Zero pay after three months as her own boss: Tasha Low eyes movie roles, has ‘no limits’

Singapore actress Tasha Low left her management agency to go freelance in August this year, setting up Base A28 to further her entertainment career. Speaking to Lianhe Zaobao (LHZB) on 27 October on the set of her new drama Beautiful Desires, she said the way she works has not changed much, and thanked her manager for her help.

Low’s long-time manager has joined her in the venture. The manager had left their former agency before Low and originally planned to move into another field, but Low persuaded her to stay. “My contract happened to be ending. We’d worked together for a long time and had a great rapport. She takes good care of me, so I wanted us to venture out together and give it a go.”

Does that put pressure on her? Low said no, explaining: “She’s very understanding. The company has been running for more than two months, but neither of us has drawn a salary yet because there are still many things to sort out. Whenever I apologise to her, she’s the one telling me it’s fine. She understands that the transition takes time.” When can they start drawing their salaries? Low said with a laugh: “Probably in November or December.”

Asked whether she had sought advice from industry veterans or close friends, Tasha Low said she had discussed the move with Chantalle Ng, who was very supportive. “You could say we’re each other’s ‘blind enablers’. Even if a choice isn’t a good one, we’ll still support each other.” Had she considered signing her friend to the company? “She jokingly asked me to sign her, but I said no. She’s strong-willed and has a mind of her own. We wouldn’t be able to keep her in check, haha!”

Low revealed that she had recently met some film directors and producers to explore opportunities for new challenges. “I’ve been in television for quite a while and want to try another part of the industry so I can keep growing.” When the reporter cited nudity and intimate scenes as examples, she nodded to indicate that neither would be a problem. “There are no limits. If the script is good, I’m willing to do it.”

Beautiful Desires centres on scams, a familiar concern today. It tells the story of Wynnderland, an exclusive club for high society, whose glamorous facade conceals a meticulously designed “hunting ground”. Low plays a journalist again, following her roles in the short-form dramas Seven Days Reborn and Be the Light.

Her character throws caution to the wind as she pursues every avenue to investigate scams. On the day of the set visit, Low was filming an auction scene in which she disguises herself as a waitress and sneaks in to investigate. Recalling her first reading of the script, Low said Beautiful Desires offered a different emotional range. “For instance, the romantic storyline is more ambiguous, and the scenes with my elder sister, played by Ya Hui, also have a different emotional quality.”

Rayson Tan plays Hao Wenbing, a master manipulator and mentor to scam syndicate leader Wynn, played by Desmond Tan.

Rayson Tan has been working freelance since leaving Mediacorp in October 2024 after 34 years. Besides acting, he now flies to China almost every month for his livestreaming business. Reflecting on the past two years, he described the experience as “fulfilling”. “Previously, the company’s managers took care of so many things. We had it too easy. Now that I handle things myself, I find it mentally fulfilling.”

He added that his satisfaction was not financial, but came from a sense of personal fulfilment. He was also glad to be able to strike a balance between work and life at this stage. “For instance, I lead tours for a travel agency about twice a year to earn some extra money, but it’s very relaxing. Combining work with a holiday is quite nice.”

Asked about his wife Chen Liping, who is also a freelancer, Rayson Tan joked: “I don’t know why she decided to follow in my footsteps.” He said they offer each other advice on work. “But we’ve been married for so long. Whenever something comes up, I just give her an update. She doesn’t ask why I’m spending so many days in China. Instead, she encourages me to go.”

Beautiful Desires, executive produced by Canter Chia, with story planners Cynthia Chong and Lee Wee Ming, will air in April 2027.