Part 6/11:
Inspired by the American series The Wonder Years, Growing Up endeavored to depict a Singaporean family growing up in the 1960s, capturing a nostalgic and authentic slice of local history. The challenge was to produce a story that felt genuine. Scripts were meticulously edited by local writers like Pig Q to ensure dialogue sounded natural and true to the era.
Filming required creativity, especially given the era’s set limitations. Sets designed to emulate the 1960s, along with effort from set dressers, helped recreate the past convincingly. The show resonated with audiences, providing a window into Singaporean life and fostering a sense of national identity. It proved that local narratives, rooted in cultural authenticity, could succeed without imitating Hollywood or Western templates.