Route +65: He Turned Watching TV Into A Career That’s Taken Him Overseas To Make Documentaries

Route +65 is a series on people who have stepped off the conventional career path and are pursuing unique life journeys – showing that even in tiny Singapore, there’s room to do things differently.

From spending every afternoon after school watching documentaries on Vice and the History Channel, to being hired to film a documentary about a fashion designer in China – Daryl Eng Jun’s story sums up how far passion can carry you when it comes to realising your dreams.

In fact, the 27-year-old didn’t even plan to turn his interest into a life path. “I don’t remember the moment I decided to do it as a career because it never honestly felt like a viable option,” admits Daryl. “In school, no one tells you how it might be possible to be a cinematographer or director. There’s no clear pathway, so it’s harder to visualise being able to do it.”

But one thing led to another when he joined the student media team in polytechnic, then started taking on hobby projects for friends. Soon, he began getting more filming gigs for things like wedding shoots – although there was still no hint at the time that the work could become a viable career.

“I remember shooting a wedding for a friend’s sibling and being paid less than $100 for doing both the wedding video and photos. I thought, ‘there’s no way I can make a living out of this’,” says Daryl.

(From left) The music video of "Hostage" by singer-songwriter YAØ was shot by Perrin Tan and directed by Daryl Eng Jun. | IMAGE: DARYL ENG JUN

Was there a point then, when you thought you would turn professional?

To be honest, I think the thing about the [film-making] industry here is that you don't really know when you've officially “entered”. I had a massive imposter syndrome phase for years because no one is really obligated to take your hand and tell you what to do or how to do anything.

A lot of it is learning on the job and making sense of what you see. This is my sixth year, and there's still so much that I need to learn, even with the many kind mentors who have taken time to guide me.

(Above) Daryl worked on a film about Hong Kong fashion designer KinYan Lam for the documentary series RADII Voices. 

What has been your parents’ opinion around what you’re doing for a career? Have they ever asked you to do something more conventional?

Before filmmaking I wanted to be a footballer, so I think they were glad that I wanted to pursue something else, to be honest! I wasn't even that good at football! I’d say they have always been supportive, but naturally as parents also want the best for me, so I'm sure it was not easy for them to accept it initially.

I remember the first freelance job I took after graduating from polytechnic, to shoot two videos for a fashion magazine here in Singapore. The money was decent and that probably helped my case in convincing my parents that this was possible as a career. I showed my mom that invoice on purpose to settle her heart a little!

Self-doubt, says Daryl, is something that comes with being a freelance filmmaker. | IMAGE: DARYL ENG JUN

Any major challenges or learnings from going off the beaten path?

I think a lot of the challenges are linked to the instability of the job. It’s based on merit, of course, but when there aren’t enough projects to go around, sometimes you find yourself having a whole month where it might be fairly quiet. As a freelancer, with so much time to yourself and seeing others working, you can face a lot of self-doubt. With our skill sets, we are the product, so it’s quite easy to take it personally when you have a quiet month.

I’ve learned from speaking to those more senior in the industry that this is a feeling that never fully goes away. Most people get used to it and comfort themselves with the knowledge that it does eventually get better, but some leave the industry entirely because they prefer more structure and stability. So, it’s quite a prominent and big challenge.

Taking into account those challenges, what would you say to those who want to pursue their passion?

Do it! Life is too short to spend time and effort building towards something you don't love. I do think that having something you’re passionate about in general is already such a blessing and rarity – so many people live their entire lives trying to find something they’re passionate about, and some never find out what it might be. So, I’d say, give it a fair shot, give yourself time to learn and try something you’ve always wanted to.

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