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

Helen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The biggest risk I took was to leave everything behind in Hong Kong the second time after “failing”and come back to Atlanta to start from scratch as a Director.

In 2019, after my US working visa expired. I went back to Hong Kong and got a stable job in Film with the portfolio I built as a Producer Designer. However, deep inside I knew very clearly that it was not what I wanted. I have always wanted to Direct Music videos and commercials; because of fear, I have been holding myself back from even trying. Though I know I can live a comfortable life with my Production Design job, I won’t be content with my life. So, I took a risk and gave myself one more chance to chase my Directing Dream.

Now, I am almost done with my Master degree and will have 1.5 years left to get my Director visa in the USA. I am doing so much slower than I wanted but I believe my hard work will pay off at the right time. My dream will come true!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I am originally from Hong Kong. I worked as a Production Designer for Film both in Hong Kong and Atlanta.

Since late 2021, I have been branching into Directing Music Videos and Commercials.

On the side, I have also been working to establish my production company, San San (in @san_san_hl). San San aims to transform negativity into positivity through Art. We create Art in photo and video form that the audience can resonate with and find comfort in. The concept of our work is usually based on social and mental health issues.

I think I am most proud of my aim to not conform to the conventions. I always try to create work that is out of the box, surreal, yet still relatable to the audience.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is when you see the impact your work does to your viewers. I believe every work I did has a meaning behind and a message that I want viewers to take on. Seeing the changes and contributions I make to the world empowers me to create more.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I knew how to make use of the resources I had at School. I was always reluctant to ask for help from my professors or classmates. Now, thinking back, I felt like I could have achieved so much more if I collaborated with all the talented people around me.

Now, I know Networking is one of the key to success in the film industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: helensansan.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hell_lunnn/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/hellunnn

Image Credits
Nike BTS photo: Quinton Thomas