OK, we admit it – it was the promise of cake that first attracted us to Hyebin Lee’s animated short Cherry on The Cake.. But what we found was a thoughtful study on family dynamics and shyness wrapped up in vibrant animation – no wonder it’s been beguiling festival judges around the world. We caught up with the animator and illustrator who has been snapped up by Partizan Lab to chat about the creative process and the secrets of baking the perfect focaccia.
Cherry on the Cake has been hugely succesful at festivals all over the world – why do you think it has been so popular?
I am not really sure. I’m interested in telling stories full of character. I want to make original, heart-felt work so I hope that this is what connects the film with an audience.
Emotion, story and the moments which are created in between people
What is it about animation that appeals to you?
The possibilities and the control
I love browsing around for new and I keep all sorts of things in my journal, sketch books and my laptop. It is great to see bits of ideas come together to make something bigger, sort of like jigsaw puzzle.
Outside of filmmaking, what do you enjoy doing?
I love reading and listening to contemporary classical music. I also love to bake and make bread. I am trying to perfect the onion focaccia at the moment…
Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
In 10 years time, I will be reading the 3rd draft of my second TV series script. 🙂
To find out more, check out Hyebin Lee’s blog or the Partizan Lab website.
