Meet Travis Tan | Assistant Director & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Travis Tan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Travis, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I’ve always felt like life is a screenplay—if you don’t take risks, your story’s going to be flat. I’m a risk taker, and honestly, everyone in the creative industry is. We don’t have stable jobs, and many of us barely make enough to get by. That’s already one of the biggest risks we’ve taken—choosing passion over comfort.

I grew up in a small town in Malaysia and moved to the city alone at 16 to pursue a better education. Leaving my family and friends behind wasn’t easy, but it shaped me into someone independent and confident. Starting over in a new place, meeting new people, and rebuilding my support system again and again has made me stronger.

After graduating college, I took another leap—I moved to Los Angeles to study filmmaking. I could’ve stayed back, gotten a stable job, and lived a more conventional life. But instead, I packed my luggage, flew 17 hours across the world, and chased one thing: my dream.

Now, as I’m learning to become a director, I’ve realized that every creative decision I make comes with its own risk—whether it’s how I tell a story, who I collaborate with, or how I put myself out there. But that’s what makes the journey exciting. The risks I’ve taken, the time and money I’ve invested—they’ve all come with moments of doubt. I’ve asked myself, Is it worth it? And the answer is always YES.

I’m proud of the choices I’ve made, even the scary ones. In this industry, risk-taking isn’t just part of the job—IT IS THE JOB. And I’m glad I chose this path.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
If I had to describe my art, I’d say it highlights the bright side of humanity. Even though the world isn’t always kind, I still deeply believe in people — and I want my films, whether they’re sci-fi, fantasy, or drama, to reflect that belief. I want to spread positivity through my work and remind audiences that even in the darkest times, there’s still light to be found.

Before I came to Los Angeles, I had zero experience in filmmaking. I started everything from scratch. I would say I’m no different from any young filmmaker trying to stand out in this industry. Most of the time, we work as volunteers — just to sharpen our skills, build our networks, and prove ourselves. It was not easy at all. Filmmaking is hard.

Technical skills can be learned through practice, but developing your artistic voice takes much longer. Even now, I’m still figuring out how to best express my vision. I love directing, seeing my ideas come alive on screen and connecting with an audience is the best feeling I could ever ask for. I hope my work can inspire and motivate others, just like the films that once inspired me.

Throughout my journey as a director, I’ve learned many important lessons. You have to hire people who understand and love your vision, people who truly believe in your story. If they don’t trust you or aren’t interested in what you’re creating, they have no reason to be there. I’ve also learned to listen to the opinions of others, but still trust my own instincts instead of being led by everyone else. Like every director, we are a little bullheaded ,we believe strongly in our judgment and decisions.

Furthermore, storytelling is a living organism. It stays alive and evolves until the very last frame is locked in post. I learned that lesson through the process of making films to guide the story, but also let it breathe and grow.

At the end of the day, I’m just a boy who grew up in the paddy fields, holding onto a big dream: to tell stories that matter, to inspire future generations, and to leave something meaningful behind through my craft.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d definitely want them to experience both the classic and the hidden sides of Los Angeles.

First, we’d visit the Academy Museum, it’s a must for anyone who loves film. It’s amazing to see where Hollywood history started and how far it’s come. Then, we’d hike up Hollywood Hill to get a closer look at the Hollywood Sign and take in the view of the whole city. It’s touristy, but it’s one of those things you have to do at least once.

One evening, I’d bring them to Hermosa Beach to catch the sunset. Honestly, I think LA has some of the best sunsets in the world there’s something really magical about the colours over the ocean here.

On a Sunday night, we’d find a cozy jazz bar maybe something like Seven Grand downtown to enjoy some live music. Then later, we’d drive around the city at midnight when the streets are quiet. There’s something peaceful about seeing LA at night the neon lights, the empty roads — it feels like a whole different city.

We’d probably end up grabbing a late-night burger from a street stand or an old-school diner, and just wait for the sunrise together.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a special shoutout to my parents. I truly wouldn’t be here without their support. Unlike more traditional parents, mine encouraged me from a young age to leave home and chase my dreams. The courage I have today was built from the foundation they gave me early on.

I’m especially grateful for the way they raised me they were strict about manners and discipline when I was young, and those values have stuck with me. It’s helped me a lot in this industry, working and collaborating with others.

I also want to dedicate a shoutout to the Hollywood industry itself. I grew up watching films like Jurassic Park wondering if dinosaurs still existed and being amazed by the storytelling of Inception. I still remember laying on the couch with my dad on Sunday afternoons, watching Jaws. It terrified me and so did Aliens and Predator but none of that fear ever took away my curiosity about how those films were made.

Those early experiences sparked my passion and are a big part of why I’m here today: to learn, grow, and make great films.

Shoutout to all the masters of filmmaking who inspire me to dream bigger.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travisx0911/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-tan-022b8033b/