western DJ/ actress in Singapore

[Sabrina_Sausewind]

Hi everyone,

I am a 26 year old German media producer who is here in Singapore till the 22nd of April and trying to get a job in the media branch.
Even though I learned how to produce short movies, trailers, animations or any other media product- I am primarily trying to get a job as a DJ or actress.
I found my passion in Korea in 2009 when I worked as a DJ and reporter for an English radio station and after starting to participate as an actress in Germany and am now taking acting lessons since 8-2010.


Does anyone know a good way to apply as a western actress or DJ here in Singapore?

I already tried to apply at mediaCorp, Safra, PressHoldings – just went there with my CV - but got rejected in 2 of them as you have to stick to the online application system. From that it’s hard to send any other application.

On the 22nd I have to go back to Germany to finish a project and I hope I could come back in May or June to Singapore in case I have a job or at least a perspective.

I would be very glad about any advice, some good addresses or some hints. Maybe someone is even working here as an actor or DJ and he could give me some hints.
Thanks so much – have a lovely Sunday

Sabrina

[JR8]

I don't think there are any western actors in SG. IMO most media is race-based, and there aren't local channels targeted at caucasians.

DJing. Don't know. Maybe if you have a proven track record.


Don't think you're going to drop by MediaCorp (etc) and just pick up some 'rub-along' job, (to build upon). Most people start out bringing a specific skillset to a known opening.

Tokyo always used to be a place for people sounding like you to go and make it.

[Sabrina_Sausewind]

hi,
and thanks for your fast reply. Actually "DJ" is what most of the Asien people called me - but maybe its rather incorrect.
What I am looking for is a opportunity to work here in the media branch as a co-host.
I am willing to learn a different language as well.
But its also very complicated with the working visa, isnt it?
I thought I could be a freelancer and there would be a visa for that - but now I figuerd out that there is maybe only one visa- which you will get if you have a fulltime job.
Does anyone know about that?

[ecureilx]

What I am looking for is a opportunity to work here in the media branch as a co-host.
I am willing to learn a different language as well.
But its also very complicated with the working visa, isnt it?
I thought I could be a freelancer and there would be a visa for that - but now I figuerd out that there is maybe only one visa- which you will get if you have a fulltime job.
Does anyone know about that?

I know enough DJs, from various discos, and some people in Media corp, but the latter are not the movers-and-shakers ..

Well, it is tough to or not possible to get a work pass for the job of actor and host - unless you were recognised. ... like some of the mediacorp hosts are

Well, let me do some digging for you ..

Maybe you should adapt a plan b- get some study program here, while venturing into the media ..

[JR8]

Yeah it's tough, because you need the visa and there is no concept of freelancing. To get the visa you're going to need a convincing personal sales pitch + job offer.

Ecu's 'plan B' is the kind of thinking I think you're going to need to do. Or can you afford to fund yourself for a time, and are qualified to come in on an EPEC while sourcing opportunities?

p.s. the media in SG is tiny. For example there are apparently only two comedians, Singh and Chong, and it's possible to see them on 5 TV shows a day. All a bit dire...

[ecureilx]

p.s. the media in SG is tiny. For example there are apparently only two comedians, Singh and Chong, and it's possible to see them on 5 TV shows a day. All a bit dire...

You forgot Leong, Kumar, and mr oz-mate atherton : D

[JR8]

I thought Atherton played cricket?

[ecureilx]

I thought Atherton played cricket?

There is a multi-lingual Jonathon here .. was a Radio DJ to boot .. and now running comedy shows ..

And good they are

PS: let's not drift the thread off ..

[sundaymorningstaple]

Actually, I was a part time actor (not movable props) for almost 18 years with SBC/TCS/MediaCorp as well as MediaWorks. Stopped doing it around 5 years ago.

Almost 100 percent of it was Chinese Drama Serials (over 100 different Serials). Most Aunties in Singapore recognize me as they are still seeing me on reruns in the afternoons. But the money is poor unless you can get into it full time (and then the money still sucks - but the endorsements make up for it apparently). Actually thought about doing it again now that I've lost all the weight. But there are a lot more doing it today than in the '80's & 90's when I was doing most of my work there.

[JR8]

OMG... tell me we can find some clips on Youtube!

p.s. What happened you did a Charlie Sheen and went into rehab?

[Sabrina_Sausewind]

really?
You have had roles?
Well, of corse I have a Plan B- but its also hard to get a job in the media branch here. (I am trying to apply as a media producer, writer, editor, journalist...)
BUT: I really would liek to act again - even if its just one more reason to stay here (besides th egreat food) .
I know it wont be paid that well maybe- but do you know where I coudl apply?
or do you have any hints which one I could ask?

Thanks so much for all your replies.
I am really trying to get a job here in order to stay.
Cheers
Sabrina

[ecureilx]

really?
You have had roles?
Well, of corse I have a Plan B- but its also hard to get a job in the media branch here. (I am trying to apply as a media producer, writer, editor, journalist...)

Talking of production, there are a dozen or more production houses, doing regional media stuff ..

Jut google, and you can locate them .. that may give you a better shot ...

[sundaymorningstaple]

ecureilx has the best suggestions. Your problem is locating a permanent berth and that's much harder to come by. For me, it's easy as I've been a PR here for donkey's years and at least a decade before that on other various types of resident visas.

http://www.mom.gov.sg/foreign-manpower/ ... fault.aspx

You might also want to try the various publishers of magazines here (Google) especially the entertainment & lifestyle ones. They might be open to a more worldly view as well. There are lots of western journos here but you just have to know where to look.