In a bold foray into the world of filmmaking, Weiliang, known for his roles in local productions such as the Ah Boys to Men franchise, has taken on dual roles as both executive producer and actor in the newly announced movie "Baby Hero." This action-comedy film, the first in a planned trilogy, began its journey in November 2023. With a budget of $2.8 million, filming took place from April to June 2024 in the picturesque region of Sukhothai, Thailand, involving a crew of around 120 members each day.
The film's production was not without challenges. In May 2024, just weeks into shooting, Weiliang sustained a knee injury during an action scene. Despite the setback, he admirably continued with the shoot, earning the nickname "bai kar kueh" or "crippled chicken" from the crew, as he maneuvered through scenes with an umbrella for support.
"It was my first scene that morning and I had to jump from a height. I didn't see a hole in the ground and my foot went into it," Weiliang recounted.
The injury did not deter him. His commitment to the project remained unwavering as he balanced his responsibilities on set, ensuring that production stayed on track. His passion for filmmaking and his role as an executive producer were palpable throughout the process.
"Maybe it was also because this is the first time I am an executive producer cum actor in a movie. I didn't have time to think about whether it really hurt or whether I could function. I only thought about how I could continue filming and avoid delays," Weiliang explained.
Weiliang's dedication extended beyond his physical recovery. Upon returning to Singapore in June, he sought medical attention from an orthopaedist and fully recuperated within two weeks. His experience working with acclaimed local director Jack Neo significantly influenced his approach to filmmaking.
"I learnt about patience and allowing things to happen while filming with Jack. He is a very patient person. When Henry Thia needed many retakes, Jack never lost his temper. I think this is needed to give the actor confidence," Weiliang reflected.
The meticulous planning required for action sequences was another lesson Weiliang took to heart. The film’s stunts were coordinated by the same team responsible for the renowned Thai action movie "Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior," ensuring a high standard of choreography.
"For example, when we are filming an action scene, we can't rush to complete it. We need to ensure the safety of the actors and that the choreography is planned well and that takes a lot of time," Weiliang emphasized.
Beyond the technical aspects of production, Weiliang formed meaningful connections with those involved in the film. His interactions with crew members extended beyond professional boundaries, creating a familial atmosphere on set.
"There was an auntie who would cook our meals every day on set. As we were celebrating on the last day of filming, she came up to me and said, 'I will miss you, you must come back and find me.' I cried immediately," Weiliang shared.
The movie's release is highly anticipated not only in Singapore but also across Southeast Asia. Plans are underway for distribution in Thailand and Malaysia, with discussions ongoing for expansion into Brunei, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Indonesia, before eventually reaching Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Despite the physical challenges he faced during filming, Weiliang’s performance remained unaffected. Colleagues noted his ability to adapt and deliver dialogues effectively in Mandarin—a language he continues to improve upon.
"When we rehearsed the scenes together, I think he did rather well for his dialogue considering speaking Mandarin could be a challenge for him. I believe he is constantly improving," Weiliang noted.
Social media may not be Weiliang’s chosen platform for maintaining friendships, but he values personal connections made through shared experiences.
"Social media is not my means of making friends. Although we may not follow each other, that doesn't mean we are not friends," Weiliang stated.
As he balances his personal life with professional obligations, Weiliang acknowledges the stress that comes with tight schedules but remains optimistic about outcomes.
"When we are working on a tight schedule and I see that everything is not in place yet, it's actually very stressful for me and I wonder if we can complete on time. But it is during these times that all the more I should be relaxed and believe that everything will turn out well in the end," he expressed.
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