Vivian Tsang - Interview

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For you a Film is...

about enjoying, entertaining, and imagining new creative ideas and sharing them with the crew to develop a great piece of work and ultimately present it to the audiences. 

What do you feel when you're acting/directing/writing? 

I feel a mix of excitement and a bit of nervousness when I’m directing.

You can go to the Movies with an actor/director/screenplayer that you love. What kind of movie do you choose and with who you're gonna watch it?

I will go to the Movies with a famous Japanese actor, Takuya Kimura, will watch the action and thriller detective film like Sherlock Holmes. 

Audrey Hepburn used to say “Nothing is Impossible”, what do you think about it?

I believe that with positive thinking and strong belief, anything can be achieved on the path to success.

Can you live just of your passion?

I don’t think so. You need money and support from others to live out your passion. 

What's more important talent or luck?

I believe both are important, but luck is more important than talent. Moreover, talent can be developed through effort and practice. Many celebrities fall into the latter category.

You must go to a desert island but you can bring with you just one movie... 

Blade Runner 

Have you ever accepted a part/ a movie to direct/ a script to write even if you didn't like the project?

No, I haven’t had that experience before. I usually choose things that interest me.

What's the best compliment you have received about your Job?

A producer, Al Boyd, complimented me, saying, ‘Brilliant work, Vivian. You should be proud of yourself.’ I volunteered to be one of the extras to help others while the actors practiced their lines during the rehearsal.

Are you satisfied about your career?

I would say that I’m not satisfied. I’m still searching for my dream job. I’m actively joining different communities and networking to meet more people and expand my connections.

Do you have a good luck charm?

I believe that I always do. 

Which is the worst moment on set ?

When everyone is getting tired, and you still need to complete filming, it becomes incredibly stressful. With multiple takes and repeated shots, the pressure builds, especially when you’re running out of time and need to finish everything overnight.

How do you feel when a job you've been part of it's ending?

I felt accomplished, honoured and relieved, as it felt like I had completed a mission and was able to witness the entire process unfold.

Have you ever lied to get a part/job?

No, I haven’t done anything like that before.

If you should win an Oscar your first thought would go to…  the teachers who taught me filmmaking during my time at university film school.

My Master’s film school teacher, Debbie Ballin, taught me so much, especially about storytelling in documentaries and the craftsmanship of creating films. She provided me with significant guidance and inspiration for making my independent film.

Mark Thomas, who introduced me to Debbie as my tutor, also gave me a wealth of helpful advice. He was as a fantastic source of inspiration, offering thoughtful critique and feedback on my work.

Lastly, my undergraduate film teacher, Evangelo Angelo Costadimas, was a great source of support. He invited guest speakers to give us a deeper understanding of the film industry in Hong Kong. He also showed excellent leadership, guiding our class as we worked to wrap up our film projects.