Hooked — short film

Hooked is a short drama directed by Stuart Howe. I worked on the film as director of photography. Together, we set out to tell a focused and contained story, built around performance, atmosphere, and restraint.

Recognition and festival response

In 2012, Hooked was selected as a finalist in the Narrative category at the Vimeo Awards in New York. The film was shortlisted by judges Gabriel Bisset-Smith and James Franco. It was later screened as part of the official selection surrounding the awards.

Earlier, Hooked received Best Drama at the The Smalls International Film Festival. It was also selected for festivals such as Hollywood Shorts. These screenings helped the film reach audiences in different contexts and regions.

The story

The film follows Jaeseung, a character dealing with loss and emotional fatigue. Rather than explaining his past, the story unfolds through observation and silence. Stuart Howe approached the narrative with care, allowing space for ambiguity and reflection.

As a result, the film avoids clear resolution. Instead, it stays close to the character’s internal state and lets the audience draw their own conclusions.

Cinematography approach

My work on Hooked focused on mood and proximity. I used restrained camera movement and controlled framing to stay close to Jaeseung without overstating emotion. Light and composition played a central role in shaping the atmosphere, especially in moments where dialogue recedes.

The aim was not to illustrate the story, but to support it quietly. Cinematography became a way to observe rather than explain.

Collaboration

Hooked was produced by Jucho Park and brought together a small, focused team. Sound design by Jusuk Lee played a key role in shaping the film’s tone. Editing, handled by Stuart Howe, reinforced the film’s pacing and restraint.

Each element was developed in close collaboration, which allowed the film to remain consistent in its tone and intent.

Looking back

Hooked marked an important collaboration for me. It reinforced my interest in character-driven stories and in using cinematography as a tool for observation rather than emphasis. The response the film received confirmed that a quiet approach can still resonate when the focus remains clear and grounded.