We’ve seen how massive the trends of video blogging and short films have grown along the years. In this week’s feature, we’ll take you a step closer to this Malaysian YouTube persona who has been dabbling in the short-filmmaking industry. This man who represents our very talented youth in Malaysia has definitely set his very own distinctive style to the viral videos he created.
Dan Khoo is more than capable to compose, create and direct his own short-films, while working with astonishing young talents who recognize what Dan needs as his characters. Follow Dan Khoo in his film-making journey!
What inspired you to shoot the topic of your very first video and finding the confidence to upload it on YouTube?
I started just like anyone else would – with 0 followers and no brand name. No one knew who I was so I had no problems uploading my first video because I didn’t had to worry about people criticizing. However, that was also bad because that meant that I had no audience! But things turned around pretty quick when the social media machine kicked in!
My first short love video was inspired by the fact that I’ve always loved watching short films on Youtube especially those made by the Asian Americans, but at that time when I started, no one in Malaysia was actively doing such things yet to represent us as Malaysians – so I decided, why not I try something different? The rest, is history!
How did you learn those great videography technique and skills, as applied in your videos?
Actually believe it or not, it all sorta came naturally. I didn’t had anyone to teach me solid technical skills neither did I attend any class/course related to filmmaking. I knew exactly what I wanted to shoot and saved enough money to set out and get the gears that I wanted. Perhaps all the years of watching movies have somehow embedded most of the necessary skills in me! But I still have much to learn regarding techniques and skills. I try to pick things up as much as I can along the way through friends and strangers!
Fortunately I have pretty decent people skills so I love working with actors. I do not have a strict method of telling people how to act, but rather, I convey the core message and leave it to their creativity to interpret the role. I’m also very lucky to have friends who are pretty good actors!
Where and what do you see yourself doing in the short-film industry 5 years from now?
Hopefully still very much alive and kicking and expanding my brand name to be not only widely known in Malaysia, but to the rest of the world! I would also like to dabble in the big screen one day too, if opportunity allows as I think that is something really interesting. I hope to have many large networks of friends all around the world where I can just travel around and make movies and have fun!
I’m your biggest fan, what can I do to get your attention?
Well, not that hard apparently as I make myself pretty accessible to whoever wants to talk to me and ask me questions. You can tweet me at @dan_khoo or join my Facebook Page to follow my adventures!
What is your biggest accomplishment?
In terms of my filmmaking adventures? Well, I guess it has to be becoming a Youtube Partner – which I am still counting my blessings! Hopefully more to come! Of course, becoming an ChurpChurp Alpha too!
What do you love doing aside from making awesome and creative videos?
Hanging out with friends, meeting new people and listening to stories! You’ll never know when the next idea might pop up – its everywhere! I’d love to travel too! (I’m secretly a geek and love playing computer games too…but thats not really hard to see lol)
Has any of your dreams come true yet?
Yes, one by one! Not to be greedy but I do have quite a number of dreams! And sometimes they can get pretty big that they scare me too, leaving me wondering if I’m capable of such things! I have to work my way up one step at a time!
What is your idea of a perfect getaway?
To be with my loved ones in a quiet, secret destination by the beach or something. Alternatively, I’d like to have a bunch of awesome friends fly with me to some faraway place to shoot films
Care to tell us a bit about a current crush if you have one now?
Oh, would you believe me if I said I never had a girlfriend before? Hahah! And yes, I’m straight as a ruler. Don’t really have a crush now though! So I’m still waiting for HER, whoever she might be LOL.
What kind of criteria are you looking in the opposite sex?
Now this is a really though one! I would reply, “I’ll know it when I see it” but I guess people won’t be satisfied with that!
I guess she would be someone who can make me laugh alot, share all my happiest and saddest moments and be my strongest pillar. I would also want to be able to fall deeply in love with her and we would be the very best of friends and be very comfortable to share our lives together. If she fits all of these and also completes me in other aspects of my passion, hobby and work, she’ll definitely be the one heck of a girl.
What is the best compliment that you’ve ever received from a fan?
Well I guess the look on their face and their smile when they are happy is the best compliment I could ask for!
If you could wish for anything from a Genie, what would it be?
More wishes!!! Oh, thats not possible? Well then, MORE GENIES!!!
If you’re not using @dan_khoo, what would your Twitter handle be?
Haha! @dankhoo? What’d were you expecting? @sexyfilmdirector? LOL!
If you were a twitter hash-tag, what would it be?
#dankhoosays. No really, I have no idea.
Suggest us a must follow on Twitter account and YouTube, either than yourself of course.
Twitter – @bolehland_net
Youtube – @freddiew
What do you usually look out for, on YouTube?
Videos by my regular favourite Youtubers, new faces and talents and above all, just pure good entertainment!
Why do you think people follow you?
I don’t know. But I know why I follow people – because those people that I follow are usually interesting people with unique personalities or skills. They keep me coming back for more!
If Churpie could speak, what questions would you ask Churpie?
Churpie!! How is it that you can speak? IMPOSSIBRU!!
How does it feel like being a Churp Churp Alpha?
Fun and definitely an experience worth remembering for me! I love the new friends as well as having new doors opened for me! Every step is an adventure!
Tell us a motto that you live by.
If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. Never give up! Great things may not come easy in life. Its the hard things that make it special!
There you go Churpers! Are you inspired yet by this ‘@sexyfilmdirector’? Dan is humble, funny and super-creative! Eager to see his awesome films yet!? Remember to spot a few other Alphas in his videos!
Check out his YouTube Channel and follow his story-telling journey on Facebook and Twitter too!