Thursday, August 28, 2008
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10:20 AM
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 I'd like to introduce to everyone to my co-producer, Armen Rizal Rahman, the man behind the music of e'TZAINTES + A WICKED TALE, the Danny Elfman of INRI studio (in case you don't know, Danny Elfman is the composer who did the music for most Tim Burton movies, including Batman, Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow and even Charlie and the Chocolate Factory).
Music is to me one of the most important factors of filmmaking and it is so important to work with somebody who understands the story inside out. For it is with music that the undertones are delivered, filling up parts that visuals, colour, words and movement cannot express.
It is hard to believe that the music for e'TZAINTES and A WICKED TALE is done by the same person, just like it's hard to believe that e'TZAINTES and A WICKED TALE is written by the same writer too. They are two very different films that require different types of musical style. For e'TZAINTES, to be loud, imposing and majestic to celebrate the decadence of youth. For A WICKED TALE, to be almost invisible, atmospheric, to create a sense of tension and psychological manipulation, that is in appropriate for the fairytale.
A lot of research has been put into our work. From cinematography to props, acting style to set design, art direction and makeup, storytelling style and music. No one aspect is less important than the other. We know we do not have a big budget for our work. We were amateurs when we first started. But that does not stop us from investing time, energy, spirit and dedication. That's passion I guess. The edge that allows us to do what we do in spite of all the odds that stand in our way. And it is infectious! (Tzang M)
For those of you interested to DOWNLOAD the two songs in the e'TZAINTES EP composed by Armen, log on to www.myspace.com/tzaintesmovie and click on the download button.
1) CATASTROPHE by Ubermensch featuring Wesley Choo
2) STREAKS by Ubermensch featuring Wesley Choo
Monday, August 25, 2008
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8:36 AM
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The relationship between film and audience is an interesting one. We can make the films. But it ultimately belongs to the people who watch it. THE AUDIENCE. We're glad to know that the e'TZAINTES + A WICKED TALE screenings reached its right audience with this double screening, dedicated to artists and dreamers, misfits and thinkers, poets and believers. And we've SINEMA OLD SCHOOL to thank for that. It was a glorious homecoming. We worked hard to bring the films back after their epic run in the worldwide underground film festival circuit. All this done with the help of Eswandy and Antoinette from Develope Communications, who helped us with the promotion and publicity of the films.
The reason why the screening happened - WE REFUSE TO BELIEVE that 'Singapore audience are not ready for films like e'Tzaintes & Wicked. WE REFUSE TO BELIEVE THAT SINGAPORE AUDIENCES ARE ONE AND THE SAME, who prefer to watch films about heartland angst set in coffeeshops and shophouses featuring ahbengs and ahlians, uncles and aunties. THERE EXISTS A DIFFERENT TYPE OF SINGAPORE AUDIENCE - people who believe in the power of expression, people who believe in the importance to breakout of the mould that we've created for ourselves, people who are sick and tired of the same old shit, people who desire for something new.
 
And for THIS DIFFERENT TYPE OF SINGAPORE AUDIENCE, WE HAVE FOR YOU A DIFFERENT TYPE OF SINGAPORE FILM. This is what INRI studio is here for.
In the words of David Bowie - "If you're like everyone else don't try to be different. If you're different, don't try to be like everyone else."
A big thank you to all the people who showed up at the premiere of e'TZAINTES + A WICKED TALE. Please continue to spread the word of the wicked. We need your support to continue doing what we do. Never say die. Rock N' Roll!
A WICKED TALE Writer/ Director Tzang Merwyn Tong,
with Co-producer Selvam Dass and
Producer (Music) Armen Rizal Rahman
 Fairies wear boots. 
Our most attentive guests.
 Sympathy for the Wicked - Gothic Lolitas on our Opening Night with director Tzang Merwyn Tong & Lisa Twang.  They came for two nights. Lolitas who brought their dolls to the screening.
Doll's who're fans of the movie.
The T-shirt Crew. Renegade warriors led by Tzaintes Actor Toilet Duck.
A Doll owner posed his doll with the Wicked Flyer.
A picture within a picture within a picture.
Paul Twohill with Tzang M.
  Fiercely promoting the flag of our guerilla marketing campaign.  The TZAINTES ARMY. Tzang with the 12 walking Apostles. 
Somebody who brought with him a sexy eight legged friend to the screening.
Our after-party @ Home Club.
TZAINTES NOT DEAD
Our friend, Ming on the decks at Home Club.
They came, they saw, they terrorised.
Q&A session with Armen. Selvam and Tzang 
Johnny Shameless & his Minions @ the TZAINTES NOT DEAD Party
Bringing scum rock back to the people. Wankers Lamers Losers, aren't we all?
Monday, August 18, 2008
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11:40 PM
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 Loud, raw, brash, unapologetic and in-your-face!
No, I am not talking about [e'Tzaintes] (though, by now, you should already know that those words apply too) I am talking about JOHNNY SHAMELESS AND HIS FUCKING MINIONS! (Armen)
 Photography by Jiahao Loh.
Kindred Scum
by Tzang M.
I'm too inspired not to write about it. So I thought I'll just hijack this entry and add on. What is it that makes Johnny Shameless & His Minions so different? They are shameless. Unafraid to go out there and whip their shit out and see what comes out of it. Unafraid to play the fool, take a piss at the world and see what people makes out of it. I especially like the reaction of the crowd. Even by Home Club standards, Johnny Shameless and his Minions are … how should I say this… ‘deviant’ perhaps. It’s easy to call them poseurs … they stand out like a rude exposed erection - a trait perfect for our wankers, lamers, losers campaign. The music is loud, dirty and furious - infectious enough to get their heads knocking, blood throbbing and nerves rattling… but yet, we have a crowd full of people waiting for each other to do the first thing. Their stage presence is there, the shit is there, but with antics too out of sync from the Singapore comfort zone, people falter. There is apprehension. Nobody wants to be the first to mosh. There is awkwardness. And this is power. This is Rock N’ Roll! Not rock n’ roll the way Christian rock bands are performing for their friends in church. Not rock n’ roll in the way multi-platinum artists are performing at high profile rock festivals, but rock n’ roll in the way Iggy Pop is, Jimmy Hendrix is, and the Beatles are, when they were little rock-lings still trying to be accepted by the world. We’re not sucking up here. We truly enjoyed ourselves. And we’re honored to have shared the stage and night with scums whom we hardly know (but are just like us, in spirit), even for a few minutes, on a night we will all remember as 'TZAINTES NOT DEAD'. (Tzang M.)
Sunday, August 17, 2008
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12:59 AM
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Tuesday, August 12, 2008
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10:59 AM
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Sunday, August 10, 2008
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8:36 PM
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 Dear friends,
The wait is over. The lines are open. Wickedness officially begins this Saturday! $6 for both [e'TZAINTES] + A WICKED TALE.
For wicked phone bookings, call: 6336 9707
For online bookings, email: oldschool@sinema.sg
Tickets also available from the box office at Sinema Old School. (Book early to avoid disappointment. Don't say we didn't warn ya.)
Have you seen the trailer for A WICKED TALE?
It's now up on http://www.inristudio.com/
SHOWTIMES
Saturday 16 Aug: 7.45pm (Opening Night)
Saturday 16 Aug: 9.15pm (Opening Night)
Sunday 17th Aug: 7pm
Friday 22nd Aug:7pm
Saturday 23rd: 7.45pm
Sunday 24th Aug: 2.30pm
Friday 29th Aug: 9pm
Saturday 30th Aug : 4.15pm
Sunday 31st Aug: 6pm
Posted by
INRI STUDIO
Labels:
screening,
tickets
Saturday, August 9, 2008
at
1:55 AM
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 TZAINTES NOT DEAD BLACK SHIRT 2008 Limited Edition released!
$25. Available in men's cut and ladies' cut. Small, medium and large sizes. To pre-order, email ministry@inristudio.com T-shirts can be collected on screening days @Sinema Old School. Delivery can also be arranged. Email if you have enquiries. 
T-shirts for a cause. Wear it with pride. The earnings from these TZAINTES t-shirts will help us pay for the publicity of the [e'TZAINTES] + A WICKED TALE run @ Sinema Old School. Please support with a kind donation, in exchange for a T-shirt as a flag to champion our campaign!  e'TZAINTES represents a no-holds-barred guerilla DIY attitude to filmmaking. It's designed by the same team of people who sacrificed their blood, sweat and tears to get the film made. They were 19 year olds when the film was shot. Amateurs with neither professional knowledge nor technical experience about filmmaking and music making. Underdogs who refused to be put down by what  they do not know and cannot do. Amateurs with spirit. Made-in-Singapore.
Posted by
INRI STUDIO
Labels:
tzaintes t-shirt
Friday, August 8, 2008
at
8:01 PM
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TZAINTES ORIGINAL BLACK SHIRT
Limited Edition
$25. Available in men's cut and ladies' cut. Small, medium and large sizes. To pre-order, email ministry@inristudio.comT-shirts can be collected on screening days @Sinema Old School. Delivery can also be arranged. Email if you have enquiries.
Posted by
INRI STUDIO
Labels:
tzaintes t-shirt
Monday, August 4, 2008
at
10:26 PM
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Download the third track from e' TZAINTES OST online release here:
www.inristudio.com/writing/eTzaintes-ep-Streaks.mp3
STREAKS | UBERMENSCH
feat. Wesley Choo of E.P.I.C
Music and lyrics by Armen Rizal Rahman
+ LYRICS +
Suddenly, it seemed that you're the victim,
But I don't mind.
Found that eyes are wide, when we are just
Doing fine.
Hearing whispers on the train, on the bus,
And on the street.
Telling me I'm criminal when love is all
That I speak.
So they made you popular
So they made you perfect
Worship
CHORUS
Streaks of numbness; heal me, I implore you
Streaks of numbness brings me down again
Streaks of numbness; heal me, I implore you
Streaks so volatile erupts within me
Hear my laughter, see my tears.
Feel me liqour, glazened eyes.
High on you, high on I, and high in every
Cigarette light (or is it 'lies'?)
Feel the capture, feel the pain. And the rapture
In my veins.
Let the day be leading you, cos when its over
It's the same.
(A fuckin' shame.)
So they made you popular
So they made you perfect
Worship
CHORUS
So they made you popular
So they made me wretched
Bastard
Bless be
Tell me
CHORUS
Streaks of numbness; heal me, I implore you
Streaks of numbness holds me down again
Streaks of numbness; heal me, I implore you
Streaks of numbness makes me blind again
Whatcha lookin at?
Whatcha lookin at?
(Armen)
Posted by
INRI STUDIO
Labels:
e' Tzaintes music,
Streaks
Sunday, August 3, 2008
at
10:39 PM
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INRI studio's original tracks for e' Tzaintes, "Catastrophe" and "Streaks", was done exactly the way the "Another Brick on the Wall" cover was done; everything was produced, sequenced, layered and mixed via very simple, download-for-free softwares.
Even vocal recording set up was simple ie cheap karaoke mic straight to the computer' on-board sound device (in other words, BUDGET). The only other live instrument being the guitars, contributed by Wesley Choo of E.P.I.C, played through a multi-fx rack device of which details were not available to me.
What makes "Catastrophe" and "Streaks" different, and even MORE difficult to do is that both songs were made to replace two popular and well recognised tracks. These two songs were used in two very significant scenes, which pretty much sets the tone and direction for the film. The two songs are:
1) "Bullet in Your Head" by Rage Against the Machine, and
2) "Sweet Dreams", Marilyn Manson's cover of the classic Eurythmic track.
(Btw, both these tracks appear in the extremely rare director's cut VCD. Less than 100 of these are made, so if you are one of the lucky few to own it, you have a very priced possession ;-))
One of the biggest issues that we encountered is the fact that reediting the sequence of the shots has become a non-option; by the time we had finished our director's cut version of the film, the system we used for editing is no longer available to us. Putting in a totally different track would endanger the scenes by rendering them grotesque; the music would have the danger of not matching the visuals, and vice versa.
That puts us into very tight constraints and options. Basically, to replace the above mentioned tracks, the new tracks have to meet the following criteria:
1) They had to encapsulate the same spirit and sound that the other two songs had.
2) They had to have the same (or almost similar) musical structure: same length for intro, verse, chorus etc, same climatic peaks, same sound dynamics, and even the same length of songs.
3) They have to be songs that are easy to get copyrights (the reason for replacing the mentioned songs in the first place), or,
4) If composed from scratch, they basically have to sound similar, yet original enough for them to stand on their own and give us the least amount of trouble (if any). 
It took us an extra year to have both tracks completed and added to the final version of e' Tzaintes, which we consider as a miracle owing to the fact that we, being complete amateurs in film and music, had to contend with really huge obstacles. However, all that effort was worth the resultant euphoria that we experienced when we watch the finished product.
You might be wondering right now, why so much thought and effort and stress, not to mention the time "wasted", in trying to fit in something as simple as music? Plenty of royalty free music/sound banks are available at affordable cost even back then. It would have been much simpler, wouldn't it?
The answer: Because we love music.
It is really simple to articulate, but very difficult to elaborate. Suffice to say that as how it is a certain piece of art, photography and film can evoke the responses it wants out of its audience, so can a piece of music.
In this case, that ability to evoke response has become a MUST. e' Tzaintes is a raw, brash and rebellious film, hence sounds that sits in the background is just not an option. Instead, the music had to be just as raw, brash and rebellious and it has to be able to take the front seat, yet compliments the film well enough so as to not overshadow it.
(In fact, our philosophy on the importance of sound and music in our film spills over to our post-Tzaintes project, "A Wicked Tale", which hopefully will be addressed in a future blog entry.)
Even now, with almost 10 years after INRI studio was first formed, somethings really haven't changed. We still make or plan to make not-so-Singapore projects, we still love our music, we still find ways to provoke your senses and open your mind. With the upcoming double screening in less than 2 weeks away, we are about to fill our mighty pens again to scribe the another chapter.
To you, it might be just another event. To us, it's another conquest.
See you at Sinema Old School. (Armen)
Saturday, August 2, 2008
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12:04 PM
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Remember the original Tzaintes T-shirt with the killer quote, that was released at the Substation in 2002. Oh well. We're bringing it back for old school's sake! Limited Edition TZAINTES T-shirt. S$25. Only a hundred fuckin' pieces.
Comes with a new quote:
"WE'RE ALL VICTIMS OF OUR OWN TYPECAST." - W. ASHE FAEKE
 Presenting the ultra-dude TZAINTES T-shirt with the kick-ass quote at the back. $25 each. (T-shirt designed by writer/creator Tzang Merwyn Tong) To pre-order email ministry@inristudio.comWith name, size (S/M/L) and contact number.  Also available in 'bad girl' sizes. $25 each. To pre-order email ministry@inristudio.comWith name, size (S/M) and contact number. Support the campaign. Fly the flag.
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e'TZAINTES and A WICKED TALE: TM & 2007 INRI studio. All Rights Reserved.
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