We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Huny Yi (tony) Hsu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Huny Yi (Tony) below.
Huny Yi (Tony), appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
As a visual creator, I strive to stay close to reality by paying attention to various social issues and understanding different perspectives. Especially when it comes to social topics, I maintain a neutral stance, absorbing diverse voices. This mindset constantly fuels my creativity and ideas.
Additionally, my creativity is closely tied to my personality. Being a sensitive individual, I have a deep ability to explore the inner worlds of my characters. I also observe the behaviors and words of my friends and family, contemplating the motivations behind their actions.
Reading books and watching films have also been invaluable to me. Back in Taiwan, I immersed myself in novels and narrative films. After coming to the U.S., beyond watching story-driven films, I also delved into experimental cinema and film literature, which deepened my understanding of film as an artistic medium. I now see film not just as a vessel for storytelling but as a tool to engage the audience in deeper reflection through visuals.
Ultimately, my creativity thrives through constant exploration of the world, continuous self-reflection, and maintaining an open mind, allowing ideas to flow endlessly.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a film director currently pursuing my master’s degree in filmmaking in New York while also working on commercial shoots and production. Before moving to New York, I worked in Taipei as a commercial producer and film art director, primarily producing advertisements for well-known brands in Taiwan. I have participated in ad productions for companies such as Coca-Cola, Lay’s, and Audi. However, my deep passion for visual storytelling and my dream of becoming a director ultimately led me to further my studies abroad.
At the moment, I am working on a short film about “loss,” aiming to explore the different ways modern women cope with the loss of a loved one. The film delves into the aesthetics of grief and is scheduled to be shot in March, with a screening planned for the summer.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
To become a part of the film and media industry, I believe it’s crucial to maintain an open and flexible mindset, along with the courage to pursue your goals. However, beyond that, one of the most important qualities for newcomers in this field is understanding that filmmaking is a highly collaborative industry.
In addition to technical expertise, having a friendly and approachable attitude is essential. Building genuine connections and showing enthusiasm for your work will encourage others to support you and collaborate with you.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The challenge I’m currently facing is that, with all the turmoil in society and the world, there are so many stories to tell, yet it’s difficult to find a clear focus. The rise of social media has also made it easier to see multiple perspectives on every issue, making it hard to determine what is right or wrong.
I often worry that the stories I tell might not be neutral enough and could come across as criticizing a particular group rather than fostering understanding.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toni_hsu_0914/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hung-yi-hsu-8b872819a/
Image Credits
all from my BTS in my film
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
