Jihye of Washington Square Films on Staying Curious and Sidestepping the Perfection Trap

Collaborators and friends help her navigate the insanity

Jihye’s journey into filmmaking started with voiceovers for the Empire State Building and the Van Gogh exhibit in Amsterdam. She also worked as a production assistant while pursuing her lifelong dream of directing.

As a field producer for F1 Sports, she worked on global commercials. In 2016-17, Jihye produced Lady Gaga’s “Dive Bar Tour” with Bud Light, her first live broadcast project. Her entry into auto marketing led to collaborations with Ford, FFA and Equinox.

We spent two minutes with Jihye to learn more about her background, her creative inspirations and recent work she’s admired. 

Jihye, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

Started on a farm in South Korea then grew up mostly in Queens, N.Y.  I’m still happily here.

How you first realized you were creative.

My mom took me to a shoebox theater to watch a hand-puppet show when I was a kid. I was fascinated by the glimpses of “hidden” leotarded performers whose hands were moving the puppets. I wanted to be on the inside, making something that entertained an audience.

A moment from high school or college that changed your life.

The day I received three college rejection letters in one mail drop. Despite the disappointment and uncertainty, I felt grateful because I genuinely trusted that I’d have a fantastic time no matter where I ended up. It turned out to be true. I try to remember that mindset whenever I feel redirected.

Your most important creative inspirations, and some recent stuff you love.

Lately, I’ve been binging on Korean webtoons (digital comic books). It’s been fun to see how good scenes, dialogue and emotions are visualized and imagining what could fill the gap.

One of your favorite creative projects you’ve ever worked on.

The “Wind It” music video. There was no brief, so I got to interpret and visualize the song as I wanted to. And I worked with wonderful collaborators.

A recent project you’re proud of. 

My website—revamped for the first time in six years.

Someone else’s work you admired lately.

TV Show: 박해영 작가의 “나의 해방일지 (Hae-Yeoung Park’s My Liberation Notes). Architecture: Tadao Ando’s Church of the Light. Ad: “On Tubi, the Things You Love Just Keep Going.” 

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Your main strength as a creative person.

Staying curious.

Your biggest weakness.

Deluding myself that my personal projects must be “perfect” to be worthy.

A mentor who helped you navigate the industry.

I don’t have a mentor, but an incredible circus of collaborators and friends. I’m fortunate that we can be brutally honest with each other about our problems and dreams as well as the mandatory vent sessions.  

What you’d be doing if you weren’t in advertising.

TV and movies. And bowling.