DK (Dylan Koo) Production
[ Portfolio ]
I founded a film production club called DK Productions, where members collaborate to create short films, learning about various aspects of filmmaking, including scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, and editing. The club provides a supportive environment for aspiring filmmakers to explore their creativity and bring their ideas to the screen.
Growing up in South Korea, I questioned the societal focus on respecting elders while overlooking the struggles of younger generations. This led me to pursue filmmaking as a way to give voice to teenagers and other marginalized groups. Inspired by director Lee Chang-Dong, I aim to create emotionally resonant films that encourage audiences to view the world from diverse perspectives, fostering greater empathy and understanding for those who often go unheard.
The Coffin (Short Film)
Director, Editor, and Screenwriter
In this film, I aimed to convey the frustration experienced by runaway teenagers due to oppressive home environments, using props and camera angles to highlight the protagonist's emotional emptiness. The coffin, symbolized by a pink pillow and the confined space, serves as a metaphor for both her sense of entrapment and her paradoxical feeling of peace within that emotional void.
The Pressure (Experimental Film)
Director, Screenwriter, Editor
In this dark, symbolic, and experimental film, I explored the factors causing teenagers pain and the toll constant pressure takes on their mental state. To visually represent this, I used a scene where meat, symbolizing the human mind, is pressed down, illustrating the psychological impact of stress, while layered textures mimic neuron movement to connect harsh words with their effects on the brain. In the final scene, a figure eating money reflects on societal values and the consequences of materialism.
The Grey Man (Screenplay)
This script explores a teenager's internal struggle and the disconnect between teenagers and adults, stemming from the latter's inability to understand complex teenage emotions. The protagonist, Jung Woo, pretends to be wealthy to fit in, but his growing anxiety and guilt over this deception lead him to transform into a "human rat," symbolizing his self-loathing. In the climax, his mother fails to recognize him, illustrating how internal conflicts can result in alienation and despair.
The Crossing (Short Film)
This film blends live-action and collage to capture the frustration teenagers face during adolescence, highlighting the challenges of rebellion and distractions that can slow personal growth. It explores the cyclical pattern of progress, setbacks, and starting over. The black figure symbolizes failure, pulling the protagonist back when they engage in harmful behaviors, like excessive phone use. Tracking shots, extreme close-ups, and Dutch angles emphasize the character's emotions and create a darker mood, while road signs serve as metaphors for the challenges and distractions surrounding the protagonist.
Eyes and Lips (Animation)
Creator (Animation & Editing)
Inspired by Tim Burton's character design, this 3D animation conveys the fear and vulnerability teenagers face, particularly the pressure of societal judgment. With exaggerated models of a giant eye and lips symbolizing scrutiny and nagging, the dark, moody atmosphere visually expresses the overwhelming burden teenagers endure. The animation explores how constant pressure can lead to deep frustration, capturing the emotional breakdown that can drive teenagers to despair and self-harming thoughts.
Eternal Race (Virtual Reality)
Director, Screenwriter
This virtual reality piece, set in a horse race, symbolizes the pressure teenagers face in striving for their goals. The faster competitors reflect the frustration of constantly comparing oneself to others, while obstacles like scattered books and flying objects represent academic challenges. The audience of emojis symbolizes the judgment and pressure from social media, where superficial competition thrives. In the end, the horse’s fall illustrates the time constraints and repeated feelings of failure that teenagers often experience in these competitive environments.
Whispers of the Devil (Augmented Reality)
Director, Story Creator
This AR piece captures the uncertainty and internal conflict teenagers face during a time of impulsive decisions and vulnerability. Harmful distractions like drinking, gaming, or addictions can pull them away from important goals like academics. The character Demon Bug throws a book at the protagonist, symbolizing both the academic pressure and the distractions that blur their focus.
Zen (Augmented Reality)
Director, Story Creator
This projection mapping project conveys the importance of a peaceful mind for teenagers, offering a hopeful message focused on inner transformation and emotional growth. Through meditation, the piece reflects the pursuit of peace and stability, which opens the door to new opportunities and personal development. The act of catching floating objects symbolizes self-discovery and renewal, as teenagers shed old layers to embrace a fresh start.
The Zoom (Short Film)
Director, Screenwriter, Editor
The Zoom was filmed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, using the familiar virtual setting of Zoom for classes and meetings. To add a fun and unexpected twist, I introduced a ghost as the central plot element. The Zoom screen served as a master shot to build tension, while POV shots and tight headroom later heightened the protagonist's fear. Beyond the supernatural, the film also comments on bullying, highlighting how seemingly harmless jokes can lead to serious consequences.
The Ocean Story (Animation)
Director, Screenwriter, Editor
The Ocean Story tells the inspiring tale of Sang Hee Cho, a man with one arm who dedicates himself to cleaning the beach and protecting the environment. Despite his injury, he embodies true heroism through his selfless volunteerism. This piece honors Mr. Cho's unwavering commitment, serving as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to care for the Earth and one another.
The Box Man (Photograph Story)
Photographer
This narrative photography project explores the theme of teenage pressure, capturing the intense burden of constantly worrying about others' perceptions. The "mask" symbolizes the need to shield oneself, and as the protagonist loses it, their anxiety and social vulnerability are revealed. The story ends with someone offering comfort, highlighting the importance of empathy and support in alleviating the emotional weight of external expectations.
