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SINGAPORE: She is an actress, a television host, a film director and even started her own film company Huat Films last year.
But she isn't stopping there – Singapore actress Michelle Chong has also started her own artiste management agency Left Profile recently, and has effectively become her own manager.
According to Chong, Left Profile, which is named after what Chong says is her better-looking side, wasn't exactly a planned move, but had been a "natural progression" for her, as she slowly moved from being a performer to someone who works behind the camera.
"The success of 'Already Famous' has given me the confidence to do my second film.
"The making of a movie requires a lot of time and effort and I thought it would be unfair to MediaCorp if I were to take another seven months of sabbatical leave to do my movie," explained Chong, pointing out that MediaCorp's management had been very supportive of her decision to spend more time on filmmaking.
"Instead of a full management contract, they (MediaCorp) have offered me one with special contractual terms that generally leave me with more time and freedom.
"I am still very much a MediaCorp artiste. The only difference is I'm managed by Left Profile," said Chong, describing Left Profile's relationship with MediaCorp as a partnership, which will see them work together to develop Left Profile's artistes.
Left Profile currently also represents Chong's showbiz friends, popular hosts Pornsak and Lee Teng.
"I signed them on because they both have very nice left profiles!
"Just kidding. They are both very talented hosts and talented hosts are hard to come by in Singapore," said Chong.
"I won't rule out signing anyone but for now, three is a good number. We're quite selective because we want to do the best we can for our artistes."
Mystery film
2012 is shaping up to be a very busy year for Chong.
Apart from starting Left Profile, and experimenting with event management, the multi-talented dynamo is also preparing for her second film, which will begin shooting in April.
"Huat Films is currently preparing for our second movie, and we will be filming in a few different countries starting April.
"We are in the midst of talking to sponsors and investors," said Chong, pointing out that she is still actively looking for sponsors for her upcoming film.
Although Chong sounded very enthusiastic about her second film, she was tight-lipped about what sort of film it will be.
"The concept is very exciting but I can't reveal what it is yet. I will tell you more very soon!" said Chong.
Something's got to give
Chong had barely completed "Already Famous", before she went back to work, shooting the fifth season of the news parody show "The Noose", followed by the infotainment programme "Way to Go, Singapore!".
With her new film in the works and a whole bunch of artiste management duties to carry out, how will she still find time to take on television projects this year?
"A large percentage of my time will be spent on my own productions, so naturally you will see less of me on television, but you will still see me in 'The Noose'!" mused Chong.
"The plan has always been, slowly but surely, to move away from the hair and make-up chair. I feel the need to have a creative outlet and I much prefer being involved in the creative process, to hosting or acting in front of the camera.
"And now there is added responsibility towards my artistes. I don't worry about juggling all the different roles because I don't think about it, I just do it," she said.
"I think I'm actually genetically wired to multi-task. I fear having an idle mind."
Catch Michelle Chong in the "The Noose", every Tuesday, 8pm on Channel 5. "Way to Go, Singapore!" will debut on Sunday, 10.30pm on Channel 8.
-CNA/ha
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