Today we’d like to introduce you to Heesoo Choi.
Hi Heesoo, 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?
It all started with reading. Since I was little, I just loved reading books, especially novels (of course, which means stories). So I just kept reading. Once immersed in the stories, I was completely out of control because I was so into it. I remember going to the bookstore was my favorite thing to do. Then by the time I turned 6, I went to the movie theater for the first time. It was a Korean film about a young boy who used to live in the city, meeting his mute grandmother in the countryside for the first time, and how they developed connections and grow their love. I cried my balls out. I can still very clearly remember. That ripple of watching experience lasted quite long. Maybe it’s been staying in my heart until now. From that point, I never stopped watching and loving films and tv shows. I was already known as an expert between friends and family, so they always asked for my recommendation. They didn’t even bother to ask if I watched it or not.
Yet, I never thought I could be a director or involved in creating stories in any form. Looking back, I think I was under societal pressure that students with high GPAs should get into a high-rank college and art is not for students like me. So naturally, I went to a good college majoring in media and journalism. (Yes, my young self tried to be as close as possible to directing and filmmaking) I didn’t dislike those times. But I always felt thirsty. I wanted to get more hands-on experience, learn about filmmaking, and make genuine films under a solid system. Around that time, I took a creative writing class. And I found out that I enjoy writing more than I thought and am actually kind of good at it. So, the thirst got bigger and bigger. I just couldn’t wait to turn my writings into scripts and shoot them. I wanted it to happen so bad. So I decided to transfer to Chapman University, majoring in film production.
When I first arrived, I tried to be on set every weekend to get a sense of the process as quickly as possible. I was in all departments- from camera to production design to G/E everywhere. I had to have an experience of all departments to direct a film. Because the director has to know everything. I learned so much from those sets, which became my significant assets later when I directed my films. Eventually, I wrote ten scripts and made five of them into films during three-year time at Chapman. I was really proud of it. And as soon as the last film was finished, the first thought that popped into my mind was, ‘Ah, I wanna write and shoot another one.’ That’s when I knew I couldn’t help myself anymore.
Those films got nominations and awards from multiple film festivals which I’m really happy for. But more importantly, those babies were able to show people what kind of story I make, which tone and pace I use, and how I make a scene. They represent my style and who I am. That’s the part I felt purely happy for.
I think of myself as a beginner. I’m a young writer/director with only five short films. Now I’m trying to expand, refresh and diversify myself and see, feel, experience, and capture the moments of life, society, people, relationships, technology, concepts…basically everything DEEPER and DEEPER.
Currently, I’m preparing for the pre-production of my new film, hoping it will go one step further from my previous films and show another aspect of mine.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This is an easy question for me. COVID.COVID. COVID. PERIOD.
Covid was very unexpected and went far more than everyone thought.
During the first few months, I kind of thought of it as a little free time cushion from work. I was alone and couldn’t go outside. It was just the perfect time for writing. I even felt lucky to have that at that time. But as it lasted longer and longer and longer and longer than I imagined and ruined all of my filming schedules, I started to feel so powerless. I could feel that I was beginning to lose the touch of passion and courage. The last few months before it ended were really bad. But even when the situation improved, all of the set protocols and rules changed, and we had more limitations and hurdles to jump over.
So, in the end, I had to shoot three films in a row in about six months and had to work on multiple films simultaneously. It was challenging both physically and mentally.
But with trusted colleagues, loving friends, and help from people around me, I managed to safely shoot those films (in the hectic) and achieved the goal.
Now that I think of those times, I’m really grateful for everyone who constantly believed in me and helped me stand up and get going when the only thing in my brain was doubts, anxiety, and helplessness.
Thank you, everyone. I love you.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a writer and director. I love doing both. Definitely not biased. I think the beauty of directing a script that I wrote is that they are already united in my head. I construct a shot and set the direction while writing a script, and I can change the script on set if necessary. This is beneficial for both parts. So, most of the time, my scripts are already moving pictures in my head. Having a clear vision is one of the things that I’m proud of myself as a filmmaker.
I’m very much interested in creating unique characters. It’s basically creating a human being. I’m the god to my characters. I gravitate towards characters leading the story. When I make new characters, it almost feels like assembling every aspect of one person can have. I feel really close to my characters, and they help me pave the way of the plot.
Going off of that, there’s something I always hear from the audience. “Each of your films is so different, but they are all so YOU.” I agree that I have my style. If I were to describe my style, then I would say my films are usually dark and beautiful, but they always show hope in the end. Also, I tend to embody specific visual concepts with the story and blend multiple genres. And I like magical realism.
But I don’t want my films to be ‘ME.’ In the end, they should be made for the audience. I think films should be born with some level of a potential audience. I don’t want my films to be just for myself. My purpose in filmmaking is to give people an emotional journey. Of course, I’m not saying I just want to make movies that people (usually) like. But it’s also something to think about. That’s why I’m trying to widen my perspective and try different things. So that I can make better films for more people.
I usually run sets very calmly. I prefer to plan ahead, predict possible variables and be ready for any changes or problems. Still, things happen. They never go as we planned. But I try not to panic and stay calm. When I feel like losing direction, I ask for 3 minutes to my AD to think alone and set it right. I’m a good listener, especially to my DP. I always work with DPs whom I trust. And I almost always have faith in actors because I cast them from beginning to end. And we rehearse a lot. Do I sound too generic? Hmm. Well, I don’t eat lunch on my sets. So, on my sets, the director doesn’t eat. She vanishes into thin air and comes back before the lunch ends. Of course, everyone else eats. I eat when I’m not directing.
What matters most to you? Why?
LOVE.
It changes every second, but I’ve been mattering love the most for quite a lot of seconds. I think love is power. Love for films is my fuel to stay in this industry (even when it’s one-sided). Love for the people around me keeps me alive and makes me want to live a better, happier, more fruitful life. Love for the world makes me care for others, understand the difference, motivates me to become a kinder and more helpful person, and lets me build my values.
And another thing is freedom.
I always wish every living thing on earth to be free. Free to think and act. Free to smile, run, swim, eat, write, fight, sing, dance, read, learn, cry, fail, talk, listen to music, feel nature, and live a life. Actually, I want to correct it. Free enough. Free enough to do all that. Freedom is something that all living things in the world should have. I’m happy when I feel free. I cannot live without freedom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://heesoochoi.cargo.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flow_intoyou/
