Derek is the cofounder of Viddsee, a creator platform for premium short form content with over 3B+ views, 40M+ monthly reach, and 5K+ filmmakers.
With 15 years as a media and technology leader, Derek has worn multiple hats – from developing products to selling content IPs. And his passion lies in growing communities around content, building empathy with IPs and characters, and driving action through impactful storytelling to shape culture.
Guest Author: Derek Tan
So much to learn from letting go
Last week, I saw a project that I was working on in my previous company received a huge recognition.
I was so excited, happy and proud! But at the same time, I hesitated to share about it. It was bittersweet.
The me previously at Viddsee, the creator platform startup that I co-founded, would have jumped in all “humble-bragging” about the news.
I thought I am no longer with the company. Isn’t it time to move on. I had this dilemma – should I or shouldn’t I talk about it?
But, I was reminded of the aspirations for the project – to spotlight Singapore content to the world.
And this was a shared goal and vision with my partners at Mediacorp, especially with Rachel Ng, who commissioned the project. We talked so much about the collaboration between our two Singapore companies working together to drive this aspirations forward.
That we can be this content “hub” to bring global ideas into Singapore, work on it here and then bring this local global content out to the world.
Specifically with this project, we brought in the popular Korean Viddsee short film <Human Form> that has been watched millions online across Viddsee channels.
We worked on it here with local talents together with the Korean filmmaker Doyeon. Produced it here and shared the story with the world.
Maybe I was thinking too much about the process of letting go. I’m reminded that “once a founder, always a founder”. I’m just super proud of the work my (ex-)team did.
The “baby” that I grew will continue to do amazing things, and I will be its biggest supporter always. It’s my state of letting go, but acknowledging the impact it creates along the way too.
That all said, the Viddsee project is <Alienated>, a Singapore TV drama that was adapted from the Korean short film <Human Form>. It has been recognised and shortlisted for the prestigious New York Festivals TV & Film Awards 2024 in the Sci-Fi / Fantasy / Horror category 🎉 🎉 🎉
I’m curious, how do you deal with leaving a project, seeing it continue without you? How do you continue to celebrate from a distance?
