4 - 11 - 09 : The Blood Bond Saga (part 29)

Simon Yam : Rebel Hero

I guess the French New Wave catches up with all directors eventually. It certainly seemed to for our revered helmer Michael Biehn today, who turned up in a grey sweater and white scarf. Very Truffaut. (The reality is that the morning air was cold and this was all he could finagle from the costume department!)

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I first worked with Simon Yam around 28 years ago ("before I was born!", as mode-turned-actress Emma Pei likes to remind me). We've been friends ever since, so its a particular pleasure to have him in the cast of 'Blood Bond'.

Simon spoils you for other actors. He is so congenial, patient, professional... Yam's unique charisma brightens the whole set, or the whole studio, depending on where he is at the time!

Though he's been in Nanhai for a couple of days, he shot for the first time today. Its a great establishing shot for his character: his aide Guang Di (Emma Pei) drives up to his rebel camp in a jeep, and, in a sweeping crane shot, we follow her through the assembled revolutionary soldiers until she finds Lompoc.

Fortunately for us, Emma can drive, something no-one had ever thought to ask! Ms Pei is full of surprises. She's model skinny, but can kick ass with the best of them. She also has this vry affecting intensity, especially in close-ups, that belies her elfin features. I think she can really make a go of this acting thing if she puts her mind to it...

There was an instant rapport between Emma and Simon, which completely suits their characters in the film. He teases and impersonates her constantly, but she seems to love it.

The camp itself is situated just across from where we shot Ding's hangout. We refer to this area as 'the reservoir' (given the expanse of water it faces). The art department had gone to great lengths to capture the grungy grandeur of the camp, allowing DP Ross Clarkson to shoot it from all sides.

When we first scheduled this, it basically consisted of two scenes, and I felt sure we'd wrap early. As it turned out, the logistics involved meant that it was easily a full day. Another note to novice producers: everything takes longer than you thought it would!

Next : Radio days and kung fu fighting