Meet Sche-Hao Thomas” Wang | Director & Editor”

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sche-Hao “Thomas” Wang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sche-Hao “Thomas”, why did you pursue a creative career?
Films and animations have played an important role in my upbringing. In addition to reading books, I spent a lot of time in front of the TV at home, watching videotapes and, later, DVDs that I collected. I always found myself inspired and moved by the films I watched. I consider a good film to be a guide to life, as it prompts me to reflect on my own life and the decisions I have made or will make. In return, I developed a strong desire to share my understanding of life and humanity with others.

When the time came for me to choose a specific career path in my early 20s, it was actually my mom who encouraged me to pursue filmmaking. She noticed how I enjoyed watching the “behind the scenes” documentaries on the second disc of DVD packages, which demonstrated my interest in the creative process of filmmaking. Her words convinced me, and I immediately decided to pursue filmmaking.

Since making that decision, I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey of this career. Although I am not always completely satisfied with my achievements and sometimes feel uncertain or anxious, I still believe it is what I should and can only do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a freelance editor and director in Los Angeles. My work spans narrative films, documentaries, and music videos. Despite the diverse range of projects, their focus on human experiences often captivates me, and this is the fundamental reason why movies deeply move me.

For instance, themes of human loneliness, alienation, and vulnerable groups are particularly interesting to me. Despite the various reasons for fostering isolation, whether due to disabilities, socioeconomic conditions, or lack of care, their challenging situations and mental states can evoke our empathy and emotions.

The first short film I created, “Stolen” (2018), featured a disabled street vendor striving to raise money for his daughter’s graduation trip, only to lose his wallet. When he unexpectedly discovers a wallet left by a customer, he faces the temptation to claim the money for himself. A year ago, I edited a documentary titled “Down the Road”(2022), which explores families who lost their homes due to California wildfires, and a compassionate father-daughter duo who generously donate RVs to provide temporary shelter. Another documentary I edited, “On My Road to Dharma”(2024), revolves around a monk guiding meditation for long-term incarcerated individuals, offering teachings while recognizing his own childhood traumas shared with them. In this journey of exploring prisons, the monk heals both others and himself.

Human relationships are another focal point in my creative process. “The Fighter” (2020) portrays an ambitious young man torn between pursuing his dream as a writer and navigating financial challenges alongside his relationship with his girlfriend. “When Wind Blows on a Balcony” (2023) depicts two female friends who chose different paths in life. Upon their reunion and the affirmation of their respective lives, they discover that they are not as happy as they thought. “The Sound of Walking” (2023), another drama short I directed, focuses on a father-and-son relationship as the blind father grapples with realizing his son is gay, and the son attempts to reconcile with his father.

Currently, I am working on the post-production of my latest directing work, “The Last Sonata,” which I completed shooting last December. Meanwhile, I am actively engaged in editing and collaborating with other directors. Every day, I humbly redefine what film means in a professional setting and explore the possibilities within the realm of filmmaking.

The entire journey of my career hasn’t been easy. While engaged in creative endeavors, I came to understand that this industry places great importance on connections; various opportunities and achievements depend on the people you know. Therefore, learning to promote oneself and establish connections with others is crucial. This is the lesson I’ve learned during this period, and I still need to put in more effort toward it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would recommend them to go to Malibu, then drive along State Route 1, passing through Santa Barbara, Big Sur, and ultimately reaching San Francisco. Perhaps because I’m from Taiwan, I’ve always been fond of coastal landscapes. I’ve driven and traveled like this before, and since coming to LA, it’s still the most memorable trip for 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?
The most influential figure in my creative career is probably my father. He is a philosophy professor and the main provider for our family. He rarely imposed any specific demands on me, always allowing me the freedom to make my own choices. I consider him an epitome of leading by example. Even without saying much, his disciplined lifestyle, love for travel, passion for reading, and dedication to pursuing his interests as a career deeply influenced me. As a result, I’ve always had ample exposure to literature and art activities, which sparked my interest.

When I was young, my father often borrowed ballet videotapes from school and took us to art galleries and music concerts. During my high school years, he ordered a set of classic literature collections from a bookstore, and when I asked for book recommendations, he suggested Dostoevsky’s “The Brothers Karamazov.” Through an assignment requiring me to write an essay, I delved into this book and read numerous critiques and analyses. This experience profoundly introduced me to the enjoyment of interpreting literature and art. The multilayered interpretations that artworks offer and their ability to provoke introspection about my own life deeply impacted me while reading this book, prompting me to develop a habit of reading classic novels and watching classic films, ultimately influencing my decision to pursue a creative path.

Despite my father’s seemingly hands-off approach, I often feel a sense of guilt regarding his contributions. Though he never explicitly expressed expectations, I carry an internal desire to validate my achievements, bring him pride, and reciprocate his support. This sentiment, common in father-son dynamics, has served as the impetus behind my recent short films “The Sound of Walking” and “The Last Sonata,” both delving into the complexities of father-son relationships and the quest for reconciliation. I anticipate that my father will remain a significant influence on my future creative endeavors and career trajectory. Therefore, I need to give a big shoutout to my father.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomas88044/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sche-hao-thomas-wang-5a925468/

Image Credits
Profile Photo: Bella Crowner