Paul with Elle MacPherson at Cottesloe Beach, Perth WA.
Author | Carmelle Wilkinson
Growing up, Paul Christian always had a camera in his hand.
This often left his dad, mum, brother and even neighbours, appearing as actors in his action/adventure-packed home movies.
“They were very good about it,’’ he laughed.
“I’d write full scripts on my dad’s work computer and then get everyone to act a part. I remember I made a movie about a treasure hunt in the jungle and another about a magical cricket bat.”
With his dad’s background as a musician, composer, teacher and playwright, it’s pretty clear where Paul’s passion for creativity came from.
“My dad was actually my music teacher in high school,’’ he said.
“He’s retired now but still enjoys playing gigs in one of his many bands. I swear he has a more active social life than me.
“I played piano and saxophone in high school and actually got into WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts) – before deciding to go to Curtin.”
Fast forward twenty years and the Curtin Mass Communications and Journalism graduate is living out his childhood dream in Singapore – as the Founder of creative production company – Mediavation.
Launched 10 years ago, Mediavation cover everything from red carpet events and fashion shows to corporate campaigns and reality shows
“I met Tom Cruise at a red-carpet event once and we got into deep conversation about aviation – a passion we both share,’’ he said.
Paul and Tom Cruise both share a passion for aviation.
“Before going to Curtin, I contemplated a career as a commercial pilot, and even started my student licence at Jandakot and did a few solo flights.
“However, I wondered if my creative side would get restless, especially on those long-haul flights,’’ he said.
Paul said making the decision to leave his family in Perth and relocate to Singapore was a decision he didn’t take lightly.
“After graduation, I worked at a production company for the travel program Postcards WA,’’ he said.
“I travelled around Western Australia and also did a couple of international specials, covering everything from filming and editing to script writing – it was an amazing exposure to the industry.”
Paul spent much of his early career travelling around WA and the globe.
Paul then spent time working at Channel Nine, as a Promotions Director for on-air promos, partnerships, and branding.
It was around then that the seed to start his own business was planted.
Paul said he saw a real gap in the market for a production company that could do the technical side as well as come up with effective campaign ideas.
“I had a good friend working in Singapore at the time, so I spent a great deal of time freelancing there.
“I ended up loving the place, the food and the culture, and actually met my wife there and started a family.”
What initially started as a side business soon became a full time project, with Paul taking on projects for E! Entertainment Singapore and the renowned hotel chain – Shangri-La.
While freelancing in Singapore, Paul took on projects for E! Entertainment Singapore.
“Promoting a first-class resort to the world and meeting celebrities like Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow on the red carpet were definite highlights of my career,’’ he said.
Since then, Paul has created and produced an entertainment series for Australian magician, Consentino and filmed content for Asia’s Got Talent.
“One of my favourite projects though would have to be when we partnered with Curtin in 2022 to create a whole brand campaign for the new campus in Singapore,’’ he said.
“As a Curtin alum with a link to Curtin it meant a lot, and I was able to spend some time interviewing the previous head of the campus.
“Creating something that would get people’s attention and resonate with the Singapore audience – while fitting in with all existing branding for Curtin, was challenging but exciting.”
Last year, Paul added playwright to his growing list of media credentials, putting the final touches on his first musical – The Short Empire.
“The inspiration for the stage musical came from spending a great deal of time walking around my neighbourhood in Singapore during Covid and wondering about its history,’’ he said.
“Set in the 1930s-1950s, the musical focuses on a window of Singapore’s history and the old Kallang Airport, which was the first civil aerodrome of Singapore.
“The airport opened in 1937 at a time when Singapore was fast becoming a trading hub of the world with first generation families settling in the area.
“The musical looks at what it was like for people at that time in Singapore’s history and the struggles they may have faced. It takes audiences back in time. A time that not every Singaporean or visitor knows about. When the first aircraft at Kallang used to land on the water.”
With original composed by himself and his dad, Paul hopes to showcase the two-hour musical later this year.
“Last year we featured a bridged version of the show to raise funds for the Singapore Association for Mental Health and the response was just amazing,’’ he said.
“Madam Halimah Jacob, the former president of Singapore, was in attendance as our guest of honour.
Paul (third from the left) standing next to Madam Halimah Jacob, the former President of Singapore (in the middle), ahead of his musical show, The Short Empire, to raise funds for the Singapore Association of Mental Health.
“Music has always been a passion of mine and my dad’s so that’s what makes this project so special. It’s also special because I was able to work on the songs with my dad.”
When it comes to doing what you love, Paul is a huge advocate.
“I love interviewing people. Trying to get the best out of them by sharing their stories and making them feel comfortable in front of the camera,’’ he said.
“Whether that’s a seasoned CEO who is experienced at talking in front of large groups, or someone shy who has never been in front of the camera.”
With more people having access to cameras and being able to film content online, Paul said his point of difference lies in his ability to connect with talent as well as deliver high quality footage.
Paul encouraged graduates to step outside their comfort zone and see opportunity in career obstacles.
“Don’t be afraid to reinvent your work or yourself,’’ he said.
“When Covid happened and the industry got quiet, I knew I had to keep myself busy and do something else, and that’s when I started writing the musical.
“My advice is to be open to possibilities and go in a different direction. Challenge yourself. That’s where opportunity lies.”
Author | Carmelle Wilkinson
