Meet David Park

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful David Park a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

David , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Breaking out of that shell to even step forward in the filmmaking world- where only a handful of actors look like you- is an incredible challenge. Growing up in an Asian household, I was raised to believe that certain opportunities held better status than others. Opportunities that were galaxies away from the silver screen. From the very beginning obstacles were placed before me. For a child, this was quite overwhelming, and it began to strip away any sense of joy in my life. Happiness came about when adventure seeped into that darkness before me. It was not long before films were introduced in my life and their magical ability to whisk me away to a different world.
Middle school came and went. Then high school presented an opportunity where I could finally tackle somewhat of a semblance for filmmaking. I learned the basics and began to navigate further. While filmmaking was the goal, I also wanted to break glass ceilings when it came to acting. The school I had attended held a drama class but a majority of the cast was always with Caucasian actors in leading or supporting roles. Decided to finally give it a shot and found myself in a supporting role for “The Crucible”. It was an odd experience for me, but also a refreshing one.
You see, even if Asian actors were present onscreen- it was usually for a stereotypical role. The martial artist, the samurai- where we are burdened with a culture that unfortunately many of us that grew up here- had almost no true connection with. Not to mention, we also found ourselves as the “best friends” to the leading characters that were portrayed by Caucasian actors, or as the one that could never have a girlfriend. There is absolutely nothing wrong with roles like these-but we can be more than them as well. It was yet another obstacle. How can we break out of that when every time we open a door, there just so happens to be another one after it?
College came around and this time I dove in headfirst- landing leading and supporting roles in college plays. Roles that eclipsed the stereotypical ones. Sharing the stage with other fellow actors that were people of color as well. It was another breath of fresh air. While it was a sign that a pathway could be possible- this was college. There had to be more beyond the horizon.
And of course the years continued, and for a while I found myself stuck in a rut. The temptation to create was ever present, but as was the burden of mere existence. Having to work constantly, finding myself trapped in a cycle designated to the almighty dollar. Yet, I never gave up. In 2020, I finally decided to move to Los Angeles. What I had always sought out to do. Upon arrival, the city was in lockdown. But I have already gone through so much to let that deter me and during this time, virtual plays were being held. I auditioned for a leading role and booked it. From there, more virtual plays came forth. Once the lockdowns were lifted, I began to meet other actors- many of whom were Asian American- that shared similar stories as I did. To share those collective moments where we felt that we were not going to be able to achieve this- to being here now- it is another victory for us. There is still a journey before us all, but what I have learned is that the journey is what matters most. How I got here is by never giving up. As cliche as that sounds, perseverance brought me here.

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 writer, director, and actor currently living in Los Angeles. Here to create incredible stories and adventures that will transport us all. Growing up as an Asian American artist you’re told to create things that will solely represent the culture from which you hail from. While I am proud of my heritage, and I do have plans to incorporate this ancestry into my works at times, much of my adventures will revolve around stories that are here to enchant audiences. Having grown up in the early 90s, I loved films such as “Ghost”, “”Forrest Gump”, “Jurassic Park”- movies that were able to be adventures with heart, while always making sure that audiences were entertained.

As bland as this may sound, I’m just another working artist like many of you are. Yes, even with some financial burdens at times like we all do. But when I am free from those moments of serving certain corporations, I am writing constantly. Helping my friends with their own productions. That is when I feel truly alive. And those…we will keep under wraps for now.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Watch as many movies as you can- but you do not have to watch every single film in existence. I may get criticized for stating this but while you can watch films for inspiration, you do not need to watch all of them to be considered a cinephile. You like movies? You watch as much as you can? You want to discuss them a lot? You are a cinephile. Gatekeeping what movies mean to people is insane to me. As I progressed in learning about filmmaking, I thought watching every single film- or merely liking what is already deemed as a great movie by others- is how to be within that filmmaking circle. And I actually wound up disliking some of the movies that were seen as such. Whatever film you like, and if it inspires you- that is incredible. And do not let anyone else tell you otherwise. Or how else can there be a variety of movies?
Be caring. I cannot state this enough. Having been around quite a couple sets now, there are always people seeking to merely control the environment. While organization is key on set, the best films I have been a part of create a setting where creativity constantly flows naturally. Yes, the director and producer have eyes on the production- but if you want to generate stories with human emotion to them- you have to be caring enough to let the artist free. Beyond the lens as well. No matter where you are, just be caring. There is nothing wrong with doing so. It is a part of what makes us human.
Try to learn the basics and experiment. You do not need to know every single filmmaking lingo. Write a script, get a camera- any camera as long as you can afford, get quality sound, grab some actors- boom. Keep on doing this to gain experience. This was a mistake that I personally made for years. I sat back and watched the years fly by. Constantly worrying about how if I do not have the best camera available- it will look terrible. How can I shoot something without a big budget? You just have to get started. No matter how small the film is. In 2021, I took this to heart and shot my first short film with a $600 budget, and a camera with a shotgun microphone attached. Take the first step.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Actually achieving what I have been stating that I will do, and never letting any other mindsets turn me from that direction. After a while, you have to finally stop listening to people who will deter you from even setting one foot forward. In the past 12 months I have been reevaluating what stories matter most to me- and moving forward with them regardless. There is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking out advice. However if you let a few stand out to you- and if you give it them so much power- it will become a domino effect. Eventually you will find that your voice is in last place. Make it first. Move forward one step at a time and eventually you will find yourself moving mountains. This not only pertains to life within the filmmaking world, but overall as well. Never lose yourself and keep your mind open- without allowing it to be chained.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Eric Carroll
Kevin Jimenez
Jason Jeremias
JQ Byrd
Jose Rivera

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