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D-War

Interviewed by Nobuhiro Hosoki

 

- What were the challenges that you faced this time, compared to your last  Sci-Fi horror film, "2001 Yonggary"?

(Hyung-rae Shim) “Yonggary” was Younggu Art’s first CG film. We further developed our technology for “Dragon Wars.” It took us over six years to make the film.  

- Could you talk about how you got started with your production company,  "Younggu-Arts"?   And also, how much influence does it have in the Korean Film Industry?

(Hyung-rae Shim)Younggu Art Studios began in 1993. At the time there was no technology in Korea to create effects for feature films. I was more influenced at the time by Japanese monster movies than anything produced locally. Korea does not have the infrastructure to create big sci-fi films. So I did it on my own and created the technology myself. I am proud to know that in many big Korean productions, there are always a handful of former Younggu Art guys who lead their respective departments.   

-This film has had a phenomenal success in Korea ever since its release in August 2007.  With another box office hit film -- "The Host" -- in the last year, how do you see Korean films in future as released in the U.S Market?

(Hyung-rae Shim)I think films by nature should appeal to a wide audience. It is important for Korean films to be more universal and try to reach as many people as possible.

-What's the experience like working with actors Jason Behr, Amanda Brooks, and the great Robert Forster?

(Hyung-rae Shim)It was a great experience working with my American actors. Robert has a lot of films under his belt and I admire his professionalism and work ethic.  Jason and Amanda brought a lot of energy to the set and it was wonderful to work with all of them.

- You used to be a very well-known comedian in Korea. How did you decide to transition into the film industry?

(Hyung-rae Shim)I was the most popular TV personality in Korea for many years and it was hard giving it up to tackle a whole different medium. But I think ever since I was kid I wanted to tell stories and bring people together. That’s why I got into filmmaking.

- I heard that Sony Pictures will also produce the sequel to D-War's. If so, are you involved in this project?

(Hyung-rae Shim)Sony has been really great to work with and I look forward to making
movies with them in the future. They are interested in working on a couple of different projects with me.

- At the ending credits, the famous Korean folk song "Arirang" is playing, Why was this music chosen?

(Hyung-rae Shim)I’ve always loved “Arirang.”  It’s beautiful and sad and I thought it had the right emotion for the end of the film.