Meet Shih-Hsuan Kuo | Cinematographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shih-Hsuan Kuo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shih-Hsuan, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from Taiwan originally. As a typical Asian kid, expressing my emotions verbally never came easy to me. But then I discovered my passion for photography, and it felt like the perfect way to channel my feelings into something meaningful.

My father was an electronic field production camera operator, and I was fortunate to have early exposure to industry professionals. Learning the art of filmmaking from them had a profound impact on my career choice as a cinematographer. Their guidance and expertise fueled my determination to pursue this path.

Although I made up my mind to pursue a career in filmmaking, I took a bit of a detour at 18. Instead of going straight to film school, I went for something totally different – Turkish Language and Culture department. I figured I needed to step out of my comfort zone and explore real-life experiences from a different angle. That decision totally transformed my life!

During those four years, my horizons expanded like crazy. Plus, I got the chance to go to Turkey and collaborate with local students and professors in the Radio, Television, and Film department at Ankara University in 2016. Being immersed in a completely different country and culture taught me the value of empathy and respect for people from diverse backgrounds. I learned to see the world from a fresh perspective and genuinely listen to others’ stories.

That experience turned out to be a game-changer for my cinematography journey. I realized I could bring a unique approach to storytelling, one that directors might not have thought about. For me, cinematography is all about recreating authentic real-life experiences that hit people in the feels and leave a lasting impact. It’s the message I want to convey through my lens, and I can’t wait to bring that to life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What truly captivates me about cinematography is the immense creative freedom it offers to express a wide range of emotions through visual storytelling. Beyond merely narrating a story, I believe in using various visual elements, especially color, to evoke and convey emotions that resonate deeply with the audience.

During the early stages of my career, I found immense inspiration in the works of Nicolas Winding Refn, a talented Danish director known for films like “Drive” and “The Neon Demon.” His bold use of color schemes left an impact on me. His approach to pushing boundaries and experimenting with visuals encourages me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace boldness in my work.

In pursuit of this philosophy, I gravitate towards collaborating with directors who possess strong personalities in their work. Working with such directors not only excites me but also grants me the artistic freedom to explore diverse possibilities in telling a compelling and visually striking story. One such experience was shooting the short film “All That Glitters Is Not Marigold” with director Evey Yu, which proved to be a truly liberating shooting experience.

Although we had already created a solid shot list and plan, Evey and I were constantly open to experimentation, trying out different approaches such as finding more interesting angles or pushing the boundaries of color in our images. We were both very satisfied with the outcome. As a testament to our collaboration, the film was selected for prestigious film festivals such as the LA Shorts International Film Festival and the Rhode Island International Film Festival.

For me, cinematography is a continuous journey of self-discovery and pushing artistic boundaries, and I cherish every opportunity to collaborate with passionate directors who share the same vision of storytelling through captivating visuals.

During my studies in cinematography at Chapman University, I had the opportunity to shoot over 10 short films. With each project, I find myself developing a deeper connection with myself and channeling more of my own experiences into my work. Before moving to Los Angeles, I worked as a cinematographer, primarily shooting music videos, commercials, and documenting events such as live concerts and promotional videos for brands like BMW and Mini Cooper.

While I initially wished to focus on narrative storytelling and often felt frustrated that my job didn’t align with my expectations, I came to understand that those experiences provided me with opportunities to explore my cultural roots and increase my cultural awareness. Moving to LA has proven to be the most rewarding decision for me. Working with the most talented filmmakers from around the world and being immersed in a collaborative atmosphere inspires me every day to become a better artist.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Personally, I’m a big fan of art museums. The Getty Center is at the top of my list, with its unique architecture and an extensive collection of renowned artists’ works, making it an awe-inspiring destination for me. I love immersing myself in the world of art, finding inspiration in the masterpieces on display, and spending a whole day there.

Moreover, the Art Districts in LA hold a special place in my heart. The area’s friendly and artsy vibe allows me to unwind, clear my mind, and search for creative inspiration. Whether I’m working in a café or simply exploring, I always feel inspired in this environment. Two of my favorite spots to visit are The Broad and The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, where cutting-edge exhibits and thought-provoking artworks never fail to captivate me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I owe a huge shout-out to my incredible mentor, Johnny Jenson, ASC. From the moment I started my MFA program at Chapman University, Johnny has been there to guide and inspire me not just as a cinematographer but also as an artist. His passion for the craft and his artistic philosophy have been truly transformative for me. Under his guidance, I’ve come to understand that being an artist is not just a job but a way of life – one that involves staying attuned to the world around us and finding inspiration in everyday moments.

Additionally, I had the privilege of completing a short-term internship for my creative idol, Natasha Braier, ASC, who shot one of my favorite movies, “The Neon Demon,” which has played a large influence on my work. During our time together, Natasha generously shared her insights into navigating the challenges of this industry, and her words of wisdom have stuck with me as I forge my path ahead.

Lastly, I must extend my deepest appreciation to my parents for their unwavering support. From a young age, they encouraged me to explore my interests and wholeheartedly invest in my passion for cinematography. Their belief in me, even during tough times, has been a driving force in my journey.

Website: cinekuo.wixsite.com/shkuo

Instagram: @kuo.s.h

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shkuo/

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/shenochkuo

Image Credits
Evey Yu, Kanishika Aggarwal, Xin Jiang, Hsiao-Hsia (Charlotte) Huang, Song Hui