Tag: ambition

Do you have enough?

Will our glasses ever be full? Picture by apesara.

One of the strongest statements I came across while making my doc, Beyond The Drive, was that “Ambition is a state of feeling perpetually flawed”. It struck a chord so deep inside me, that it stuck instantly. It’s a constant struggle, isn’t it? The never-ending strife for more. More money. More recognition. More rewards.

When CD Baby founder Derek Silvers decided to give his company away to charity, it sparked a whole wave of questions. Why did he do it?

So with this enlightening explanation, he introduced a whole new perspective to the issue.

Two friends were at a party held at the mansion of a billionaire. One said, “Wow! Look at this place! This guy has everything!” The other said, “Yes, but I have something he’ll never have: enough.”

Not only did he open my eyes to the brilliant idea of putting money into a Charitable Trust, he’s also taught me to question myself from time to time… Do I have enough?

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by Categories: Learn Something New, Personal Reflection, Social ChangeTags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Encore Screening

There has been demand for a second screening of Beyond The Drive, so I’m putting one together tonight. At the same time, I’m doing a little experiment to test out the power of word-of-mouth publicity by asking people who came to the first screening last week to let their friends know about tonight if they think they’ll benefit from watching the movie. I deliberately kept away from listserv or facebook advertising. So in other words, I have no idea how many people are going to show up tonight. This will be interesting! :)

I also had a good chat with Michael about ways to possibly market the documentary later on. But I’ve gotta take things one step at a time… still need to find a composer to create original music so i can take out those Apple loop music tracks… someone willing to help a poor college student out pro bono. Ideas anyone?

by Categories: Beyond The DriveTags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

First screening a success!

It’s been a long time since I felt as nervous and fallible as i did yesterday. By the time it hit noon, all i could focus on for the rest of the day was on the big screening. Got there an hour early to set everything up and test out the equipment with the help of Jane, Tiff and Alvin. And by the time the crowd came streaming in through those doors, there was no turning back. Strangely, I was unable to stay seated during the show… nerves, i guess. It was really nice watching the way the audience reacts to your movie though!

It was also an honour to receive another standing ovation. The positive response certainly helped dispell most of the uncertainty and fear I had. From the feedback forms received, it seems like people really enjoyed how personal the story got and how it kept their attention right throughout the movie.

The best part of the night though, was getting to truly thank all the important people in my life here at NU. Took the chance to do so since we’re 3 weeks away from graduation and the people who came were people who really mattered to me.

At the BTD Premiere

I did a little recap of the short 2 years I had on campus and tried my best to recapture the memories through little stories of experiences I had together with individuals. And totally wish i could kick myself for forgetting to mention Meixi in my speech. She’s someone I’d totally recommend you find an opportunity to sit down and talk to because you’ll feel incredibly inspired after.

If you were among the 50 people at the screening of Beyond The Drive last night, thank you so much for your support. I had a wonderful time reading each and every one of the lovely messages penned in my guest book. I admit I teared a little while reading. Thanks to Ariel, Zhihui and KX for the balloon and chocolates. Thanks to Sam, Cindy, Jessie and Jane for the bouquet of flowers and card. I hope you know that this documentary was inspired by you – the incredibly amazing people I’m surrounded by here in NU.

Still to come… an encore screening because I’ve been receiving requests from people who couldn’t make it yesterday… and the DVD release in a couple of months! Hooray! :)

by Categories: Beyond The DriveTags: , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment