Let There Be Light!
JACOB FELIX, LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – We have had a very interesting time getting the lights to work. All the problems were due to power issues, we have blown light bulbs as well as transformers. The outlets here are 240V and cannot handle our 1000W bulbs, it also is not very helpful that the wiring is extremely old.
The cast and crew were on set ready to go, the lights lasted for maybe two minutes: The first one started flickering then Poof, the bulb had blown. The second one turned bright orange, then faded away as the bulb slowly died out. Then a with smell from the third one, and cloud of smoke shooting out of the transformer, and just like that we were done shooting for the day. The cool thing about this is that even thought we couldn’t shoot until the nest day the cast and crew all kept a very high morale.
The hunt was on. From one store to another, they just kept sending us to some other store. After about 5 or 6 stores we figured out that no on in the whole country carries the bulbs we need. If we ordered them the fastest it would get to us would be 3 weeks to 3 months, we leave in 3 weeks so that wouldn’t be of any help at all whatsoever. We found alternative lights that ended up working out the next day but were not nearly as advanced as the light set that we had brought with us. Ultimately, we are now using the $200.00 lights that we purchased in Zambia even though we hauled 4 large light sets that are worth $6,000.
Comments
I am overwhelmed by the blog. I cannot believe the energy and enthusiasm that jumps from the computer screen. Although some of the difficulties the cast and crew must be experiencing should be huge (the whole lighting issues- crazy) it is as if nothing will get in the way of this amazing project. I was touched by many of the students and cast members blogs. You can just see the growth of the students in every blog, and I am amazed at their ability to share their experiences and express themselves through words. Out of curiosity, did you do any writing or blogging courses prior to the trip to teach the students how to do that, or are they naturally all strong writers?
I must say my favorite part though is the pictures. Your five-year old actress is beautiful, and it seems almost surreal to see the MCC students in and among the native people. I am so excited to see everything when you get back and I know many people on campus share my enthusiasm. Please keep posting the shots as they add so much to the words you are sending to us.
Also, many of the humorous side notes are enjoyable. The student exchanging Green Day items for native art pieces cracked me up.
I also feel quite bad for the faculty members that must return next week to start teaching. I don't know how they are going to leave you, but you can see how much they have taken in and enjoyed in such a short time.
Sonia and Mary are also excited, I will let them share their own thoughts with you.
Thank you for letting us be part of the journey. All our best thoughts, prayers and wishes are with you and the crew to have a safe and successful trip. We are all so proud.
I can't wait to hear more-
Heather Miles
Posted by: Heather Miles | August 16, 2006 09:04 AM