Interview with animator Yeon Choi
Welcome Yeon we are very excited to have you today with us to discuss about your work.
First off, Who is Yeon Choi and how did the passion for filmmaking start ?
Yeon Choi is an accomplished artist and animator born and raised from South Korea. She completed her academic journey with a BFA and an MA in Painting from Ewha University in Seoul, Korea, followed by an MFA in Computer Arts from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Currently, Choi holds the position of Professor of Computer Arts and Animation within the Department of Visual Arts at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Her expertise in the field of animation is well-established, with a rich history of showcasing her films on local, national, and international stages.
Choi has also been humbled by the recognition her animated films have received, including awards from esteemed festivals and competitions such as the Toronto Women Film Festival in Toronto, Canada, the Rome International Film Festival in Atlanta, GA, the Blue Plum Animation Festival in Johnson City, TN, the San Francisco Women’s Film Festival in San Francisco, CA, and the Beecher Center Digital Animation Competition in Youngstown, OH, USA. Choi's passion for filmmaking was ignited during her academic journey, where she discovered a deep-seated love for the art form. Since then, Choi has remained committed to honing her craft and exploring the limitless possibilities of animation.
Can you tell us about your previous work ?
My previous works primarily explore themes related to complex human emotions and relationships. ‘‘Sandstorm’’ (2003) delves into the darker aspects of selfishness and greed. The animation portrays a skeletal couple who discover a pair of eyes they lack, setting off a violent conflict that culminates in the female character’s demise. Rather than displaying remorse or sorrow, the male character’s primary concern becomes whether anyone witnessed the incident. In ‘‘Ever After’’ (2006), I delve into the concept of toxic relationships, drawing inspiration from the fairy tale ‘‘Red Shoes’’ to symbolize addiction. The narrative portrays a naive girl ensnared in a hazardous relationship, mirroring the man’s addiction, whether it be to alcohol, drugs, or an alternate interpretation, represented by a Devil/God figure. The storyline unfolds as the man captures and binds her with wrist chains until she escapes, albeit at the cost of losing her hands. These works reflect my exploration of the complexities of human nature and relationships through animation.
CONVERSATION ABOUT: A BRIDE’S DIARY
''A Bride's Diary'' is a deeply symbolic film. How would you simply describe your film to
someone that is about to view it ?
In ‘‘A Bride’s Diary’’ a young girl becomes a bride to a manipulative man on a secluded island. As their relationship unravels, she discovers a forbidden secret, leading to a heart-wrenching act that symbolizes her shattered trust and love. Despite her wounds, she clings to hope for healing and embarks on a journey toward freedom. This animated film explores themes of manipulation, betrayal, resilience, and the consequences of misplaced trust in a visually compelling and symbolically rich narrative.
What inspired this original script ?
The inspiration for this original script for ‘‘A Bride’s Diary’’ is rooted in the current social climate, particularly the widespread ‘‘Me Too’’ movement. I found it crucial to revisit themes of domestic violence and toxic relationships in today’s context. These issues demand attention and discussion, and I wanted to contribute to that dialogue through my work. The script draws significant inspiration from Charles Perrault’s classic tale, ‘‘Bluebeard’’ However, my adaptation diverges from the original narrative. While ‘‘Bluebeard’’ focuses on murder and the ultimate triumph of the female protagonist, my script takes a different path. It centers on the emotional aftermath, depicting the profound pain of a broken heart and the hope for healing. In a world where discussions surrounding consent, trust, and relationships are evolving, ‘‘A Bride’s Diary’’ serves as a poignant exploration of these themes. It reflects the need to address the complexities of power dynamics, manipulation, and the lasting effects of toxic relationships. Through this film, I aimed to create a thought-provoking narrative that encourages viewers to reflect on these issues while also emphasizing the importance of healing and resilience in the face of adversity.
Talk to us about the animation process, what were the steps that went into creating your project ?
The animation process for ‘‘A Bride’s Diary’’ was a carefully structured journey. Initially, I began with a poem, which served as the foundation of the project—the diary, as the title suggests. Given that there were no dialogues in the film, my approach was primarily visual.
The process started with the creation of a detailed storyboard, allowing me to plan and visualize each scene meticulously. This was followed by the development of an animatic, essentially a moving storyboard that helped bring the narrative to life in a rough, draft form. Since the animation was 2D and digital, I progressed through various stages, including rough animation, line art, coloring, and shading to achieve the final visual aesthetic. It’s worth noting that my approach leans towards a visual-first methodology, a preference developed through my experience of creating animations without dialogues.
The audio aspect was introduced once the rough editing phase was completed. Our composer worked on the film’s score, while the sound editor focused on Foley sound to enhance the auditory experience. Editing played a pivotal role in shaping the final product.
Notably, I made the decision to remove an entire chapter from the film after completing the initial draft, a choice I am grateful for despite excluding some additional storytelling elements. The editing process was instrumental in refining the narrative’s flow and focus for the ultimate cinematic experience.
Was there any difficulty during the shooting of your work?
Given that ‘‘A Bride’s Diary’’ is an animated film, the traditional concept of shooting didn’t apply. However, we did shoot reference videos to inform the animation process. The primary challenge we faced was the time-intensive nature of animation. Creating each frame and ensuring consistency throughout the film demanded a substantial amount of effort and patience, especially considering that the production spanned over two years. Another significant challenge was securing funding for the project.
This was essential as we needed to compensate the assistant animator and musician for their valuable contributions to the film. The financial aspect of production posed hurdles that required resourcefulness and dedication to overcome. We explored various avenues to secure funding, especially grants to ensure that the project could be completed to its full potential. Throughout the production journey, these challenges served as opportunities for growth and creative problem-solving. They reinforced our commitment to the project’s vision and the importance of teamwork in bringing ‘‘A Bride’s Diary’’ to life.
What is the target audience of your project ?
‘‘A Bride’s Diary’’ is primarily crafted for mature audiences, with a particular focus on women. The film delves into themes of toxic relationships, manipulation, domestic violence, and the profound emotional impact of heartbreak. These themes are intended to resonate with individuals who can relate to or appreciate the complexities of such experiences. While the film may have elements that appeal to a broad audience, its core message and emotional depth make it especially relevant and engaging for adult viewers, particularly women.
What is the message the audience should convey leaving the screening of your film ?
Much like the underlying messages in classic fairy tales, ‘‘A Bride’s Diary’’ carries its own set of questions and warnings, particularly for those who find themselves ensnared in toxic relationships, often harboring the dream that love can conquer all. Through this film, I aim to challenge that notion. The central message is a call to action, primarily directed towards women: ‘‘Run, run away if you sense something is not right.’’ It’s a stark reminder that one’s well-being should never be sacrificed for the sake of a relationship, especially when signs of toxicity emerge. Moreover, for those who have already endured the pain of a broken heart due to a toxic relationship, the film offers a glimmer of hope. It suggests that healing is possible, albeit at a slow and often painstaking pace. Ultimately, I hope viewers leave the screening of ‘‘A Bride’s Diary’’ with a heightened awareness of the complexities of relationships and the importance of recognizing and addressing toxic dynamics. It;s a reminder that self-preservation, emotional well-being, and healing should always take precedence, and that no one should ever feel trapped in a harmful relationship.
Any future projects incoming ?
I’m excited to share that I have two compelling projects on the horizon, although I’m uncertain about which one will kick off first. One of these projects explores the dynamics of a passionate yet toxic relationship, drawing inspiration from the timeless tale of ‘‘Pyramus and Thisbe’’. It delves into the intricacies of intense emotions and the consequences they may bear. The second project is deeply personal, as it’s based on my mother’s memories of her younger years and originally titled ‘‘Memories of the Little Pond’’. This narrative explores through an observer’s eyes, the profound impact of death on a family, delving into themes of loss, resilience, and the enduring bonds that tie us together. As a filmmaker, my personal aspirations align with my commitment to telling stories that resonate with audiences on a deep and emotional level. I aspire to continue exploring complex human experiences and relationships through the medium of animation. Each project presents a unique opportunity to dive into these intricate narratives and visually translate the essence of the human condition. My ultimate goal is to create thought-provoking and emotionally resonant films that inspire introspection and foster empathy among viewers.
That was the interview with our beloved creator Yeon Choi. Our community is rising everyday, new talented filmakers and screenwriters get onboard. Be sure to check the rest of our interviews and why not schedule one for yourself to promote your work.
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