Jennifer Betit Yen
Actor, "Recovering" Attorney and Author
  • Home
  • Press
  • TV/Film
    • TV
    • Film
    • Commercials
    • Hosting
    • Interviews
    • Readings/Theatrical/Stage
    • Voiceover
  • Photos
  • Media Links
  • Bio
  • Publications
  • Ethical Is Beautiful. Be Beautiful. A Blog.
  • Companies
  • Contact

What's Your Story?  Part III:  Filmmaker Kiyun Sung

12/16/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Thanks to a generous grant from the New York Department of Cultural Affairs, the Film Lab has commissioned a special project to highlight the works and voices of amazing new filmmakers working to create shifts in perception through their art.  I am thrilled to be able to use this blog to help.  This innovative project involves sharing the works, stories and voices of diverse filmmakers using their art in ways they feel will effectuate positive social change.  The featured artists have independently created works and are committed to sharing and collaborating with other like-minded artists. 
 
Last week, it was an honor to share the insights of filmmaker Alex Chu.  This week, the third featured artist of What's Your Story? is Kiyun Sung, a New Jersey based filmmaker.   Here is what he has to say (and you can watch a portion of his interview here):
 
1.  In a short paragraph, please tell us a little about yourself, your background and your work
 
My name is Kiyun Sung. I am a Korean-American filmmaker based in northern New Jersey. I graduated with a degree in International Relations and, following a study abroad in Korea University, became the Graphic Design Manager of Teach North Korean Refugees, a Seoul-based NGO.
 
I originally began my foray into cinema by making short VFX-heavy videos, inspired by Freddie Wong, Brandon Laatsch, and Corridor Digital, and releasing them on YouTube. Then in 2014, I decided to invoke my love of Korean history and culture and made 운명의 왕: The Destined King; the first U.S.-made Korean fusion-historical short film. Since then, I’ve been making high-concept short films and projects that feature Korean or Asian culture and history through my production company, Baek Ho Productions LLC.
 
2.  What are the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of your work and why?

The most challenging aspect of my work is finding multilingual talent that can also do specific accents and dialects. For example, in one of my projects, there were Korean characters that spoke in a much older style of Korean (사극톤). Consequently, I had to do a more extensive casting process to find talent that could comfortably perform and speak in that style.
 
However, the most rewarding aspect is being able to work alongside extremely talented people in both cast and crew. I am always blown away by the immense passion and dedication that people bring, and I am always thankful that I am able to work with such individuals.
 
3.  How do race and/or gender and/or diversity play into your work?
Race and diversity do play heavily into my work. A lot of my projects center on stories that are or are based on a specific history and culture. Consequently, I try to make sure the casting is appropriate and do extensive research to help ensure the film is authentic and respective to the respective culture and people.
 
4.  What are the best and worst things that have happened to you, within the context of race or gender issues in entertainment, and what did you learn from them?

The best thing that has happened to me was discovering there are a lot of people in the American entertainment industry that are open to Asian culture and working on projects that are based on that. However, the worst thing I learned was that there was also a lot of people with misinformed conceptions, especially in regards to cultural practices and the history that has led to modern-day Asia.
 
However, I learned that it is no use to be angry or upset. Rather, I have found that it is better to practice patience and understanding, then - when appropriate - to gently teach people and help them understand things that - while understandable to us - are not easily translatable to the West.
 
5.  If you could share a single sentence of advice or insight for others in the entertainment business, what would it be?
 
I would advise people in the entertainment business to be patient and supportive as much and as often as possible.
 
6.  Do you think filmmakers have an obligation to create diverse content?  Why or why not?

I don’t necessarily believe filmmakers have an overriding obligation to create diverse content. I think filmmakers should develop films that they want to see. If they are forced to tackle content that they are not familiar with or uncomfortable with tackling, then the end product may seem disjointed, forced, or inauthentic.
 
7.  What are the biggest challenges you face as a filmmaker and how do you deal with them?
 
As a filmmaker, the biggest challenge I face is whether or not I have the artistic ability to tell the stories and create the films I want to make. However, I’ve found that so long as I surround myself with a dedicated and passionate team, that many of my fears and concerns can be overcome and the end product often exceeds my own expectations.
 
8.  What are the most sage words of advice you can offer to new and emerging filmmakers?
 
I would advise new and emerging filmmakers to open themselves to the social sciences and history; to learn the historical and social processes that have come to shape the human experience and form the diverse array of cultures and nations that we see today. But perhaps more importantly, it is from these processes that we - as a species - have come to develop stories and by learning them, your work can resonate with audiences across the globe.
 
9.  Does your advice change at all if I ask you to focus on women and/or minority filmmakers?  If so, why and how?
 
No, I don’t feel that my advice would change if I was asked to focus on women and/or minority filmmakers.
 
10.  What is the single most fun moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry?

In the course of filming one of my projects, we were on-location and our art director was pinning up the flag of the Joseon Dynasty. I had just briefly stepped out to talk to my co-producer when the location owner came by to look around. He asked our assistant director about the flag, to which he (accidentally) responded that it was the flag of a reunified Korea.
 
11.  What is the single most obnoxious moment you've experienced in the entertainment industry?
 
So far, I haven’t experienced anything particularly obnoxious. I’m only usually confronted with curiosity and questions, and those are from crew members who are not familiar with Korean culture and history and want to learn more.
 
12.  What lies ahead for you in terms of the entertainment biz?
 
In the immediate future, I am currently wrapping up post-production on a Korean alternate-history short film, A New Age: Clash of Civilizations. I’m also developing a semi-animated film about Yang Manchun, a Korean general that defended against the Tang Dynasty in the 7th Century. Otherwise, I hope to continue making films and videos that feature Korean and Asian history and culture in unique and prominent ways!
 
13.  What does the phrase "Ethical Is Beautiful Be Beautiful" mean to you and your work, if anything?
​

I feel that “Ethical is Beautiful, Be Beautiful” means to be morally principled, and that by being morally principled, we can naturally make works that appeal both to us and audiences across the globe.

Picture
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Jen Yen

    Actor, Author, Attorney
    www.jen-yen.com

    Book cover image

    The Ethical is B ...

    Jen Yen

    $12.95

    Buy Now button

    Archives

    April 2021
    March 2021
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    Acting, Writing & Producing
    Activist Thor Guest Blog
    Amplifying Underrepresented Voices in Film
    Arts & Activism: Why Representation Matters
    Audition Disasters
    Achoo Moment

    Cre8ing in Isolation
    Hint of an "Asian American Accent"
    Immigrants:  We Are Them.  They Are Us

    In Defense of Eddie Huang
    Just Noise
    Marci Phillips on how to Enjoy the Ride
    Movies to Watch

    Multi-Sum Game
    Production Journal: Stone Soup
    Production Journal: Prison Sandwiches

    Thank You
    The Opposite of a Fairy Tale
    Welcome to the New Normal

    What's in a Name?
    What's Your Story?  Paul Leach
    What's Your Story? Alex Chu
    What's Your Story?  Kiyun Sung
    What's Your Story?  Sean Lea
    What's Your Story?  Myra Sito Velasquez
    Wha's Your Story?  Allan Tsao
    What's Your Story? Christina Jun
    What's Your Story?  Kevin Chew
    What's Your Story?  Katherina Filaseta
    ​
      

    Beauty/Health
    Barrier Creams to Protect Skin
    Beat Inflammation

    Beauty
    Beauty Bars To Go

    Brightening Toner
    Chocolate Cake w protein and NO flour
    Coconut Oil Skin Therapy
    Ditch the Plastic

    DIY Accupressure
    DIY Beauty
    DIY Eyelash Strengethener

    DIY Natural Household Cleaners
    DIY Scrubs
    DIY Skin Brightener
    Eating Organic
    Energy 
    Energy Bars to Go
    Fashion

    Facial Masks in Your Kitchen
    Forward 
    Garden/Green Space
    Holistic Health

    Just Noise
    Lead
    Marci Phillips on how to Enjoy the Ride
    Medicinal Plants of Costa Rica
    Meditation & Stress Relief
    Nickel Allergy Food, Skin Care & Cosmetics 
    Oh My Skin!
    Oils for Your Skin
    Organic Eating

    Outstanding Oils
    Plant Based Eating
    Recycling
    Serendipity in a Cup
    Save The World
    A Shorter Save the World
    Traveling and One's Face
    Water, Keeping it Potable


    Food
    Adzuki Beans
    Beauty Bars To Go
    Carrot Cake
    Cauliflower Pizza Crust
    CHEESE, for the Love of
    Charcoal Drink
    Chinese (Vegan Dim Sum) Food
    Chinese (Veggie style) Food
    Chickpea  and Quinoa Combo
    Chocolate Cake (flourless w protein)
    Chocolate, Hot
    Crackers 
    COFFEE!!

    Comfort Food
    Cookbook Author Charity Bratz
    Crispy "Rice" with sweet "sashimi"
    Detox Bars To Go
    Detox Drink
    Dim Sum in NYC

    Easy Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake
    Eating Organic
    Energy Bars To Go

    Foods to Fight  Inflammation
    Holistic Health

    Hosting a Vegan Wine'n Cheese
    Hot Chocolate
    Best Baked Potato Ever

    Bok Choy Mushroom Stir Fry
    Let's Eat
    Marci Phillips on how to Enjoy the Ride
    Meat Lover Guide to Delicious Noshing
    Medicinal Plants of Costa Rica
    Mofongo 
    Nickel Allergy
    Nickel Allergy Cookbook
    Organic
    Pasta Alfredo
    Pizza 

    Plant Based Eating
    Plated:  An Environmental Nightmare
    Protein-Packing for Dinner
    Protein Crispy Rice "Sashimi"
    Rice, Crispy
    Sashimi

    A Shorter Save the World
    Souvlaki
    Strawberry, Thyme & Lemongrass Tart
    Summer Sips and Snacks
    Sushi

    The Best Nom Noms
    Vegan Brunch
    Vegan Dining in NYC
    Vegan Mexican
    Vegetarian Thanksgiving
    Water

    Yummy Deliciousness

    Gender
    Activist Thor: Guest Blog
    Arts & Activism: Why Representation Matters
    Beauty
    Bitch
    Cre8ing in Isolation
    #FemicidioEsGenocidio
    Just Noise
    Me Too ... Part I
    Me Too...Part II
    MeToo...Part III:  If You See Something, Say Something
    Micro-Expressions of Sexism at the Gym
    Normalizing Gender Based Violence
    Playing with the Boys
    Real History
    Sorry Not Sorry
    The "Myth"(?) of Women Backstabbers

    Interviews
    40 by 40 with Jennifer Gabriel
    Alex Dabagh, Upcycled Luxury Totes
    Cookbook Author Charity Bratz

    Cre8ing in Isolation
    DIY Beauty Tips from Jackeline Velasco
    Holistic Health w Dr. Anna Folckomer
    Immigrants:  We Are Them.  They Are Us
    Marci Phillips on how to Enjoy the Ride
    Meditation Tips from Lisa Barcelo

    What's Your Story?  Paul Leach
    What's Your Story? Alex Chu
    What's Your Story?  Kiyun Sung
    What's Your Story?  Sean Lea
    What's Your Story?  Myra Sito Velasquez
    Wha's Your Story?  Allan Tsao
    What's Your Story? Christina Jun
    What's Your Story?  Kevin Chew
    What's Your Story?  Katherina Filaseta
    ​

    Race
    Are You Angry?
    Arts & Activism: Why Representation Matters
    Amplifying Underrepresented Voices in Film

    Colorblind
    Cre8ing in Isolation
    Did He Deserve It?
    Does Race Matter?

    Hint of an "Asian American Accent"
    Immigrants:  We Are Them.  They Are Us
    Immigrants:  Homeland by April Xiao
    Immigrants: Not Quite by Ada Cheng
    Immigrants: Home of the Brave by Avantika Rao
    Immigrants:  George by Riti Sachdeva
    Lhasa Apso by Roman Sotelo
    Immigrants:  A Story by Rosa Soy
    Immigrants:  A Story by Valery Valtrain
    Immigrants:  Us me vs. Them ME by Widelyne Laporte
    Immigrants:  No, I'm OK

    In Defense of Eddie Huang
    Normalizing Gender Based Violence
    Real History
    Remedial Race Education
    The Math Professor who Gave Me a Back Massage
    What's in a Name?
    Who is Chloe Wang and Does it Matter?
    #YellowFace
    Welcome to the New Normal
    White Supremacy, The Irony of
    Words Matter


    Reviews
    Health Care: Forward
    Mirror
    Movies to Watch
    Renovation
    Restaurants


    Travel & Adventure
    Allergic to Delta (aka Allergies and Air Travel)
    Costa Rica
    Eco-Friendly Commuting

    Kilimanjaro
    Santorini in 4 Parts:
    Santorini I:  When and What to Bring
    Santorini II: The Food
    Santorini III: Adventure
    Santorini IV: Relax and Spa
    SeaWorld:  An Open Letter

    The Maldives
    Traveling and One's Face
    40 before 40


    Misc Mayhem
    A Despot for the Holidays
    A Lobster Tale
    Animal Experimentation

    A Shorter Save the World
    Atonement
    Catching Kindness

    Chemical Catastrophe
    Chemical-Free DIY Household Cleaners
    Christmas Lesson
    Closing the Loop: Plastic and Luxury Bags
    Consumer, Thoughtful
    Ditch the Plastic
    Don't Hurt the Baby - Animal 
    Experimentation
    Don't Let Cruelty Kill Kindness

    Energy 
    Eco-Friendly Commuting
    Friends
    G19:  When Subtracting Adds to the Whole
    Garden/Green Space
    Je Suis Charlie
    Just Noise
    The Knockout Renovation TKO
    Larry Lee on Father's Day
    Movies to Watch

    My Mortifying Victoria's Secret Swimsuit Moment
    No, I'm OK
    Ode to Nice People
    Oils for Your Skin
    Raymond Betit, The Family Man
    Recycling
    Save The World
    SeaWorld:  An Open Letter
    The C Word
    The Safety Pin and the Nazi
    The Soldier Poet
    Upcycled Luxury Totes
    Welcome to the New Normal
    What's in the 
    Water?

    Other Categories

    All
    Acting
    Writing & Producing

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.