*Trigger warning: This episode contains references to severe depression*

In this episode of Second Act Actors, I chat with another brave person who was ready to give it all up to pursue their passion for acting. Clement To began his working life in engineering and the tech space, trying to balance his family’s expectations for him and his own desire for a more exciting and dynamic career. He suffered from two severe depressive episodes but managed to regain stability in his life and mental health through acting classes. He eventually decided to stop half-assing acting and to throw himself fully into it, and he’s never looked back since. His depression has even helped his acting career because he has a depth and breadth of experience to draw on, which helps him to portray a more rounded character.

Listen in as we discuss the need to build a solid network of connections and support in the film industry, how to manage your fear of failure, and how to focus your efforts on achieving one single goal.

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Timestamps

[1:34] Clement’s first act: acting internships, engineering and start-ups

[3:17] Clement’s childhood aspirations

[4:40] Making the rational choice

[5:58] Clement on parental pressure

[8:05] Eastern culture and filial duty

[9:40] The pivotal moments in Clement’s life

[12:10] How depression pushed Clement from engineering to acting

[14:15] Signing up for acting classes

[15:50] Why acting is like working in a start-up

[17:10] The need for allies in the industry

[21:20] Being a non-stop optimiser

[23:39] Clement on exploring his weaknesses and the fear of failure

[26:46] The benefits of having a breadth of experience

[28:05] Clement’s crazy on-set story

[29:17] Pandemics and productivity

[30:45] What do Clement’s friends and family think he does for a living?

Links

Clement To on Mandy

Clement To on Instagram

Clement To on Facebook

Second Act Actors website

Second Act Actors on Instagram

Second Act Actors on Facebook

Second Act Actors on YouTube

Janet McMordie website

Janet McMordie on Instagram

Janet McMordie on LinkedIn

Janet McMordie on Twitter

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