We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hao Sun a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Hao, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is the film “MAYBE NEXT YEAR.” This project, which I produced in 2022, was incredibly significant for several reasons. It was created during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when the world was grappling with unprecedented challenges. The film tells a poignant quarantine story that resonates with the universal experiences of isolation, hope, and resilience.

As the producer of “MAYBE NEXT YEAR,” I was deeply involved in every aspect of its creation, from conceptualization to final production. The film received widespread recognition, winning Best Producer at both the San Francisco Arthouse Short Festival and the Arthouse Festival of Beverly Hills. It also won “The Best Quarantine Story” at the Sydney Indie Short Festival and “The Best Covid Short” at the Beyond the Curve International Film Festival. Additionally, it was nominated by several other prestigious festivals, including the 4th Dimension Independent Film Festival, Swedish International Film Festival, and Oakland Awards Festival, and was a semi-finalist at the International Cosmopolitan Film Festival of Tokyo and Atlanta Movie Awards.

In addition to “MAYBE NEXT YEAR,” I have worked on several other notable projects. In 2023, I produced “THE NEXT GENERATION,” which was nominated for “The Best Short Film (Main Category)” at Beyond the Curve IFF 2023. Another significant project was “The Family Williams,” produced in 2023, which was nominated at the New York Independent Cinema Awards.

Each of these projects holds a special place in my career, but “MAYBE NEXT YEAR” is particularly meaningful because it encapsulated the collective human experience during the pandemic and provided a platform for stories that needed to be told. The recognition these films received affirmed the importance of capturing and sharing these narratives. The journey of creating these films amidst such challenging circumstances and seeing them resonate with audiences worldwide has been profoundly rewarding and stands out as a highlight in my career.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who may not have read about me before, my name is Hao Sun, and I am a passionate filmmaker, producer, and the founder of Eclipsee Entertainment. I ventured into the film industry driven by a love for cinema and the power of stories to connect people and evoke profound emotions. My journey began with a strong academic background with an MA in film and media at Johns Hopkins University, followed by hands-on experience in various production roles that allowed me to hone my skills and discover my unique voice in the industry.

At Eclipsee Entertainment, we specialize in film production, and our team comprises talented individuals from prestigious institutions such as AFI, NYU, MICA, and JHU. Our primary mission is to support independent filmmakers in bringing their visions to life and helping them succeed in the competitive landscape of film festivals. We have a proven track record of producing high-quality films that resonate with audiences and critics alike.

In addition to our core focus on film production, we also create impactful visual content, including TikTok 30-second commercials, 1-minute business commercials, and testimonial videos for different companies. These projects are designed to capture the essence of our clients’ brands and communicate their messages effectively and creatively. We take pride in our ability to tailor each production to meet the specific needs and goals of our clients, ensuring a high-impact visual experience.

What sets me apart in the industry is my holistic approach to storytelling and production. I am deeply invested in every aspect of the creative process, from conceptualization to final production, ensuring that each project is executed with meticulous care and a clear vision. My work is characterized by a strong emphasis on emotional resonance and social relevance, aiming to not only entertain but also inspire and provoke thought.

I am most proud of the impact my work has had on both audiences and the broader community. Seeing my films resonate with viewers and receiving feedback from those who have been touched by the stories I tell is incredibly rewarding. It reaffirms my belief in the power of cinema to make a difference.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The driving force behind my creative journey is a profound commitment to storytelling that fosters connection, understanding, and positive change. At the heart of this mission is the belief that stories have the power to bridge gaps between people, cultures, and experiences, creating a more empathetic and informed world.

Through Eclipsee Entertainment, my goal is to support and elevate independent filmmakers, providing them with the resources and platform they need to share their unique voices. We aim to produce films that not only entertain but also challenge perspectives, inspire dialogue, and highlight important social issues. By helping filmmakers navigate the competitive landscape of film festivals, we strive to ensure that diverse and impactful stories reach a wide audience.

Ultimately, my mission is to use the art of storytelling to make a lasting impact. Whether through film, digital content, or mental health advocacy, I am dedicated to creating work that resonates with audiences, fosters empathy, and inspires positive change. This vision fuels my passion and guides every project I undertake.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

MasterClass Series on Filmmaking – Classes by renowned filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard have provided me with practical insights and advanced techniques in filmmaking. These classes have been an ongoing source of inspiration and professional development.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hsunproductions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlyrusinsun/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hao-sun-a12a68207/
• Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15751702/

Image Credits

Credit by: Hao Sun, Steven Zhu, Crystal Tubman, Xiang Jiapeng, Jiangshan Li