Dream Fulfilled - Part 1

(Chinese version available below)

Ever since I landed a job at an animation studio, I have been so busy with projects at work I didn’t process the fact that the dream I had 3 years ago was fulfilled. It was until I was forced (by my mentor) to write a reflection, I sat down quietly and went through it all. 

There were two significant events I wanted to share, and I covered them over two blogs. Happy reading!

Being Part of a Movie Production

Film: THE GREAT DETECTIVE SHERLOCK HOLMES - THE GREATEST JAIL-BREAKER

Trailer : THE GREAT DETECTIVE SHERLOCK HOLMES - THE GREATEST JAIL-BREAKER

Around Feb 2019, Sunny, my mentor, offered me an opportunity to participate in a locally produced animation feature film as a voluntary artist. I accepted the offer in a heartbeat. I had no solid experience in film production back then, and I was dying to be at any studio, even if the job was to drag files all day. He told me I could work as an artist in a feature film? Why not. It was a dream come true.

I joined the production crew a month later. My curiosity and excitement were everywhere when I first stepped into the studio. I wanted to know everyone in the team, where they came from and how they became an animator, and mostly, I just wanted to be a complete cringe and express how fortunate I felt to be part of the team - which of course, this introvert would never do. But the compact environment of the studio made me lower my walls and treasure my time with these people, and literally touch their elbows as we drew on our tablets. 

I have been there for 3 months, and it was an eye-opener. Before I knew what an animation studio does, I never thought about the skills and resources that were involved in making a feature film as an audience. After having the opportunity to observe the behind-the-scenes, I realised how various and fine the skill sets that was required to create an animation. What impressed me the most was the talents that worked for the studio. The animation industry was not something huge in Hong Kong, and to see some colleagues single-handedly took up tasks that required several animators to complete amazed me. Their positive attitude and determination of hustling through the challenges inspired me.  

I had a part-time job when I signed up for this voluntary role. So I worked for three days at my part-time job, and the rest of the week was given to the studio. It was exhausting, but not draining. Many weekends were sacrificed for the production, but it was worth it. Being able to do what I love motivated me, almost like fuel to my energy. Not only that, but the colleagues were just a joy to be with. No matter how crushing their stress was, they still managed to find time to have fun. I’d rather sleep a little less than to miss the chance to laugh with them. 

Time flew. One more week to the end of the production. I was heading home after a day’s work at the studio. While walking along the promenade to the MTR, I cried. The past 3 months had told me clearly that I have found my life’s career. To think that this role I had would be over in 7 days gripped my heart miserably. I suddenly felt lost! What was more, I missed the colleagues terribly. It was my privilege to be working with these wonderful people. For all these things, my emotions overwhelmed me. 

Fast forward to the happy endings, I got a job at the animation studio Actplus, and I am now working happily with the same lovely team. Though, that was not my biggest joy, nor seeing my name rising up on the big screen in the credits. 

My biggest joy was having companions who share the same dream and passion. 

Photos of the team and the movie premiere

Soundtracks Corner

I personally LOVE movie soundtracks, so I thought I’d share some with you of this movie: 

(Chinese version)

初次參與電影製作的心得

電影 :《大偵探福爾摩斯：逃獄大追捕》

有次跟 Sunny 見面，他告訴我有一個機會可讓我以義務實習生的身份參與一套動畫電影製作。我一聽到「參與一套動畫電影製作」，毫不猶疑答應了。如是者，我有幸能為《大偵探福爾摩斯：逃獄大追捕》畫背景。

第一次踏入 Actplus 動畫公司時彷彿在做夢，誇張點說就像找到了自己的「桃花源」。原来香港的動畫師就藏了在這裡。雖然我一個同事都不認識，但感覺好像找到了同伴那樣。我充滿了好奇心，很想了解他們的故事。可是面對著行內前輩忽然又感到羞怯。不過那時工作的地方不大，幾乎是膊頭貼膊頭那麼親密地畫畫，就算自己有幾害羞都被逼到跟同事熟落了。

我參與電影製作雖然只是短短三個月，但當中的經歷是很難忘。我終於能體驗到做電影如何複雜。當中涉及的技能和工具種類繁多，是一種團體性的工作，一部分都不能少。這規模的製作需要以百計的人力。香港動畫師有限，眼看有些同事一個人擔當幾個崗位角色我深感佩服。過程困難重重，他們不單只抱著正面的態度面對，還能適應和調節，啟發了我。

製作尾聲是動畫室最緊張的時刻。當時我逢星期一至三有份兼職，其餘的時間都在動畫室裡跟同事們戰鬥。累是很累，有時星期日還要到動畫室幫手。但奇妙的是做著自己熱愛的東西給了我很大的動力。無論壓力有幾大，同事們都是有笑有講。我寧願犧牲一點睡眠和娛樂的時間都要去珍惜這段日子。

於製作完結的一星期前，我離開動畫室，沿著海旁行去地鐵站途中哭了。將來是否會有機會能參與製作我不清楚。電影製作是辛苦，但過去三個月告訴了我：這會是我一生的職業。知道製作就快要完結，我突然感到很徬徨。更令我依依不捨的，是 Actplus 動畫室的好同事。他們的正能量使每日的煎熬變得精彩。能夠跟這樣的人創作是我的榮幸。對這些事的依依不捨，我情不自禁流淚了。

其實整個過程最感動的不是看到自己的名字在大螢幕升上來，也不是被 Actplus 聘請了。最感動的認識到一班為夢想而奮鬥的夥伴們。

Karen Koh