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> International recognition and promising acting career ahead for Jack Tan after Shuttle Life
you perfect for the role in
I’m still not too sure about being “perfect” for the role but I did the best that I could with it. I have the movie producer, director as well as the entire team to thank for that. They provided me with the time and space that I needed to prepare for the role.
How was it working with an international production team? It was definitely a whole new experience for me. I really admire the skills and work of both Taiwan and Malaysian production teams of the movie. Since Shuttle Life tells the story about poverty in Malaysia, the only concern was whether the local essence was properly captured and how well the audience could relate to the story. I am very happy with all the good feedback and reviews that the movie has been getting.
How did you prepare for the role? It was actually very challenging. It put me in the position where I was feeling unhappy yet blessed at the same time. I was in my own bubble the entire time during filming. I didn’t communicate much with the rest of the team which might have led them to think that I wasn’t very nice and friendly. I had to push aside the negative thoughts so that I could get into character.
What was it like getting recognition abroad first? It was such a wonderful feeling but I do hope that I could get the stamp of approval from the local film industry as well.
Tell us about the experience on the night that you won the SIFF Best Actor Award. I was in the midst of filming a television series and the production team let me take time off to fly abroad to attend the award ceremony. It never even crossed my mind that I could win the category because I was up against other really great actors. When I was announced the winner, everyone could tell how happy and nervous I was on stage but I did get to say a few words in Malay during my speech.
What is your dream role? It would be nice to play a role that is the complete opposite from what I am known for. I want to be in an action movie or play the bad guy.
What are you working on at the moment? I have just recently finished filming a movie that will be screened online. Next up is a few trips abroad to Taiwan, Singapore, and Macau attending film festivals. There will be more movies planned for this year along with a new album.
What do you have to say to aspiring young actors out there? As someone that can still be considered new in the industry, I believe that hard work is the key to success. It is very important to be well prepared, try something new and continue to learn.