Well. Here we are in the studio – the light just blew = just on 2pm. So ran to the electronics shop and bought 3 globes to be sure. All seems OK. The funeral criers are running late.
The funeral criers have come in – and She is telling them what to do – I have been told not to talk as they don’t want to be directed by me – it then becomes a foreigner cost. She said because she doesn’t speak the local language it is hard for her to organise – so they got another helper from Organhaus, a local guy to organise it. I need to pay him with some tobacco.
I have told She what I want – and now it is up to her to get the message through – I am told that I am a helper – I am just here to help with the cameras. Wow, well this is certainly a different way to shoot. There is a lot of charged discussion going on right now, and I am doing my best to make out I am not involved with this shoot – hence writing instead of trying to follow he discussion.
So we have four funeral criers. The money has been paid. I hope they have their outfits – more people are here – about seven of them now. More discussion. A lot of smoking going on, a lot of mobiles ringing. So I have set my mic down low
They seem to have six funeral criers – now they want more money. Some other discussion of 300-400 RMB more. I don’t nee six more funeral criers – but I have till 4pm to shoot I am told and they are still talking at 2.22pm. My camera battery wouldn’t last for six shoots – I would need to recharge and also down load. I said lets start shooting! I am so out of my depth with these negotiations. I just want the shoot to begin now, and for it to be done with – I am getting different messages from everywhere. I can’t act stressed that no shoot is happening. As I have been told that I am to look like I am an assistant.
Anyway, today I am just feeling in the midst of a big cultural gap. My skin shines out to everyone saying I am different. My lack of language makes me a cripple with communication. But even She says she feels this way – not speaking the local language. Everyone is gathered in the corner – discussions are being had – I have a feeling this shoot is not going to happen today. I am not sure how to hurry this along or what we are waiting for.
OK. 2.26pm all still negotiating. Fingers are being pointed. Raised language is happening. Arms are folded. I am not sure what is going on – but I am sure me standing in the middle of it won’t hurry it along. She mentioned before that the Chinese like the ‘quibble’ this is true – this is the ultimate in Quibbling going on right now. I really don’t think this shoot is going to happen today at all. I will be down 1200RMB with no shoot.
.
