Story & Lesson Highlights with Cora Chung

Cora Chung shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Cora, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
One major misconception about film composing is how collaborative and nuanced the process really is. It’s not just about writing a nice melody or a dramatic theme. A lot of the work involves interpreting the director’s vision, collaborating with sound designers and editors, and shaping the music to support the pacing and emotional flow of the film—often under tight deadlines. The score isn’t just a background element; it plays a quiet but important role in guiding how the audience feels, moment to moment.

For me, coming from a more classical music background, this was a big shift. Growing up, the focus was on the music itself—its structure, expression, and craft—without much thought about how it might interact with visuals. In film, music becomes part of a larger storytelling puzzle. It’s not just about making music that sounds good on its own; it’s about making music that fits. That shift in mindset—letting go of the idea that the music is front and center—can be surprising to people who aren’t familiar with how film scoring works.

Another thing that’s rarely talked about is the emotional balance the job requires. In some ways, being a film composer can feel a bit bipolar—you have to be able to lock yourself in a studio for long hours, get obsessive, work like crazy, and live in your own head. But then, almost suddenly, you also have to switch gears, be social, pitch yourself, and show your abilities confidently in order to get jobs or build relationships. That constant flip between introversion and extroversion can be exhausting, but it’s also part of what makes this work so unique.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Cora (Yi-Huan) Chung, a film composer and cellist from Taiwan. I began my journey with classical music training and later had the opportunity to perform with orchestras such as the Kaohsiung Symphony Orchestra and the Asian Youth Orchestra.

Eventually, my path led me to film scoring, where I developed a deep appreciation for how music can quietly support storytelling. As a film lover myself, this passion drives me to create scores that enhance the emotional impact of a story. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to participate in programs like the Sundance Film Music Lab at Skywalker Sound, the “Spot the Composer” at Cannes, and received support from various foundations.

I’m also a member of groups such as the Composer Diversity Collective and the Alliance for Women Film Composers, and I truly appreciate being part of communities that support inclusion and mentorship in the industry.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that really shaped how I see the world happened when I was an intern at 5 Cat Studios with John Powell. Back then, as a student, I was really focused on collecting new gear and synths. I often found myself envious of others who had access to better resources—like new computers, sounds, or monitors—believing that having the best equipment was the key to becoming a great composer.

Then John told me something simple but powerful: “it’s not about the gear, it’s about the idea.” That drop of wisdom completely changed my perspective. I realized that creativity and the strength of the idea matter far more than the tools you have. The biggest challenge isn’t owning the best equipment—it’s staying creative, constantly innovating, and keeping your ideas fresh. That lesson has stayed with me and continues to guide how I approach my work.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have definitely been moments when I thought about giving up. The most difficult time was during the pandemic. My visa had expired, my mom became ill, and I was in a really tough financial situation. Everything felt uncertain, and I remember talking to a lot of mentors and friends about whether I should just stop pursuing this path.

But somehow, things started to open up again—whether it was luck, timing, or something bigger than me, I’m not sure. Opportunities appeared when I least expected them, and the support I received from friends and family was overwhelming. It reminded me how lucky I am to have people who believe in me, even when I’m struggling to believe in myself. That experience taught me resilience and made me even more grateful for the community around me.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
As an Asian, I used to believe that hard work was everything. While I still believe in the value of effort, I’ve come to realize that being kind and genuinely caring are just as important. In this industry, people want to work with those who bring warmth and kindness to every collaboration.

Being an artist isn’t about proving your skills or following someone else’s footsteps. It’s about finding your own language, creating your own unique path, and sharing that with others from the heart. It’s about pushing the boundaries of the art that already exists and contributing something fresh and authentic. That’s what truly makes a career meaningful.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’ve done work that I’m truly proud of—it gives me a calm sense of satisfaction. I also find peace being surrounded by nature, where everything feels calm and simple. Spending time with my family brings me a lot of comfort and peace, too. And when I’m watching a beautiful film or listening to music that moves me, it’s like the world slows down and everything feels just right.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.corachung.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corayihuanchung/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corachung/
• Other: Spotify:
  

  Representative:

  Cora Chung

  IMDB:
  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10999825/

Image Credits
Ron Thomas, Ian Chen,
Elsa Cornevin, James Peter Moffatt