Victor Ko,

Happy Birthday.


 

I keep this message simple, because you are a symbol of such.  There are no frills about you, and that is a refreshing thing.  Thank you for being you. Thank you for being such a deep blessing.  Thank you for your servant’s heart.  Thank you for the laughs.  Thank you for the random surges of depth & wisdom. I am humbled and honored to know call you brother.  Please know that when I rebuke, challenge, or push you, it’s because you are one of the most amazing men that I have had the opportunity to come to know, and you must continue to be when those you call leaders are no longer around…that you continue to be when it is you that is leading. Fight the good fight, little brother.  You are awesome.  God bless you, Victor “Hines” Ko

Highlights of 2007 (III of V)


In 2007, I was a government assassin, a husband mourning the loss of his love, and a single guy daydreaming for it.

As 2008 steamrolls ahead, I find myself working on two feature length films (paid as a writer) and am currently in pre-production for a zombie film (writing/starring).  I pinch myself sometimes. I’m not sure where this is all leading, but it’s a fun little ride.

Mutual Attraction
2007 Debut at 911 Media Arts Center Open Screening
1st Place Winner 2007 Seattle Fine Film Festival

Below are some captures from the short.  It was filmed digitally, and is a nice little silent short film choreographed to the Weakerthan’s, The Last Last One, which you can hear on my music player. I censored the kiss because it traumatized all my “kids” that saw it.  It was about an 8 hour shoot, and I give alot of credit to the director, Kyle Smith.  He’s a standup guy, and we have formed a nice working relationship (as well as a great friendship).  I first worked with him in the winter of 2006 (my not-so-triumphant return to film), and I’m currently writing his first feature, which you will probably hear more about come September.  I also can’t say enough about my two co-stars, who are both good friends of mine.  I got them hired, and got a producer’s credit for it.  Although I don’t recommend kissing your good friends, it was a nice set to be on.  It was a pleasure working with the amiable crew, and I can’t wait to see what they all do in the future (I know most are currently working on the feature length Render Me Dead).

01

02b02c

0818

2021b



Closure
2007 Entry for IFC Media Lab’s Assassin’s Creed Short Film Contest
 
This short is a great case of “What if…” We found out about the contest a week before it was due, and we filmed while I was still moving.  Only two production meetings, day of location change, forced rewrites, loss of actors, and on set problems produced this: A film that was capable of so much more. For being only a 2 day-total-6-hour shoot, it’s not so bad, but the perfectionist in me knows that it could and should have been better.  I say without a doubt, that it brought together a great group of people that will make a much better work, exemplary of the talent involved.  Ali, the director/editor, has an amazing eye, and he’s a great guy to work with.  We both have alot of love for film, and I’m prepping alot of great things with him. I also had a blast, sharing my love with my friends.  Those of you that have seen the short (and have a keen eye), will notice that almost the entire cast/stunt crew is made up of my myspace top friends list.  I’m blessed to have such great friends that made it out in such a pinch.  Now is the best time to give extra props to Peter Cho, who was flipped onto a concrete floor for almost 30 takes.  Here’s to you, buddy!

01 Composition
Composition is key

02 Focused when at work 03 The Villain
The Yin to my Yang

04 The Hero 05 Mike on the steadycam
I did the jump for real, and everywhere I went, Mike went with that steadycam

06 Who needs safety mats07 explaining the shot
Who needs mats when you have couch cushions?

08 I can only look cool on film
That’s right folks: movie magic can make even Moses look cool

09 Living out the dream 
Can we say dream come true?


next: Africa

Highlights of 2007 (II of V)


re·treat (rĭ-trēt’) n. 
  1. The act or process of withdrawing, especially from something hazardous, formidable, or unpleasant.
  2. The process of going backward or receding from a position or condition gained.
  3. A period of seclusion, retirement, or solitude.
  4. A period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, or study


UNITED SUMMER CAMP 2007: HERE I AM

Big props to SEOUL_STAR for his photo skills
01 MC
Your two MC’s: Mo & Seung
02 Pastor Steve is the man
Pastor Steve is an awesome, humble man of God. He’s my hero and my litmus paper
03 a true retreat
There are so many bits of scripture I could throw in this caption, but I’ll let you make one…
04 I'm so proud of these guys
I’m so proud of these two brothers (and little Jonesey)
05 my kung fu is way strong
My kung fu is way strong
06 Pastor James sharing the Word
Pastor James sharing a deep word. He truly laid his heart out for everyone
07 hydrate
If you were at the retreat, you know how important this was
08 Unity
Amen
09 MMA
The “kids” constantly put my MMA skills to the test
10 MMA 02
constantly…
11 What's a retreat without fire
What’s a summer retreat without a campfire?
12 sisters
Our sisters are adorable and amazing
13 Hansarang
Hansarang 2007


Antioch/Hansarang Winter Retreat 2007

00 Winter Retreat 01 Icebreakers are key
Fellowship is very important.
02 These guys are good
Paul, John, Ringo & George
03 Min is adorable
Min is a living, breathing cartoon character. She’s a cutie.
04 Jenga
They do things bigger down south
05 Seriously
Seriously…
06 Leaders
Leaders: Phil, Nayoung noona, and Mo
07 the group
Love


next: Making Movies