Davy Nguyen is the Executive Producer & Director for HeyYa TV, a media company providing a platform for local Australian artists, creatives and entrepreneurs.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
Who is Davy Nguyen? I was part of SBS ‘Go Back to where you came from’ Season 3 and other shows (Medicine or Myth, Channel 9’s Family Food Fight and was involved in Mel Gibson’s Academy Award Winning Movie; Hacksaw Ridge) and I am also radio host of 89.3FM – 3Quirksandaturk Afternoon Drive.
My current role is an Executive Producer and Director for HeyYa TV and I am championing for more diverse and multicultural representation in mainstream media and filming industry.
What is unique about HeyYa TV?
Our talented team has over 50 years combined industry experience in media and film production. All who have worked with Disney, MTV, Channel 7, Channel 9, Channel 10, Channel V, Foxtel, Sky News, SBS and other major networks.
At HeyYa TV we are working on an exciting and dynamic talk show “HeyYa Down Under” which showcases our amazing Aussie talent and provides a platform for local artists, creative industry and entrepreneurs to showcase their talent.
Another big project we are currently working on is the #Supportlocal and #Shoplocal campaign in support of our local businesses. We also utilise our Industry experience to create powerful video marketing strategies for business, artists and people all around the world to bring their ideas to life through film.
We believe in the power of storytelling to drive engagement and showcase a company’s brand to an endless stream of customers.
2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
Working in the film industry is thrilling, crazy and can be physically draining, especially for a former refugee like me, it is very challenging competing in the market.
It is a constant battle to be considered for any major role but hallelujah things are slowly changing. It is rewarding and fun and if you are passionate about the industry and willing to give it all you got, your dreams can come true.
Filming is not a 9 to 5 job especially if you have a young family. I get up around 6am and sometimes work 14 hours a day especially when we are on location. I am completely immersed in my work and sometimes forget about the outside world.
Lately every morning I would do Visualisation, Pray and Daily gratitude to rewire my brains to Focus on the positive and work on big projects that can empower our society and the Multicultural Community
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
Disruption is the new normal right? For the filming industry working from home is not ideal but is possible. However, radio broadcasting is quite flexible. This industry is rapidly enabling remote working from home as we utilize live streaming, Zoom and webinars.
The biggest challenge is working on different time zones, lack of real time collaboration and the physical engagement with people. The biggest challenge when working from home is knowing when to disconnect yourself from work.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
Work-life balance is so important, but often work takes precedence over my life. Creating a harmonious work-life balance is so challenging for me.
I am working hard to achieve balance by monitoring working hours, and being more realistic by delegating work to other team members.
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5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?
I am an action man, my life is like a roller coaster up and down every day. I’ve stopped trying to accomplish too many things at once.
I’ve learnt that to be successful we all need to remain fluid and resilient on the path to achieve our goals but above all else we need to celebrate our wins whether they’re big or small.
6) Do you have any favorite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?
Piercing the Darkness, this book was published in 1988 by Frank Peretti, it changed my life, my dream is to turn this book into a movie one day.
7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?
I will be lost without my iPhone, email, video cameras and PC.
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
Elon Musk and Donald Trump
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
Nobody on his deathbed ever said, “I wish I had spent more time at the office.”
Paul Tsongas, American politician
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