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Lee Wing-Sze

Name: Dean Siu Yiu-wah

Occupation: Assistant director

Age: He's not telling

Young Post: What does an assistant director need to do?

Siu: We are there at the filming location to execute what the director wants. It's more a managerial than creative position. You have to get everything such as props, actors and setting ready before the shooting starts. You have to arrange the shooting schedule and communicate with the production department and the director.

Actually, there are not many opportunities to contribute ideas.

YP: How did you get into the industry?

S: I have loved movies since I was very young and always wanted to work in the industry. I started acting in movies and RTHK's ETV (educational television) programmes when I was a teenager. After form five graduation, I took an acting course at the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild Training Centre.

But as I'm not a good-looking guy and not really an outstanding actor, I decided to work behind-the-scenes.

YP: What have you done before being an assistant director?

S: In a movie production crew, there are four different departments - direction, production, art, and technical and lighting. I've worked both direction and production from the junior level. I worked as an assistant director for an advertising company for two years and with RTHK for a year before I entered the film industry.

YP: Could an assistant director be promoted to director?

S: A director's job is very different from an assistant director's job. A director needs to take care of the creative part, to think about how every scene should be handled. An assistant director just needs to execute the director's request.

Therefore, this seldom happens in Hollywood. Most assistant directors will be in that position for his entire life. Directors are usually former script-writers, short video or commercial makers.

But in Hong Kong, it's possible. Hard-working assistant directors, who write scripts, shoot videos and read a lot of books when they are not working may be given a chance to take the director's seat someday. Directors such as Yip Wai-shun and John Woo started out as assistant directors.

But it also depends on whether you have luck and whether you meet the right people - investors.

YP: What was your toughest experience in the industry?

S: Having no sleep for a week. There were three productions running at the same time. Unlike other staff, I couldn't take any sleep during commuting because I ride motorbike.

After that I wouldn't dare to take so many jobs at the same time.

YP: What do you think about your job?

S: It's fun. You are watching the whole production process of a movie from day one to when it shows in cinemas. But at the end, I like to do creative work, and I don't think I'm really good at management.

So I will make videos myself whenever I have time.

YP: If people are interested in your job, what should they do?

S: They can take some film-making courses at the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild Training Centre or other institutes (such as the Baptist University or Hong Kong Academy For Performing Arts), which offer film courses teaching basic knowledge and technique. Then try to meet some people who are working in the industry.

The food

Shadowman Cyber Cafe, where this interview took place, is in Tsim Sha Tsui. Customers can enjoy free internet access using Mac desktops.

Chocolate milkshake ($20)

Rating: 3/5

S: It's quite sweet. It's okay for me as I love sweet things.

Honey coffee ($20)

Rating: 3/5

YP: It tastes pretty good with the honey and coffee flavours mixed together. But it's a bit too sweet.

Tandoori chicken spaghetti ($40)

Rating:4/5

S: Tastes good. It's a bit sour, which stimulates your appetite. It's interesting that the chicken looks like Chinese barbecued pork.

Mushroom fettuccine ($40)

Rating:2/5

YP: The mushrooms are not fresh enough.

Overall

Rating: 3/5

S: The environment is not very nice, maybe because I've been to too many luxury restaurants lately. But the prices are reasonable and the food is not bad. I particularly like their Mac computers - I'm a Mac user.

Shadowman Cyber Cafe

G/F, Karlock Building, 7 Lock Rock, Tsim Sha Tsui

Tel: 2366 5262



The movie man