Did I do the right thing?

At this point of time, I’m still thinking if I did the right thing….

Was supposed to work for an outside shoot for 3 consecutive weekends, but I’ve started since beginning of May as I was in-charge of costumes/make-up, and that I had to resource for costumes for the cheapest prices. However, the contract was yet to be given a bunch of us who were supposed to help out in the shoot as various roles, and the allowance was not yet to be said even we had asked before. The person-in-charge did say of contacting individually with regards to the allowance.

Initially, I did think that if the person-in-charge mentioned that we’ll be given a low pay in the first place, I would still continue to be involved in the project for it would be a good thing to be in my portfolio. I really did think and feel that way.

However, when the shoot started on Friday, we were yet to be given the contract to sign, but we still did our role conscientiously for all of us have the passion for film and no matter what it is, we’ll do our best. But the schedule was not adhered tightly, in fact it was lagging real behind time, and hours were super long (although we knew it could not be avoided) but still, we weren’t given any meals and trip allowance, and not say, our allowance was not settled yet.

Hence, after the first day of the super long shoot which lasted 24hours plus all the hours clocked up during pre-production, we actually went home to think about it. Hence, yesterday before the second day shoot started, we brought up the matter of the contract and allowance. The person-in-charge said the contract would only be given to us this evening and apologized for the long duration taken to prepare as there were other things to be prepared for the shoot. And we asked about the allowance, and we were told it’s S$400, paid to us in installments of 2 months. We were shocked about it. We knew it was an independence film and that we have committed to it, we should stick to it and it’s partly our fault we didn’t ask earlier. If we were told really from the beginning, we actually wouldn’t mind but judging from the workload (which could be expected from a shoot) and that the crew from the person-in-charge did nothing to help, 3 of us had different mindsets.

To be frank, although we are students, we can boldly say that we are more professional and skilled than the person-in-charge and the person-in-charge needed us for the technical and professional aspect. If the person-in-charge is professional and has the ability which we can believe in, and perhaps learned something from there, I wouldn’t mind continue staying to help, but it is not the case. I do respect the person-in-charge for taking a risk to make an independent film. I really do and I admit certain parts of the script are good and interesting. But some of the things that the person-in-charge has done, I do not agree and in fact, we are sort of teaching them what to do.

Hence, 3 of us decided to leave yesterday whereas the other 4 remained. Even those that remained were half-hearted. Like what my other friend who left has said, we do feel a bit sad and pity but as professional, we had to do what we think it is right. Perhaps, to some, I might be irresponsible but in business and professional way, I have to do what is right. Then again, to each individual… Oh ya, I still have to get back my reimbursements.

In addition to the upsetting incident as mentioned above, another shocking and upsetting incident was mentioned to me. My brother and her girlfriend broken off due to some reasons (some reasons that I can’t understand), and is after nearly 5 years. And my brother actually said something to his girlfriend which I couldn’t agree and kind of angry at what he said. Then again, it’s not for me to say anything coz I’m not aware of the whole situation. Relationship is such a fragile thing. Seriously, now I don’t know if I could trust in relationships and whether I would be able to go into one. Then again, it’s all up to fate, I guessed…