From Night‑Shift Guard to Night‑Time Spielberg
Samuel Delitans Lee, 29, once trudged the mud‑slick jungle of 8 SIR during his National Service, now knows how to turn midnight into a golden shooting hour.
What Gave Him the Keys to the Cinematic Kingdom
- Regular guard duty gave him lots of spare time – the perfect window to brainstorm plots.
- When commanders discovered he had a media background, they handed him a ticket into the army’s very own film crew.
- He learned to juggle a 6 am call, nighttime guard duties, and late‑night editing. “It trained my time‑management muscles,” he jokes.
“I’d be a media \IC\ during the day and a guard at night, but my passion kept me going. Those days taught me resilience,” Samuel chuckles now, reflecting on his soldier days.
Hollywood‑Style Tenure: Award-Winning Shorts
Samuel has directed four short films that have taken the festival circuit by storm:
- Rescue Before Dusk
- Star Wars: The Awakening – a quirky homage, no big lights‑as‑dirt involved.
- Timecase
- Deadlock – starring ex‑commando Jonathan Cheong.
Deadlock clinched the Best Director Award at the World Film Carnival Singapore, earned an Outstanding Crime Film trophy, and pushed Jonathan to win Best Actor.
Littleworks Productions: The Brainchild
While pursuing a diploma in Film, Sound & Video at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Samuel founded Littleworks Productions in 2011. His early dream was to star on screen, but film school pulled his focus behind the camera.
Influences & Fanfare
- Top three inspirational films:
- “The Man From Nowhere” – Korea.
- “The Raid Part 2” – Indonesia.
- Live‑action “Rurouni Kenshin” – Japan.
- He’s also a huge fan of Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve, Kim Jee‑Woo, and Bong Joon‑Ho.
Interview Highlights: “Deadlock” and the Unseen Side of Cinema
When we sat down with Samuel to talk about “Deadlock,” he admitted that the least appreciated part of filmmaking is the endless gray‑zone of logistics and budget hassles. “It’s the behind‑the‑scenes wizardry that turns a good idea into a great film,” he explains. And being a local director? “It’s about carving a niche in a market that loves imported blockbusters,” he confesses, laughing at the irony.
All in all, Samuel’s journey from night patrols to award‑winning reels reminds us that passion, coupled with disciplined hours, can transform a guard shift into a cinematic swagger.
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Samuel, you’re an “action movie director”. How did swift punches and flying kicks become part of your repertoire?
Stunts Up! My Singapore Action Movie Dream
Punching, Kicking & Keeping the Crowd on Their Feet
Stunts and flips are my jam, but the real challenge? Making a punch look like it was carved out of a masterpiece while ensuring each kick flies like an arrow. Every fight scene in my vision has blazing punches and soaring kicks, yet the magic comes from how I string them together.
Why Action Is the Singapore “Dream‑or‑Fail” of Film
- Action movies are a rare breed down here – scarce, daring, and often a financial black hole.
- In a city that’s famous for its hawker stalls, it’s a stretch to make a blockbuster action film.
- But that’s why I’m drawn to it: it’s raw, it’s risky, and it’s a test of true creativity.
The Golden Rule: Make Singapore the New Action Hub
I’m not just chasing Hollywood tactics, I want Singapore to brag, “Did you see that epic battle? Made right here!” Think about it:
- Thailand rock with their slick action‑films.
- Korea keeps the gangster grit alive.
- Indonesia nailed The Raid vibe.
- Now it’s my turn to carve a niche that screams SG.
Choosing the Hardest Path by Choice
Yes, I’m pulling the reins on the most precarious journey. I know the road’s littered with hurdles – funding, talent, and, of course, skepticism.
But I keep one thought at my core: “There’s a gem in Singapore we haven’t unearthed yet.”
Bottom Line
With every stunt I spill and every fight I choreograph, I’m building a new identity. It’s a bold dance on the edge of the impossible, and I’m ready to bring my own flavour to the action genre – Singapore‑style, daringly unforgettable.
Behind the Lights: The Secret Sauce of Samuel Delitans Lee
Congratulations, Samuel! You’ve just bagged the “Best Director” trophy for Deadlock. That’s not just a win; it’s a testament to your talent and hard work.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned while making the film?
“It’s all about adaptability. Working with a crew that has a mix of skill sets—stunts, camera, lights—keeps you on your toes.”
Breaking It Down
- Every crew member is a star. Each person brings a unique flavor to the table.
- Tag-team success. A director must place talent where it shines—whether that means letting a stunt champ lead the action or letting a lighting wizard fine-tune the mood.
- Growth zone. You create an environment where people can both excel and stretch beyond their comfort zone.
In short, the trick is to keep everything flexible and fun—a mix of professionalism and a sprinkle of humour that keeps the set buzzing.
Notice the Payday!
Samuel’s happy and proud, and his crew couldn’t be more grateful for the collaborative vibe that made Deadlock a standout success.
Lights‑and‑Sound, and a Dash of Pop
Samuel Delitans Lee got his first taste of the music‑video world when he shot the official MV for the movie’s theme song, featuring FRGN and Charles ENERO. No wonder he says it was a vibe‑shift from documentaries to dance‑floor storytelling.
Speed‑Dialing Creativity
- “You’re living on a deadline,” Lee tells us. “And the only way to keep it humming is to think on the fly.”
- When FRGN or Charles throw a question into the mix, he instantly whizzes through mental storyboards to test if the idea sticks.
- Schedules are tight, but the playground is wide – he jokes that it feels half‑a‑soul‑soccer and half‑a‑movie‑studio.
The Edit‑or’s Mindset
Because he’s both producer and editor, Lee gets the win/lose moment before the camera ever rolls:
- He pulls a mental “if/then” test: Will this shot carry the beat? Will it pull the audience’s eye?
- For the music video, there was no hard‑core blueprint – each frame was a chance to play.
- Unlike a short film where paths are usually nailed down early, the MV style offered “full freedom” to reinterpret lyrics in visual rhythm.
Bottom Line
Working on an MV was a whirlwind of “yes‑and” imagination, quick decision‑making, and a liberating lapse from strict pre‑plans. Sam embraces the rapid‑fire challenge, gleaning from every cut how best to align sound with sight, all while keeping it as breezy and bright as a Friday night playlist.
Behind the Curtain: Why Editing and Stunts Deserve More Love
When Samuel Delitans Lee’s short film Timecase stole the spotlight, the applause was heavy on the narrative and the visuals. But under the roar of the crowd lies a quieter truth: the work that keeps the story moving without a flicker of distraction. Stunts and editing are the unsung champions.
What Does the Filmmaker Say?
- “It’s rare to hear people pat the editor or the stunt team. When a character slips, the edit makes the fall feel real, and the stunt choreography keeps the action on point.”
- “We see lines like ‘Great writing’ or ‘Awesome footage,’ but never ‘Top-notch editing’ or ‘Stunt work on fire.’”
Samuel points out a common paradox: people only notice the magic when it goes wrong. Imagine the scene where a hero falls, but the edit is glitchy or the stunt is barely executed. Fans will scream, “What a mess!” Instead, when everything syncs perfectly, the payoff is smooth, the tension stays intact, and the movie feels polished.
The Silent Impact of Editing
Editing stitches the narrative puzzle. A well‑edited shot cuts unnecessary beats, drops the beat just right, and keeps the audience’s heart racing. Think of it as the director’s invisible mic—silent but essential.
The Art of Stunts
Stunt work is the adrenaline rail. It guarantees safety while letting actors sprint, tumble, and land with authority. Without skilled stunt performers, even the best action scenes would end up looking like clumsy pratfalls.
Why We Should All Pay Attention
When you appreciate the unseen layers, you get the full movie experience—everything from the whispered cuts to the thundering highs. It’s a reminder that filmmaking is a team sport, and every role matters.
So next time you watch a film, give a nod to the editors who keep the pace flawless and the stunt crew who make the impossible look effortless. Their silent power is the true backbone of every blockbuster and indie gem alike.
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What are the major challenges of being a local film director (and video editor) in Singapore?
When You’re the Whole Crew, the Whole Drama
Picture this: you’re at the helm of a movie, but the only other crew members you’ve got are your own hands. The first time we delve into filmmaking, you’re the writer, producer, prop‑magician, director, and editor—all rolled into one. It’s like a video‑making bootcamp where the only instructor is your own stubborn determination.
Why the Solo Journey Is Like a One‑Man Band
- Getting the groundwork right: From drafting dialogue to making that popcorn‑scarecrow prop look convincing, every skill has to be polished.
- Learning on the fly: You’ll discover what works and what doesn’t in real time—no pause‑button, just pure practice.
- Belief over ambition: While your “dreams” want to take the world by storm, it’s you who has to keep the fire lit.
The Reality Check: Friends, Competitors, and the “White‑Soup” Challenge
Once you’ve carved out a few projects and the local film community takes notice, the game turns into a friendly rivalry. Everyone’s hustling for their own “rice bowl”—the next paycheck that keeps the lights on.
- Comparison is the thief of joy: Watching a friend’s trailer skip to the next big buzz can be a double‑edged blade.
- Competition keeps you sharp: It pushes you to refine your script, tighten your cuts, and perhaps add a quirky character or two.
My Own Roller‑Coaster Without a Big Friend Circle
I didn’t have the security blanket of a large network of pals to fire up my career. Instead, I sat down with a cup of coffee, a stack of rejection emails, and a fierce resolve. Each day was a face‑to‑face with doubt, and every setback became the training ground for my next shot.
- Daily doubt, daily courage: Each “no” was a nudge, each failure a lesson in disguise.
- Every flop taught me something new: Whether it was a shaky camera moment or an awkward line, I turned those hiccups into a checklist for improvement.
In the end, the biggest takeaway is that being on your own isn’t a curse—it’s the ultimate fuel for growth. With the right blend of humor, heart, and hard work, you can transform even the simplest of films into a masterpiece that resonates, even if it’s just on a grainy VHS tape or a glowing smartphone screen.
From Aerospace to Aperture: YK’s Journey of Everyday Inspiration
Hey there! Ever wondered how a breezy‑minded content creator turns a rocket scientist into a photography maven? YK’s got stories that’ll make your brain do a little happy dance.
What Drives YK?
- Brave The Everyday: Instead of chasing big events, YK captures the tiny moments that usually get lost in the shuffle.
- Mix and Match: He blends aerospace jargon with street‑style clicks for a quirky fusion.
- Learn & Share: Every snap is a lesson—whether a new lens trick or a candid street shot—delivered in bite‑size videos or blog bursts.
From Blue Skies to Quick Zooms
YK’s routine is a mash‑up: a quick rocket‑rollout briefing one minute, followed by a spontaneous photoshoot of local street art the next. The “life hack” he reveals? Flex your creative muscles whenever you can.
National Service & The Lens
Even during compulsory national service, YK finds time to snap and edit. He says the disciplined schedule actually sharpens his focus—literally and figuratively!
The Bottom Line
In a world that’s perpetually rushing, YK reminds us to pull down the camera, pick up a story, and find the genius hidden in everyday moments. If you’re looking for a fresh perspective, stop by his channel and start capturing the world through his playful eyes.
