In 2007, when we first started Tiny Island, we only have one simple dream. We wanted to create a commercially sustainable environment that allow us to pursue our passion in animation.
With no money and little knowledge, I have busted 4 credit cards to start this journey. I started running a night class in Animation Production by renting a classroom from a local polytechnic. My first batch of graduates joined us in production who eventually become the departmental head of the company. At that time, I thought we will only last for 6 months. With blessings, from a 2000 sqft office, we grew to a 10,000 sqft office after a year. From a few freelancers to eventually a 120 man team.
For the last 10 years, it has been a roller coaster ride. It has been tough. We were on our own by bootstrapping. Not taking a single cent were taken from any investor. When the crew run out of job, I decided to create jobs for ourselves by investing all our years of savings of USD$5.2M to create our IP Dream Defenders. Many people thought we were insane. What has been seen as a mistake has eventually become a global IP that has been sold to 80 over countries. 5 platforms in the US. And eventually gotten DreamWorks to be our distributor. Now Dream Defenders is heading to China, becoming our first feature film.
A few years back, our local industry climate started to change. We were hit badly by 2 crisis that almost wipe us out entirely. I still recall that one of my ex staff told me to close down the company and find a job.
At times, I felt hopeless seeing some of our core people leaving one after another. I am forever grateful for those who stayed and fought really hard with the remaining team. Without this persistence, we will never able to turn the table around. Looking at the video brings back so many great memories and it wasn’t easy to hold back the tears.
The journey we have gone through isn’t about fame and money. It’s about a team of individuals coming together, going through thick and thin to build a dream they believe in. Many of us started as fresh grad, later got married, have kids and we grew old together. Tiny Island is all about this family culture we have built. Its this spirit that has made the company special which will last a life time. And all I hope for is a better living for our crew in the future.
For those who has been with us, I sincerely thank you for being part of this wonderful memory and journey. It’s you that has brought us to where we are. Without your support, we will never reach this 10th year.
2018 opens a new chapter. A new future. A new beginning. With the new passionate individuals joining us, together I know that we are going to make the difference.
From the Bottom of My Heart. A Big Thank you to those who has supported us.
Happy New Year 2018.
Happy New Year 2018.
