This blog post provides guidance on writing direction through a sample cover letter aimed at securing employment at a film production company.
Growth Process
“Developing a Longing for Exploration Through Film”
Film was the special medium that colored my dreams. It was a single scene from a video I saw for the very first time that breathed vivid light into the monochrome imagination of my childhood. After watching that film, I began dreaming in color, and that experience remains vividly etched in my memory. The scene that left the deepest impression on me, a second-grader at the time, was a giant dinosaur peering through a window. That moment was both terrifying and awe-inspiring, like encountering a completely new world.
Having always loved dinosaurs, I became utterly captivated by the film. Even amidst the fear, I was fascinated by the concept of ‘exploration’ – overcoming that fear and setting out. And so, I began my own explorations. I would go outside and spend the entire day, regardless of whether it was cold or hot. Some days I’d search for cicadas, other days I’d chase dragonflies all day long. Sometimes I’d set off on solo adventures, determined to discover new places, much to my parents’ dismay. But I believe all those experiences—the people I met, the ever-changing sky colors and sunsets with each season, the excitement of unfamiliar streets—became crucial pieces that shaped who I am today.
Back then, I believed I would one day become a real explorer, and naturally began dreaming of traveling the world. I bought a map, studied English on my own, and prepared to become an explorer. But as time passed, I realized one crucial thing: what truly drew me wasn’t ‘exploration’ itself, but the world of exploration portrayed in movies. Eventually, I started traveling myself, seeking out various places, and instead of exploring, I began capturing those moments with a camera. In the process of documenting each scene of reality, film deeply permeated my life once more, and I naturally began to dream of filmmaking.
My childhood fascination with exploration ultimately led me to the larger world of ‘film’. And even now, I still carry my camera, preparing for another expedition, setting out to find scenes for new stories.
School Days
“Blindly heading to the broadcasting station.”
During middle and high school, I was part of the broadcasting club. My interest and passion for broadcasting were so strong that just joining the club was incredibly exciting, but the actual work I could do was more limited than I had imagined. As a teenager, the roles I could take on were few, and my main task was checking the radio equipment every morning. The world of ‘broadcasting’ I had imagined was far more dynamic and creative, so I gradually grew restless within the repetitive routine.
Eventually, thinking ‘this just won’t do,’ I impulsively headed for the broadcasting station. Arriving at the large annex building, I found access restricted. The realization I couldn’t enter left me feeling utterly lost. But I couldn’t just turn back. Hoping some chance might arise, I waited all day at the gate, observing my surroundings. Then, a production truck loaded with broadcasting equipment arrived, and I saw people and gear bustling in and out. Without hesitation, I ran up and asked, “How do I get a job at the broadcasting station?”
At first, they probably thought I was just a fan of a singer. But when they sensed my sincerity, they smiled and suggested, “How about becoming a youth reporter?” That’s how I started working as a youth reporter affiliated with the broadcasting station, and from that moment, a whole new world opened up for me. I got to meet producers directly and tour various broadcast sets. I also gained opportunities to closely observe staff working on drama, variety show, and documentary productions. It wasn’t just about watching; I often wrote proposals myself and received feedback.
Back then, I only had a vague feeling that “I like video” or “I find planning fun.” I wasn’t clear on whether I should pursue film or drama. However, the people who reviewed my proposals often said, “With this kind of scale, it would be really great as a film.” Those words planted seeds in my heart, one by one. Ultimately, that experience sparked my dream of ‘film,’ and that’s how I embarked on the path of a film student.
Looking back, that first step—taken with nothing but simple curiosity and courage—was the first door that shaped who I am today. It was an unprepared challenge, but the possibilities and encounters I discovered within it became a major turning point that determined the direction of my life. I still remember standing hesitant before the large doors of that broadcasting station that day. But one thing is clear: because I moved instead of staying still, the path opened up.
Extracurricular Activities
“Two Things I Realized Through My College Extracurricular Activities”
Originally, I aspired to major in film studies, but I ended up enrolling in business administration. My father advised me, “You can study film on your own, but business is difficult to grasp without majoring in it,” and he never hesitated to say, “Rather than becoming a fool who only does film, a person who experiences diverse things can truly make film.” His words resonated deeply with me, and I ultimately enrolled in Business Administration, pursuing film as a minor. Balancing these two majors naturally led me to participate in various extracurricular activities to broaden my college experience. Two activities stand out in my memory: one was my involvement in the campus film production club, and the other was an external activity monitoring screenplays at a film company.
In the film production club, we typically planned, shot, directed, and edited short films, or at most, medium-length films, often collaborating on the entire process or sometimes handling it solo. This production process gave me the opportunity to present my own work and provided invaluable experience applying the film theory and technical knowledge learned in my minor courses to real projects. Moreover, assisting seniors on set honed my practical on-site instincts. Later, working as an assistant staff member or assistant director gave me a concrete understanding of roles and responsibilities on an actual film set. These experiences helped me grasp the ‘set’ environment and instilled confidence that if I pursue filmmaking in the future, I could create realistic films grounded in production know-how and smooth communication with staff, rather than just ideas.
Furthermore, participating in screenplay monitoring activities at the film company opened another perspective for me. At the time, before commercial film production began, multiple monitors would read the screenplay and share opinions during the script stage. This activity allowed me to develop a sense of the trends and currents in screenplays currently being produced. Most importantly, I developed criteria for ‘how’ to read a screenplay, prompting me to seriously consider aspects like the narrative structure, character appeal, and the balance between mass appeal and artistic merit. Through repeated readings and discussions, I gained a visceral understanding of where audiences connect and where they disengage, which greatly helped cultivate my instincts as a creator. This monitoring experience, which lasted about two and a half years, provided me with insights beyond simple ‘reading’ and became a solid foundation for understanding and approaching film production more deeply afterward.
In this way, the activities I participated in both on and off campus during my university years, crossing between my major and minor, were precious times that went beyond simply building a resume. They made me ask myself who I truly am and what path I want to take in the future. The experiences and lessons gained during this process have become the foundation of who I am today, and I believe they will provide a clear direction for my future path.
My Strengths and Weaknesses
“I am definitely a good communicator.”
This statement is not mere self-assurance, but a clear strength rooted in years of accumulated experience. I am someone who can logically organize my thoughts and convey them clearly. I am also adept at listening to others’ opinions, empathizing with them, and communicating effectively.
My experience as an instructor for many years significantly influenced my ability to speak well. Being an active person since childhood, I loved sports and enjoyed various activities like swimming and biking. These hobbies naturally led to a career as an instructor, where I learned how to communicate with diverse people. Particularly during a time when income from directing alone was insufficient to make ends meet, working as an instructor every weekend allowed me to face and converse with countless people, further honing my communication skills.
Furthermore, through external activities, I primarily participated in debates, learning to logically organize my own opinions and convey them without wavering. This allowed me to develop not just the ability to speak ‘well’, but also the skill to structure and deliver opinions appropriately for the situation.
I am confident in listening attentively to others’ stories, empathizing with their words, and eliciting appropriate responses. Throughout my career, I’ve created videos and led projects with diverse individuals, exchanging countless opinions. Had I lacked the ability to accept and coordinate others’ perspectives, I would have struggled not only to produce quality work but also to maintain good relationships with people.
I am certain these communication skills and expressive abilities will remain significant assets moving forward. At CJ, a creative company, I want to leverage my strengths to create even more spectacular and dazzling films. I want to be part of that journey, collaborating with diverse people to create synergy and unfold new stories. Thank you.
Post-Hire Aspirations
“I will become a challenger.”
As a new employee joining CJ, I may not excel at everything immediately, but one thing I can confidently say is my passion for ‘challenge’. Though I lack experience, I intend to constantly learn, grow, and challenge new possibilities. Building on my Chinese and Japanese language skills, I will broaden the horizons of the film industry and become someone who drives new initiatives through collaboration across diverse fields and with various people. I aspire to grow into a talent who possesses the execution and perseverance to make even seemingly impossible tasks possible, going beyond merely completing assigned tasks.
I will never forget the responsibility that comes with the CJ name. I will cherish this precious opportunity to grow alongside the company above all else and approach it with sincerity. Like the dream of being an ‘explorer’ I’ve held since childhood, I will not stay on familiar paths but always seek out new frontiers and embrace challenges. I will be someone who never stagnates but keeps moving forward. I look forward to working with you.
