Meet Kim Huynh, an inspiring woman from Brisbane who always dreamt of a career in the film industry. Kim has taken the leap and made this dream a reality, with her first short film, Bite Club, set to premiere at Event Cinemas Chermside on November 1st, 2019.
Kim has worked hard to pursue her passion, having gained her experience through volunteering on local sets. Her hard work has been awarded with the Bite Club Trailer winning 11 awards internationally as well as being listed as finalists for nine and obtaining 21 official nominations. The trailer has also had over 44,000 views on Youtube.
We asked Kim to tell us a bit more of her story:
- Tell us a little bit about yourself – who you are and what you do
I’m a single mother of 3 wonderful kids and I am a Director of my first movie Bite Club. It has taken me 4 years to complete due to no budget, two tragedies (two actors have passed away after filming ended) and I was diagnosed with having rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and I need a knee replacement, but despite all this I got there in the end and I am super keen to show it off on November 1st!
- What are you most proud of?
Sounds a bit cliché but I am really proud of my children. They are wonderful little humans. Parenting isn’t easy and I often question myself as a mother and the choices I have made, but when I see how happy they are to see me, I feel reassured I haven’t done a bad job.
In terms of career, I would say when the film trailer won many awards for best trailer and has over 44,000 views. Not bad for my first short film.
- Which person inspires you the most?
It is genuinely hard to narrow down to one person. I am inspired by so many. I do love strong women who build themselves up from nothing and take no shit from anyone. But if I had to choose one, it would be Mulan. I mean, she dressed up as male soldier to save her father and kicked ass! Also ended up saving China too! Now that’s legendary.
- What has been the biggest lesson you have learnt (in life or business)
In business and life, I have learnt to trust my instincts. If I get a real iffy feeling about something or someone, I need to listen to it. I have paid the price for ignoring it before and it’s a real eye opener.
The creative industry is quite cut throat, and I have learnt not everyone is supportive of your work. I have been given great advice from Producers and Directors in L.A, who say “Kim, you need a thick skin to be in this business. You’re not here to make friends, you’re here to make movies. All the successful Directors have had their fair share of problems but they stuck to their guns and kept to their vision”.
- What has been the highlight of your career?
I will never forget the night we launched the trailer at the Brisbane Backyard Film Festival. It was the first time I saw my work on the big screen and in front of thousands. The crowd loved it. It was an incredible feeling.
- Talk us through a typical day on your set of Bite Club…
Once we began shooting, a typical day starts early for me. I would get on set with my Director Of Photography and we would discuss the plans for the night (it was mostly shot in the evenings) and start preparing the set. The crew would arrive before cast and would begin setting things up. Once the actors arrive, they go immediately to Makeup Department and Wardrobe. Then we start shooting!
A typical shoot day would take over 12 hours. We had close to 200 people on set for some nights! It was quite intense, extremely busy and a fantastic experience.
- Do you have any qualifications?
I don’t have any formal qualifications. Everything I learnt is from onset experience. Being a single parent and working two jobs gave me very little time to attend uni/college and I used what spare time I had to volunteer on various film, TV and theatre productions.
- What attracted you to the film industry?
I have always been drawn to movies since I was little. I would create scenes in my head, a soundtrack to accompany it and even draw storyboards that looks like comics. My parents used to watch all the old Chinese martial arts movies (dubbed in Vietnamese of course haha) and even though I didn’t fancy some of the storylines and acting, I loved the action.
I have always had a fascination for the creative arts, be it art, music, writing, screen or stage.
- What’s next for you?
Currently I am finishing three scripts, will also be working on my next film – working title Thune. It’s a sci-fi suspense drama and I am hoping to gather interest and funding for it.
I will be taking Bite Club overseas after the premiere in November. The trailer is doing well in Europe and America and I hope to make an impression there.
- What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the film industry?
Surround yourself with supportive and professional like minded creatives. Trust your instincts. Maintain a professional attitude always when at work. Stay humble.
- Do you think women feel intimidated in this industry?
I honestly do. It’s quite male dominated and very easy to be overwhelmed at the start. But as I gained more experience on set, I met a number of amazing people who are very supportive, most of them are male. But I did have my fair share of run ins with egotistical and stubborn personalities who try to put myself and my work down and men who felt entitled to send sexually explicit messages just because I was nice and polite to them. It’s quite stressful at times.
- How did you get where you are today, and who/what helped you along the way?
I began volunteering on sets, as a crew member or an actor. I observed what they did and kept notes. I find hands on experience works better for me rather than being in a classroom. I had many people help me along the way, but most notably my Director of Photography Luke Walker and my Editor Daniel Cordery. Their years of experience has helped me so much and I am very grateful to them.
Tickets for the world premiere of Bite Club are on sale now. Grab yours via the following link and support the array of talent that Brisbane has to offer both in front and behind the camera: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bite-club-movie-premiere-tickets-66467278419
About Bite Club
Set in current Brisbane, Bite Club explores a world where supernaturals have de-evolved and become more humanised to integrate within the human dominated world. They have forgotten their true nature, and lost all of their strengths and instincts. There are only a few who have not forgotten their true instincts, and they hide in the shadows their intent unknown. A young werewolf, Adron, is unwittingly thrown into a world where war has begun between the supernaturals and humans, during the search for his missing brother.
SheSociety is a site for the women of Australia to share our stories, our experiences, shared learnings and opportunities to connect.
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