Today we’d like to introduce you to Shih-Chun Hsiao.
Hi Shih-Chun, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2018, at the age of 28, I was working as a leading engineer at the petroleum service company Schlumberger. Despite the stability and promising career path of my job, I decided to leave it all behind and dive into the uncertain world of filmmaking.
My passion for filmmaking had been with me since high school, and I had created several short films during my college years. Upon graduating, I contemplated a career in the film industry, but at the time, I needed to establish my financial footing, making pursuing filmmaking seem impractical. Nevertheless, I continued to receive messages from audiences expressing how touched they were by the short films I had created, reminding me of the joy filmmaking brought to people’s lives.
In 2018, during a glamorous company celebration party, I had a sudden realization that all the professional achievements and accolades I had accumulated weren’t as meaningful as the impact of telling a compelling story. It was at that moment I decided to change the course of my life.
Fast forward to today, I have completed my graduate thesis and earned a Film Production MFA degree from the University of Southern California. I find myself one step closer to the movie industry. Currently, I am working on my upcoming TV pitch based on the life of the historical figure Emma Summers, also known as the “California Oil Queen.” This project aims to explore the personal and professional conflicts faced by a woman in a male-dominated industry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I see movie directing as a process filled with self-doubt. I constantly ask myself if I’m making the best decisions amid myriad choices in casting, locations, collaborators, art, and more. And it’s not just me who questions; actors inquire about their performances and seek adjustments, collaborators want to know if I approve of the direction they’ve taken, and all of this within the constraints of a fast-paced production schedule. It can be overwhelming.
There are times when I find it difficult to make decisions. However, over my time in film school and directing projects, I’ve learned to trust my instincts. Holding onto the feelings that resonate the most and using them as a guide for decision-making has become a valuable approach. I believe this method consistently reflects what I feel, what my collaborators feel, and what the story demands.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a filmmaker focused on writing, directing, and editing. Recently, I completed my graduate thesis, “A Better Place,” where I’m the writer, director, editor, and producer. Currently, I am gearing up for my next TV pitch, “Oil Queen,” based on the life of the historical figure Emma Summers. This project explores the personal and professional conflicts faced by a woman in a male-dominated industry.
Beyond my personal projects, I also serve as an editor. I have had the opportunity to work on several award-winning short films. Notably, ‘Fili’ secured the 2023 Best Student Film award at the Hawaiian International Film Festival, ‘Blackifier’ earned the 2022 Directors Guild of America Student Film Grand Award, and ‘Launch Fever’ was honored as the Best Short Film at the 38th Annual Imagen Awards.
Editing is not just a job for me; it’s a passion. I relish the process of transforming raw material into its best form. Viewing editing as a collaborative venture, I am constantly contemplating how to capture the director’s vision. Usually, I initiate the editing process by asking questions such as, ‘Do you like the performance?’ ‘What feeling do you want to convey to the audience?’ and ‘What is the story about?’ By attentively listening to the director’s input, understanding their taste, and applying my judgment and storytelling sense, I navigate the intricate editing process. Editing, in my view, is about problem-solving and rewriting—an art that involves distilling the best elements and polishing the creator’s vision.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I remember the summer when, at the age of eight, I learned how to ride a bike. The allure of biking, symbolizing freedom and exploration, had always captivated me. My uncle, a graphical artist, assumed the role of my patient guide, transforming Taipei into a canvas of excitement.
With my uncle by my side, we embarked on journeys along long rivers, through the city, and across mountains. The rhythmic whir of wheels seamlessly blended with the hum of daily life, creating a symphony as we explored the streets of Taiwan, bustling markets, and narrow alleys.
For me, a bicycle is more than a mere means of transport; it has become a gateway to exploring and savoring life. It carried me through vibrant streets, past ancient temples, and into the heart of our neighborhood. Each ride became an adventure fueled by the pure joy of childhood.
Riding a bike in Taiwan is etched in the canvas of my childhood memories. It was a magical journey into independence, guided by my uncle’s patient hand and the vibrant landscapes of Taiwan.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hsiaoshihchun/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shih-chun-hsiao-b0142492/
Image Credits
Coleman Weimer
