Nay Toe's ambition

Now, he is turning his knowledge into a good use: a small film studio is being planned to share his knowledge in cinematography to others. In this interview, he said that through the studio in South Dagon Myotthit he aims to push the Myanmar’s film industry into another level.

 

What’s the film workshop you are planning?

I've been planning this for two years. Even a car can be repaired at a workshop but there is not any film workshop here. There aren't any places to do film testing. We don't have any place to prepare in advance. We face many difficulties when we start using the equipment at the settings for the first time. 

My workshop will offer cameras and editing service in one place. It is where scriptwriters, directors, and technicians can lay out their plans before making a decision on a new film. There will be studios for the shooting of one or two scenes. There will also be special makeup services. 

 

When this business will start?

I plan to start building it next year. Right now, I’m working on the cost and design. 

 

Are you sharing your knowledge with anyone? 

I’ve studied cinematography as I'm interested in the subject. I have studied what we can do with the equipment before buying it. Sometimes, I loaned my equipment and I had to explain how it works. It’s a kind of knowledge sharing. 

 

Good preparations for the script and filming technology are necessary for a good film? 

Actually, our work starts to be more like international films. We have been trying to narrow the gap in terms of quality. I think that the film industry has changed significantly this year due to the introduction of new technology. Filming techniques and equipment are really crucial [for the film industry]. 

We need interesting stories that we can show to international audience. But our techniques don't meet international standards. We need to develop the techniques. On the other hand, we are meeting international standards in terms of equipment. 

A new law is being drafted to govern the film industry. I hope that the lawmakers pay attention to this: how can we bring about improvement?

 

Having been in the industry for a long time, how you maintain your equilibrium?

I live my life in the open and I’m honest about it. Lord Buddha taught us that goodwill will reflect. In whatever I do, I always do it my best, to reflect my goodwill to the audience. Even when I'm writing punch lines [for Hnin Si Anyeint], I always think about how to make them better. I think goodwill is quite important.

 

What’s your current project?

Achit Sit (Real Love), a movie directed by Thein Han (Phoenix). It’s the first motion picture for actress Shwe Hmone Yati.

 

A number of your films are released this year. Looking back at them, what did you see?

They include arts and dramas. Some were just for entertainment. Among them, there are some memorable films including Mayar Project and The Dancer of Satan. Asone Mae Achit (Endless Love) is now in theatre. Indeed, my character in Sone Pyue (Black Sheep), which will also be released soon, is quite distinguished. I have been able to fulfil many of my own ambitions this year. 

 

Does the gap between filming and release dates bother you? 

The main thing is the plot. It must not become out of date in the next three or four years. The filming style should also be not out of date. 

Myanmar actors are often criticised for their overacting and unnaturalness. Sometimes, we need to overact to make our characters more outstanding. But I think we should be natural in most other scenes. To ensure that our films will be up to date, we need to change the scripts, our acting and the whole process. Even the music needs to be changed. All this will happen only when the industry falls under a true reform. To achieve this, all people in the industry will need to change. 

 

What’s your plan for next year?

What I'm doing now is for next year. I have worked hard, making use of what I learnt in the past for the sake of my future. I'm doing the best as I can.

I’ve been working so hard that I’ve had no time for love. I will think about it. Yes, my fans want me to get married. I also think that I should start something before it gets too late. I will share good news with them when the time comes.