First, I have to say sorry for wasting 1 ticket. I meant to have it as a standby, just in case someone wants to go. In the end, no one did.
Left house at around 5.30 pm. It's always gonna be a long trip, from my house to Mediacorp.
Bus from home to Bedok Interchange. MRT from Bedok Station to Eunos Station. (I saw my neighbour BX on the escalator, going up!) Bus 93 from Eunos Station to the bus stop near Mediacorp.
FINALLY! After two failed attempt, I managed to alight at the right bus stop. Mom's relieved. Haha.
We reached there at around 6.40 pm. Told ya it's a long trip, didn't I? 1 hour and 10 minutes.
The e-mail that was sent by the DFTL team was not informative.
"Hi,
The ticket collection is at Mediacorp reception. You may collect it on the day of recording.
Thank you,
DFTL team
*NOTE: Please do not reply to this e-mail."
I sent an e-mail to the DTFL team but to no avail. Although KH asked me to call them for details, I didn't as it was too much of a trouble. Took a gamble and somehow, I didn't lose.
To play safe, I printed a copy of the e-mail. Took it to the reception, the lady directed me to another lady in grey t-shirt, who is standing some distance away from the reception. She asked for my name. No I/C or a copy of the e-mail is required.
She directed us to the carpark that was just beside the walkway to the reception. Didn't knew that there existed a car park! There's only a few teenagers and a middle age lady queuing. Mom was quite happy to see someone of her age.
There was no need to wait for everyone like what happened for the Sheng Siong show. The staff lead the group inside as they deemed fit. This explains the short queue that I witnessed.
It was rather a long walk from the car park to the studio. We passed by places that the props were stored in. The studio in which the live broadcast of news takes place. Saw the outside, but I'll prefer a peek inside.
This is the setting. It was recorded in Studio 1. Compared to the TV theatre, this was small but cosy. Similar to the stage where models do their catwalk for famous international brands?
The staff gave out London Choco Roll (Coconut Pandan flavour). 1 each. The Ngee Ann Polytechnic students occupying the seats on the stage (on the left side in the picture above) were cheering.What time did they arrived, I wonder, as most of them went to the toilet minutes after Mom & I have settled down. Whenever a group of audiences enters the studio, the staff would stand near the entrance and give everyone 1.
Just a look at the instruments and you will really go wild. Some Ngee Ann Poly guys went to have fun at the center stage. I was itching for a chance to have a picture taken with the keyboard, drums etc.
Take a look at the view above my head. Lights.
The view behind me. There was also a plasma TV behind the audiences. But who does it serves? No one on stage can see it as it's kanna blocked by the floor.
It was a long wait before the recording starts. Bored.
My ears were irritated by those Ngee Ann guys who keep showing off their knowledge of vulgarities.
I was entertained by the family of many (i lost count) who arrived at around 7 pm. They took out their iPhone, mobile phones embedded with camera and digital cameras for some pictures to show the world that they've been here. 到此一游。They wanted different backgrounds, the industry-feel, the stage and group photos. Lasted for almost half an hour. Vain.
Then a guy went on stage (Producer or Director?), set the rules straight. Asked if we knew who's the host and the answer was revealed. Sam 曾国成 got replaced by Mark 李国煌. Disappointed. I wanted to see Sam!! But still, the Local King seems to be the right choice. Also, audiences are not supposed to sing-along with the contestant on stage. No hints should be given as the crew is always there behind a watching us.
First recording for the first episode of the second season of DFTL.
Shortly after the serious briefing, Mark Lee pop into the studio. His skin is okay. The moon surface is slightly better as compared to the past. The atmosphere lighten up. But why must he adopt the same type of dressing? T-shirt, white jacket and red pants?
The guests for the 1st episode was those who have participated Talent time 斗歌竞艺 in the past. 3 of them are 方钟桦,叶佩芬 and Zhao Zheng Ping. All LKK. I expected it to be those below-30 Mediacorp artise.
Mark Lee, why couldn't I take pictures? Why are you so afraid of the camera?
The rest used their mobile phones to assist them in the shooting after Mark Lee say “不要拍啦“.
My phone's camera is only 3 mega pixels and only allow zoom at the VGA level. Sony Ericsson Walkmen phones' camera does not take good quality pictures under such light conditions. Not a fruitful trip for my camera. Now, I'm determined to get my hands on Nokia N8. It's not for sale yet and the price takes a long time to fall to affordable levels (unless the demand is really low) Meanwhile, if you want to see a giraffe, don't head for the Zoo, just pay me a visit. Haha.
I'm fascinated by the recording process. The starting was repeated twice as the Producer was not satisfied with the effects. When the contestant on stage have chosen their song, the cameraman will stop recording as they need to 试音. Start to hear jargons in the conversation between the contestant and Soul Brothers.
E-flat, something-minor, 8 bar, 4 bar etc.
The computer had some problem, then it was the lyrics that has problem when it comes to the Coco Lee's song "Di Da Di".
This time round, Mark always retreat to his base (near the band) whenever the contestant sings. Maybe it's due to the public's complaints that the presence of the host on stage will affect the contestant.
This recording shows me the efforts put in by those behind-the-scene crew. The communication between the top and the band. Maybe allowing people to watch such recordings will allow us to better appreciate their efforts as compared to the 1st Star Awards ceremony held last month.
Here's some spoilers.
Ye used 二人帮 and Fang used the rest, meaning 三选一 and 一送一.
At Stage 9, Zhao gave up. The trio managed to raise $10,000 for the charity.
Enjoyed the process, especially Mark Lee's jokes and the live band's playing.
Mark Lee didn't show the cool look like what Dasmond did. He interacted with the audience on stage and it seems that age gap between the 2 parties had no impact at all. 很亲民.
There was a lot of Manchester United Fans as compared to Chelsea and Liverpool fans. Mark Lee booed the guy playing the guitar after he declared that he's a Liverpool fan. Mark's words were like music to my ears.. " The ball is round. Let's wait till Sunday." HE'S A MAN UTD FAN!! WHEE!
The recording ended at 10 plus. On our way out, we were given pens sponsored by PosturePedic.
And I reckon the person walking opposite direction is Nicholas Fang.
It was already midnight by the time I reached home. Poor Daddy had to wait for half an hour because he forgotten to bring his keys back after attending the staff function.