TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE AT ILM, AND HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN IN THE FILM INDUSTRY.
I have been in the industry for almost 10 years and my 7.5th year at ILM Singapore. I’m currently a production manager.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND? WHAT WAS YOUR MAIN COURSE OF STUDY IN SCHOOL?
I majored in communications, media arts and production.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO VISUAL EFFECTS?
I have always loved Japanese Anime ever since I was a young girl I dreamed of being involved in the creation of it. Over the years, I (sadly) came to the realization that I lack the artistic skills to create these beautiful images. So, I decided that being in a production role is probably the best thing I can do to get close to my dream. I started in a feature animation studio in Hong Kong and moved into the visual effects world when I joined ILM. I’m so glad that it worked out :)
WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING POINT IN YOUR CAREER AND HOW DID YOU RISE ABOVE IT AND PERSEVERE?
It was quite stressful when I first moved into the managerial role – there were more decisions to be made, more responsibilities and more difficult conversations to handle. It took me a while to realize that it’s okay not to be perfect, as long as I can learn from my mistakes. And sometimes you just have to push yourself out of your comfort zone, and that’s what will make you grow.
DID YOU HAVE SPECIFIC FEMALE MENTORS OR ROLE MODELS THAT HELPED PUSH YOU FORWARD?
Yes I did. My first production manager at ILM taught me a lot about VFX when I had no idea on what this industry is about. I was able to find my own management style based on everything I learned from her. I’m thankful to meet her at the early stage of my career (you know who you are :))
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA?
“Do. Or do not. There is no try” – from our famous Yoda!
HOW DO YOU THINK THE FILM INDUSTRY CAN BETTER ENCOURAGE GIRLS AND WOMEN OF ALL AGES TO GET INVOLVED IN FILMMAKING?
Would love to see more female directors and producers to be part of the big budget productions.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN CONSIDERING FILM, AND SPECIFICALLY VISUAL EFFECTS, AS A CAREER CHOICE?
Your passion for movies or visual effect shouldn’t be defined along the gender lines. If this is what you want to do in your life and it makes you happy, pursue it with all your heart and don’t let others discourage you or tell you that you can’t do it. Go for your dreams!
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO TAKE HER CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
There is no shortcut to success. Identify areas that can be improved on and give it 110%. Continue to deliver great work, be open to feedback and always willing to learn.
