During Production Company Days: Overseeing the Entire Film Production Process
Kim Cho-hee, the director of the film 'Chansil and I', joined a film production company after receiving an offer from a renowned director. Despite lacking deep knowledge of the film industry at the time, she gradually expanded her responsibilities starting from production work. It is reported that she gained experience across various aspects of production company operations by participating in the entire film production process, from production and investment to distribution and marketing.
In the early stages of working at the production company, Director Kim had to endure financial hardship. After starting without a salary, she gradually progressed through monthly wages of 700,000 won, 1.2 million won, and 1.5 million won, eventually receiving approximately 2 million won per month. It is known that she was devoted to her work at the production company with the expectation that once the film company operated stably, she would be able to maintain a better livelihood.
Unexpected Circumstances Leading to Production Chaos and Job Loss
An unforeseen incident occurred when the production company's operations had become somewhat stabilized. Director Kim explained that a director whom she greatly respected became embroiled in controversy due to relationship issues with an actor, which caused significant disruption to the entire film production process. The controversy involved actor Kim Min-hee, and the aftermath of this incident reportedly had considerable impact on the production site.
As the production manager, Director Kim had to directly respond to numerous inquiries from the media and industry, which reportedly caused significant mental stress. Various setbacks and problems arose during the production process, further compounding work difficulties. Eventually, Director Kim decided to submit her resignation to the director.
Vacation in Canada and an Unexpected Ending
After deciding to resign, Director Kim was offered a year-long paid leave by the production company. Accepting this offer, she decided to travel to Canada for physical and mental rest. However, approximately a month into her stay in Canada, contact with colleagues she had worked with gradually ceased, it is reported.
More surprisingly, she later discovered that her relationship with the company had effectively been terminated during her vacation period. The promised year-long paid leave was not honored, and this situation reportedly brought great disappointment to Director Kim. During her time in Canada, she experienced severe mental crisis, even having extreme thoughts, which she revealed through sharing her experience.
Actors' Encouragement and a New Beginning
It is reported that actress Jung Yu-mi visited Montreal in Canada to personally console Director Kim during this difficult period. This meeting reportedly became a catalyst for reigniting Director Kim's passion for filmmaking. She explained that the time spent with actress Jung Yu-mi's encouragement was an important experience that awakened her heart toward cinema.
Having regained her resolve through this experience, Director Kim returned to Korea and decided to embark on a new path as a film director. It is reported that she began preparing a new project with the remaining actors and staff from her production company days. The project that began again after a long time was reportedly the film 'Chansil and I'. This work, born from cooperation with people who stood by her even through difficulties, has become a meaningful outcome that embodies Director Kim's journey of overcoming crisis and her passion for filmmaking.
This content is general information organized based on publicly available materials. Please confirm official announcements from relevant organizations for accurate details.
