Stephen is so new as a director that his day job is still burning reels and fixing Curious Film’s website. But his short films are beginning to be noticed on the festival circuits in Asia and Australasia – Curious MD Peter Grasse hired Kang initially on the strength of his first film about a lad who finds he has super powers every time he masturbates – sounds good – but it’s Kang’s latest offering Blue which is whipping up the plaudits…even the Grand Prix at Cannes Critic’s week (Semaine de la critique. )
https://vimeo.com/35660857Did you write the script and where did the idea for Blue come from?
Yes I did. The main inspiration was a news story about this famous Korean folk singing band member who died in an accident in Canada where he had immigrated. He died while operating machinery at the warehouse. He was just a worker at the warehouse and nobody recognised him as a famous band member. I think a large number of immigrants are like that, hiding behind their talent and sometimes they have to let it go to fit into the new world.
What were the most challenging aspects of shooting Blue?
It’s always hard with limited budgets, but the hardest part was convincing other people to get involved and that this story we are going to tell is exciting and interesting. It’s always tough because I, myself don’t know whether it will be good or not.
So you’re learning the ropes at Curious – we hear you’re a whizz at all things techie. What is your ambition? Would you like shoot commercials too?
My ambition is to be free of all this technology and make film.
What would the ideal script be for your first job?
The ideal scripts would have a non-traditional approach, blurring a line between traditional media and social network, and have Asian talent. I can compromise with the first two but can’t give up on Asian talent.
What’s the best piece of advice on film making anyone has ever given you?
It’s important to know when you put down your pen (or camera) – unknown
What are you currently up to in your film making world?
Writing feature scripts. I’ve learned one thing. No one is going to write it for you. So here I am.
