Kathy Chan
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Hi, I'm Kathy! I am a filmmaker based in Philadelphia, PA, USA, working primarily in Cinematography, Photography, and Lighting Design. I've done work with several non-profit organizations, production companies, universities and institutions, and have even done work with the Mayor of Philadelphia! In recent years, I have produced Music Videos, Documentaries, Short Narratives, Web Series, Art Installations and more, and have gotten to film and interview the Vice President of Sony Pictures Entertainment: Palak Patel!
I've been in this field for 7+ years and have had a continued passion for films, classic cinema, and animation from my youth! I believe that my experience, especially as a woman in filmmaking, will be beneficial to students, youth interested in pursuing careers in Filmmaking and Media Arts.
Kathy’s Career Stories
When did you get your first Big Break? How did you get it? How did it go?
The very first time I was offered a position as a Production Assistant on a Music Video set, I knew my life would change forever. An upperclassman was an Assistant Producer on the production, whom I had met in passing, that had decided to take a chance on me. She had posted a Crew Call on social media, looking for folks interested in working on a music video. I did not have any prior experience working on-set and was anxious about applying directly. Instead, I took the chance, sent her a private message and explained my situation: I was interested in the position, but I was SUPER nervous about applying because I did not have the right prior experience to work on such a big project. Without hesitation, she offered me the position and promised to be my mentor and guide and urged me to ask as many questions as I could to get the best learning experience possible. That weekend, I showed up half an hour early, excited to be working on a music video. Not only was I offered the position to be a Production Assistant for the first time, but I was also offered the 2nd Assistant Camera position when I expressed my interest in operating cameras. That experience not only motivated me to be better in my field, but it also continues to remind me of the importance of having great role models and mentors, and the impact that this has on young people aspiring careers in ANY industry.