Today we’d like to introduce you to Angie Su.
Hi Angie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In my early days, the symphony of my parents’ occasional disputes formed the background score of my upbringing. My mother, a steadfast guardian of my innocence, would often whisk me away to the sanctuary of my room, awaiting the resolution of their disagreements. Faint memories of those times linger when my room transformed into a haven, and my companion through the ordeal was an unassuming television set. Its rectangular frame appeared as a portal to another world—a passage leading away from conflict and into the kaleidoscope of a candy store brimming with pure happiness.
Within that television’s confines, vivid and mesmerizing commercials would play out before my young eyes. Each ad was a vibrant swirl of colors and resonated with laughter and jubilation, akin to a dazzling array of candies, each radiating a unique luminescence, beautifully displayed within the metaphorical glass case of this “candy store.” These televised spectacles became my guiding lights, ushering me into the limitless realm of imagination, temporarily liberating me from the grip of the fear and confusion brought about by my parents’ fights.
Thus, at twelve, I penned my dreams on paper: to evolve into a creator of commercials. I aspired to become the architect of these symbolic confections, offering a taste of sweetness to those who tread the path of uncertainty and apprehension. My vision was to endow them with a fleeting touch of joy, etching an indelible memory of it and empowering them to stride back into the reality of life with newfound courage.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a commercial director encompasses much more than just glitz and glamour. This journey is a complex tapestry woven with challenges and intricacies often obscured behind the scenes. It’s far from a leisurely stroll; instead, it demands a profound commitment. Navigating this path requires me to master the delicate art of harmonizing the client’s vision with my own artistic expression. Coordinating a myriad of resources to harmonize with my creative perspective is a dance that blends exhilaration with demands, constantly urging me to conjure innovative ideas.
During the arduous bidding process, I’ve penned countless pages of treatments, only to find myself empty-handed on numerous occasions. This is a common occurrence. Despite my time in film school, one aspect that received inadequate attention was the art of coping with rejection and recalibrating my expectations. Over the years of toiling in this industry, I’ve gradually honed the skill of approaching each opportunity as an exhilarating challenge while also recognizing the need to avoid undue self-imposed pressure. A nimble mindset is essential for creativity to flourish; it’s imperative not to overanalyze. Because ultimately, the exhilaration of witnessing my vision manifest on the screen, the gratification derived from overcoming obstacles, and the privilege of crafting enthralling narratives justify every tribulation along the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Chinese-born, Los Angeles-based film lover/maker shooting projects internationally. After receiving my master’s in film production from the Art Center College of Design in 2016, I dived into the advertising industry and have focused on directing ever since. I love starting with a simple yet intriguing concept and weaving a symphony of bold vision, humanity, and intimacy, harnessing my skills and intuition as a storyteller and food stylist to guide my eye and hand through brewing, distilling, and concentrating my materials. With my ability to balance reality and surrealism, viewers are transported into spaces where the boundary between reality and fantasy blur, where viewers can experience the unexpected, which dazzles with diverse and creative expression. I hope my imagery and imagination will be imprinted in your memory, returning to you in dreams.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
An artist’s journey is an intricate dance between moments of brilliance and triumph and stretches of uncertainty and introspection. With every brush stroke or camera click, artists reveal a piece of their very soul. Within this exposure, the insidious tendrils of self-doubt can creep in, casting shadows upon the canvas of creativity. As an artist, I find myself engaged in an ongoing skirmish with the specter of insecurity and self-doubt.
I refrain from dictating to others the imperative to defy the odds, leaping into risks without reservation continually. I don’t advocate for the “impossible is nothing” mantra to be an obligatory creed. Over time, I’ve embraced my insecurities while nurturing the ember of self-belief.
Life is like paddling in the sea, where risk is akin to a wave. If one paddles incessantly, regardless of the water’s flow, weariness inevitably takes its toll, eroding effectiveness. We can draw inspiration from sea turtles, who navigate the waves with finesse. These creatures synchronize their movements with the ebb and flow of the water. When a wave propels them towards the shore, they adjust their pace, maintaining position with minimal effort. Conversely, when the undertow beckons, they surge forward, harnessing the water’s momentum to their advantage. This insight illuminated the reality that perpetual risk-taking isn’t obligatory. It’s natural to feel uneasy when venturing beyond our comfort zones. Granting oneself respite when required is entirely acceptable; after all, we’re all bound by our humanity.
Let us cultivate the art of calculated risk interwoven with the art of maintaining tranquility. By leveraging the circumstances that unfold around us, we can navigate the currents of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.angiesufilms.com/
Image Credits
Behind the scene photographer: Jenny Qin
