Meet Chinnakrit Soonthornwan | Film Chaplain, Film Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chinnakrit Soonthornwan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chinnakrit, what role has risk played in your life or career?
We must take a risk every day because the more we prepare, the more we understand. After I graduated from CSUN with a Cinematography emphasis, I took a chance to be an entrepreneur trying to do business and art. However, little did I know I had no business experience and failed many times financially. I’ve never regretted all the acts I decided to pursue. Recently, my dad commented as I earned more experience than those who didn’t take any risks. I promised myself if I had to fall, I would have to lose a lot before I was 30. This year, I’m turning 30, and it doesn’t mean I have to be successful because I always allow myself to be in challenging situations. This year I’m focusing on changing people’s and my family’s lives. I hope my film journey will finally meet my business journey.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Long story short, I love art and music, but I went to film school for cinematography and want to be a film director. All of those combined with life understanding skill, “Buddhism,” I created a job title for myself, a Film Chaplain. I love to light the fire up in storytellers’ hearts to make art again. And that’s my art. I will never regret a second I work.

This year I am teaching online on Youtube (JUST OAK), and the more I research, the more I understand. I’m sending this message: helping people tell better stories, saving your time because life is short, and why you should have fun with it. Life is like a movie where it comes to a 3-act structure as it begins, and something happens, and it’s gone. And it will come again another story.

One lesson I learned this age is to know the “WHY” of any project will save time. It helps you clarify how and what to express to who and when.

Like life, if you know why, you should do it consistently and improve it. I want to help people, but I also need to understand business. My ultimate life goal is peace, but I must first bring peace to my family and the people around me. I’m taking care of what I have done wrong financially. And I learned so much. Everything happens for a reason. One last message, please keep working on being kind.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Welcome to LA. I have a weird trip for you, but only some people like it. If you want to understand the life of Angelinos, you must feel how people live. Start with the bottom to the top.

The last time my dad visited from Thailand, I took him to Skid Row first to see and observe the harsh truth of Los Angeles. Then move to Little Tokyo, Chinatown, or Olvera Street for authentic food. Despite expensive malls, Downtown LA also has a lot of little spots like Santee Alley, where you shop for cheap and fake products.

Go up North to the Silver lake area for hipster and aesthetic scenes. Now, you’re close to the Hollywood area. Eat spicy food in Thai Town or walk on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Lunch. An afternoon with beautiful lighting from the reflection of buildings in Beverly Hills. Be prepared to see more tourists and luxury lifestyles.

End your day with glamourous sunset at Venice Beach, which is always beautiful. In one day, this trip can make you question where you’re from and where you will be.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My dream has come true as I wanted to be a film director, but not without my brother and mom. We moved here 11 years ago. My brother and I graduated almost simultaneously in 2018 and 2019. He pursued Software Engineer and got a job at Raytheon. I’m freelancing, and I always get tremendous support from my brother. Why is this important? I admit I am selfish to have him financially support me on this bumpy road. Only some gigs I work make me significant money. It has been almost four years since I graduated, and I have found a life goal. I will be a Film Chaplain and Film Director to help people tell their stories. This year I have set specific goals with dates for my success. No plan B allows.

Website: www.just-oak.com

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