A Korean-Canadian playwright-turned-filmmaker, Celine Song, shares her journey from childhood writing passions to creating her debut film. She discusses the challenges of finding success in the competitive arts industry and the influence of experienced producers like Christine Vachon. The podcast explores the power of pivotal lines in storytelling, the significance of bilingualism in capturing cultural nuances, and the intricate process of visual collaboration in filmmaking.
Greta Lee's audition tape influenced casting decisions, showcasing the impact of persistence and talent in shaping film roles.
Inyon concept in Korean culture enriched the narrative, emphasizing intricate relationships beyond superficial labels like friends or exes.
Theater background informs Celine's directing style, emphasizing consistency in performance for theater and capturing transcendent moments through multiple takes in film.
Deep dives
Casting Greta Lee for the Role of Hesung and Teo for the Role of Nora
While initially considering other options for the roles, including Greta Lee for Hesung, her audition tape caught the attention. Despite ruling her out in the first run, further auditions led to in-depth insights over three hours, aiding in selecting Greta for the role of Hesung which greatly influenced the film as a significant choice.
Exploring Inyon as a Core Concept in the Film
The concept of Inyon, deeply embedded in Korean culture and daily life, emerged as a central theme in the film. Describing the intricate relationships between characters beyond standard labels like friends or exes, Inyon perfectly captured the essence of complex connections and mysterious bonds explored throughout the narrative.
Balancing Theater and Film Acting
Celine's background in theater acting provided a unique perspective on directing actors for film. Drawing a parallel between Buddhism for consistent theater performances and Christianity for nuanced film acting, she highlighted the differences in approach. While theater demands a reliable daily performance, film allows for multiple takes to capture transcendent moments.
Embracing Independent Studio Risk-Taking and Collaboration
Navigating the collaboration with A24 and experienced producers like Christine Vachon from Killer Films showcased the intricate process of securing support for a debut film. The journey from script creation to engaging talented actors like Greta Lee and Teo exemplified the importance of experienced partners in bringing the project to fruition.
Creating an Environment for Authentic Performances
The director emphasizes the importance of fostering an environment where actors can deliver authentic and alive performances consistently. By sharing examples of unique methods used during the film, such as actors not meeting until their on-screen encounter, the director highlights the significance of building trust with actors to capture genuine moments in the movie.
Visual Storytelling and Personal Connections
The director discusses the visual style of the film and how it aids in conveying the characters' emotional journeys. Through deliberate choices like frame within a frame, long takes, and wide shots, the director enhances the storytelling process. The collaborative approach with the cinematographer and other team members led to a unique visual language that complements the narrative's depth and personal connections.
In front of an audience at Chapman University, the Korean-Canadian filmmaker, who is Oscar-nominated for her autobiographical feature directorial debut, reflects on her transition from playwright to filmmaker, the biggest challenges that a first-time filmmaker faces and her aspirations for the future.
