Netflix's First Korean Film 'Okja' Tutoring
Park Chan-wook: "I Hope You Didn't Watch My Movie on Your Phone"
"The whole world has fallen in love with Korean films. It's amazing."
Ted Sarandos (58), co-CEO of the online video service (OTT) Netflix, said this on the afternoon of the 21st at the 'Netflix & Park Chan-wook with Future Filmmakers' event, stating, "No one can match the level of Korean films."
Director Park Chan-wook (59) spoke about the film 'Jeon,ran' (戰,亂), which is in collaboration with Netflix. He said, "It is a screenplay I have been writing for a long time," adding, "Since it is a martial arts action historical drama, it is large in scale, but Netflix has supported it well."
He humorously added, "There is not much interference," but also said, "I will know if there is no interference once it reaches the editing stage, but so far, it's fine."
Regarding Netflix's production process, Ted Sarandos said, "I am confident there is absolutely no problem." He added, "Netflix selects stories and storytellers." He also said, "Netflix's role is to support great artists," and "We will continue to connect masters and fans."
The Netflix CEO mentioned the changed status of Korean films. Ted Sarandos said, "It has been several years since Netflix and the world fell in love with Korean films. Netflix presented director Bong Joon-ho's 'Okja' as its first international film. At that time, I received intensive tutoring on Korean films."
He said, "I really like Director Park's revenge dramas. I just had a meal together and talked about 'Decision to Leave.' I have watched it several times, and I liked its multi-layered complexity."
He viewed that "The reason many good films come out of Korea is because the entire nation takes pride in good works." He added, "The Korean creative community has steadily grown."
What makes a good film? Ted Sarandos cited emotional connection with others and escapism. He said, "A good film is one that allows people to empathize or escape reality for two hours into another world."
Director Park chose "a story that relentlessly explores the relationship between two people, even if it is not special." He said, "A good film connects me with others and different worlds." He continued, "A director must have vision and insight, closely interact with the team, and be inspired. Good films are made in that process."
How does he perceive the rapidly changing film market? Director Park said, "There was a time when films were watched in theaters, but not anymore," adding, "It is both scary and exciting." He then joked, "Please don't watch only on your phone."
Director Park also said, "Decades ago, making a film required big cameras and technicians, but now one smartphone is enough. Films made that way are also released in theaters. It is an era where a shift in thinking is possible."
He emphasized, "You can watch not only films that are currently released but also those released in the past," adding, "It allows you to choose from a variety of films."
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