Meet David Park

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to David Park. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

David, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

Keeping creativity alive these days can be a challenge at certain times. Some days I find myself drawing inspiration from films and shows which I grew up on. The memories made during creative processes as well. Whether it be from wonderful moments on set, to being pushed forward by your parents to continue thriving in the arts.

Nowadays where it is presented as a challenge, I personally force myself to continue forward. To embrace discipline. Even if it means to struggle with completing a few pages for a script- I was able to achieve it without wasting the entire day. You need to keep pushing because I promise you that regret of accomplishing absolutely nothing is so much more painful than taking one step forward. No matter how small or large.

Growing up, I found myself constantly bullied and during those moments having the courage to continue on forward came from two incredible people in my life. The stoic, disciplinary nature from my father. The powerful, loving heart of my mother. It was due to them introducing me to movies and television that baptized me with creativity. Anticipating the next episode for my favorite show, harboring lessons taught from unique characters. The next blockbuster film soon to drop in theatres that transported you into a world filled with adventure, a thin spread of reality, and a dash of hope. Such an affection placed me on the path towards becoming a writer and director.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I was born and raised in New York City- having taken film courses in high school, joining the 2008 Tribeca film institute program, partaken in theatre during college. But regardless, for years afterwards I sat dormant. Imposter syndrome held a death grip upon me. If you’re reading this and feeling as though you’re struggling to break free- be proud. You have finally acknowledged that. Now, what was my next step?

During lockdown, I finally moved out to Los Angeles alone- which I had always wanted to do. The most frightening and yet liberating moment of my life. I immersed myself within virtual plays since that was the norm during such a grim period. That was where I began to finally tackle my dreams of directing for the first time. Meeting truly incredible people within these productions. Watching their craft blossom as we all collaborated. After a number of award-winning short films (“Static”, “Class of 97”) in LA, I returned to New York for about a year, then came back to continue pursuing the dream.

During this time, I was and still am blessed to have found a great group of tremendous talent to be surrounded with. All different from one another in various ways, but equally as passionate. Those who appreciate one another, and the craft you bring to the table as well.

Creating adventures for my talented friends and I, to work with creatives that want to embrace this magic and be under the spell that many of us grew up with. This has always been the goal for me- the mission. To create wonders that this world needs more of. Regardless of how difficult it is to even get a film off the ground these days, just thinking about that gets me tremendously excited. Currently have a couple productions in the works, along with an upcoming live reading for a feature length script I have written as well. Adventures are upon the horizon!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

To get started and actually bet on yourself. Do not waste years like I did, wondering how exactly to jump onto a departing ship and instead just leap into the water. When you find yourself bone dry upon a dock- you will remain there. It feels familiar. Comfortable. No, it’s not as easy as people say, but ask yourself if this dream of yours is something that you truly want. Do you want to remain on the sidelines? The technicality of filmmaking, the sheer budget needed for a movie- it can feel daunting. Don’t know certain cinematic terms? You will learn along the way. At the end of the day, even the most professional filmmakers make mistakes.

Be thoroughly clear about what you truly want. There will be many voices that tell you to navigate in various directions. There are friends that can provide you with helpful advice. But remember that the only one who can see a path is yourself. One that does not seem straight forward and will actually challenge you. Remember, comfort is where ideas go to die.

Finish what you started. As such in life, there will be many distractions along the way. I am personally coming off of this right now and focusing on what I had promised. Integrity is born this way.

Kindness. Cliche as this may sound, but this is a must. To treat people how you wish to be treated. I have been on sets where those in higher positions are absolutely terrible to crew members. To make great art, I genuinely believe that not only is talent crucial- but so is having the bravery to embrace empathy and compassion. This of course applies beyond the realm of arts as well.

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?

To be honest with myself, and to follow through with what I had promised.

This happens with many filmmakers as well, but when the road has been chosen- you have to stick it out to the end. No matter how difficult it may become.

Recently I have been doing that, and it is a truly incredible feeling. Yes- fresh ideas are rife with temptation, but what will ultimately bring you joy is accomplishment. You will always have a surplus of ideas coming to mind. How I plan to tackle them is going back and finishing what I had started. Time is precious, but one who holds true to their word- even more so.

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Image Credits

Philippe Lee
Ray Ramundo
Sam Retic
VyVy Nguyen
Sandi Eberhardt

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