Interview with Jonghyun You

Hello, my name is Yoo Jong-hyun (Naver nickname: Yoo Sample), and I completed the VFX regular course at SF Film School.

I think I should start by talking about how I first became interested in video production. During my military service, I happened to learn a program called Vegas from a junior soldier while I was deployed to Iraq. That became the starting point of my journey. After being discharged, I entered university because I wanted to learn more, and that was where I first encountered 3D. While working on university assignments, I created videos with my friends and submitted them to a UCC competition for fun. Winning first place for the first time in my life was exciting, but what made me even happier was seeing my video being shown in front of a large audience. Because of that experience, I wanted to learn more, and that led me to find SF Film School. During my military service, I happened to see SF Film School on a TV program called "Youth Invincible" featuring Park Joon-hyung. At that time, I didn’t even know the name of the academy. I was only interested and thought it was amazing, but I didn’t take any further action. Since this was the first time I had seriously prepared for something I wanted to pursue, I searched for many different academies. However, I didn’t have to think much about my decision. The amazing works created by previous students displayed on the academy website were enough. There was no need for any further explanation.

After entering the academy and studying for exactly two weeks, I experienced my first slump. Other classmates could create things within a day, but I still couldn’t complete them even after a week. I worried a lot during that time. I wondered, “Is this really the right path for me?” When things were really difficult, I sometimes tried sleeping as much as possible or drinking a lot of alcohol. Haha. However, even then, my eyes were still looking at the monitor and my hands were still on the mouse. Actually, I still experience slumps even now. I was slower than others, and it took a lot of time for me to fully understand and master something new. Still, I continued working while telling myself, “Someday, I will be able to complete it.” ^^

Honestly, it was a big challenge. Even if I tried to save money, basic living expenses alone cost around 500,000 won per month. I also had to find a place to stay. At first, I stayed at a relative’s house, but staying there for an entire year gradually became a burden. I felt sorry about that as well. Thanks to the support from SF Film School, I was able to enter the research center earlier than others and continue studying there. ^^ In many ways, SF Film School prepared many facilities for students from outside Seoul. It provided great conditions not only financially but also academically. Compared to when I first entered the research center, the environment has improved greatly, allowing students to focus more comfortably on their studies.

When I work, I always try to collect as much reference material as possible. When modeling, I search for modeling-related resources, and when texturing, I collect texturing-related materials. Although my English is not very good, I also download and study many foreign tutorials. Since they are video lectures, watching them repeatedly helps me understand the process. ^^ When the tutorials are in English, I use translation tools and try to understand and apply the information even through direct translations. I also create my own video tutorials so that I do not forget what I have learned. It may seem like a waste of time, but I imagine that I am teaching someone and explain everything to an imaginary person in front of the monitor. Through that process, I naturally make the knowledge my own. Later, when I forget something, I can watch my own videos and remember the techniques again. Many people have asked me questions or asked me to teach them something, and instead of simply sending them tutorial videos, I can explain things myself because I have organized and understood the information. ^^ Everyone has their own way of studying, but this method worked well for me. ^^

I joined a company called AZ Works, located in Haeundae and Gwangalli, Busan. The company has recently worked on director Park Chan-wook’s "Thirst," director Bong Joon-ho’s "Mother," and is currently working on "Woochi." I believe I will become a part of those projects once I join. ^^ I actually got a job before completing my portfolio. I had been preparing for a long time, but the quality did not reach the level I wanted despite the amount of time I invested. Therefore, I decided to gain more experience at the company first and continue working on my portfolio later.

What I want to tell my juniors is that everything my seniors and instructors have said is true. If there is one thing I want to share, it is that the VFX field may look like a glamorous and impressive profession from the outside, but it is actually a very challenging career. It is a job where people often work behind the scenes without being recognized. While working, there will be moments when you become frustrated with your own situation and think, “Why is CG in Korea like this?” and blame yourself. I once came across this quote online.

"Dreams may not feed you, but when you are at the end of your life, will you remember the food you couldn’t eat, or the dream you couldn’t achieve?"

Anyone can easily say encouraging words, but putting them into practice is ultimately the most difficult thing. Even when your work becomes difficult, if you believe that this is truly your path, continue walking forward. I hope that someday we can stand together at the top and smile after achieving our dreams. ^^

My time at SF Film School was the happiest and most enjoyable period of my life. It was the place where I discovered myself studying passionately and staying away from home because of my desire to learn. More than anything, it was the place where I laughed and cried the most.

It was the place that taught me the first steps toward realizing my dream, supported me when I was struggling, and encouraged me to keep going. It was a place where I could comfortably study within a family-like environment and where I created precious relationships with wonderful people.

If you have chosen SF Film School, from that moment on, we are family. ^^