3 - 11 - 09 : The Blood Bond Saga (part 28)

Rumble in the jungle (part two)

Michael and the team were back in the woods at daybreak, to continue the scene where our lead character, John Tremayne, gets to show his stuff as a former Special Forces operative. MB and the team were whistling through the shots and there was a great energy on the set.

I was on and off the location, heading back to the studio to do 'producer stuff' to prep for the days ahead.

I've probably said his before, but: note to all you would-be producers, its not what you're shooting now but what you're going to be shooting tomorrow that kills you!

Michael spent the early part of the day directing the PLM rebel gunmen as they move stealthily through the terrain. I can't say enough about our stunt team. They bring total concentration to their acting performance, as well as the physical demands of their roles. Even though none of them are fluent in English, they worked so hard to deliver the lines that Michael had for them.

Though we'd already shot him out, the great Kong Sifu remained on the set throughout, as he so loved being back on an action movie. (By the way, I forgot to mention that his English name is 'Rambo' Kong, so he must feel quite at home in this locale!)

For the next part of the sequence, we see Deva (Phoenix Chou) acting as a decoy to draw the soldiers away from Tremayne.

Phoe was gung ho as ever about rooting around in the untamed forest (in a tank top) getting her arms (and nose!) scratched in the process. I keep imagining how our earlier casting choices for Deva would have fared. I can't believe we'd have found anyone with more grit than Phoenix.

At the end of this sequence, Deva is forced to shoot one of the PLM men herself, the first time her character has killed anyone, and MB crafted a suitably dramatic denouement as Deva runs into Tremayne's arms. Phoe was able to get into the 'moment' wonderfully. I know we won't be able to match Hollywood in terms of spectacle, but I hope we can in emotional content.

Finally, Michael came around to shoot more of his own action scenes. And this is after directing everyone else all day!

Michael managed to wrap the action while there was stil daylight, so Ross got some nice sweeping shots to show the sheer scale of the forest.

Back at the studio canteen afterwards, someone had come up with a six gun with which MB could show off his Johnny Ringo movies. Phoenix (a die-hard 'Tombstone' fan) was visibly excited (and I still think she looks waaay better holding a gun that he does...)

Next : Simon Yam : rebel hero!