Day 495: People, Again!

28 March, 2011

Yet another super difficult day as the team struggles to make the audio and video work. Some progress has been made but we are still a long way off from completion.

But again, what made a difference? People!

Today I even had my extended family members calling in to support. Everyone was sounding so very concerned, it was actually pretty sweet. My in-laws too called up and they sounded super worried too. But everyone has tremendous faith in the project, and talking to them made me feel much better.

Not just that, I even got a very heartwarming and encouraging note from a total stranger. She said that she has been following this blog for a while and decided to write in. Her note gave me a huge smile! That is so very much appreciated!

So I guess what I am trying to say is...thanks, I owe all of you one!

505 more to go.

Day 494: People!

27 March, 2011

Honestly it wasn't a great day. Simply because the work was only inching forward on the sound design. No matter how much the team seemed to work on it, progress seemed way too slow. And needless to say, I had started to panic. There are only a few days left for the screening after all.

But certain events kept me smiling still, thanks to some wonderful people around me.

Every now and then I got a message on email or Facebook or even via a call - encouraging me to carry on, wishing me all the best, saying that they are praying for a successful completion of the film, etc. It made such a difference!

I should specifically mention this teacher from my primary and seconday school in India (yeah, from more than a decade ago!) who took it up as her personal mission to spread the word about Mausams among her contacts in Singapore. Her effort actually got me in touch with some juniors of mine from the school and even those girls were so fantastically supportive! It was very overwhelming, really.

It's like God's way of saying "You are gonna face a real tough time but hey, let me make it a bit better for you by sprinkling a few good souls all around you." Surely, am not complaining for that.

506 more to go.

Day 493: Radio Masti!

26 March, 2011 The highlight of the day was the experience at Radio Masti. I gave an interview there together with two other lovely ladies... the topic was "arts and culture by Indians in Singapore" and I spoke about "Mausams" (but of course). The RJ as well as the other interviewees were very fun and I had a ball! 507 more to go.

Day 492: Successful Test Screening!

25 March, 2011

If you haven't tried it before, you will have no idea how hard it is to burn a decent quality DVD for a 2 hour feature film together with subtitles and all. Since the whole process is so goddamn painful, I was quite determined that we should not keep it to the last minute and should do a test screening as soon as possible. I wanted to ensure that the picture on the screen is not highly pixelated which was a risk we were running, that the audio is OK and that the subtitles appear properly. So I had made an appointment with the screening venue to have a test screening.

Since I had my BM college, my technical crew went first to the Arts House to begin the process. By the time I joined them, they had cracked the whole thing. We could watch Mausams on the big screen - with decent video quality, subtitles appearing perfectly well and the audio being pretty nice.

An ocean of relief swept over me. With all the problems we have been having recently, at least this went off well! The team was equally overjoyed!

To celebrate, we went off and had a good meal and then all of us said, OK... time to take a nap. We were all pretty exhausted after a whirlwind week, and the nap lasted a good 12 hours and more.

We still have to get the final video ready together with the sound design etc., but this was an awesome day nevertheless!

508 more to go.

Day 491: From Crappy to Not So Crappy

24 March, 2011

When I got back home after the BM college today, I heard from my technical crew who has been working on the sound design and background score work that they have lost 1.5 hours of sound design files because the system crashed. That's 75% of the movie. It had taken my composer cum sound designer weeks to get it done so far and now it's all gone. Pretty shitty stuff.

There was major disappointment, no doubt, but no body panicked. No body showed their frustration or even cribbed for that matter. They just said, "We just have to redo it again but first let's take a break and have dinner together."

And we did just that.

The four of us had a very nice dinner together and relaxed for a while. Now they are about to start on reworking the whole damn thing again. I don't really know sound design work.... so I am just staying apart a bit and watching them. I feel helpless but seeing their commitment and drive to make this happen, I feel pretty good too.

This might sound like a cliche, but honestly when you have a great team, even the crappiest of events seem not so crappy.

God bless them.

509 more to go.

Day 490: Behind The Scenes Video!

23 March, 2011

My super talented editor and cinematographer put together a lovely behind the scenes video which, am sure, would make me smile for years to come.

Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXAC3ayVS4w

510 more to go.

Day 489: BGM - Check!

22 March, 2011

Another long training day - this one went for 12 hours. Followed by marathon Mausams work which ended at 4am.

But good news - Mausams background music is done!

511 more to go.

Day 488: BM College, Skypark and Mausams

March 21, 2011

What a day! It's the beginning of a very hectic but productive week, I can tell. I ended up going to bed at about 5am thanks to the Mausams work and had to wake up in a couple of hours for the first day of Brand Manager college at Marina Bay Sands.

And I had an amazing time! This was hands down the best day of training I have had in P&G and it was highly inspiring and energizing!

After the training ended I also got to visit the Marina Bay Sands Skypark for the first time! The view from there and the infinity pool were stunning!

Back at home, I was back to the Mausams grind and the day ended at 4am at night.

So yes, am exhausted but happy!

514 more to go.

Days 486 & 487: Incredible Mausams Weekend!

March 19 & 20, 2011

Two days of intense post production work - this time focusing on the background score and sound. Intense would mean sitting straight on it together with my editor and composer for about 18 hours or so, going to bed only past 6am, having erratic timings for meals etc. But I can't articulate enough on just how much fun it is. Actually, it's much beyond than just fun! Now things are really falling into place brilliantly. I can see the work of the last 1.5 years coming together in a way better than I could have even imagined, it is not just about the quality of the film but also about how the work has led the script - which is just words on paper - to its current stage.

OK, I will stop before I ramble beyond comprehension. It is late at night. Am tired but feeling really really good. This has been one of the best Mausams weekend, if not the best, so far.

P.S. Today, on March 20th, I also had for the first time the complete team of technicians under one roof - myself, editor, composer, cinematographer. I just want to highlight that, because well... it is a big deal to me.

513 more to go.

Day 485: A.R.Rahman!

18 March, 2011

I had written here about the one person I really idolize - Michael Jackson. He is, of course, legendary but the very close second idol is our dear own A.R.Rahman! I love him and his music to bits! He is a freaking genius, an unbelievably humble one at that and as my Twitter says today, am very glad to be born in the same era as him!

And today I got to see him performing for the first time! It was a dream come true! One of my biggest regrets is not having had a chance to watch a MJ live concert, so the fact that at least with Rahman it worked out, meant a lot! And it was such a wonderful experience.... God bless that man!

OK... I don't think I have to elaborate further. Today was the day I watched my first (and hopefully not the last) A.R.Rahman concert. Period.

P.S I must also mention that my own music composer (an A.R.Rahman-in-the-making, if I may point out) landed today too and we have already made some great progress on the BGM work. So things are looking very exciting!

515 more to go.

Day 484: Painting Memories!

17 March, 2011

Today I ended up reliving memories of my "painting days". It all started because this production house asked me for the pictures of my paintings for the web infotainment episode they are creating. This meant I had to dig up some of my old paintings from the store room.

What was really interesting was the fact that my old paintings were really... well..."old". I didn't realize that the last time I did an oil painting was in 2003! Most of my paintings were from 1997-1998 and a couple from 2003. That's it! Nothing since then!

Now I have an overwhelming urge to paint. I want to once again set a clean canvas in front of me and figure out what's gonna appear on it, I want to feel a brush in my hand, I want to enjoy the smells of the paints and the oils and I want to be part of a creative process that has only me and me alone involved in it.

But of course, that will have to wait until the Mausams premiere is over and done with.

So for the time being, I am happy hugging my old paintings, feeling the texture of the dried up paint as I touch the canvas, fussing over the fungus that has started to appear because I never bothered to varnish them, and telling the hubby and my editor who is visiting, "See? Once upon a time, I used to be a painter!"

516 more to go.

Day 483: Editor Back In Town!

16 March, 2011

OK guys, it is FINALLY the FINAL stretch of Mausams.

To kickstart the last lap, my editor is back in town. He is gonna be here for a few days together with my composer who is flying down in a couple of days as well. Nett, it's gonna be back breaking work to finetune everything over the next few days.

But am more excited than I have ever been before. This has been so long in the offing. Fingers crossed!

P.S. This also means expect super short posts for a few days.

517 more to go.

Day 482: Publicity Passion!

15 March, 2011

Let me say it upfront. This one is for my publicity manager.

As I have written time and again on this blog, I am very... I mean VERY....much in awe of those who go beyond their basic call of duty to help others. And with Mausams, a lot of people have gone beyond their call of duty to help me or help this film develop...which not only leaves me in awe of them but I am also very grateful to these folks. This includes people like my editor and cinematographer to name a couple. And now my publicity manager.

Whenever I feel that am fighting a battle alone, it is people like her that really make my day. When she draws up extensive plans for ticketing, passionately brainstorms for more and more ideas, get downright frustrated about having not enough legs to do the running around, panics over the slow ticketing progress, I end up smiling. Not because I don't have the same frustrations or concerns about the ticketing but at least these feelings are not just mine. The fact that someone else is feeling as passionate about this project makes me feel really good!

So yes, this one is for you my dear.

518 more to go.

Day 481: Perfecto!

14 March, 2011

Today was one of those perfect days. Like, the kinda day that I would love to have every other day.

It began with a bright, early and wise start to the day. I woke up earlier than usual and actually got myself to... wait for it.... meditate! I am so proud of myself!

After that great start, rest of the day ended up being positive and productive. Work in the office saw some good progress, there was some good progress on Mausams publicity work, and the day ended off with a 8km jog. This is the longest I have ever jogged after my one time record of 10km, so it is definitely pretty good.

So it was in every way, a very complete and perfect day.

519 more to go.

Day 480: Simple Sunday

13 March, 2011

A simple Sunday of Chai Lattes, films, Thalassery Biriyani from Swaadhisht and relaxation.

Nothing major. Nothing productive. Nothing out of ordinary. Except for the fact that I attempted meditation before I hit the bed.

So was it beautiful? Oh hell, yeah.

It was the best preparation for the upcoming couple of weeks which is going to be an uproar in terms of the amount of work - both in office and with Mausams. Which is also why am resorting to meditation - just to keep those nerves calm.

So yeah, bring it on.

520 more to go.

Day 479: Interview with Rupture

12 March, 2011

A few days ago, a lady from a production company Rupture had called me and said that they were making web infotainment series on Indians in different fields in Singapore and would like to profile me as the film maker in it. As highly amused as I was at the prospect of being called a "film maker" (after all, am only 1 feature film old and that too the most independent, experimental of it all), I accepted the offer.

Today was the shoot for it. The venue was the Arts House, same place where we would be premiering the film. The whole set up was casual and relaxed, the people were friendly, the anchor was hilarious and I was comfortable enough.

I don't know yet how much of what I spoke really made any sense, but it was total fun for sure!

A different experience!

521 more to go.

Day 478: Miserably Small. Incredibly Beautiful.

11 March, 2011

The day that the horrifying earthquake and tsunami hit Japan. The aerial footage of a massive wave systematically wiping off a town was the most disturbing thing I have ever watched. Home, vehicles and presumably humans and animals being washed away. Cars on a highway nearby speeding as much as they possibly can, from the gigantic wave closing in hopelessly on them. When land, water and fire were against man, all at once - nature at it's cruelest.

It brought a sharp awareness of how blessed is to live a life through normally enough and how lucky one is if death too is a plain affair.

All the events that made me smile during the day then felt both miserably small yet incredibly beautiful.

a) Catching up with a few of Mausams team members and together going to watch a dance show at my good, old alma mater NUS - bringing back memories of my own days of dance performances at the same venue, in front of a similar audience.

b) Printed Mausams posters and flyers in my hands - complete with the rating.

c) Giving the first flyer to my dance teacher at NUS, getting her blessings for the film.

d) Having a stranger coming up to me, asking me whether I was the one who made the film Mausams and how she can get the tickets.

e) Fun dinner with a couple of the Mausams cast and our dear young cinematographer.

Like I said, all pathetically little but incredible beautiful events because at least am around today alive and kicking to be able to experience them.

522 more to go.

Day 477: Rating!

After all that confusion and worry over a censorship rating, Mausams finally got a "PG" rating today!!! Yay!

It makes my day SO much, I can't do justice to it in words!

More so because no matter what, with or without rating, we had decided to start printing publicity materials tomorrow at 10am. We could not possibly wait anymore because this was the last weekend to make any decent publicity efforts. We had decided that the rating would be a "TBC" on the materials temporarily. This, however, would have meant that once the rating is out, whenever that may be, we would have had to go for another round of printing, which in turn means more money, time etc.

But this evening, at 9pm, this sweet chap from MDA called and confirmed that the classification process is done and that we have our final rating!

We can start printing out publicity materials tomorrow at 10am with the final rating.

Yes! Thank you God!

523 more to go.

Day 476: Philosophy

9 March, 2010

As the title very clearly points out, am gonna philosophize. So either you stick on reading and wise up or you run for your life. You make the choice now.

Alright, for those who decided to stick on... this is the story.

Now that Mausams is making a slow exit and leaving a gap of a few extra minutes a day in my life, I decided to go back and restart my pursuit of an enlightened and peaceful mind.

It all started with the book "The Autobiography of a Yogi", which to me, more than anything else, tells the story of how you can do whatever you want in life as long as you work for it. If you work on it with the due intensity and determination, never once giving up, you can even be in complete control of your mind. The book then goes off to say that with complete control of your mind, you can do even the most improbable things like time travel or levitation etc. But at the end of the day, all of it starts with the simple task of meditation.

I have always believed in the power of meditation. The fact that it is so damn hard to do in itself should mean that there is something pretty intriguing about it. To genuinely shut off all sounds and images for one's mind is pretty difficult for seconds, let alone minutes and hours. So being able to do that, I believe, would come with its due benefits including...the most important one for me...the ability to not get stressed out about anything.

Only issue - I never meditate. I used to as a child, I have had random bouts of wanting to get back to it (and with some reasonable success for a couple of days too) but never was successful in maintaining the habit.

About a year ago I signed up for the lessons on a particular meditation technique. This one is prescribed by the Self-Realization Fellowship established by Paramahansa Yogananda, the author of The Autobiography of a Yogi. The whole intent is to learn a very systematic way of meditating, something more scientific than religious.

So yes, I had signed up, got the lessons via mail and then happily ignored them. I did feel a pang of guilt every time I see the stack lying around in the house, but I simply did not have the interest or the determination to get working on it.

Until today. Today I decided that instead of reading The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest before I go to bed, I will read the SRF Lessons.

Which was a brilliant decision really.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first couple of chapters (the meditation lessons have not started yet and these are introductions). They basically re-emphasize the philosophy of if you want to, you can. In their case, they are talking more about how it is possible to elevate your mind over and above all the worldly pleasures and concerns if you indeed work on it with a steely steadfastness. It all boils down to will power, after all.

To cut a long story short, by the end of reading those chapters, I was feeling really good. Very positive. There are so many issues both at work and with the film still ahead waiting to be tackled, but somehow after reading those chapters, I felt that they are manageable. I had not even started to meditate, but I was already feeling that my mind has calmed down. I felt that these problems too, like everything else before them, would be solved one way or the other and there was no point in stressing over it. It was just a matter of keeping at it.

With that overwhelming feeling of faith and relief, I was ready to go to bed a very happy person.

Beautiful.

524 more to go.

Day 475: Mausams for Charity?

8 March, 2011

The profits for all my previous productions (plays mainly) had gone for charity. I usually produce the show, i.e. make the necessary investments, but cover the costs with ticket sales and give all the profits towards charity. Whatever the profits were (sometimes in a couple of thousands, sometimes in a few hundreds), there was always a feeling that at least the whole exercise benefited someone somewhere other than just the working team who gained some memorable, fun experiences.

With Mausams I had not intended of doing the same for the simple reason that even breaking even, let alone making a profit, doesn't seem likely. Even though the costs are really "minuscule" when associated with a feature film, it is still a reasonable sum personally and my screenings in Singapore are not going to cover it.

So somewhere in the back of mind I had this nagging (almost guilty) thought that this time my project is not doing anything for a bigger cause. Somehow that didn't seem right.

But to be frank, I had not given it too much thought either because I also didn't want to get into the very tedious process of finding a suitable charity that I believe in, organizing special screenings for the purpose, finding out what the donation process would be etc. You would be surprised at the work needed for these things sometimes! It's not as simple as writing out a cheque! They are not always straightforward and I didn't want to go through the hassle since am fighting enough fires with the current issues regarding the ratings and screenings of the film already.

But today, as I was trying to spread the word about the screenings with my friends, one of them popped up and suggested this idea of doing an exclusive screening for a charitable organization that she is part of. And better still, she offered to figure out all the logistics for the event herself!

It was like a message from God! Looks like Mausams is destined to contribute something for the bigger cause after all! Obviously, I pounced on the offer.

The whole deal would be finalized only post the screenings that have already been planned in Singapore and also depending upon the suitability of the film to the audience at the charity. But at least a door opened for me to throw out the nagging feeling and at the same time not really having to put in much effort, because the ball is completely in my friend's court. But I sincerely hope it works out!

In any case, the offer made my day!

525 more to go.

Day 474: That Thing Called Motivation

7 March, 2011

It was one of those blue Mondays. Lack of interest in working, zero motivation, feeling utterly and completing disgruntled and lazy. You know the type.

After making some really unsuccessful attempts at being productive, I ended up feeling rather frustrated. On top of the lack of motivation my eyes were back to their tearing and itchy selves, making the work look harder than ever. In short, it was a sad little situation.

So I did the only thing I could do at that time. I packed my stuff and went home in the afternoon.

I relaxed the whole afternoon, only attending to the important emails and calls. Later in the evening I went for a jog and then had dinner with hubby and a friend who came over, topping it up with Tiramisu at the end.

And THEN, I got down to work. I worked a fair bit until midnight. I wouldn't say that I was swimming in motivation by now, but things were definitely better. I dunno whether it was the relaxed afternoon or the jog or the Tiramisu that did it, but I wasn't at least feeling like banging my head against the red wall of my study. And yes, the productivity was way better than in the morning when I was just staring at the laptop being unable to make sense of whatever I saw on it.

So yes, in a nutshell: today I didn't force myself to do something that I absolutely didn't want to but instead, waited it out until a drop of motivation was available.

It made a world of difference.

626 more to go.

Day 473: Publicity, Movies, Chai, Life

So publicizing a movie, even if it is only of the Mausams scale, is still quite a lot of work! I spent a few good hours working on separate customized notes to different media folks, answering a chunk of pending emails, writing to those friends and acquaintances whom I have not contacted yet regarding ticketing etc. But what was fascinating was that I didn't realize how the time passed. I was so engrossed in it that I skipped lunch and when I looked up at the time, I realized that it has been a few hours already. So that means I enjoyed the process thoroughly.

Then I decided to watch a couple of movies - I did a repeat viewing of Arabikatha (Malayalam) - one of the nicest, simplest, sweetest, most innocent pictures I have ever seen. Sheer brilliance. The next was The Great Indian Butterfly - an arthouse cinema but still with the support of a significant production house. That was different and interesting too.

So I was already pretty satisfied with my life on a Sunday.

Then the hubby, who had been out the whole day on work, came back home and suggested that we get dinner at some nice place to compensate for his absence on a Sunday (yeah... sweet, I know ...but may I point out that it was also because he didn't wanna watch the film Saat Khoon Maaf with me and instead wanted to watch cricket. So.). Accordingly we went to Shahi Maharani. After a decent dinner, we had their specialty... the most amazing Masala Chai. Yummmmm.

I felt life couldn't be better.

Then I came back home and my editor who was online, told me some stuff about Mausams that made me feel reassured about some problems that were beginning to crop up. The issues were beginning to worry me a lot but after the chat with him, I felt that the situation is under control.

With that I was convinced, yes... life can't be better.

527 more to go.

Day 472: Puppies, Babies and Munnis

5 March, 2010

It was a packed Saturday. I was on the go from morning till late at night.

It all began with a quick photoshoot in the morning for which I had to get properly dressed and look more decent than I usually do. Objective was to have a decent picture to be sent to a magazine that would be featuring the Mausams story.

Then we went to the Mausams leading lady's house to see her new puppy. Had a great time there with other Mausams cast and crew folks who had also attended this big event. I must also make a special mention of the fascinating sight of my hubby hopping and skipping to avoid the pup going "Easy dude! Easy dude" throughout.

Then we went to a dance studio where the hubby's colleagues had gathered to learn Bollywood dancing for an upcoming offsite of theirs. Apparently they had decided that I would be the most suitable person to be their dancing coach, so I tagged along as well. The song they chose was the biggest items number of recent times - Munni Badnam Hui. Needless to say, I had the most wonderful time watching a number of Chinese folks as well as my hubby wiggle their hips to the song! And it was wonderful to be dancing after a long time as well!

Then we had visited a close friend's newborn baby. He was a peaceful child, hardly ever crying and not making a fuss when strangers picked him up. Just the kind I don't mind being around. So had a good time there as well.

This was then followed by the movie Tanu Weds Manu (which was entertaining enough) and a quick visit to Clarke Quay to pick up some supper. There we met a few of the inevitable NUS crowd and had a quick catch up with them. Quite fun as well.

So there we go... busy day but lotsa fun!

528 more to go.

Day 471: Premiere Night Sold Out!

4 March, 2011

As of today, Mausams first night of screening, the one and only premiere night in Singapore, is sold out. It's gonna be a big night, to say the least. Excited!

529 more to go.

Day 470: A Suburban Evening

Today somehow both the hubby and I found ourselves back at home early in the evening. There was no yoga, no work be it on the film or anything else, no meeting friends, no running errands, nothing. Instead we had the whole evening at home without much to do.

So we did what couples in the suburbs are supposed to do. We cleaned up the house a bit...there were bags that were still unpacked after our holidays, there were letters from months ago that still remained unopened, there was stuff in the fridge that had not been touched for quite a while (yuck, I know) etc. We cleared all of it.

Then like a good suburban couple, we walked to the nearest mall, had dinner, walked around the neighbourhood a bit, and then got back home. A bit of T.V., a bit of reading, a bit of catching up on Facebook and other such chilled out activities continued.

Peaceful. Quiet. Calm. Lovely.

530 more to go.

Day 469: Mausams & People!

2 March, 2011

Is it OK if I have nothing else to talk about other than Mausams for a few days? Because really, it seems to be bringing too much fun into my life right now!

Until now, my life was revolving around it but in a very different way. I was just continuously working on it with its fair share of ups and downs coming my way. Sure, that was fun too but now that the work is pretty much done and the screenings are about to begin, it's a totally different kind of fun!

Every other person I bump into asks me about the movie ...my team is taking initiative to do publicity on their own without me having to coax and cajole.... people are messaging me about it, calling me about it.... some are sharing the links to ticketing and trailers with their friends.....everybody is just so nice and kind and so very supportive!

It's like I can't possibly express how grateful I am for all the positivity flowing in! I want to give everyone one huge hug and say a long "Thank Youuuuuuuu"! That's not possible but here is a virtual one nevertheless! God bless!

531 more to go.

Day 468: Mausams Ticketing Begins!

1 March, 2011

It was just as well that I did not panic yesterday. Because things automatically fell into place today and looks like we will be screening my first feature film Mausams from 1 - 11 April 2011 at the Arts House in Singapore! The venue sponsors worked some magic and got the ticketing to commence without further delay.

So yes, Mausams ticketing has begun. I guess there is no turning back now.

Big day.

Phew!

532 more to go.

Day 467: Happy First. Panic Next. Or Not.

28 February ,2011

Eventful day, really.

For the first half of the day, I was feeling rather good. My HR manager had decided that I should present the film trailer at the monthly category-wide business update meeting. Initially I was apprehensive (almost embarassed actually) to talk about my film at that venue where everyone else would be talking business! But then I thought what the heck, let's see how it goes! It's free publicity after all!

So I did take the trailer there. My slot in the whole agenda came right at the end. I gave a quick background to the whole film experience and then played the trailer. It was my first moment of truth with a whole bunch of people (about 80 of them I think) sitting and watching and reacting to a part of Mausams. I must say they took to the trailer rather nicely. At the end of the presentation, I wanted to remind everyone that there would be tickets coming up soon but I realized that it took quite a long time for the applause to die down and for me to get a chance to say something. I am not sure whether the same thing would happen for the film, but as for now this made me really very happy.

Then came the panic part of the day. We had submitted for the film's censor certificate and are still waiting for the final rating. Initially the understanding was that we could proceed with ticketing etc., but the rating should be available before screening and we should be well in time for that. However, yesterday the bomb was dropped that even ticketing will not be possible without the rating being published!

That was a total disastrous situation. If we wait for the rating before ticketing starts, it means ticketing will be delayed which in turn means the publicity can't start on time which in turn means, in a nutshell, I won't be able to sell many tickets. Needless to say, I was upset. The only solution seemed to be pushing back the screenings. But that was easier said than done because so many cast and crew had friends and family flying down for the premiere and to change everyone's plans so last minute wouldn't be easy.

The panic lasted for about 5 minutes. Strangely enough I calmed down. The frustration evaporated and my brain started functioning in a chilled manner. Another option soon presented itself in my mind. I considered the idea of a closed door premiere - which means the close friends and family get a private screening which wouldn't need any censorship ratings and then we push back the rest of the screenings to the public post the ratings are out. That was a good solution really, because then all the special guests from abroad still get to watch the film on a big screen without having to change any of their plans and we get around the rating issue too.

I must say I was relieved. There was a solution after all. I would go to the extend of saying that I felt pretty pleased by my brainwave.

But more than that, I felt pleased that I could think through the situation calmly. I could have let the panic eat me out and make me cry and make me once again think that this film was the worst idea ever. Instead, I chose to sit down and think about it rationally.

Am not sure why I behaved in such a wise and saintly manner but for today, that was special.

533 more to go.