Today we’d like to introduce you to Trung To.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I remember the night I was loading up my first Jackie Chan film (there was a full version of the Drunken Master 1978 on YouTube for some reason), and that was where I fell in love with the concept of stunts and martial arts. I wanted to do the same things that Jackie Chan was doing. This is where my obsession(?) or love for my body began.
My late Father began informally training me at the local park and at home, and once I was ready, I just kind of started training myself with stuff I could find online. Tutorials for certain flips, tricks, etc. It was an on-and-off relationship with my martial arts and stunts. It was a long journey, as I learned how to do my first backflip at home, no formal training one day in 2020 in my home. Almost every trick I was and am capable of, I taught myself exclusively.
Once I felt that I had all the tricks and experience I needed, I decided it was time to gain some strength and size. So, I started weight training and powerlifting a lot more. It’s been two years of consistent training, and I’m still in love with it. I’m currently focusing a bit more on weightlifting as strength was something I always lacked, so I’m excited to see where that goes.
However, my love for filmmaking didn’t grow until high school, where I noticed that SDSU had a film program. I didn’t apply to be a film major right off the bat though–I applied as an English Major and then switched into the film major the summer before my freshman year. With each film class I took, starting with TFM 160 all the way to TFM 560, I fell in love with film and fell out of love with film, and back in love with it, many, many, many times. From questioning why Tarantino’s films have so much feet, not understanding why Roger Deakins framed something a certain way, to falling in love with Wong Kar Wai’s cinematography and characters and geeking out over practical stunts with friends.
I’ve also never seen the Godfather.
My journey through college filmmaking and indie filmmaking was one that I’ll never forget, as filmmaking comes with some of the most unpredictable situations you can come face to face with. Classes, sets, colleagues, gigs, friends, and so much more.
Now that I’ve finished college, I’m giving myself some time to relax and work a non-film-related job in order to save up some money while I help my family at home.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I thought that life was beginning to get difficult when I was helping my father care for the family. Taking care of documents, translating, driving, paying my portion of bills, etc. However, my family and I weren’t prepared for the loss of my Father back in May 2021.
It was the most sudden, and cold, and life-altering day of all of our lives. We all lost the main pillar of support in our family, and what hurts the most was that none of us got to tell him our last words. No one knew what to do, no one knew what to believe, and no one thought it was really happening. We handled it as best as we could, and we managed to give him a successful and honorable funeral. I don’t want to get into the specifics of that, but that by far, was one of my biggest obstacles in my life, as oftentimes I find myself sometimes still not believing that he’s really gone.
I see him everywhere I go, I still hear his voice sometimes, and I miss him very much. But I often remind myself that even though he is no longer here with me, he would be immensely proud to see his oldest son graduate college and continue to look after the family.
As for other challenges, I think my fellow (Insert nationality)/Americans would understand the struggles of having a parent/parents that aren’t familiar with English. I drive my mother around, translate and explain things for her, and even work through documents on her behalf. It’s nothing I can’t handle, but it definitely took a toll on me when I was trying to balance that with school, work, and training. It’s gotten a bit easier now that I’m done with school, but the stress is still the same. I would never hesitate to help her out with anything though, that’s my mom! I love her.
My brothers are also getting to the age where they’re applying for colleges and whatnot, and I’m trying to help them out with that as well. It’s a bit jarring because I used to change their diapers and feed them, but now I’m helping them fill out their FAFSA forms? Unbelievable, really. But it brings a smile to my face to see how much they’ve grown up. I can’t wait to see the things they do.
However, as much as I hate my struggles, I’m forever grateful for them. Because as corny as it sounds, as exhausted as I am after some days, I’m just glad I did it. I’m plenty happy with being able to wake up in a bed with a roof over my head. My parents’ sacrifices decades prior are setting me up for my success later on, and I will not take it for granted.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I formally received my education at SDSU, and I hold a bachelor’s Science in Television Film, and Media with an Emphasis in Critical Studies (wow that was a mouthful). In my classes, I was taught film theories, and why directors did this, and that, etc. We studied the evolution of filmmaking, shared opinions on films from different eras, etc. Outside of the classes, though, I was more worried about getting in character, or rigging up a light, or pulling focus for the camera.
Despite me not being in the actual film program, I still worked hard to get on sets and was on them just as frequently, if not–more frequently than other students.
I worked myself to the bone on each set, and I was on them consistently for my entire college filmmaking career. I dabbled in a couple stunt roles, but I mainly did camera work, and grip and electric work. I can also do PA work, but recently, I’ve been acting. Acting is something I’ve wanted to focus on, but I wanted to make sure I had other tools in my arsenal so I can make myself useful on set when I’m not acting.
I’m most proud of the fact that I’m well-versed in multiple areas of film production, as it only boosts my ability to contribute and help. I remember an older student I worked with on a set was asking me what department I wanted to specialize in, and he laughed at my face when I said I wanted to become good at everything. I can’t remember his name, but I remember that he was British and very buff for some reason.
I think that’s the same thing that sets me apart from others, as I don’t think I can recall another young actor who has to light, frame, and block his own scenes (I hope that didn’t sound like I was bragging). I hope that I can direct something of my own someday.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Set your ego aside and make friends! You can become friends with professors as well as other students or indie filmmakers. Stop trying to be better than others, when it’s better to just work together and create something amazing as a unit.
Communicate with your professors, peers, and colleagues. However, don’t bother them too much for small things because sometimes it can be exhausting helping someone all the time. Reach out to your counselors if you have access to them, it’s their job to help you, and usually, they can help you get pretty far. Especially when it comes to managing classes on top of film work.
Write down the things you’re good at and things you’re not. Focus on improving your weak areas. That goes for both filmmaking and in life! Try new things, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Even if you’re not active on social media, it’s always a good idea to create some kind of social media, whether it’s a LinkedIn, iMDb, or Instagram to keep track of your work. It doesn’t have to be as proper as a portfolio, but keeping track of it with just photos, videos, etc. is a good way to remember how much you worked and what you worked. It’s also a good way to show potential companies or people that are hiring.
Also, be sure to pace yourself, as film sets can be very physically demanding. Always follow safety protocols and remember to practice caution. Film sets can be fatal if not taken seriously!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm10551248/?ref_=nm_rvi_nm_i_1
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/trvngtastic?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trung-to-35735627a
- Other: https://instagram.com/steezymuscles?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA==
