Please tell us about the projects you worked on before making ‘When a Man Is Suspicious’. How did you start, and how did you learn to make films?
Before creating When a Man Is Suspicious, I had worked on several narrative shorts and documentaries while studying at USC School of Cinematic Arts. My journey in filmmaking really began in college. Although I was majoring in Drama and Philosophy, I discovered that my real passion was in film. To gain hands-on experience, I joined a filmmaking club and participated in various student film productions, gradually learning each essential aspect of the filmmaking process.
Tell us about ‘When a Man Is Suspicious’. How do you describe it?
When a Man Is Suspicious is a micro short comedy that explores the creative power of juxtaposing images and sounds to spark imagination. Inspired by Jean-Luc Godard’s use of this technique in Pierrot le Fou, I chose to incorporate a similar cinematic approach to tell this story. The film invites the audience to dive into the dynamics of a middle-aged couple’s relationship, aiming to pique their curiosity through the story’s unique visual and audio interplay.
Please tell us about your favorite filmmakers.
Some of my favorite filmmakers include Lee Chang-dong, Martin Scorsese, Bong Joon-ho, Krzysztof Kieślowski, Hong Sang-soo, and Éric Rohmer. I like to study each of their films closely, which naturally influences my own work.
If you were given a good budget, what would be your ideal project?
At this stage, I’m quite pragmatic. I prefer to start with a specific budget and develop a story accordingly. I’ve found that working within certain limitations can actually spark creativity. When a Man Is Suspicious, for instance, was born out of strict budget and time constraints, which ultimately led to unexpected results. Ideally, in the near future, I would love to have the funding for a low-budget feature. I’m currently brainstorming ideas, focusing on a genre film that combines crime, comedy, and romance, although it’s still in early development.
Describe how you would ensure that production is on schedule. What steps would you take?
The key is to establish a realistic production schedule before filming begins. In my experience, each shot often takes longer than initially planned, so I prepare by finding ways to combine shots, prioritize scenes, and identify which shots could be cut if needed. I also envision the final edit beforehand to confirm whether every planned shot is essential. This approach helps me stay adaptable during production, ensuring we remain on schedule even if unexpected challenges arise.
What was the hardest part of making ‘When a Man Is Suspicious’?
The biggest challenge was the tight schedule. Due to limited funding, our time at the rental location was restricted, which forced us to rush through certain shots. Additionally, shooting late led to inconsistencies in lighting as natural light changed, causing continuity issues. Managing time effectively under these constraints was definitely the most stressful aspect of the production.
If possible, tell us about your next work. What plans do you have for your future work?
As mentioned, I’m currently developing a feature-length film. I’m aiming for a low-budget project that balances my aesthetic vision with strong audience appeal, making it more viable. I envision it as a genre film and am studying successful early works by renowned directors who made impactful films on a limited budget.
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