As salaamu alaikum,
Alhamdulillah, the HV20 is here! Br. SaadImam ordered and it arrived. He also bought a shotgun mic as well and that too arrived.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Scenes to be Shot on Oct. 15-21 (Insha Allah)
As-salaamu `alaikum,
The scenes that will be shot during Oct. 15-21 insha Allah will be the apartment scenes. The scenes will be shot during the evening, giving people a more flexible schedule to make it during the shoot.
Keeping It Real: The Truth Strikes Back Scene: The topic of having knowledge or understanding is brought up by one of the brothers. The conversation changes when one of the characters brings up a debate he was having at work with one of his co-workers. The co-worker brings up anti-Islamic arguments and the brother is telling everyone what the guy was saying to him. Mahdi and others defend Islam and tries to bring to light the truth of Islam and Muslims.
The Race and Marriage Scene: The brothers discuss the issue of racism amongst Muslims and struggle young brothers and sisters have to go through regarding marriage.
The Resolution Scene: After all this time spent pointing out problems and issues, the discussion goes to more of a positive note: try to find resolutions to the problems we Muslims are having and move forward as well as finding true unity amongst people of all backgrounds.
The scenes that will be shot during Oct. 15-21 insha Allah will be the apartment scenes. The scenes will be shot during the evening, giving people a more flexible schedule to make it during the shoot.
Keeping It Real: The Truth Strikes Back Scene: The topic of having knowledge or understanding is brought up by one of the brothers. The conversation changes when one of the characters brings up a debate he was having at work with one of his co-workers. The co-worker brings up anti-Islamic arguments and the brother is telling everyone what the guy was saying to him. Mahdi and others defend Islam and tries to bring to light the truth of Islam and Muslims.
The Race and Marriage Scene: The brothers discuss the issue of racism amongst Muslims and struggle young brothers and sisters have to go through regarding marriage.
The Resolution Scene: After all this time spent pointing out problems and issues, the discussion goes to more of a positive note: try to find resolutions to the problems we Muslims are having and move forward as well as finding true unity amongst people of all backgrounds.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
It's Here! Scenes to be Shoot on Oct. 13-14 (Insha Allah)
As-salaamu alaikum,
Here are a list of the scenes to be shot on Oct. 13-14. The rest of the scenes will be shot during the week of Oct. 15-21 insha Allah.
The "Race Debate", Explaining the Conference and the "Muslim Labels" Scenes: The brothers are in a debate about race. The wait for the door to open at the apartment they're at and they walk on in. While inside, the brothers talk about the Islamic conference they are planning to go. The next morning, the brothers are getting to leave to go to another apartment. The issue of Muslim labeling come up and they get into a debate about it.
College Campus Scene: Brothers and sisters are at the "da`wah table" on Bruin walk at UCLA. Mahdi, Khaleel and another brother are walking towards the table. Before they reach the table, they pose in front of the Bruin Bear and briefly talk about their experiences. The other brother reminense about how he first learned about Islam and eventually converted to Islam.
They walk up to the table, and the people there are explaining Islam to one person who seems interested in learning. She asks questions about the role of women in Islam and the people at the table respond.
The Deep Philosophical Discussion Scene: Mahdi with another brother meets up with a friend at a local park. Mahdi and his friend end up discussing spiritual philosophical issues.
Doing Da`wah in front of the Mosque Scene: A non Muslim friend of one of the brothers is hanging out in front of a mosque in an inner-city neighborhood. The brothers give the man da`wah and explain their life story of how life was before becoming Muslim.
The first three scenes will be shot in the morning. The rest of the scenes will be shot in the afternoon and possibly evening insha Allah.
Here are a list of the scenes to be shot on Oct. 13-14. The rest of the scenes will be shot during the week of Oct. 15-21 insha Allah.
The "Race Debate", Explaining the Conference and the "Muslim Labels" Scenes: The brothers are in a debate about race. The wait for the door to open at the apartment they're at and they walk on in. While inside, the brothers talk about the Islamic conference they are planning to go. The next morning, the brothers are getting to leave to go to another apartment. The issue of Muslim labeling come up and they get into a debate about it.
College Campus Scene: Brothers and sisters are at the "da`wah table" on Bruin walk at UCLA. Mahdi, Khaleel and another brother are walking towards the table. Before they reach the table, they pose in front of the Bruin Bear and briefly talk about their experiences. The other brother reminense about how he first learned about Islam and eventually converted to Islam.
They walk up to the table, and the people there are explaining Islam to one person who seems interested in learning. She asks questions about the role of women in Islam and the people at the table respond.
The Deep Philosophical Discussion Scene: Mahdi with another brother meets up with a friend at a local park. Mahdi and his friend end up discussing spiritual philosophical issues.
Doing Da`wah in front of the Mosque Scene: A non Muslim friend of one of the brothers is hanging out in front of a mosque in an inner-city neighborhood. The brothers give the man da`wah and explain their life story of how life was before becoming Muslim.
The first three scenes will be shot in the morning. The rest of the scenes will be shot in the afternoon and possibly evening insha Allah.
Question: What if Eid Happens During the Day of the Shoot?
As salaamu alaikum,
It is a possibility that Eid will occur during October 13-14. I've been asked will it be possible to shoot during the Eid.
To answer that question, the filming on that day will start at 2:00 pm. This will give the actors plenty of time to celebrate and attend the Eid prayers.
It is a possibility that Eid will occur during October 13-14. I've been asked will it be possible to shoot during the Eid.
To answer that question, the filming on that day will start at 2:00 pm. This will give the actors plenty of time to celebrate and attend the Eid prayers.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Cast Member SaadImam Buys Plane Ticket and Camera; NEW Confirmed Filming Dates
As-salaamu alaikum,
Alhamdulillah, SaadImam of Dawah Works has purchased a plane ticket to come to LA for the shoot and will buy the camera (Insha Allah). Yes, the Canon HV20 will be FINALLY bought insha Allah!
The confirmed shooting dates are on the weekend of the Eid which will be October 13-14. During the week after, there will be some shooting here and there to add more footage to the movie. It is possible (depending on how things go along during the filming) that there will be another weekend of shooting, making it also October 20-21.
Alhamdulillah, so far, so good!
Alhamdulillah, SaadImam of Dawah Works has purchased a plane ticket to come to LA for the shoot and will buy the camera (Insha Allah). Yes, the Canon HV20 will be FINALLY bought insha Allah!
The confirmed shooting dates are on the weekend of the Eid which will be October 13-14. During the week after, there will be some shooting here and there to add more footage to the movie. It is possible (depending on how things go along during the filming) that there will be another weekend of shooting, making it also October 20-21.
Alhamdulillah, so far, so good!
Friday, September 7, 2007
Can't Get Any More Interesting: Another Delay
As-salaamu `alaikum,
Another delay regarding the camera. There was a problem with the company that one of the brothers tried to order the camera from; they didn't have the camera in stock!!!
And as a result, there was a delay in ordering the camera and the brother was not able to come to LA for the shoot.
Oh well, that's life. Sabrun Jameelun (patience is beautiful).
But alHamdulillah, everything else is ready. Cast and crew, and possibly more cast insha Allah.
Another delay regarding the camera. There was a problem with the company that one of the brothers tried to order the camera from; they didn't have the camera in stock!!!
And as a result, there was a delay in ordering the camera and the brother was not able to come to LA for the shoot.
Oh well, that's life. Sabrun Jameelun (patience is beautiful).
But alHamdulillah, everything else is ready. Cast and crew, and possibly more cast insha Allah.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Videos and Pics of Me and Set Location
As-salaamu alaikum,
Today I have taken some pics and videos of the place that we plan to film 'Going Up North' Insha Allah. I also show myself and others in and around the place to give people a preview of where the movie is going to take place at. Here below are the pics and videos:
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Casting Updates and the Camera
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.
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.
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.
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