Meet Cory Choy

We were lucky to catch up with Cory Choy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Cory, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

As a filmmaker, resilience is not just a trait—it’s a necessity. The production of my magical realism/spiritual/thriller “Esme, My Love” was a testament to this. We encountered numerous setbacks, from our picture car’s engine dying during filming at a crucial location, to the underwater camera casing failing just as we were about to shoot a pivotal scene at a location we only had access to for a single day. I remember a particularly tense moment when we had to recreate an entire barn floor and also simulate a night drive on a country road in a studio in just six hours for reshoots. It felt like a make-or-break situation, but it was the collective spirit and problem-solving of the team that turned the tide.

One night, as we scrambled to fix a major issue, I remember feeling beyond grateful when the crew, with a shared commitment to our artistic vision, agreed to go into overtime for an additional hour to make sure we got the scene we needed to. This experience wasn’t just about overcoming obstacles; it was about discovering the depth of our collaborative strength and resilience.

These challenges have deeply influenced my approach to filmmaking. They’ve taught me that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, a dedicated and creative team can turn adversity into triumph. “Esme, My Love” is a reflection of everyone who helped create it, incorporating not just the story we set out to tell, but the intense journey we undertook to bring it to life. That this film, against very difficult odds, was not only completed but also distribute, is a testament to the power of tenacity, resilience and the art of collaborative filmmaking.

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

I’m Cory Choy, an Emmy Award-winning sound mixer, Tribeca-winning director, producer, and the founder of Silver Sound, a full-service audio post-production studio and team of location sound mixers in the heart of NYC. My life as a filmmaker and sound engineer has been driven by a deep passion for creating immersive storytelling experiences that push the boundaries of conventional media and an empathy for the people around me.

One of the most exciting moments in my technical career was when I first experimented with blending ambisonic soundscapes with traditional stereo to add a more layered and perspective-driven aural component to the version home audiences would hear, allowing for an immersive/cinematic sonic experience that complements the stark visual style in “Esme, My Love.” This psychological thriller not only marked my directorial debut but also allowed me to explore the complexities of mother-daughter relationships through a spiritual lens, immersive sound design, and a visual aesthetic rooted in the beauty and stillness of the woods in Upstate New York. The film’s positive reception on the indie festival circuit and subsequent distribution on Tubi and Amazon has been incredibly rewarding, reaffirming my belief in the power of mood and atmosphere in storytelling. You can watch it here: https://tubitv.com/movies/100002920/esme-my-love

Another project I’m particularly proud of is the audiopoem “Aisha,” which won the Independent Fiction Audio Storytelling Award at the 2023 Tribeca Festival. This collaboration with Feyishayo Aluko is a prayer for peace in both Palestine and Israel (though it was written before the start of the most recent and unfortunate war). The jury said “To listen to ‘Aisha’ is to inhabit this piece and also to be a body within it. The experience that this piece provided not only gave us a firm view of the main character’s external plight, but also insight into their internal struggle and conflict through sound design that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. ‘Aisha’ warrants repeat listening.” You can hear it here: https://tribecafilm.com/films/aisha-2023

Looking ahead, I’m looking forward to developing new projects that challenge conventional storytelling methods. We’re diving into immersive audio technologies at Silver Sound, exploring how these advancements can transform film, television, and emerging media formats. I’m especially excited about a new project we’re working on, “ASMmurderR” that blends genres in unexpected ways, aiming to reshape how audiences experience narrative podcasts. And then on the more convention documentary end, our Silver Podcast Network’s first original limited-run series, “Violence Week”, by producer and friend Emily Reeves, has just been featured by Spotify and selected as an Editor’s Pick by Apple Podcasts. You can listen to it here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/violence-week/id1734451521

At the core of my work is a belief that storytelling has the power to foster empathy and understanding between all sorts of people. I invite you to join me on this creative journey, explore our latest projects at Silver Sound, and experience the storytelling that drives us forward.

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?

Three things that have helped me the most in my journey…

Being willing to be less comfortable in the present to help build a strong foundation for the future: this requires disciplined approach to problem-solving and resource management. I’ve learned the importance of focusing on logical signal flow to tackle challenges efficiently and effectively, ensuring that each step in a project is purposeful, effective, attainable, and building upon the previous step. I never spend money or resources I don’t have, even when borrowing would make things easier for the near term. I prioritize delivering excellence in every project and honoring all commitments, even when it may mean I have to give up some things I’ve been planning or looking forward to if things take longer than anticipated. This dedication ensures that my work stands out and fosters trust with collaborators. They know, I’m dogged, thorough, and dependable.

Adaptability: The ability to pivot between different roles – from director to entrepreneur to producer to sound engineer – has been crucial. This flexibility has allowed me to take on diverse projects and continually expand my creative horizons.

Collaborative spirit: Recognizing the power of teamwork, especially when facing challenges during productions like ‘Esme, My Love,’ has been invaluable. The ability to work effectively with others and leverage collective creativity has been key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

My advice for those early in their journey:

Study a craft, but don’t limit yourself to it. While I started in sound design and recording, I used that expertise as a springboard to explore other areas of filmmaking and storytelling.

Embrace challenges as learning opportunities. Every setback is a chance to problem-solve and grow. The resilience you build will serve you well throughout your career.

Cultivate a network of creative collaborators. Your peers and mentors can provide support, inspiration, and opportunities you might not find on your own.

Stay curious and open to new technologies and storytelling formats. The industry is constantly evolving, and being adaptable to these changes can set you apart.

Don’t be afraid to blend different skills and interests. My background in sound, combined with my interest in storytelling, has allowed me to create unique, immersive experiences that stand out in the industry.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My parents have been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and develop the essential skills I needed for success in my career and life in general. Their diverse backgrounds and skills – my mother being a playwright, accordion player, and author, and my father a guitarist, DIY recording hobbyist/semi-pro, and computer programmer – provided me with a unique foundation that blends creativity and technical knowledge.
Growing up in a household where music, theater, and storytelling were integral parts of daily life, my parents instilled in me a deep love for narrative arts from an early age. This early exposure was crucial in shaping my path as a filmmaker and sound designer. My mother’s artistic influence encouraged me to explore the emotional depth of storytelling, while my father’s technical background and ability to come up with solutions that no one else had thought of before inspired me to delve into the more technical aspects of media creation, even leading me to design video games in middle school– but to also always ask myself if just because something was “industry standard” if it was the best way to go.
My parent’s support went beyond just exposing me to the arts. They encouraged me to take calculated risks, only betting what I could afford to lose, to be comfortable with discomfort in pursuit of long-term goals. This mindset has been invaluable in navigating the often unpredictable world of filmmaking and audio production.
Moreover, they taught me the importance of versatility. By nurturing both my creative and technical interests, they helped me develop a diverse skill set that has proven crucial in my career. This ability to wear multiple hats – from sound designer to director to entrepreneur – has allowed me to adapt to various challenges and seize unique opportunities.
Their emphasis on the value of hard work, continuous learning, and creative integrity has been a guiding force throughout my career. They showed me that success often requires sacrificing immediate comfort for future growth, a lesson that has been pivotal in my journey.
While many others have contributed to my growth along the way – mentors, colleagues, and collaborators – the foundation laid by my parents has been the bedrock of my success. Their influence continues to shape my approach to storytelling, problem-solving, and creative exploration in my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.corychoy.com
• Instagram: silversoundnyc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corychoy/
• Other: https://sonicdash.nyc

Image Credits

David F. Choy – Photographer