Faculty Feature: Meet Kyu Park, Department of Film and Animation Monday, February 17, 2025
Born and raised in South Korea, Kyu Park is a transnational filmmaker and educator with a passion for stories that explore the impact of sociocultural factors on human behavior and relationships. His films have been featured at numerous international film festivals and exhibitions, including the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner in France, the Montecatini Film and Video Festival in Italy, the Bucheon International Film Festival in South Korea and the Syracuse International Film Festival in the U.S. As a cinematographer, Park's work has been showcased at renowned festivals such as the Warsaw Film Festival, Los Angeles Film Festival, Slamdance, Palm Springs International and the San Diego International Film Festival, among others. Park joined the Department of Film and Animation faculty in August 2024.
"What’s great about studying at Point Park University is that it gives you the space to take risks, make mistakes and figure things out without the high stakes of the professional world. If you’re ready to put in the work and fully immerse yourself in filmmaking, this is the place to do it."
What inspired your passion for a career in filmmaking?
I often tell my students that my biggest inspiration is deadlines. The sense of accomplishment I feel after completing a project pushes me to dive into the next one. But beyond that, I love film as both a medium and an art form. Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to various art forms including music, painting, fashion and architecture. When I went to film school, I quickly realized that filmmaking is the ultimate art form for me, as it allows me to bring all these elements together into a single, immersive experience.
Tell us about your career path.
It took me nine years to graduate from college because I kept going back and forth between school and industry jobs in South Korea, where I grew up. Eventually, I returned to school because I found that learning provided the most creative playground for me. That passion for exploration and creativity motivated me to pursue graduate school in the U.S.
Fortunately, while in graduate school, I had the opportunity to teach, and I discovered that teaching was not only an incredibly rewarding experience but also an even greater learning opportunity for me. I spent three years teaching at a college in Upstate New York and eight years teaching in Missouri. Then, for personal reasons, I decided to move to Pittsburgh, and almost serendipitously the position at Point Park opened at the perfect time!
Apple TV recently released "Scarlet Winter," and you are the director of photography. Tell us about that project.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have found a distributor and to have our film released on Apple TV. In today’s industry climate, it is especially challenging for a small indie film like ours, without a known actor, to reach a broad audience. In addition to serving as the cinematographer, I also worked as a co-producer, getting involved in everything from script development to various production aspects throughout the filmmaking process. It has been an invaluable experience.
"Scarlet Winter" is a suspenseful mystery thriller that follows a man determined to uncover the truth behind his girlfriend's murder. It’s a psychological mind game, featuring multiple characters, locations, and time jumps, all of which had to be shot under an extremely tight schedule and budget with a relatively small crew.
Filming under these constraints taught me a great deal about strategic preparation and improvisation in filmmaking, not to mention time and people management. These are all valuable lessons that I share with my students. Every project I’ve worked on has been full of trials and errors, and accumulating this hands-on experience has given me insights worth passing on. One aspect of this film that I can bring to my classroom is how to film and work in extreme cold and snow, and you’ll probably understand why once you watch the movie.
What courses do you teach?
I teach both cinematography electives and core production courses across all levels, including Intermediate and Advanced Cinematography and Production I, II, III and IV.
What can students expect in your classes?
Students can expect a great deal of hands-on exercises, in-depth technical discussions, calculations and measurements, but most importantly, a focus on creative and critical thinking. I encourage students to come prepared with a sharp and inquisitive mindset, as I constantly challenge them to analyze what they see and reflect on what they capture through their cameras.
What advice do you have for students considering the Department of Film and Animation?
Our program is highly focused and rigorous, with a strong emphasis on the quality of work students produce. Filmmaking is a tough industry. It demands passion, dedication and a willingness to push yourself.
What’s great about studying at Point Park is that it gives you the space to take risks, make mistakes and figure things out without the high stakes of the professional world. I love seeing students push their creative limits, make bold choices and grow into confident filmmakers. You’ll be challenged, but you’ll also have a supportive environment where you can find your voice and develop the skills to bring your ideas to life. If you’re ready to put in the work and fully immerse yourself in filmmaking, this is the place to do it.
What are you most looking forward to at Point Park and in Downtown Pittsburgh?
Downtown Pittsburgh seems to have great potential to become an art center of the region, and Point Park is dedicated to supporting and developing local art scenes by growing these programs in our Conservatory of Performing Arts, which I am super excited about.
One of the many benefits of living and working in a city like Pittsburgh compared to Los Angeles or New York City is that access to filming locations is much easier and more affordable. Additionally, the city is full of cinematic backdrops with old buildings and streets. I am looking forward to working with my students and colleagues on some exciting and unique projects that can contribute to the growth of the local film industry.
Final thoughts?
I feel lucky and excited to be part of the faculty at Point Park and I am looking forward to meeting and working with future filmmakers!