-planning and other important logistical issues.
We shall see insha Allah...
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
SCRIPT FINISHED!
As salaamu `alaikum,
I've finished writing the first draft of the script. I am sending the copy to Sister Kayla and perhaps others for their review and feedback.
Once the editing of the script is finished insha Allah, I will do the storyboarding. With that, we can visualize how the movie is going to be shot.
My style will be unorthodox. I will allow a lot of ad-libbing and how I will shoot will be interesting: it will be most first-person POVs throughout the movie. I am trying to personalize the experience even more so with this type of filming and I believe it will work out insha Allah.
I've finished writing the first draft of the script. I am sending the copy to Sister Kayla and perhaps others for their review and feedback.
Once the editing of the script is finished insha Allah, I will do the storyboarding. With that, we can visualize how the movie is going to be shot.
My style will be unorthodox. I will allow a lot of ad-libbing and how I will shoot will be interesting: it will be most first-person POVs throughout the movie. I am trying to personalize the experience even more so with this type of filming and I believe it will work out insha Allah.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Sneak Preview of the Script
As salaamu `alaikum,
With one scene left, I want to show you all a sneak peak of the script. In this scene, the characters discuss the issue of marriage and racism:
MUHAMMAD
Eric, you know about my cousin right?
ERIC
You mean Bilal, right?
MUHAMMAD
Yeah Bilal. You know he’s trying to get married right?
ERIC
I heard he ain’t getting any luck in that department.
MUHAMMAD
You know why right?
ERIC
Let me guess, racism amongst the Muslims.
Fareeda shakes her head.
FAREEDA
What a shame, subhanallah.
MUHAMMAD
You ever read Muslim marriage ads? Deen is often secondary to education and ethnicity. Paki this, Arab that, degree in this and maybe “religion” might be included in there.
IMAN
Prophet Muhammad (saaws) said people marry for reasons like deen, wealth, status and beauty and the best is deen. I guess many Muslims seem to forget this Hadith.
ERIC
I bet he’s heard every excuse from parents who don’t want him to marry their daughters.
MUHAMMAD
Oh yeah, like he has a Masters in computer science, they tell him they want someone who has a Masters in something else like Engineering. Or even better, they say that he is too religious or on the other end they say he doesn’t know Islam well enough because he wasn’t raised in a Muslim country.
ERIC
Doesn’t he like speak Arabic fluently after spending some time in Egypt?
MUHAMMAD
It doesn’t matter. They will come up with some excuse like his Arabic is not good enough because he has an American accent or something and therefore, he can’t marry their daughter.
FAREEDA
I’ve see Muslim parents go as far as say that you have to be from not only the same country, but the same city and even the same village. In other words, you end up marrying your cousin.
IMAN
Don’t forget about forcing girls to marry without their consent, completing going against the teachings of Islam.
FAREEDA
(shaking her head)
It’s a shame that Muslims are willing to put the traditions before Islam. Submission to desires instead to Allah.
With one scene left, I want to show you all a sneak peak of the script. In this scene, the characters discuss the issue of marriage and racism:
MUHAMMAD
Eric, you know about my cousin right?
ERIC
You mean Bilal, right?
MUHAMMAD
Yeah Bilal. You know he’s trying to get married right?
ERIC
I heard he ain’t getting any luck in that department.
MUHAMMAD
You know why right?
ERIC
Let me guess, racism amongst the Muslims.
Fareeda shakes her head.
FAREEDA
What a shame, subhanallah.
MUHAMMAD
You ever read Muslim marriage ads? Deen is often secondary to education and ethnicity. Paki this, Arab that, degree in this and maybe “religion” might be included in there.
IMAN
Prophet Muhammad (saaws) said people marry for reasons like deen, wealth, status and beauty and the best is deen. I guess many Muslims seem to forget this Hadith.
ERIC
I bet he’s heard every excuse from parents who don’t want him to marry their daughters.
MUHAMMAD
Oh yeah, like he has a Masters in computer science, they tell him they want someone who has a Masters in something else like Engineering. Or even better, they say that he is too religious or on the other end they say he doesn’t know Islam well enough because he wasn’t raised in a Muslim country.
ERIC
Doesn’t he like speak Arabic fluently after spending some time in Egypt?
MUHAMMAD
It doesn’t matter. They will come up with some excuse like his Arabic is not good enough because he has an American accent or something and therefore, he can’t marry their daughter.
FAREEDA
I’ve see Muslim parents go as far as say that you have to be from not only the same country, but the same city and even the same village. In other words, you end up marrying your cousin.
IMAN
Don’t forget about forcing girls to marry without their consent, completing going against the teachings of Islam.
FAREEDA
(shaking her head)
It’s a shame that Muslims are willing to put the traditions before Islam. Submission to desires instead to Allah.
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