DIRECT FROM MELBOURNE: A 20-strong team consisting of cast and crew members of Channel 8’s The Dream Makers 2 flew to the land of kangaroos to film certain key scenes in the 32-episode drama series for two weeks in September. And Toggle was part of the entourage from start to finish: we got to breathe the same air, sleep under the same roof, and had equally early call times too – but that’s another story for another day.
For this week’s special ‘Dream Makers 2’ #throwbackthursday series, we have Romeo Tan, the drama’s unofficial BTS (behind-the-scenes) photographer who is never seen without a camera, during his free time, at the set in Australia. Most times, he can be found waiting (or squatting) in a corner snapping away at his co-stars and the crew as they toil.
His love for photography has spurred him to capture all sorts of memories with his camera, quipped Romeo. There are ‘mood’ and scenery shots, including candid pictures -- some of which can be found in our LIVE blog gallery from the trip too.
“I took these photos because it’s part of my interest and decided to share my photos for everyone’s use,” the budding photographer shared, “I don’t need to be credited for it, but I feel people are able to learn about our filming process from my photos and that makes me happy.”
Another good thing that came out from Romeo’s trigger-happy tendencies?
Breaking the ice with the veterans on set – we saw how he and Ah Jie bonded over selfies and photo-taking in Melbourne, including this picture we took of Zoe hiding behind Romeo at Hosier Lane because she was not dressed up yet.
“I realised that I have many pictures of me and Hui Yu Jie (Zoe) in my handphone!” he chuckled, “It’s quite funny because we don’t have any scenes together in Singapore, but we have a fair bit together in Melbourne.”
They barely shared any interactions in Singapore too, recalled Romeo, who was admittedly afraid of striking up a conversation with Ah Jie whenever he sees her around. “I’d greet her and then quietly walk away,” he laughed sheepishly.
But all formalities were dispensed with after the two spent one day on set together. Romeo started chatting with Zoe and struck up a chummy relationship with her despite seniority differences, he let on. “I hope she’s not offended by that! I’d joke with her and I enjoyed chatting with Ah Jie. She’s a senior who takes really good care of the new generation of actors.”
With cast and crew averaging four to five hours - or less - of sleep a day in Melbourne, Romeo shared that Ah Jie and Ah Ge (Zoe and Li Nanxing) are the mood makers on set who’d crack jokes to keep morale up. It certainly helps that the production crew are a jovial bunch to be with – even when the going gets tough, he said.
“I think the production crew members are humorous folks, especially the APs (assistant producers). I think what makes filming a drama memorable is the chemistry and teamwork with the production crew for the past few months. That's what I'd miss about working together”
Toggle: What’s your favourite picture taken during this trip?
Romeo: This random shot (see above picture) captured on Brighton Beach somehow shows a picture of serenity between the sky and sand. I thought it was natural plus sweet to see two dachshund dogs following their owner. Perhaps that’s what I’d love to do – to walk a dog in a blissful and peaceful environment.
When you travel abroad what do you never leave home without?
There are a few items. Priority has to be my camera that includes the batteries and chargers etc. Next is my own bath towel. I prefer to use my own towel – it’s just a habit.
What is the first thing you'd do when you enter your hotel room?
I’ll always check the cleanliness of the toilet. Everything in the room can ‘fail’ but not the toilet. The toilet is a very important space to me and I need it to be perfect or at least clean and functioning properly.
What did you do on the flight to Melbourne?
Read my script for a good two minutes (laughs), slept for a good 1 hour and 30 minutes, and watched two movies, The Longest Ride and True Story.
Most memorable filming location?
Brighton Beach.
I look forward to…
More overseas filming opportunities.
Song of the trip?
‘My Way to Love’ by Eric Chou. That happens to be the theme song for The Dream Makers 2 too.
The one item you’d take to a deserted island?
Air con lah.
What do you need for a perfect holiday?
A good friend or company.
Anything you hate about travelling?
Long haul flights as it is pretty hard to rest [on the plane].
Who out of your co-stars have you learned makes the best and worst travel partners, and why?
The best travel partner has to be me (Romeo) cause I will take excellent pictures for them.
The worst travel partner is Zoe Tay. Cause she’ll give all her attention to her Snapchat first!