The Three-in-One Angel

Last year was a memorable year.  

I prayed and prayed to God to help me to raise resources and funds for this community multi-media project.  Not only that  high quality HD camera is expensive and unaffordable, I also couldn't find people to use a normal three-year old camcorder to film video journals and edit them as you-tube videos. Every one I approached was asking for high amount of money which I didn't have.

How do I get this TV documentary done with no resources????? God, where are you?

I was really frustrated and scared..... oh oh.... couldn't sleep for many nights......

Then an email changed my life!!!

Help International, a Canadian NPO, announced that it found a  Canadian TV journalist named Morgan Reed to volunteer for four months to make the documentary!! 

I was scared at first, she had never been to Asia. KL could be too hot for her, and the food too spicy and we might have work style clashes!! The interns assigned to her must also be able to work with her, carrying camera, microphone, tripod and lighting equipment besides making appointments for her. A team must follow herm, would they work out? I said 'yes', and praying silently that everything would be ok.

After she arrived on Nov 24, it seemed like most of my hurdles just melted away with her aura or her ancestors' blessings. Interns came along because she showed them how to use Window Movie Maker to fade in and fade out, to slow scenes  and upload into You-tube.  Monash University's local campus film lecturer, Fikri, showed up at office to give advice and search for a HD camera.   She didn't even have jet lag and straight away made friends with the women featured in the documentary after I brought her to meet them. Other strategic partners came along because of her infectious optimism.

Morgan at KLCC Park on Jan 5, 2012

 Her 'can do' attitude brought a breath of fresh air to my own life. I began to be more optimistic about life.... and this project.

When we couldn't loan a HD camera, she went to Singapore on a bus to buy one herself and came back at 3.30 am, smiling and announcing to me, " I have named him Marvin!"

That day was a miracle in my life. I witnessed a cheerful, full of hope young Canadian woman caressing a camera. And then postive things began to unfold within hours from music to logistics!

Then we began to shoot scenes for the documentary. I assigned at least one intern to follow her in December and January, but we were surprised to learn that she is a 'one woman show'.

Morgan with Marvin at Sulastri's pasar in Chow Kit, KL

When we filmed in Crown Plaza Hotel in January 2012, there were 3 interns assigned to help her besides her sweetie, Joshua.  She carried Marvin on her shoulder, a tripod on the other shoulder, set it all up and filmed every thing by herself. We were just standing there watching, helplessly.... she used her handphone to contact every one for appointment. Production assistants didn't have to coordinate her at all!! This is exactly the opposite of the advice I was given - you must have a team of three people to help the film director - one to coordinate, one to carry equipment, one to drive/find the scenes for shooting.

Morgan being mobbed by kids at Siem Reap, Cambodia, all wanting her to take pictures for them.

When she was filming Pong at the Twin Towers, I watched her from behind. Filmed everything by herself without any one carrying anything or organizing the subjects for her.  So energetic, so strong.....  I was in awe of the confidence and dedication. 

She is the production team herself!!

What a good role model for my daughter and the girl interns, and for all the eHomemakers members!! A woman can be skilled in traditional male domains such as filming a documentary with a camera. She can do this all by herself, and even better than any man!!!

By Chong Sheau Ching