One thing I’ve learned about the APAC region, is that it is super appreciated when brands take the time to really get to know the local areas - and what the people love about their own local areas. It’s generally not the skyline or the tourist-y bits, but the neighbourhoods they grew up in and the people who represent different parts of the community. I’d been waiting for the opportunity to shoot a love letter to Singapore’s true self - by digging out locations that were rarely captured, but could be framed and treated cinematically. The Defenders proved to be the perfect chance - with its four pillars of the community, defending what’s most important to them - and smokey, neon aesthetic fun-times. Integrating the actual characters from the show was part of the Marvel brief, and I wanted to avoid this appearing cheesy or straying into humour. Through the joys of “figuring it out in post”, I think we tipped the scales into genuine and cool - and the addition of a VO from local rapper Lion City Boy gave it the edge it needed.

Also, otters, yay.