Meet Perrin Tan

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Perrin Tan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Perrin, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

By talking to myself kindly and wisely. Do not be intimidated by “more important people” because when the illusion is away, we’re all just equals working towards the same goal. You gotta believe that what you have to offer on the table is enough, and to deliver your best because you were chosen to be responsible for it.

Secondly, I do not take it personal. I know my place and my worth and what I can bring to the table. Peoples’ actions mirror their own insecurities and fears or even sometimes, their deceptive personality. I am mostly excluded than included. I take it as a compliment. I know that some people overthink things and tend to see you as guilty until proven innocent which is something people process on their own. But I don’t have time for this. I am not cynical. I have a positive, even sometimes naive view of things as I am honest with my feelings.

Nowadays, I am focused on doing way more rather than thinking or feeling so l rarely find my self sabotaging anything. I have a winner mindset so i don’t understand when people fear of losing something when they don’t even have it yet! No matter what happens, never get defeated. Keep moving forward. Don’t take no for an answer. You need to look at the bright side and use your time efficiently. You need to fight for yourself and give yourself a chance.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am a filmmaker – mostly a cinematographer, recently transitioned into directing. I want to keep making movies that I’m unabashedly proud of. Growing. I want to keep working with all the people I want to work with, all over the world. Making meaningful art and using my voice to help people, even if only one person resonates with it. That is beautiful.

It is so magical for a group of people to come together and be vulnerable at the same space and time, to create something of a shared vision with all our unique skills.

Making movies is a circus, and you join a new circus family every movie, to some extent. It’s a new group of family members for this intense period of time, and then everybody packs up and goes on their way to the next circus.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I am open-minded, quick-witted and adapt to situations fast. This is crucial in the film industry because it is so fast-paced. Do not waste people’s and your own time. This has saved me a lot of unnecessary emotional distress.
Another extremely amazing trait is my curiosity. I’m always learning because I ask the right questions. Ask for help when you need it. The bigger audacity you have, the more things you get. But you must know what you need and want. Look inward, the quicker you figure out your priorities now, the easier people and the Universe can provide you what you need.

Sometimes you do things that serve their purpose for the time being.
I see it as a game, Universe sends a challenge, an opportunity, and I take it.
I am not someone who follows the obvious.
I am intuitive and I know that sometimes in the unknown you find yourself.
It is there for a reason.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Pascale Asmar. She is a kind, beautiful, soulful, and wonderful Lebanese producer I met on a film residency in Busan Film Academy back in 2023.

To me, she is my dream collaborator, best friend, and everything good you can find in this world.

The best quote she has ever presented to me when I first moved abroad from Singapore to Poland all by myself, is “He who wants the fire must catch it with his hands” – meaning you have to go through pain to get what you want)

Any room she walks into, she lights it up with her bright energy. She is strong. She is the definition of the Singaporean slang “a cockroach who cannot be whacked to death”, in the most amazing way. She is my idol and living inspiration.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

Productivity
From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your