Check Out Asua Han’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Asua Han.

Asua, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 

From a young age, I harbored a strong ambition to become a filmmaker. Growing up, my parents were often absent, working late into the night, leaving me with ample time to explore our home movie library filled with VHS tapes. These films became my refuge, igniting within me a desire to craft stories of my own. Despite lacking any familial or industry connections—my parents were immigrants from Korea—I was determined to pursue my passion for filmmaking by any means necessary.

My journey began with a focus on studying fine arts, believing it to be a potential avenue into the world of filmmaking. Majoring in Fine Arts with a focus on media, I hoped to find guidance from my professors, only to encounter dead ends. Seeking a deeper understanding of the craft, I even enrolled in an acting course at SAE, yet my path remained unclear.

Years passed, during which I juggled various odd jobs—telemarketing, movie theater ushering, shelf stacking, and a valet at Planet Hollywood—all while holding steadfast to my dream of directing films. Even a two-year stint as an English teacher in Korea failed to quell my aspirations.

It wasn’t until a chance encounter with a cinematographer friend that my fortunes began to shift. He introduced me to a director specializing in TV commercials, a realm I hadn’t previously considered. Inspired by this revelation, I embarked on creating spec commercials to showcase my style. Armed with savings and credit card funds, I shot two of these spec ads in Hong Kong.

Subsequently, I found myself in Vietnam, where my career as a commercial director unexpectedly flourished. Collaborating with renowned global brands like Budweiser, Samsung, Pepsi, Chivas Regal, and Braun Buffel across Asia, including Korea, China, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and Dubai, I finally found my stride in the industry.

 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Some of the obstacles I’ve faced have been briefly touched upon earlier, but they only scratch the surface of my experiences. I encountered countless challenges—many of which I haven’t even mentioned, as they could fill an entire book.

When I first arrived in Vietnam, things didn’t immediately go smoothly. There were periods where I didn’t have any projects for months. During those downtimes, I devoted a significant amount of effort to building my presence on social media, particularly Instagram, where many artists and filmmakers showcase their work. Gradually, I began to establish my name and started receiving job offers. Some tasks, like putting together treatments and presentations for ad agencies and clients, were new to me, but I learned as I went along.

One of my goals was to gain recognition as a global director, not just in Vietnam. So, I focused on enhancing my presence on Instagram by consistently showcasing my work. Over time, people from all over the world began to take notice.

My first significant opportunity came when I secured a job in Malaysia for the fashion brand Braun Buffel. Determined to prove myself, I poured my heart and soul into delivering exceptional results. Since then, I’ve received numerous job offers from overseas. It just takes one opportunity to propel your career forward.

Despite the ups and downs of my career, it’s been a transformative journey that has shaped me into who I am today. One of the exciting aspects of this industry is its ever-changing nature, which keeps you hungry and on your toes.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

It is essential to remain updated on trends in the rapidly changing field of commercial filmmaking. The rapid speed of the industry requires flexibility and an openness to adopting new technology, such as the growing use of AI. In the modern era, falling behind means taking a chance on becoming obscure.

Consider your identity as a film director akin to a brand. What perceptions do clients or agencies have of you? Whether it’s an artistic flair, a penchant for fashion, or a knack for comedy, these help define your brand. I use social media to build my creative ethos, solidify my personal brand, and have recently launched a YouTube channel to broaden my reach.

With time, my directorial style has become more refined, striving to materialize the vivid visions in my mind for audiences to experience.

My next career milestone involves delving into high-end automotive commercials. My current focus is on a passion project, which is the result of five years of planning and saving, which we filmed in Queenstown, New Zealand, last October. This project is a collaborative effort with industry colleagues I’ve worked with over the years, and I have a long-held ambition to bring it to fruition. It’s an opportunity to infuse my work with my passion for cars, VFX, CGI, and elaborate action sequences, which I often don’t get to fully explore in real projects.

Despite years in advertising, and while some may perceive me as a seasoned director, my drive to innovate and venture into new territories remains unfaded. I feel driven to produce something that goes above and beyond what I’ve done before, demonstrating that my ambition is only limited by my creativity.

 

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?

There was a period when I almost gave up on my aspirations and abandoned my dreams. The year 2012 stands out vividly in my memory, a time when the pursuit of a film career felt hopeless. Uncertain of my future, I continued to teach English and provide private tutoring. I kept my side job concealed out of concern that people would think of me as a failed filmmaker. Looking back on those days now, it almost seems surreal to think that I’m actively pursuing my aspirations. These memories serve as a moving reminder to cherish every opportunity and never take anything for granted in life.

Most people probably didn’t realize the extent of my struggles; I always presented a cheerful facade, masking the inner distress. However, I firmly believe in a higher power—call it God, the universe—because when you truly desire something with all your heart, it finds its way to you. It may not happen overnight, but with unwavering determination and resilience, you can overcome any obstacle. My life is a testament to that truth.

Life has a way of surprising us; for instance, I never imagined I’d publish my very own eBook. Yet, here I am, having recently launched my debut eBook, “The Only Book You’ll Need to Become a Commercial Film Director.” Within its pages, I share my journey, insights, and advice for aspiring directors, hoping to offer guidance in this challenging yet immensely rewarding industry. Life’s unpredictability serves as a reminder to pursue our dreams, no matter how clichéd they may sound.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.asuahan.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asua_han
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asuahan
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asuahan/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/asua_han
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/asuachannel
• Other: www.patreon.com/asua