Today we’d like to introduce you to Phelix Hyunsung Choi.
Phelix Hyunsung, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began studying film when I was 15 years old. As I explored different aspects of filmmaking, I found myself naturally drawn to the Camera and Lighting departments, where I felt I could contribute more directly to the actual production process. To deepen my understanding of film, I moved to the United States at the age of 18 and enrolled at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Savannah, Georgia. There, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of creatives on numerous projects, which helped me develop a strong sense of practical filmmaking and broadened my perspective on film production.
During school breaks, I returned to Korea to gain hands-on experience in the Korean film and drama industry. I began as a main unit G&E swing on the feature film Man of Plastic, and went on to work on three K-dramas: Blind, Summer Strike, and Desperate Mr. X as a Unit B G&E swing. Most recently, I contributed as a main unit G&E on the Guinness x EPL commercial.
Having recently graduated from SCAD, I’m now relocating to New York after receiving an exciting job offer. I’ll be working as a camera operator on the world tour concert of a global K-pop idol. I look forward to traveling the world and continuing to grow as a visual storyteller.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Working in the film industry is never easy. At times, it requires enduring irregular schedules, and more often than not, working in extreme weather conditions—whether it’s unbearably hot or freezing cold. Compared to many other professions, the physical demands can be significantly higher. There have been moments, both physically and mentally exhausting, when I questioned whether I could continue pursuing this path as a filmmaker.
But in those moments, I remind myself why I fell in love with film in the first place. It’s the process of coming together with a diverse group of people to work toward a common goal and seeing that vision come to life. It’s the ability to take the emotions I want to express and transform them into a tangible, visual form. Those two things are what keep me grounded and passionate about what I do.
Yes, there are certainly times when the work feels overwhelming. But filmmaking, at its core, is about remembering why we started and supporting one another through the challenges. That shared commitment is what makes the process meaningful and why I continue to choose this life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
About a year and a half ago, I became deeply interested in the role of 1st Assistant Camera, also known as the focus puller. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work on several projects in that position and have truly grown to appreciate the precision and responsibility it requires. Now that I’ve graduated, I plan to continue building my experience as a focus puller through various film projects, alongside my role as a concert camera operator.
One of the moments I feel most proud is when my peers call me “SharPhelix,” a play on my English name, Phelix. In the film industry, when the focus is perfectly on point, we say it’s “sharp”—so the nickname feels like a recognition of the care and accuracy I bring to the craft.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My favorite book is Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang. It’s the original short story collection that includes Story of Your Life, which was later adapted into my favorite film, Arrival. I read this book around ten times while serving in the military in Korea.
What initially drew me to it was the connection to a film I love deeply, but what kept me coming back was the quiet yet powerful way each story is told. The book is composed of multiple episodes, each one thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. I find its tone subtle but incredibly impactful, and it continues to inspire me as both a storyteller and a filmmaker.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.phelixchoi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/0phelix_choi0/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phelix-choi-a666711b7
