Breathing Life into Animation: The Journey of Jerrold Chong and Finding Pictures
February 9, 2025, 4:53 pm
Location: United States, California, Emeryville
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1979
In the bustling heart of Singapore, a quiet revolution is unfolding. It’s not in the form of towering skyscrapers or bustling markets, but in the realm of animation. Jerrold Chong, a visionary filmmaker, has turned his passion into a thriving animation studio, Finding Pictures. His journey is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and the power of storytelling.
Chong’s love for filmmaking ignited in his teenage years. While many peers gravitated towards live-action, he chose the intricate world of animation. It was a bold choice, akin to picking a winding mountain trail over a smooth highway. The path was steep and fraught with challenges, but Chong was undeterred.
Animation is no walk in the park. It’s a meticulous craft that demands time and precision. Chong recalls long nights spent animating, often from 7 PM to 2 AM. Each frame is a labor of love, a painstaking process where a mere 10 seconds of animation can consume 10 hours of work. The delicate nature of stop-motion means that even the slightest disruption can derail an entire scene. It’s a dance of patience and skill, where every movement counts.
Chong’s studio, Finding Pictures, is a hive of creativity. Nestled in a nondescript building in Bugis, the space buzzes with energy. Animators hunch over their laptops, lost in a world of pixels and frames. The walls are adorned with their growing portfolio, showcasing a blend of short films and ambitious series. Titles like "Puberteens" and "Zombie Safari" hint at the studio’s diverse storytelling approach. Each project is a testament to their commitment to pushing boundaries.
But the road to success was not paved with gold. In the early days, Chong and his co-founders juggled teaching jobs while nurturing their animation dreams. They faced countless rejections, each one a reminder of the uphill battle they were fighting. Yet, with every “no,” they found the fuel to keep going. Small victories, like screening their early films to local audiences, ignited their passion. The connection with viewers became their lifeline, urging them to craft more stories.
The breakthrough came in 2019 with "Piece of Meat," a stop-motion short that explored consumerism through the eyes of a sentient lamb chop. The film’s selection for the Cannes Film Festival was a game-changer. It opened doors and placed Finding Pictures on the global map. Suddenly, their work was not just a local endeavor; it was a representation of Singaporean animation on an international stage.
As the studio gained recognition, the projects became more ambitious. In 2021, they were commissioned to create an animation for Singapore’s National Day music video. The pressure was immense, but the team thrived under it. They spent months crafting a blend of live-action and animation, a feat that showcased their versatility. The positive reception was a validation of their hard work and creativity.
Chong’s journey is a reflection of a broader narrative in Singapore. The arts scene is still finding its footing, often overshadowed by more traditional career paths. Many aspiring artists face the dilemma of choosing stability over passion. Chong’s decision to leave a secure teaching job for the unpredictable world of animation was a leap of faith. It’s a choice that resonates with many young Singaporeans, who grapple with the same crossroads.
Despite the accolades, Chong remains grounded. He often questions whether his best work is behind him. The internal struggle is a familiar one for creatives. Singapore’s animation market is still in its infancy, and the challenge lies in creating independent art that resonates with audiences. The temptation to conform to commercial demands is ever-present. Yet, Chong and his team are committed to their vision, striving to produce work that is both meaningful and sustainable.
The future looks bright for Finding Pictures. Their recent showcase at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka is a testament to their growing influence. Chong sees this as an opportunity to elevate Singaporean animation on a global platform. It’s a chance to tell stories that reflect the unique culture and experiences of Singaporeans.
As the animation landscape evolves, Chong’s journey serves as an inspiration. He embodies the spirit of resilience and creativity. In a world where many see animation as mere entertainment, he views it as a powerful medium for storytelling. Each frame is a brushstroke, each character a reflection of society.
In the end, Chong’s story is not just about animation; it’s about the pursuit of passion against all odds. It’s a reminder that the road less traveled can lead to extraordinary destinations. As he continues to breathe life into his creations, he invites others to join him on this journey of imagination and storytelling. In the realm of animation, the possibilities are endless, and with each project, Chong proves that dreams can indeed take flight.
Chong’s love for filmmaking ignited in his teenage years. While many peers gravitated towards live-action, he chose the intricate world of animation. It was a bold choice, akin to picking a winding mountain trail over a smooth highway. The path was steep and fraught with challenges, but Chong was undeterred.
Animation is no walk in the park. It’s a meticulous craft that demands time and precision. Chong recalls long nights spent animating, often from 7 PM to 2 AM. Each frame is a labor of love, a painstaking process where a mere 10 seconds of animation can consume 10 hours of work. The delicate nature of stop-motion means that even the slightest disruption can derail an entire scene. It’s a dance of patience and skill, where every movement counts.
Chong’s studio, Finding Pictures, is a hive of creativity. Nestled in a nondescript building in Bugis, the space buzzes with energy. Animators hunch over their laptops, lost in a world of pixels and frames. The walls are adorned with their growing portfolio, showcasing a blend of short films and ambitious series. Titles like "Puberteens" and "Zombie Safari" hint at the studio’s diverse storytelling approach. Each project is a testament to their commitment to pushing boundaries.
But the road to success was not paved with gold. In the early days, Chong and his co-founders juggled teaching jobs while nurturing their animation dreams. They faced countless rejections, each one a reminder of the uphill battle they were fighting. Yet, with every “no,” they found the fuel to keep going. Small victories, like screening their early films to local audiences, ignited their passion. The connection with viewers became their lifeline, urging them to craft more stories.
The breakthrough came in 2019 with "Piece of Meat," a stop-motion short that explored consumerism through the eyes of a sentient lamb chop. The film’s selection for the Cannes Film Festival was a game-changer. It opened doors and placed Finding Pictures on the global map. Suddenly, their work was not just a local endeavor; it was a representation of Singaporean animation on an international stage.
As the studio gained recognition, the projects became more ambitious. In 2021, they were commissioned to create an animation for Singapore’s National Day music video. The pressure was immense, but the team thrived under it. They spent months crafting a blend of live-action and animation, a feat that showcased their versatility. The positive reception was a validation of their hard work and creativity.
Chong’s journey is a reflection of a broader narrative in Singapore. The arts scene is still finding its footing, often overshadowed by more traditional career paths. Many aspiring artists face the dilemma of choosing stability over passion. Chong’s decision to leave a secure teaching job for the unpredictable world of animation was a leap of faith. It’s a choice that resonates with many young Singaporeans, who grapple with the same crossroads.
Despite the accolades, Chong remains grounded. He often questions whether his best work is behind him. The internal struggle is a familiar one for creatives. Singapore’s animation market is still in its infancy, and the challenge lies in creating independent art that resonates with audiences. The temptation to conform to commercial demands is ever-present. Yet, Chong and his team are committed to their vision, striving to produce work that is both meaningful and sustainable.
The future looks bright for Finding Pictures. Their recent showcase at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka is a testament to their growing influence. Chong sees this as an opportunity to elevate Singaporean animation on a global platform. It’s a chance to tell stories that reflect the unique culture and experiences of Singaporeans.
As the animation landscape evolves, Chong’s journey serves as an inspiration. He embodies the spirit of resilience and creativity. In a world where many see animation as mere entertainment, he views it as a powerful medium for storytelling. Each frame is a brushstroke, each character a reflection of society.
In the end, Chong’s story is not just about animation; it’s about the pursuit of passion against all odds. It’s a reminder that the road less traveled can lead to extraordinary destinations. As he continues to breathe life into his creations, he invites others to join him on this journey of imagination and storytelling. In the realm of animation, the possibilities are endless, and with each project, Chong proves that dreams can indeed take flight.