I’ll Miss Waking Up 4 O’clock in the Morning
Two months is a long time to be in a production. I still remember the first time I arrived in Lumut for the telemovie. I literally didn’t know anyone. I talked to a few from the production team, only through the phone. I didn’t know how they look like, and didn’t know any of the cast that I would be working with as well. Not so bright of me, I don’t know why it didn’t occurred to me to ask them on who would be involved.
But like I said earlier, I met some wonderful people on set.
Rozie Rashid played my mother. Of all the people that were on set, I think I clicked with her the most. She was not only pretty, but talented as well. Considering my role in the production as her youngest son, that was the closest to her, its only fitting that we were close even outside of production. She was more like a big sister, rather than a mother (my real-life mom is almost twice her age). It was so easy working with her, but I don’t know if she had trouble working with me. I know I’m new, and there’s just a lot of things that I am still learning. There were so many times we couldn’t stop giggling when on set. I couldn’t look her in the eyes, afraid that I would laugh, because I did, a couple of times, all the while, hoping the director would not scream at me, because I know its my fault she’s losing her concentration as well.
She inspires me a lot. Giving me a lot of encouragement, to just go out there and do it, do whatever I feel like doing. Trying out stuff, and not to look down on myself too much. And one thing for sure, she is a wonderful wonderful mother, which reminds me so much of my mother back home.
Then there’s the dad, which I met on my very first day. Hairie Othman intimidates me a little bit I think. Knowing for a fact, I’ve seen him on films before, and how he was the heartthrob of his era, I felt quite small compared to him. He looked as though he could step on anyone he wants to, literally I mean. But after being with him on set, he softened down, and he is such a pleasure to work with. Very much like Rozie Rashid, he is also more like a brother to me in real life. Off camera, he is one passionate man, trying very very hard to make a good living for him and everyone around him. Despite what he had to go through before, or what others said about him, I see him as one determined guy, that loves his children more than anything, and just wanted to be taken seriously at times.
My eldest brother on screen, is the wonderful Zack from the pop group X-Factor. He is a character, I tell you. I couldn’t help laughing at his antics. Seems serious at times, but if he had his way, we would never be able to finish on time. He would always have something crazy to do on set. And one of his favourite thing to do, is to jump out of god knows where, whenever the director yells “Action!”. It was not until later in the production that I had a chance to meet him, so during the second half, I saw a lot of him. We had a lot of scenes together, and I pray to god I’d have short scenes with him. Imagine, if I couldn’t keep my cool when I’m with Rozie Rashid, how would it be if I had to do scenes with a clown. Yup, he brightens up the set, and thank god, cause by the end of the production, most of us were already all stressed out.
Ezany played my second brother, the one with the brain. I was supposed to work with him late last year, but I had to pass it. So I never got the chance to talk to him prior to this production. He is most famous for his belacan business, but I guess not many knew (I certainly didn’t) about his kicaps. And I’m a big fan of his kicap on set. He seems more serious than most of us. But I understand why. He works, and he knows when to separate his personal life from his professional life. He knows how to balance both, and he has a pretty sweet ride too. But too expensive for my lifestyle, and wallet. Near the end of the production, I can see that he had loosen up a bit, and that was nice. He is a couple of years older than me, but I feel so immature whenever I’m near him.
There were other casts too, but too many to write about. And they were all wonderful. I don’t think there were anyone that I had to work with personally, in this production, that I had actual problems with. They don’t know it, but they taught me a lot, unconsciously, on becoming a better actor, and most importantly, to become a better person in life.
Some of the best lessons in life, is not through words, but through love.
