Freelancers drive creativity and innovation, yet they often face unique challenges without the protections of traditional employment. VICPA’s five-part video series exposes the real challenges of freelance life in Singapore’s creative industry, from contract rights and fair pay to personal branding and on-set safety.
Featuring honest conversations with industry insiders, the series empowers creatives with practical advice and sparks dialogue for fairer, more professional standards across the sector.
The Real Hustle: Creatives Unplugged is co-produced by The Flying Kick Asia & Laura Kee
Episode 1: Who is a Freelance Creative Professional and What is VICPA’s Role?
Synopsis: This episode introduces the freelance creative professional in Singapore’s media industry, discussing their roles, challenges, and responsibilities. It also highlights the importance of understanding the legal status, rights and responsibilities of freelance workers in Singapore, and how VICPA supports freelancers in advocating for better working conditions. Guests will share their experiences as freelancers, the challenges faced in the industry, and thoughts on the significance of union representation for creative professionals.
Host: Laura Kee
Guests:
Jean See – VICPA Executive Secretary (2021 – 2024)
James Tan – VICPA Exco President
Master Printmaker & Colour management specialist, Lateral Imaging
Episode 2: Fair Contracting: Best Practices and Personal Experiences in Securing Fair Terms
Synopsis: In this episode, we focus on the importance of fair contracting for creative freelancers, covering the essential elements of fair contracts, and how best to review contracts and ensure equitable terms. We’ll explore real-life experiences of handling difficult contract situations and securing fair deals. Guests discuss their approach towards navigating contracts, share personal stories, and offer advice to help freelancers protect themselves professionally.
Host: Laura Kee
Guests:
• Jagathishwaran S/O Rajo, VICPA Executive Secretary
• Audrey Lim, Creative Consultant, Producer / Presenter
• Tan Siew Ann, Freelance Writer
Episode 3: Pricing Strategy: Setting Rates, Negotiating Fees, and Understanding Market Value
Synopsis:
This episode tackles the challenge of pricing as a freelancer, offering strategies to set fair rates, negotiate effectively, and understand market trends. It will cover the key elements to consider when pricing, such as time, skill level, project complexity, and overhead costs. Guests will share their experiences with rate-setting, how they’ve learned to communicate their value, and how they deal with clients who undervalue creative work. They can contribute insights on their pricing journey, tips for negotiating confidently, and lessons learned from working with diverse clients.
Host: Laura Kee
Guests:
• Jean See, VICPA Executive Secretary (2021 – 2024)
• Edward Choy, Actor / Host / Voice Artist
• Kelvin Lee – VICPA Exco member, seasoned Executive Producer, Founder of We Are Heroes and Might & Magic Studios
Episode 4: Marketing and Networking: Strategies for Personal Branding and the Importance of Connections
This episode explores the essential skills of marketing and networking for freelancers, emphasizing personal branding, building professional relationships, and leveraging community connections. Guests will share actionable advice on creating an online presence, cultivating meaningful industry relationships, and the role of networking in career growth. They can provide their perspectives on personal branding and how strategic connections have influenced their careers.
Host: Laura Kee
Guests:
• Jean See, VICPA Executive Secretary (2021 – 2024)
• Das DD, Content Creator & Host
• Audrey Lim, Creative Consultant, Producer / Presenter
Episode 5: Safety of Freelancers in a Production Project: What to Look Out For?
The final episode in this series touches on the topic of workplace safety in all its forms: Physical, mental, psychological, emotional. Our guests discuss key safety considerations for freelancers like working hours, physical safety on set (equipment, stunts), harassment, mental health, intimacy and more, sharing their experiences on set and give advice on how less experienced freelancers can navigate workplace safety concerns
Host: Laura Kee
Guests:
- Jean See, VICPA Executive Secretary (2021 – 2024)
- Mohamed Aiszam Bin Mohamed Wahab– VICPA Deputy President
Director, Stills Network - Sunny Pang, Stunt / Action director, Actor