Meet Hungyu Kuo

We were lucky to catch up with Hungyu Kuo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hungyu, 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?

I keep my creativity alive by living my life genuinely. Inspiration doesn’t come when I try to force it; it flows from my experiences, the people I meet, the mistakes I make, and the emotions that stay with me. I pay attention to small details, unexpected conversations, and the moments that change my view of the world. Even though our uncomfortable experiences eventually turn into ideas, as long as I stay open, curious, and honest with myself, life naturally nurtures my creativity.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Hungyu Kuo is a Taiwanese film/theater producer, writer, and director currently based in Burbank, California. His creative career began in theater, with his original musical Overact premiering at the Kaohsiung Cultural Center in 2019. In 2025, he completed his feature debut, “Angels Near Death,” which premiered at the American Film Market (AFM) and reflects his passion for bold, imaginative storytelling and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary cinema. His second feature, “Extraordinary Achievement,” is currently in post-production, and he is also developing his third feature, “The Indian.”

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?

The three qualities that have shaped my journey the most are persistence, decision-making, and communication. First, persistence, which means not giving up on what you love, is everything. Filmmaking is filled with rejection and uncertainty, but if you stay committed, breakthroughs will eventually happen. Second, strong decision-making is essential. As a producer or director, you have to make the call, move forward, and accept whatever happens without regret. The project can’t grow if you hesitate. And finally, communication is at the heart of filmmaking. It’s a collaborative art, and the ability to connect with different personalities, understand their strengths, and gather everyone’s best ideas is what elevates the final work. For those just starting out: trust your passion, be brave in your choices, and learn to communicate honestly. These three qualities will take you further than anything else.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The biggest challenge was believing in myself and pushing forward despite every obstacle. Producing and shooting a feature film in Los Angeles is a major achievement. From navigating the legal complexities of starting an LLC, launching a crowdfunding campaign, and securing SAG contracts, to assembling a dedicated cast and crew and filming in just ten days with a single camera and a twenty-person team, there were moments when it all felt impossible. During the hiring process, many producers and crew members questioned how I would accomplish it. The truth is, I didn’t have all the answers. I broke down more than once, but after wiping away the tears, I got back to work. Because this is what I love. Filmmaking is my passion. Looking back, I realize I made it through because of two things: my unwavering love for cinema, and the steadfast support of my girlfriend, Cher, who believed in me through it all, just as Ang Lee’s wife believed in him at the beginning of his journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hungyuhenrykuo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b___concept/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/henry.kuo.100
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hungyu-henry-kuo/