4/21/2022 - Joshua Tree
[Check Project Details 👉 Under The Burning Sun ]
Today was windy all day long. In a day like this, our actors had to complete the most important emotional scene in the middle of the night, surrounded by wind and sand… From director to every crew is very nervous, worried that plan might need to be changed due to weather. However, there is an interesting Chinese culture that will boost everyone’s energy at time like this, that is — food! Since everyone works in such a harsh environment, they must eat incomparably good! Chris from producing team brought a generous amount of food, and everyone crammed into the RV to eat and drink until the sun went down.
Before we went up the mountain, Zicheng held an important safe meeting. Even though the filming location is not far from the RV, but it was very difficult to walk up hill in total darkness. So every crew got light sticks and move in groups, no one should act alone. When we arrived the hillside, Dong already set up a big bonfire! Looking at this bonfire lit in front of us not only warmed our bodies, but also gave everyone a sense of belonging in this wildness…
Only, the camera crew and actors suffered. In the cold wind, they had to be poured a mouthful of sand from time to time. Despite all kinds of preparations we did, it still very difficult to work. Tonight, the director needs to finish a wide shot and it lasts 5 minutes long. Due to our tight budget, we couldn’t afford to hire an operator for our Sound Ming. So he stepped on the apple box, and hold the recording pole for 5 minutes long every single take. When the last shot was finished, Ming could finally put down his hands, and they were shaking because of exhaustion.
This night, the bonfire kept burning, and we finished shooting the last scene at Joshua Tree. I should say it was one of the toughest project I've ever been through. Fortunately, we stay together. Thank you all!!!
Good night, have a good rest for 48 hours. See you in Death Valley!
April 21, 2022 Joshua Tree
AaRon
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