Acting for short films

Acting in Singapore – is it viable?

This is always a difficult question to answer – many new actors ask if this is a viable career path. To be honest there are many actors in Singapore who make a fairly comfortable living and there are also many others who teach or do other side jobs to supplement their income. Because there is no set rate for the acting industry actors can get anywhere from $30 per day to $1500 per day. It also depends entirely on the type of job. A commercial can often pay a lot more than a TV serial.

-Quoted from actors asia database

As you might already know, blogging is my current main income generator.
But I still do modelling and acting once in awhile when I have extra time on hand.
I’ve been neglecting these side interests lately, as it’s a real hassle to run around for castings.
It takes a lot of dedication, especially when I’m a freelancer.

Passion sticks with you for life, I’ll still try to indulge in them at times…


Let me take you through a simple shoot day (outdoor)

Call time can be as early as 6am, so that you can get on set in time for the sunlight.
And by the time everything gets set up, you should be dying from perspiration…





At times, you would either have to bring all the necessities yourself,
brave through the unbearable heat and try to adapt to the most uncomfortable outdoor location…

OR

You have these awesome crews that would take care of you so adequately:
Comfortable mat, water, pesticide, sun block lotion, boots (to walk through the muddy road),
umbrella and a copy of my own script, all prepared by them!

I truly appreciate such welfare, because honestly, I’ve survived even worst conditions.







Woohoo~ Cam-whoring under the brolla, while waiting for my scene:





While the talents have the luxury of our own shades; kindly provided by the crews,
wanna make a guess on how they shelter themselves?




LOL Cute! Under the reflector:





So here’s Nicholas, male lead in this short film with me.
We were actually acquainted many years ago. Hahaha, super coincidental!
Nic’s also currently involved with the new Okto’s series “Nick of Time”, as the main supporting role.





From my appearance, you probably can’t tell…
But there were at least 20 centipedes, thousands of ants and mosquitoes everywhere!
It’s no wonder there was a huge “Danger” sign placed on site, now we know what that means~

The sun showed no mercy through the first few scenes:




Just as I was on the verge of dying from heat stroke…





The weather had a sudden PMS and went on strike!

The sky looks like it’s about to crack open and gobble us up!!!
Albeit suitable for the “Zombie” mockumentary that we are shooting,
it’s a pity that it doesn’t flow with the initial scenes.




After lunch,
the production team packed up quickly for a proper shelter before it’s too late to avoid the downpour.

We managed to find a new hideout down the road!





We waited as it showered for a good 2 hours,
and the team decided it’s time for WRAP! (insufficient sunlight to continue)





That means it dragged on for another day, but also an extra day of pay! :)

Everything’s unpredictable in the acting industry.
Be a “chameleon”, having the power of adaption is one of the most important criteria.

Look on the brighter side.
Because, at the end of the day, your hard work will pay off…

♥