Passion Project

I always strive to do my best whenever I am called to do a job; be it a student film, an independent film, commercial film, big or small budget ones, as long as it is me on set, I do my best. Some people say that we are worth our price, and more than the price, we are worth our name. If I like the project, I may commit to it despite the low pay. There is a time for lots of things in life and giving back by working on a few "passion" project in a year is my way of returning to the filmmaker's community in Singapore. Such production provide me with a platform to continue in the mentoring of my two assistants, who are full-fledged location sound recordists in the own right. It also allows me to network with people who are not necessary in our industry but are taking time out to help a friend. There are also people who are in the industry who works full-time for a production house, but is there to help their friend as well. Another group are students who volunteered to be a part of a dynamic production team. I have gained so much from the interaction with people while lending my expertise in location sound recording. In my continuing quest to be the best sound recordist I can be through my professional work, I will never forget the journey that brought me there and till today, I still try to find time to do them. When they call me, it is my work that defines me. May my passion for what I love to do be displayed in my work, my walk and my talk.

Assessment of a Minion loved

For the past 11 years I have been trying to find my true calling in life. Prior to that, I found it in serving in R-age as a youth leader. Ever since I decided to freelance as a location sound recordist, my involvement in church ministry diminished as work increased, which I am truly grateful and thankful for, because through my course of work I found my "ministry", "calling" and "mission field" at work and at home.

What I like about my job is not merely my interest in audio recording technology but it is about being part of a story-telling process and in the process, the inter-personal interaction with every department of a production unit. They are just as rewarding than the work itself, but I will share more about that in due time. For now, there is something else I would like to share. I was asked to give an assessment of one of my Minions (which only I affectionately calls them) who just had a spat with one of the crew she was working with. Her sister sent me a message and asked how she was and this is my reply which is also a tribute to a young, diligent and hardworking member of the crew in Singapore.

"Hi **********,

Thanks for reaching out. I happened to work with her on Saturday and Sunday and the colleague in question is a friend who have issues in dealing with her, but I kind of figured how he works and understands where he is coming from although our working styles are different.

About the night in question, it is just a matter of misinterpretation. I had a chat with the person in question on the phone which I tried to remain as neutral as I can and I also offered different perspective as a neutral party. ********* gave me the privilege of being her mentor and allowed me to speak freely to her about my philosophy and style of work and I did that on Saturday when we wrapped early on another shoot. I hope this will be a lesson for her in managing expectations of different colleagues which she may have the opportunity to work with.

Her ambitious and carefree spirit is good. I feel young whenever she is around me. Keeps me young. I think overtime, with the right guidance, she will become wiser. Let's hope and pray that this is the case."

"Those with defeat on their faces
are those that we must keep alive"

-Further Seems Forever