We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Helen Chan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Helen below.
Hi Helen , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I have learned to use my differences as my uniqueness to stand out in the room. Instead of feeling out of place and trying to fit in, being not the same makes me and my work interesting.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a Music Video and Commercials Director. I am originally from Hong Kong and this is my 6th year in the USA. Since 2019, I have worked as a Production Designer both in Hong Kong and Atlanta. Recently, I completed my Master’s in Directing at SCAD Atlanta and moved to Los Angeles to focus on Video Directing.
What is so exciting to me is that since I started Directing 1.5 years ago, things have been so smooth for me. I was so lucky to have worked with a lot of like-minded filmmakers and created works that meant so much to me.
It is very motivating to me that my works have been selected in 13 film festivals and won 8 awards internationally since last August. Though they are just baby steps, I believe I am on the right path and I am so thrilled to see what I will achieve in the near future.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
There are 3 negative traits I have that I used to think would be holding me back from my journey but now I think maybe they could be “disguised” as my qualities.
My first trait is that I am unrealistic and dream very big. I do not know my limits and often do things that are out of my abilities. And of course, I failed a lot but my unrealisticness gave me the strength to stand right back up and start all over again.
I always have the delusion that my Big Dream is not too far from me. I always look back and say to myself, “Wow, I have come a long way, though I don’t even know how I made it here but… If I keep this momentum, soon I will get there.” Sometimes, I think it is good to be unrealistic and just do it. At least you will enjoy the process with your head in the clouds. Along the way, you will gradually see how much potential you actually are gifted with.
My second trait is that I am easily distracted and can’t concentrate on one thing. Sometimes procrastination is good when you know how to productively procrastinate. Don’t restrict yourself, go out there. There are so many things in this world that are worth your attention. Go experience things, that is how you get inspired… then your creative juice will start pumping… Then you should concentrate haha.
My third trait is I need companionship. I can’t do things by myself, I always need someone by my side. I know this is cringey but it’s true. Teamwork makes the dream work. Sometimes, it’s better to not do everything on our own. Delegate certain things to someone better at it. Collaborate with them, when everyone brings their best to the table. That is how masterpieces are made haha.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I am looking for filmmakers who are passionate and adventurous, someone who is willing to start from the bottom with me! Though we might just be starting our careers, I am sure that with our passion and perseverance, we can climb up the stairs at rocket speed.
Also, I would love to collaborate with Artists and Singers, who are down to experiment with new stuff and trust me on my creative choice. Come connect with me if you are one of those! I would love to meet you haha. Hit me up on IG: hell_lunnn.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.helensansan.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hell_lunnn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellun519/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helensansan/
