Interview with Taehyung Kim

1. Please introduce yourself.

Hello, my name is Kim Tae-hyung, and I am a student graduating from SF Film School.

2. What motivated you to become interested in Computer Graphics?

Rather than pursuing a field where academic background and qualifications are the most important factors, I wanted to find a career where I could succeed through my skills and artistic sense. That is what eventually led me to SF Film School. My major was Design, and I also studied Fine Arts. It may sound like a somewhat simple reason, though. (laughs)

3. Do you have any personal know-how or tips for working in CG?

My biggest tip is time management. Make a clear plan and schedule, then do your best to stay on track and complete your work within that timeframe. I also struggled when deadlines were approaching, but somehow, when the final deadline is right in front of you, you find a way to get things done. (laughs)

4. What are your plans for the future?

Over the next three to four years, I hope to build both experience and professional connections at the company I will be joining. Eventually, I would love to work alongside talented artists from around the world and create great projects together. Of course, before that, I need to prove my abilities and establish myself within the domestic industry first. (laughs)

5. Do you have any memorable episodes from your training or projects?

While attending the program, I stayed in a shared workspace with about five friends for nearly five months. One night, while everyone was asleep, a water pipe burst and flooded the floor. Fortunately, I was not sleeping on the floor at the time. (laughs) Luckily, since everyone there was used to working on-site and solving problems quickly, we managed to clean everything up almost immediately.

6. Please tell us more about your personal project.

Originally, my plan was to film live-action footage and combine it with CG elements to create a realistic project. My main project was supposed to be Creature, but after receiving positive feedback on my Transformer project and finding it especially enjoyable to work on, I ended up finishing the Transformer project first. As for Creature, the modeling, mapping, rigging, and lighting are already completed, so only animation and compositing remain. I plan to continue working on it whenever I have time.

7. How many hours do you work on average each day?

Well, if you exclude the time spent eating and sleeping, pretty much all of it. But then again, if I spend five hours eating and fifteen hours sleeping, that would be a different story. (laughs) Just kidding.

8. Please briefly introduce the company you joined and the work you are currently doing.

After graduating, I joined EON Digital Film. Students at SF Film School have probably heard a lot about the company already, since many graduates have joined there. I became part of the 3D department and look forward to learning a great deal from the senior artists around me.

Currently, after gaining industry experience, I am working at Weta Digital Studio.

9. What advice would you give to students who are considering SF Film School?

The phrase I would like to share is, "No pain, no gain." Nothing can be achieved without effort and sacrifice.

The work you see in my portfolio represents a period of time that was more than ten times harder than it may appear from the outside. However, I can confidently say that all of that hardship and perseverance will eventually become your wings and help you grow. (laughs)

10. Why did you choose SF Film School, and what do you think are its strengths?

One of the best parts of SF Film School was being able to work closely with my classmates from the 41st class, helping each other and receiving help whenever needed.

Another advantage is the opportunity to attend mentoring sessions and receive guidance directly from experienced professionals.

I am also very grateful to the director, department head, and instructors who genuinely cared about our employment opportunities and provided so much support throughout the portfolio production process.