*Welcome! This is the second entry to a weekly series of upcoming posts written about our upcoming web series "Shadows" and different aspects involved in pre-production, production and post production, written by Hussain Al-Khalil*
Last week before we start filming this coming Sunday. I haven't been this excited in a long time. This past Sunday was a great meeting. Touched base with everyone on their focus of the project. The 14th, Sunday is our first day of production. Everything is falling into place. We haev all the locations secured, the prop list is taken care of and scheduling is smooth.
One thing I've been preparing myself for this past month is Ramadan. As you could assume because of my name I am Muslim. For those that aren't aware Ramadan is the holy month where Muslims around the world fast as well as much more. I wouldn't allow myself to exclude myself from Ramadan but also believe I can go through the filming pacing myself. I've never had to film an extended project while fasting so this will be new for me but I look forward to the challenge. Filming would be a few days a week only for the web series so it'll be good first step to adjust. I won't slow myself too much though, hopefully that'll inspire others to keep pushing later in the days when everyone is tired. Can't let the guy who hasn't eaten anything all day out work you. It's a blessing though if I do need to lean on my team I have a team around me strong enough to hold me.
Four locations are involved in the first episode. We'll be shooting at three of them on Sunday and the last the Monday after. Wasn't able to get pictures from last meeting unfortunately but I'll try and take some throughout the week to post here on the blog page for you to see.
(Shoutout to Michael Hooks for letting us use your place bro, it's much appreciated)
This last week has been all about preparation and also having my producers moving forward with securing everything for the next episode. It takes a lot of focus and passion to execute this. Last week I emphasized a lot on chasing your passion and trusting yourself. This week I'd like to focus on what else...but focus.
Without focus you cannot succeed. Passion is natural emotions and focus is figuring out how to unleash it. Uncontrollable passion is great but there are times you have to focus and make sure you are executing 100%. Once you have focus everything else becomes clearer, you become more of a complete individual.
I've had the title of Undefeated Losers in my head since my sophomore year of high school. At first it was just a catchy name but I've gotten older and continue to gain more experiences which put meaning behind it.
Being undefeated, that's how I see myself. That I can do anything I want as long as I put my everything into it. The biggest competition was myself to prove I can do what i believe I can do.
Being a Loser. Well, that's how the world sees you. Tell someone your dreams or goals, they will either shoot you down, or nod but secretly not believe in you. Question why knowing any reason you give them won't be enough to sway them. They won't understand your vision and doubt what you're doing. Doubt you'll be anything but a Loser.
Undefeated Losers: How I see myself and how the world tries to see you.
I could've just wrote that but last time I checked words were still free.
One last thing. Any ideas or dreams you have and feel the need to tell people. Use reverse psychology on yourself. Don't mention them. Not to everyone at least. Cause someone will try and shoot your dreams down. They can't shoot them down if they don't know them. Evaluate who you're talking to before you speak to them to save yourself the stress.
That's it for this week. Sunday or Monday I'll upload pictures from on set and maybe even a clip just for you :)
Next week I'll update you on filming and video editing.
If you have anything you'd like me to touch upon throughout these weekly articles leave it in the comments below or send it through a email on our 'Contact Us' page