Patty Keung: Writer, Producer and Filmmaker
Patty Keung is a writer, producer, and most recently a filmmaker. She entered her first film, “Black Out,” in the “I Shot Hong Kong” competition. She talks to Kea Wong about changing roles.
HK Magazine: How did you make the decision to leave your job and take up filmmaking?
Patty Keung: I’ve always been interested in creative arts, but when I was young I had other commitments and priorities that, at the time, seemed more important. Now I’m at the stage where I want to make a statement and share beliefs. I feel like this is my last chance.
HK: Do you think your connections in the corporate world helped you as a filmmaker?
PK: Breaking in is difficult. I did think my years of corporate background would help as a producer, but not as a director. It’s easier but the rest is the same. That’s why I went to film school. I thought that would connect me instantly, but that’s actually not the case.
HK: What do you think are the main challenges filmmakers face?
PK: It’s very much an “in” thing. Understandably, people trust people they already know, especially in Hong Kong. People get trapped by bad press and tabloids. That’s why inside people are so skeptical and cautious.
HK: What do you do then?
PK: You need to just do it. I was so inspired by an 18-year-old classmate. He had no object to shoot, no crew and no lavish location. He made a film only out of what he had, and that inspired me to do a three-day shoot, and just spill out whatever was in my heart. Work hard on a good story because resources in Hong Kong are very precious, and if you don’t start with a good story, you will be scared and disheartened by a poor result.
HK: Now that you’ve completed “Black Out,” what’s next?
PK: When I’ve saved enough resources again, I will make another movie like "Black Out." I will continue to work on my next film in my leisure time. That way I won’t give up my dream but get there in an accessible way.
"I SHOT HONG KONG SHORT FILM FESTIVAL" is open to international and local filmmakers. Filmmakers must feature Hong Kong as a location and must use Hong Kong as the production and post-production center. There are three categories: Open Film, Animation and Music Video. Co-organized by HK Magazine. www.ishothongkong.com.