Meet Charlie Lim!

You asked for him, so here he is! 

This week we've had the privilege to get an exclusive interview with local musician Charlie Lim. 

The young singer-songwriter has performed in many different locations all over the region and has even went on a tour of Asia, performing in countries like Malaysia, Philippines, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea. He has also shared a stage with renowned artistes like Kimbra and Elbow. He's been having a busy career and it doesn't seem to be slowing down for him.

Fortunately, we managed to pull him away from his hectic schedule to have a chat! 

Check out what he has to say:

Q: Why make music?
A: I enjoy doing it :)

Q: Do you write your own music?
A: I think I'm the most practical vessel to deliver what I want to say. And I write for other people as well, which is cool.

Q: What is the song writing experience like for you?
A: I'm not just a singer/songwriter, I produce as well. So I have complete control over the start and finish. But because I'm a perfectionist as well, I take a really long time to get it done. So everything's really... I wouldn't say stressful. You toil over it for so long, there's only so much you can do yourself. So it's great to have people on board, and it's awesome when you have people who share the same sort of interests or are at least on the same sort of wavelength as you, and that doesn't come very often. So that's ideal, and that takes a lot of pressure off, but most of the time it is quite taxing. But I love it. 

Q: Why should people listen to your music? 
A: That's a really tough question. I think my songs are pretty self-explanatory, when it comes to the lyrics and story telling, and they're all based on personal experience. So I hope people go away feeling really good.

Q: What is your favourite record?
A: Can I say three? I'd say D'angelo's Voodoo, Damien Rice's O, and Jeff Buckley's Live at Sin-e. 

Thank you to Charlie Lim for taking time out of your schedule to talk to us. Check out his youtube page at http://www.youtube.com/user/wherewascharlie and follow him on twitter @wherewascharlie. You can also go to his website at http://charlielim.net. Do continue to support us, and remember to support Charlie Lim and our other local artistes as well!

Kan Lume Questions

For this week, we had the pleasure of interviewing Kan Lume, a lecturer at Singapore Polytechnic. He used to be a full time lecturer, but switched to part time in order to have more time to focus on his films. If that doesn't give you an idea of how dedicated he is to his work, this might: he inked the words "Film Maker" on his hand.

He is passionate about what he does, and has done a few films involving Singapore Polytechnic students as actors as well. Kan Lume is not just a film director, he also often writes the script and produces his own films. We at the Spotlight Project cannot wait to see what kind of film he will come up with next! Now, on to the interview with Kan Lume:

Q: Who are your influences in the industry; who inspired you to start filmmaking in the first place?

KL: Umm.. most of the filmmakers that inspired me.. I think you’ve not heard of, like, obscure, but the main thing I guess is that they’re from all over the world. So, some of them inspire me because they have similar circumstances as me. You know, limited resources, lack of opportunity, same economic situation. Some of them inspired me because they found a unique way of doing things, umm, some of them are a little bit more famous like _____. They found innovative ways to deal with the problems that I myself face. So it’s kinda like people who go before you, they shine the light… you know… how to do things in a certain way, and then you follow in their footsteps and you try to innovate and try to do things differently from them.

Q: Okay so as a filmmaker and director, what to you are the five things that you can’t live without?

KL: It can be technology…

KL: Okay, so actual physical things? Not values or... I think you need to have a good sense of humour, one. You need a camera, you need very good sound recording – sound is actually more important than the video. You need the support and love from family and friends. And lastly, you would need the support and backing of your country.

Q: So what do you think can be done to promote or raise the awareness about local talents like yourself?

KL: Well film festivals, traditionally, have been instrumental in exposing filmmakers to the audience; to the world. In Singapore, our most famous film festival closed down for several years. It’s starting again this year. So that’s a good thing. Hopefully they do not just have a festival that tries to bring in money. Because a lot of the independent festivals have become money-generating kinda businesses. Umm hopefully it’s a festival that’s geared towards promotion of culture. Cos I think films and these kinda art forms are really capturing the essence of the culture of the people and it’s not something you can measure in dollars and cents. Culture is one of the pillars of civilisation.

Q: What do you like to do when you aren’t writing, producing or shooting a film?

KL: I like to watch films and I like to spend time with my family.

Q: So if you could, would you want to collaborate with any local artistes in the future? And if so, who?

KL: Sure, I draw a lot of inspiration from actors. I often write stories based on a particular actor. But collaborating with other filmmakers, producers, also, I think… I’m a strong believer in collaboration. I mean one of my… my second film I actually collaborated with a visual artist, a television actor, and that in fact has been my most successful film. But it is difficult to find collaborations. A lot of people in Singapore from a young age are very competitive in their education system, so I find that a lot of filmmakers are very secretive, very competitive, the kind of attitude that: If I win then you lose. So I think it’s important to collaborate.

Q: Still speaking about filmmaking, do you actually consider filmmaking something you can turn into a full-fledged career or do you consider it like a side-hobby – something you do in your free time only, or do you take it very very seriously, as in, like what you said. Bringing the arts in Singapore to life.

KL: It’s a good question. I take it as a hobby. Because I’ve been doing this for 11 years. It’s not long, it’s not short, but it’s enough for me to know that there isn’t much of an industry here in Singapore to sustain. And there’s a very simple reason. It’s because we only have about 5 million people. Our market is too small. Even in Malaysia, with a population of about 26 million, only then they’re able to sustain a small industry. It’s not big at all. So if you want to make it a career then you probably have to go to America. But for me, I’m happy for it just to be kind of giving meaning to what I do. Rather than just to take home a paycheck at the end of the month. To be able to make film and to  communicate with an audience, it’s enough for me.

Q: So you’ve actually not had an easy time to make filmmaking known out there. What would you say was the most difficult part about you getting to this stage right now where you know filmmaking can’t be turned into a full-fledged career?. What were the problems that you actually faced?

KL: Mostly it’s disappointment. Because you know, when you go into something you have ambition, you have expectations, and then systematically, over time, you have disappointing experiences. And then you come to realise that some of these ambitions are not possible. So having to adjust to these disappointments has been the greatest challenge. And yet, having to still believe that what you’re doing is meaningful because, I mean, from the dawn of time, humans, we need to hear stories. So stories whether in the form of poems, or music, or films, the art form will keep changing but the inherent need to hear stories will never change. So sticking to that belief that what we’re doing is important and not letting circumstances get us down, that’s the greatest challenge for me.

Q: You said that we still have a pool of people that are interested in the art of filmmaking, producing, acting even. These young people, what do you have to say to them tp get their dreams going?

KL: Well it’s not fair for me to tell you to go ahead and throw aside economic considerations. I’ve never walked in your shoes. But I have to say that I myself have had financial issues. I couldn’t buy lunch, you know I had a family. But I still didn’t let those limitations hold me back. I’m one of those that really lived a radical life and I really took great risk. And I cannot expect people to do that but I can tell you from personal experience that those times where I took those risks, they all paid off. So I would say, really, the old saying: Live with no fear. It has worked for me.

That was great advice. Thank you very much Mr Kan! We really admire Mr Kan's dedication and passion. Do continue to support his works, and if you wish to see what else he has done you can follow him on Twitter at @KanLume.

You can also follow us on our Twitter account, as well as our Facebook account for more exclusive interviews of other local artistes that are to come!

Thanks for tuning in everyone, this was the Spotlight Project!

10 Questions with Gurmit Singh

Picture credit: Mediacorp Official Website

This week, we had the utmost privilege of interviewing our very own local artiste Gurmit Singh, who portrayed one of Singapore's favourite icons 'Phua Chu Kang' with his trademark facial mole and yellow boots. Fondly etched in many Singaporeans' minds is his famous tagline in the well-loved Channel 5 sitcom 'Phua Chu Kang Pte Ltd' that goes, "Best in Singapore, JB, and some say Batam!".

Opening of 'Phua Chu Kang Pte Ltd'

Gurmit has not only been appearing on our local television as an actor, but also as a comedian, host and singer, showing to us his multi-talented skills. He has been acting ever since 1988, and besides having had his own talk show, he has hosted three seasons of the Singapore Idol, as well as Singapore's first football reality show "First XI" in 2012.

Undoubtedly, he is one of Singapore's best loved artistes, and it was an extremely great honour for us to be able to have an interview with him. Here's our '10 Questions with Gurmit Singh'!

Q1:   Who/What inspired you to be an actor?

I have always gotten great satisfaction performing on stage in my school days, so going into TV was a natural progression.

Q2:   How old were you when you started on this acting career?

I started in 1988.

Q3:   What advice would you give to the young, aspiring local talents out there in Singapore? Also, what is your take on the local arts scene?

Aspiring talents need to know there will be Alot of Perspiring.  Many I have spoken to have the misconception that it's all a walk in the park and the career is an easy one. ON the contrary, we do alot of hard work to do a good job, to be able to showcase a production of high value. You really have to have the passion and the patience for this job or you soon become overwhelmed with the different stresses and pressures.

The local art scene is thriving if you compare it to the 80's.  There are more venues, platforms, companies and so on that put the various arts forms up. But having said that, we still have a long way to go in terms of culture and ethics of an international standard.

Q4.  What is the hardest part about acting?

Having to do it on your bad day. That can be the most challenging because the last thing you want to do is say lines that don't really correspond with what you are going through internally.

Q5. Which has been your favorite character to play in all your years of acting?

Think this is an easy one. It would be Phua Chu Kang. He is the most irreverant but comedic role I have had. He gets away with practically anything.

Q6. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I can't really even see myself in the next week. This industry is a very volatile one. So if for some reason the viewers don't want to watch or support me anymore, I am essentially out of a career, much less a job!

Q7. What are the most important attributes to being successful in this career?

Humility.  Some like to use shock factor or diva factor but for me, it's humility.

Q8. What has been your biggest achievement yet?

It's a tie.  I was nominated for Best Actor in The Golden Horse Awards.  I was the first one from Singapore.  And the other would be winning the Best Actor Award, 5 times over 5 years, at the Asian Television Awards

Q9. Are you currently working on/planning to work on any new projects? Share with us! :)

I have a few projects lined up in 2014.

Chingay Parade Hosting

Makan Places, the food hunt variety show.

A PCK show for Toggle.

A movie (in discussion stage now as i write this)

Singapore Day Concert in London

KNockout Show for OKTO channel

National Day Parade (this would be my 19th time)

A Musical (in discussion)

A Gospel Album (hopefully to be released year end)

A telemovie (to be directed and written by me)

Q10. Who is your favourite local actor/actress you've collaborated with?

There are a few and I am glad it's such because that means I can work with quite a few of them very well.  People like Mark Lee, Adrian Pang, Pierre Png, Lim Kay Siu, Swee Lin, Bryan Wong, George Young, Sheikh Haikel, Zachary Moselle, Timothy Nga, Siva, Alaric Tay, Chua Enlai. Think there are some more but my brain is freezing up.

Despite his immense popularity amongst Singaporeans, we are very amazed at Gurmit Singh's humble and down-to-earth disposition that is seen through his answers. His likeable personality and many talents make us truly proud to have him as a local artiste for us to call our own.

Do look out for Gurmit Singh as he embarks on his future works, and follow us on our Twitter account, as well as our Facebook account for more exclusive interviews of other local artistes that are to come!

Also, you can find Gurmit Singh on Twitter at @gurmitgurmit! Once again, thank you very much Mr. Gurmit Singh, we wish you all the best for your upcoming projects :)

The Spotlight Project Team

Hello everyone!
We're back, and this time our artist of the week is Chad Shae'n Lim. Thank you to everyone who tweeted us your guesses as to who our artist of the week would be.

First, a little background information for those of you who have yet to hear of him. Chad Shae'n Lim is a 16 year old actor who has worked on indie films and small projects. When he's not acting, he's either in his CCA - Drama Club, at ACS Barker (his school), reading, watching television shows, or hanging out with friends. He dreams of one day being on the big screen, and we have faith that this determined young man can make it big.

Readers who want to know more about Chad, read on and find out what he said when we interviewed him.

Q: Who would you say is your role model in the acting industry?
A: I think one of the greatest role models I have is Leonardo Dicaprio, because even though he doesn't win any Oscars, he still perseveres on and does a great job and puts in his all in all his films.

Q: What are the 5 things you can't live without?
A: That's tough. Well, I'll have to go with the basics. Phone, food, my bed, my house, my family.

Q: Is there any motto or advice you live by?
A: Well, as my drama teacher always says, talent without effort and discipline, is a bloody waste of my time.

Q: What do you think can help raise awareness for local talents?
A: I think locals should give budding artistes a chance and not hate/judge so quickly, because they might not realise that local artistes can be talented as well.

Q: What do you like to do besides acting?
A: I like to eat and sleep mainly. But if I'm not doing that, I like to surf tumblr and see what my fandoms are up to, stuff like that.

Q: So what fandoms are you in?
A: The Doctor Who, Sherlock, and Supernatural fandom.

Q: Is there any local actor you would like to work with and have not?
A: I would like to be in a film with Chin Han actually, because he's one of my role models and one of the local artistes who inspired me to pursue a career in acting. Even though he's a local, he managed to go far and make it big in Hollywood.

Q: Where do you see yourself going with this? Would you say this is more a career or a hobby?
A: I would consider this as more of a hobby at the moment. I do tiny films here and there sometimes, projects, indie films. I'd like to see where it takes me.

Q: What was the most difficult part of getting to where you are today?
A: Mostly overcoming your fears and getting over the fact that no matter where you go or what you do there are always going to be people that are going to judge you. Once you get over there, it's pretty okay actually.

That's the end of the interview, if you wish to watch the video of the interview, or find out more about Chad Shae'n Lim and his works, visit our youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTT8QitLrfL371Wcpip0oOw?feature=c4-feed-u, our Facebook page at The Spotlight Project and our twitter @Spotlightproj.

You can also follow him at @OkayChad on Twitter and like his page Chad Shae'n (Actor) on Facebook.

Thank you, and we hope you will continue to support us and local artistes!

Hello guys! Welcome to The Spotlight Project. Here at spspotlightproject.blogspot.sg, we will post up exclusive interviews and share the original work by our talented local artistes.

Tweet to us at @SpotlightProj with the hashtag #spspotlightproject, and give us a 'Like' at our Facebook page here!

Here's a trailer of what we'll be doing for the next few weeks, stay tuned!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjOBE3AwYtE