Dialectik..tik..

What really is Real?

Shucks, this has gotta be out there. I often wonder what is it that makes or describes reality or the concept of what is real. And then...just came across this quote from Margery Williams' 'The Velveteen Rabbit' and damn it, it can't get more profound than this. Seriously, think about this as you read it.

"Real isn't how you are made," says the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you… It doesn't happen all at once. You become. It takes a long time. Generally by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."

Whew! Can feel it...or should I say 'really' feel it. And something about the storyline of the V. rabbit catches you by the throat. Anyways, now that I've opened the can called 'Real', here's an all-time favorite by Da Man Morpheus in The Matrix - who defines real to Neo:

"What is real, Neo? How do you define real? If you're talking about your senses, what you feel, taste, smell, or see, then all you're talking about are electrical signals interpreted by your brain."

 Classic...Maximum Awesome! Someday I'll come up with my re-loaded, redefined version of Real and then you'll all probably quote it and have gooseflesh all around ;-) Thank you very much! (And the pic above is one from our photographic light art collection.)

Thoughts, words...well?

Just got back into reality a couple of days back. Since then, been wanting to write about several things that have been snaking inside my gray matter. But unable to connect the pen to paper or rather having some trouble coordinating brain function to my finger tips. Over time I realize I am distancing myself from short-form writing. Well, it feels like whatever I have to write or say cannot be said/wrote about in a few concise words. Maybe there's a feeling that short-form doesn't allow one to explore deep thereby it ain't worth it. I've been juggling a few topics and each one has only about a paragraph in it. Shucks, unable to continue further now. Even with this, I'm trying hard to articulate...ok, see, my coherence is ebbing away and my brain seems like it's clawing, scrambling to get a good grip on my thoughts. Thoughts are way too fast to catch up with. I wish I could write at the speed of thought. Maybe I need an artificially intelligent robotic sidekick to put down in words what I think - like Tony Stark, if you will. Anyways, I'll get back to a more coherent rambling soon after I get some clarity.

Passing on...

When a person who loves you..and whom you love dearly, passes on..
leaves this reality, leaving behind everything tangible..
& a vacuum that hurts unbearably..
you are left behind to wonder what they have left behind actually..
they actually leave parts of them in each of those lives they have touched in this reality..
memories..moments..growth..happiness..and most of all, Love..and much more.
No matter how much we can philosophize the mysteries of the Universe and the ways of this life, and the death that follows, trying to see the big picture..
the loss is very much a part of this reality..and the grief is real..we might never be able to come to terms with their absence..but they become integral parts of our existence..
and stay within us.
In memory of our loving, funny, caring, thoughtful..and much more..
"mama"(Uncle in Tamil)..

To each his uniqueness...

Each one here has a story...
though we have a lot in common...
we seek, in this dimension, a purpose to live for...
and strive for a unified purpose simultaneously..
just the realization needs to be accomplished!

What makes a film? Form Vs Function - Article published at Filmmaker Magazine

An article I wrote for Filmmaker Magazine in New York has been published under the SXSW online column that is curated by John Yost(who's written/moderated quite a number of interesting discussions for a while now) who focuses on Micro-budget filmmaking. It's not the publishing itself that is of some significance, but more so the fact that it is on Filmmaker Magazine's Blog of which I've been a long-time reader. I've taken in a lot from them and their in-depth coverage of Indie filmmakers who share their journey from the trenches is what's really appreciable about them.
For folks in India and elsewhere, who aren't too familiar with the magazine, I must mention that it's a great resource for anyone who makes Independent films and it's actually published by IFP(Independent Feature Project) which again is part of the IFP (Independent Filmmaker Project). They are known for their tireless efforts towards supporting and contributing to the Indie filmmaking community which is highly fragmented. I'm not saying all this just because my piece is on there; I'd have written about them sometime soon and this just gave me a chance to do so. Though only my name is out there in it, it's our team Accessible Horizon Films, who's shaped my thoughts a lot. So, here's the link again on What makes a film? Form Vs Function.

Accessible Horizon Films - Getting a new skin

Folks, if you haven't already noticed, we've shed our old skin by revamping our website and will soon be updating about our latest projects. We've never been this swamped before and this kind of coordination is making us veer towards insanity, ok well, almost but it's sort of rejuvenating.

Absolute Spirit...

"Brahmam Okate"...The Absolute Spirit is One & Only ONE!
A collection of beings in multiple universes..
communicate with each other through their breaths and vibrations..
releasing the Infinite into the ether every single time..
to realize itself and be consumed again by another..
in an endless cycle of experiences..
Be it in one or many..the breaths hold the Absolute within..
metamorphosize with it & realize their purpose in this existence!
Is the purpose of the Infinite fulfilled or the Finite's fulfilled??

Dreamz, realities, dimensions..

This reality is an illusion they always say..
it is true..
to every single word..
this reality is actually a mixture of many realms..
trying to complete us and the endless thoughts that come our way..

A vivid dream is yet another reality that comes to
provide strength to our otherwise one dimensional world..

And..the day dreaming??
is an art..waiting to be mastered to make illusions into reality..
in this dimension.

What are you waiting for?

The Air I breathe...

Beings converging in a cauldron built centuries ago..
a thirst insatiable in them spreading in all directions..
their existential emptiness screams for visibility in this dimension..
their essence creating chaos in the spirits' realm..
their form devoid of function aiming for content..
their torpid exteriors holding an underlying fluid core..
which resonate with the supernatural sphere that is suffering
immensely by the pain but not dying from it..

An inner call draws them together towards the cauldron and into this sphere..
their form spreading an infinite pulse of chaos into the air...
and i happen upon it here!

Beings in search of a purpose other than theirs to unite for a cause..
but not ready to take the spiritual plunge of trusting the universe's intelligence..
filling the air i breathe with a sense of insecurity coming from unknown depths..
i contribute to the collective breaths whilst not knowing what to do..
i hope that..
under unpredictable circumstances the beings may alleviate the suffering and
a balance is stuck where..
the Contradiction between
Essence & Existence,
Form & Constitution,
Spirit & Corporeal,
Finite & Infinite..continues..!

Metroxical New York at Auroville Radio

http://aurovilleradio.org/arts-a-culture/visual-arts/2626-metroxical-new-york-art-movie
A little post screening discussion with Maria and Joseph from Auroville Radio. They are both actually  from Italy and are currently on a project stay in Auroville. This ain't exactly an interview but more about the origins and the why of 'Metroxical New York'. We were squatting right under a big ol' Banyan tree with its prop roots all around us. Anyways...

Redefining the term ‘Indie’ film – Interdependent Film

Okayyy, the first word of the title sounds a little pompous but hey, humor me. Sometimes I really wonder why an Independent/Indie film is called so. Of course, the most common reasons are that they are created outside of the mainstream studio system/film industry, that they rely on independent(unusual) sources(or even the lack) of money, that they are mostly composed of an Independent group of creators who mostly rely on passion and nothing else, that they cannot compromise on the independence of their visions, that they have the ability to take creative risks independently and so on. These reasons are well, quite understandable.

But apart from exceptions(like a one-man production), ‘Independent’ filmmakers are the ones to mostly ‘depend’ on resources that aren’t exactly quantifiable or tangible or put in monetary terms. Like borrowing from family, begging from friends and also stealing(ok, forget I said that but let’s not forget the fact that even mainstream filmmakers steal stuff all the time) from any readily available resource.

Back again, ‘Independent or Indie’ filmmakers depend on favors that are sometimes returned and sometimes not. But a general sense of camaraderie(among themselves) of the rebellious kind exists, that is kinda mutual. There is a need for that kind of support. So that ways, they are also dependent on each other. They seek scaffolding from their filmmaking brethren who are ever ready to provide assistance even if there’s nothing in the horizon for them but maybe hoping someday something might come of it.

Most of our earlier projects were mostly Independent, in the sense that, it was only our close-knit team of 4 with almost no dependence on external factors. It would be mildly amusing, not to mention pretentious, to see the same set of names(ours) over and over again in the end credits. Almost every name/s in every department in production would be a ditto. But now, as we move forward, the independence is slowly being replaced by an increasing ‘Interdependence’ even though we try to retain our Indie spirit in the general sense of the word primarily by learning-clawing our way out to completion. I intend to elaborate on the Interdependence part and on clawing our way out to finishing our Indie, sorry, Interdependent/Interdie project that has been in our pipeline. Because it is a must that we acknowledge our means, however small, to an end I hope will make some difference. Our recent documentary film(Metroxical New York) too has been sort of an Interdependent film, which is in the festival application phase about which I’ll update later.

Yay..RADISH...farming naturally!

Ever heard of a farming concept about how all the small plants & big trees should coexist for best yields? well, here is a combined effort on Natural farming which emphasizes on this concept by our friends, Shri. Ramanujam, Kumar (who likes to be called Iyarkai virumbi)& many more.
the photograph shows Iyarkai Virumbi and his harvest of the RADISH which is supersize..a result of natural farming..
around a feet & quarter long, 23cms diameter & 2 and quarter kgs weight.
for those of you who can understand Tamil..please check this link

http://www.inneram.com/business/business-ideas/radish-2797.html

it is time to be Natural again..

Grinding through...

As we near completion, we are beset with detail-oriented grunt work. Well, a lot of it ain't fun. Most of the creative work's been done up until the final cut. Even the cutting down to size wasn't that much fun. But I can very gradually see an organic change happening. Details. Details, my dear Watson. If I didn't already mention, dubbing's done and we are almost through with the DI(Digital Intermediate) process. Discovered quite a few things inside the new Magic Bullet Looks. Initially had trouble correcting the wide shots that were shot during the day but then I guess, we figured out a way. Will share some Color grading tips soon in another post. The above is a production still where the character 'Sundari'(Living Smile Vidya) is being harassed by the 2 Bike guys(Dilsa and Raj Bharath). Currently, correcting this sequence, using a bunch of stuff like Diffusion, Vignetting and Colorista. MB sure is a great tool.

to manifest..?

A pattern in my imagination repeats itself..
of something wanting to release itself from within..
the type of communication that i am familiar with, does not work here..
i wait...or endure?
the restlessness building up within..
maybe it is not an independent thing...
and has to be a Collective Creative process!
Where are the rest of the parts?
out there??

Creative Mythology - Joseph Campbell

The best things cannot be told,
the second best are misunderstood.
After that comes civilized conversation;
after that, mass indoctrination;
after that, intercultural exchange.
And so, proceeding, we come to the problem of communication; the opening , that is to say, of one's own truth and depth to the depth and truth of another in such a way as to establish an authentic community of existence.
- The word behind words, Symbolic Speech.

rastaa...

The corporeal self is very aware of its limits...
the spirit within knows none..
which is why it sometimes pushes the former
into unknown realms where it can realize more
of its strength..
the spirit prepares the finite self to extend its boundaries..
so someday it can come face to face with the infinite...
such instances are rare and initially faced with
tight resistances..by the corporeal..
but once endured, boasts of an experience profound..
in this realm..and uses that energy to enhance the journey further!

Shuruaat...!

A commencement...of a different kind..
A journey into another realm..
what does it mean in this reality?
is something that should be thought upon..
i stand between the finite that pulls me down
to this reality like gravity...
and another realm that floats just above the surface..
of my existence...
will i tread and never look back..
or will i stay back and wait for some sign?
being open to the infinite unpredictable possibilities..
is the key...i hear..feel..sense.
and wait for the portal to open!

Trailer New Doc - Metroxical New York

Here's the trailer for our new documentary film, Metroxical New York.

HDSLR Canon 7D, 5D - From the trenches

Here are a few observations about the HDSLRs Canon 7D and 5D, based on experiences on-location from our indie production. Though this is all very basic and already known information from various forums and DPs and pro-HDSLR users, we thought it might be good to share our views on these. Though we were initially skeptical about them, once we started work, we realized it is one of the best options for independent filmmakers, especially when you are going low-budget and/or experimental.

Pros

•           Excellent Image quality(2K resolution) that looks like film (even Hollywood productions have been using the 7D/5D footage)
•           Small, easily maneuverable in small spaces and can remain without being noticed
•           Works very well in low light situations
•           Big screen compatibility - Footage can be projected on big screens. This was a big question we had. So we tested the 7D and EX1 footage simultaneously at Real Image Media technologies, Chennai. The 7D stood up very well in comparison.
•           Easy learning curve
•           Camera accessories are relatively light-weight and can be made ourselves if we follow some Do-It-Yourself methods. We made our own dollies(track and tabletop), steadicams and the wheel cam rig, with help from youtube videos and the collective internet knowledge.

Cons

•           Not very conducive for fast motion or action shots. You can, but you have to be selective about it.
•      Slow panning also causes choppiness.
•           Limited Lens setup but this will slowly change with a lot of new lenses(CP2) coming up. But again, they are expensive.
•           Follow focus is very difficult considering the lenses that are compatible.
•      Slow motion in full HD1920*1080 resolution is not recommended.
•      When shooting outdoors, exposure has to be controlled consciously. Of course, this applies for any camera but with digital, take extra care. 

Gear used
Lenses used – 50mm Canon(F/1.8), 85mm Zeiss(F/1.4), 100-400mm L Zoom F/4.5-5.6 Canon, 12-24mm(F/3.5-5.6) Sigma(not recommended for 5D because of vignetting), 16-35mm Canon (F/2.8), Canon 24-105mm Zoom(F/4)

Two 8 GB Sandisk Cards

Kingston Card reader
Pics: One of our Cameramen, shoots a scene with the 5D and the DIY wheel cam rig. In the 2nd pic, the 7D is pictured with the 100-400mm L Zoom Lens and the 5D with the 16-35mm lens. The actors get ready for the take.