The creative field has always been a tough market, and to make a name in this industry is never as easy as it may seem. There are many challenges and considerations of which creative director Wei Peow will elaborate on.
Wei Peow Tan | Film Director of Directors Think Thank ; Co-Founder of Power Tank
Wei Peow had no experience when he first entered the advertising field. Slowly but surely, he worked his way up and started his own company called Power Tank. Being able to sustain and make it into what it is today, Wei Peow has his enthusiasm and patience to be grateful for. Throughout his career, he has ventured into different fields and they all require patience, there is no such things as an easy way to success.
Q: How did you get started in the advertising industry / as a Director?
A: I was a Multimedia Design lecturer and designer before I entered this advertising filming industry. It was in the year 2010 when I was still a junior lecturer, I took part and won in a local short film competition. After the winning, I then realized that perhaps I could try in this field, in filming. Then, I quit as an educator in pursuit of my new journey.
Q: What is the biggest challenge in your career?
A: Even until today, the biggest challenges in my career are still managing client’s expectation and making suitable decisions. It is normal to come out with ideas and produce a commercial in a short timeline, but it is never easy to make prompt decisions with good judgement. From pre-production, production and post production, as a film director, we have to be accountable for the decisions that we made and proposed to our clients and team.
Q: How would you define a perfect commercial video?
A: Nothing is perfect. I think, there isn’t a perfect commercial. But, a good commercial requires its original ideas/stories. Also, it should be able to touch the audience’s heart or to create a memorable impact for the audience.
Q: What breakthrough do you seek to achieve?
A: Now I have tried in TV commercial / Advertising film, and next, perhaps I would like to try to produce a visual storytelling of a longer duration, like short film, online series, etc. Other than this, I would actually want to explore in other businesses. Like what I am doing now, investing and running a café and stationary shop with my friends.
Q: What do you think is the secret to success?
A: There is no secret to success. Like I always tell my juniors, no matter what you do, do it with passion and be patient. Never be afraid to make mistakes and never to be over calculative.
Q: Share your life’s motto.
A: My life’s motto is “When you can’t stop the waves, try to learn to surf”, for most people, it means worry a little less on the things that we can’t control, and learn to have a little more fun with them instead. That’s applied to me. However, I see a different meaning on this quote. Waves are like obstacles in life. They can stop you from reaching your goals, but if you overcome these obstacles, they can help you to speed up your journey to success.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: There are a lot of things I like to do during my spare time. During the weekend (if I don’t have to work), I will like to stay home and relax, doing some housework and cleaning or cooking. I like to do house chores. Otherwise, I will fully use up the free time to train my stamina by doing sports. I like to run, workout in the gym, surf the flowrider, hiking, etc. Lastly, I also like to go for morning motorcycle rides with my friends. I ride a motorbike too.
Q: The greatest satisfaction of life?
A: The greatest satisfaction of life is to make my parents proud of what I do.
Interview & Text: Alison Law
Styling: Anderson Chong
Wardrobe: Topman | RADO Watch
Makeup: Zoeys Chen
Hairstyle: VV Chan @ Shiseido Professional
Photographer: Tian Xing @ Shooting Star
Creative Director: Chris Wong
Video Editor: JiaMin Chuah
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