Check Out Hanabi Copon’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hanabi Copon.

Hi Hanabi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I always loved movies. I love movies about making movies; but I realized that filmmaking/content creation could become a tangible career around middle school. Before, I used to think that movies spawned out of thin air; but, that’s probably because I didn’t think anything besides being a doctor, lawyer, business owner, or actress was a job. I experienced a pretty life-changing brain injury in 2017 that distanced myself away from schooling. For six months, my only interactions were with my mother and multiple doctors. As symptoms were worsening, doctors could not believe nor understand my perception of what I was seeing or feeling. I spent a lot of time communicating that through visual media, and it wasn’t until I met an eye specialist that I would be where I am today. I always remembered how he told me that ‘the eyes are the window to the soul’ and to strengthen my brain, we had to exercise my eyes: peripheral vision, reaction time, light sensitivity, etc. I was quickly able to get back on my feet and attend school the following year with a new goal: to go to film school. I attended LACHSA (Los Angeles County High School for the Arts) and completed my four years. Currently, I am attending SCAD Atlanta.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The brain injury was a set of challenges that have impacted my perception, behavior, and well-being but I have immense gratitude for where that has led me. There is a gamble in dedicating time to get a film degree with the career that I want to have. Many have said there is no point in doing so but I have found my continued education has strengthened my knowledge and approach to the material that I want to eventually develop. The ability to build a community of people to experience that growth is fantastic.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I find every department in filmmaking to be an interest of mine. Some I gravitate naturally because of my heightened interests, but I never want to close off the opportunity to learn more. Currently, I am a freelance video editor, working with clients to achieve their vision. I spend time curating media, researching trends, and developing the cuts to help boost audience viewership or market growth for social media. I also edit other short-form content, such as music videos and films, but have good instincts in approaching video editing to build a retention rate. What sets me apart is my ability and determination to take any form of media and try to strike gold with it in any way possible. The best way that I put it is that some people find joy in 1000-piece puzzles. I am not one of those people; however, similarly, I could spend hours or days sitting with my footage and audio to create something fresh and exciting. Altogether, I am still discovering my spot in the industry but hope to extend my projects and portfolio beyond editing and into producing/directing media.

How do you think about luck?
I spent a month or so applying to many job postings, and when I landed my first one, I felt proud that someone saw value in my creative approach. Being able to continually work on my craft as an upcoming producer or director brings me such joy, and I have put in all of my faith that I will find my silver lining and thrive.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/hanabi-copon