Today we’d like to introduce you to Helen Chan.
Hi Helen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am originally from Hong Kong. I came to Atlanta in 2016 for my undergraduate degree at SCAD, and since then, I have spent most of my time here pursuing my filmmaking career.
After graduation, I worked as a Production Designer in Atlanta and Hong Kong for two years. Now, I am back at SCAD for my Master’s in Film Directing.
Since late 2021, I have been directing passion projects to build my portfolio as a Music Video and Commercial Director.
On the side, I have also been working to establish my production company, San San (in @san_san_hl). San San aims to transform negativity into positivity through Art. We create Art in photo and video form that the audience can resonate with and find comfort in. The concept of our work is usually based on social and mental health issues.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My road to becoming a Director has been pretty smooth. I was blessed to have so many talented friends to help me along the way to my dream. Without them, I wouldn’t be here confidently saying I am a Director. Haha.
I guess most of the struggles were within myself. The fear of me not being good enough, the fear of letting my film crew down, my work not being relevant… and a lot more… but to see things positively, my struggles have led me to create more as I found relief in expressing myself. It was a dilemma Lol. Self-doubt is something inevitable but I choose to embrace it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I put most of my focus on Directing music videos and commercials now. I am still searching for my style. I would say for now, I really enjoy creating silly surreal videos. I am proud of how vulnerable I am willing to be and show everyone my craziness or silliness. I used to care too much about others’ criticism and held myself back from being different. Now, I just think to myself why be so serious? Art is so subjective; there’s no way I can impress or please everyone with my work. I’m just gonna do what I want with no regrets.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My Favourite Childhood memory was when I traveled to Korea with my best friend to pursue our music dream. Though we failed, I learned how resilient and strong I was. The young me is someone I look up to and want to be again.
To conclude, I would like to end this interview with a preachy quote. It’s never easy to give up a dream that you thought it’s everything you wanted. Sometimes It’s okay to give up. Failure doesn’t define you; maybe it just means you’re meant to do something better.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://helensmkasu.wixsite.com/website
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hell_lunnn/
Image Credits:
Nike Spec commercial BTS Credit: Quinton Thomas
