Oh Acting

The AVP shoot for Level Up! Mobile last Saturday was pretty fun. I was actually surprised that I got the opportunity to be part of it (and be one to have the most lines, too, along with Marjo, who was my partner there). I never would have expected to be called by one of my colleagues in the Creative Department and be asked to participate.

Despite the rains, I went there early so I could practice with Marjo. I must admit that I was a bit psyched, then. When I got there, though a bit late, Marjo still wasn't there, and the guys were still setting up. After checking my mail quickly, I went back and talked to the director and the other people present there. We figured that we could start shooting the lines that only had me in it. Thus began the cycle of memorizing the line, practicing it out loud, doing it in front of the camera, getting comments from the director, and then doing it again. It wasn't as embarrassing as I would have thought years ago. When you look at the camera and focus, you don't really notice the people around you. I think the fact that they were also doing things seriously encouraged me to be serious as well.

The director would sometimes say, "It's hard to be an actor, huh?" After having experienced what I did then, I would have to agree.

I learned a lot that day, especially with regards to small gestures and mannerisms that might reflect negatively (or positively) towards the viewers. "Say it like you believe it!" "If you think it's true and say it as if it was, then it will be true." I guess those are basic things, but we forget those things when we're on the spot sometimes. When I got the hang of it, the shoot went by way faster. When Marjo was ready, we finished all of the parts that needed the both of us immediately so that I could get back to my work. Junnie was there since this morning, and wanted some more GM help since Carl got stranded by the rains.

It was just the usual work day after that, but I felt particularly "liberated", so to speak, after the shoot. It was going to be shown in a press conference, so I hope it looks well. I wonder if I'll get to see the end product.

(The bosses are going to see it definitely. Plus publicity points for me I guess.)