Hi everyone. Wes here. It’s been a few weeks since the trailer for “When Five Fell” has been online. I know a lot of people have been patiently waiting. First of all…Thank You! The feedback and comments have been amazing so far. I may not have replied to the responses, but let me just say… I really, truly, appreciate the “hype” behind this new short.
That said, I think you guys deserve an update since the short’s still not available. I should begin with some “director’s notes.” I initially started this project thinking it would be a quick and somewhat abstract narrative. I didn’t really start with a script or structure. Sure, I had a few lines jotted down but nothing really set in stone. So we started shooting with Mimi even before the story was finalized. Probably not the best idea. In my mind, I thought I could capture the visuals and then write in the story from that. As with most things, this was easier said than done.
Currently, I’m at that stage where I have all my footage laid out on the timeline. I have a very early rough cut and almost all the crucial narration written. Honestly, there isn’t tons left to do. I’m just having some difficulty piecing things together. Oh and writer’s block. Really bad case of that at the moment. Plus we were on tour for awhile and out of town for other reasons. All that just removes you from being in the zone. Excuses, excuses, I know. Sorry. It sorta feels like I’m solving a jigsaw puzzle. The hard part is, I don’t know what the final image is supposed to look like. Well, I do…just not exactly. It’s pretty though! I know that. haha.
So if there’s a lesson to be learned from all this…maybe it’s that one shouldn’t be too carefree in starting a project. Trust me, I want to see this done. Probably more than you do! I am excited, but at the same time I won’t rush it. Wong Fu only delivers quality! Most of the time. haha. If it’s lacking in some videos (easy vlogs), we’ll try to make up for in others. I hope.
To sum up the progress report of “When Five Fell”: I’m workin’ on it. And…the trailer was probably released a tad earlier than necessary 
As of now, the release status is still “Coming Soon”
Thanks again to everyone that’s shown interest in the short. I think the story will be different from your expectations. Hopefully a good difference. A classic story with a twist, maybe? You bet.
“When Five Fell” Fun Facts:
1. Even though it’s a standalone story, this short can be [very] loosely tied to our earlier piece, “At Musing’s End.” It takes place shortly after Robin and Adam meet for the first time.
2. I am huge fan of Makoto Shinkai and his eye for everyday beauty. “When Five Fell” was greatly inspired by many of his anime shorts. I figured if such amazing imagery could be drawn, why can’t it be just as good in real life. (IRL FTW!)
3. Jesse Chui of Songs For Cinema returns to compose the breathtaking music heard in the trailer for the short (available for download!). He has created music for a lot of our shorts including almost the entire “One Days: HK” series.
“At Musing’s End” (Official Selection to 2008 Cannes Short films Corner):
Alright, that’s all for now. I hope this update relieved some of your disappointment that it’s not out yet! Okay back to work!
September 5, 2010 at 9:17 am
Okay, my name doesn’t come from Mimi Chao’s name and Wesley Chan’s name at all. It’s from my real name “Michelle” and “chan” came from the Japanese term to call a little kid or a female friend. Anyways. I’ve seen the short months ago and I have to say, it was well directed and produced despite the lack of budget. Wongfu has completely surpassed my expectations. Wesley Chan, who pursued this short, is a genius. And Jesse Chui, who composed the beautiful music for this short, is equally brilliant. It matches well with the scenes and the atmosphere of the short, like it was a match made in heaven. It was breathtaking and it gave me goosebumps every time, especially the scene where she accidentally shoved the glass and it shattered. That was most heartbreaking, but beautiful. I love it. Keep it up, Wongfu. ;]
July 26, 2010 at 8:24 am
i really liked this video. it made me think of certain things in my life and i really thought you guys did a great job on it.
the music really went along with it. i loveeed it. completely & all. [:
May 7, 2010 at 9:50 am
this is more than touching. Background music is awesome. DId you guys produce the music too? and if so is there a download to it?
May 3, 2010 at 11:09 am
I just saw the trailer for When Five Fell today and noticed the release date is May 4, 2010. Is this date still on? Can we fans expect to see this short film tomorrow? I’m glad I did not see this trailer 11/12 months ago! I couldn’t wait that long! I’m so pumped up to see how the video plays out!
February 16, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Hi Wes,
It’s been a while since you’ve had any updates on this piece. Just wondering if you have been working on this or just pushed it back into hiatus. A small update regarding this short would be greatly appreciated.
January 19, 2010 at 12:41 pm
So I saw the trailer for this short just now, and I am as well wondering when it comes out. The trailer is absolutely beautiful. Wes, you have such amazing talent. You’ve inspired me to become a director one day. Is the status this far still ‘coming soon?’
September 26, 2009 at 1:45 am
I love Makoto Shinkai!
5 Centimeter Per Second changed my life!!!
July 2, 2009 at 12:01 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO70ZYk7rV4
You should check this out, it isn’t subbed but it’s interesting to see how Makoto Shinkai works
June 17, 2009 at 5:07 pm
5 CENTIMETRES PER SECOND!!! <3
June 16, 2009 at 8:49 pm
I agree with pandreaa above; the trailer gives off a very Makoto Shinkai vibe. It’s good to hear you’re a fan of his work! I always wondered why there aren’t many films and productions focused on the little things of everyday life. Will patiently await the new short! xD
June 14, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Sounds like you guys have a pretty ad hoc process for production. Is this usual? It’s hard to reproduce Shinkai because those picturesque scenes are difficult to find in real life. The ending scene reminds me of one of the DVD covers for April Story (http://bit.ly/uksJQ). Kind of gives off the same vibes. Can’t wait.
June 13, 2009 at 11:02 pm
I have to say- I got a lot of ’5 Centimeters per Second’ vibes from the imagery in your trailer. I’m really excited! I know it’ll be worth the wait. Take yo’ time.
June 12, 2009 at 4:50 pm
that is unacceptable! haha! kidding! great art requires time! take ur time! only 1,263,992+ fans are waiting! no pressure!
June 12, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Wow…Mimi looks really pretty~ Good luck Wes!
June 12, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Keep at it guys! I’m sure everything will come out amazingly. Writer’s block is a pain, but inspiration hits us in the most unexpected places. Just keep swimming along guys. =)
June 12, 2009 at 8:50 am
That is a beautiful video! I love the different angles of shooting and the way you edit it.
Can’t wait to see the full length of it
Keep it up.
Go Asians! lolx.
June 12, 2009 at 8:18 am
i dont write…at all..but when i do i almost always get writers block. I’m not a doctor, but i recommend just going to a new place you’ve never been and hang out with some funny/old/close friends. They always come up with something crazy to say…n the next thing u know…u have an ending or in my cases, i tell myself this wouldve been an awesome super bowl ad. haha…i shouldve majored in marketing instead. well…luck on the short, cant wait to see more of ur wrk. tho my favorite still, is a peace of home. that really struck me at the heart..no words nothing…but it was everything.