Meet Tim J. Lim | Film Director / Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tim J. Lim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tim J., what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk: it’s such a scary word, but also one of the most essential elements to finding joy in your career and life. Not to be cheesy, but you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. I really do think that risk-taking and risk management are such art forms and essential to keep that balance.

For me, when I get into a situation that could really be a risk, I’m most definitely a list-making individual. I really weigh out the pros and cons as a starting point, but not as the deciding factor. And when I say a list, I truly make a list on paper. Writing it out helps me visualize and truly live through the experiences of all possible outcomes. I weigh out what it’s going to cost me as a baseline, and then what it’ll cost me in the worst-case scenario, and on the flip side, I start with the baseline positive, and also the best possible outcome.

When I force myself to live through these experiences in my mind, I feel like my instincts and gut takes over to tell me what path I’m leaning towards. But dissecting and facing our initial instinct is so important because the “Why” is more often so much more telling than the “what”. If my gut is afraid, I really do break down what it is that’s making me afraid of the risk, because if it’s a fear of being merely uncomfortable, then that risk may actually be imperative for me to take. The next part of this process, however, is that you really have to let go of the decision once it’s been made. Once you commit, even if it’s a mistake, move through the mistake, and don’t stew in the regret of what could’ve happened if something went differently. The lesson is important to move forward, but dwelling on the past and living in regret could really be what crushes you.

Whenever I make a film, the risk is quite astronomical. Not only do I have to worry about finance, but I also have to worry about the crew members I bring on and be mindful of creating a safe and fun environment on set. Beyond the logistical risks, creative risks just have to be me made every second on set. Then moving into post-production, the decision to have the film be cut in a certain way, or removing a scene, these decisions are all huge risks. It’s like a big Jenga tower of decisions, and you’ll never know if the combination of all the risks throughout the process was worth it in the end. I go through risk assessment almost every single day whenever I’m working on a project, and it definitely can take its toll, but there are times when these risks pay off in such an incredible way, i’ve learned to make risk my friend.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a filmmaker, I’ve always been interested in telling stories that help broaden the scope of humanity. I love being able to help tell stories from perspectives that typically aren’t really depicted in the film and television industry. As someone who falls in the margins in most of the spaces I occupy, I really value giving a platform to people who don’t really have the means to share their stories.

This is not an easy space to be in, to be honest. Frequently, I get told that these stories aren’t really marketable. It may do well in festivals, but middle America isn’t going to care about seeing stories they can’t resonate with. Even with the conversation about diversity and inclusion happening in Hollywood at the moment, marketability is still really rough. On top of that, if people do want to take advantage of the diversity and inclusion conversation, it’s frequently used in an exploitative way. It’s such a fine line, and it’s incredibly difficult to walk most of the time. But I really believe in the power of storytelling, and how important it is that these stories help shape the cultural zeitgeist, so the fight is worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I think having a combination of touristy things and some local spots is the best way to go about visiting Los Angeles.

– The Grove
– LACMA / Miracle Mile Tar Pits Area
– Hollywood and Highland
– Joshua Tree Hollywood Sign Hike
– Universal Studios or Warner Brothers Studio Tour
– Santa Monica / Redondo / Long Beach
– Huntington Gardens
– The WestHollywood Gay Bars
– Hollywood Bowl (If in season)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Again, not to be cheesy, but my partner Darin has been such an incredible person who has truly helped me figure out how to take those big risks but doing them in a way where I still take care of myself in the process. Though we don’t always see eye to eye, he has been someone who has pushed me to really take care of things I didn’t think I needed to take care of. He’s been such a wonderful partner, and an incredible support for me in this journey.

Website: www.timjlim-films.com

Instagram: @timjimlimartist

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-j-lim-9b4b5737/

Twitter: @timjlim

Facebook: Tim J. LIm