From a Small Town to Hollywood: The Story of a Chinese Colorist Making Waves in the Film Industry
Everybody loves a story of someone fighting against all odds to make it in Hollywood, and Yu Sun, better known as Roy Sun, has a tale worth telling. Sun has made a name for himself in the film industry as a colorist from a small village in China who has started his own studio in Burbank, California. His dedication to his craft, ability to balance art and technology, and commitment to communication have earned him a reputation as a sought-after colorist. Sun‘s journey from rural China to Hollywood serves as an inspiration to aspiring colorists and filmmakers around the world.
Growing up in a tiny village with limited access to entertainment, Sun’s father’s job as a professor of television and filmmaking at the local university exposed him to the world of movies. He became a big fan of Hollywood films and dreamed of working in the industry. With determination and hard work, Sun became one of the few from his village to attend a university outside their province. He studied photography at the Beijing Film Academy, laying the foundation for his future career as a colorist.
After graduation, Sun was awarded a scholarship to the New York Film Academy, where he discovered his passion for color grading. He began working at a color grading house while still in school and amassed a wealth of industry expertise before graduating. Sun continued to work as a colorist for a small company and as a freelancer for five years before starting his own studio, Reason Studio, in Burbank.
The innovative artist’s taste and professional knowledge have earned him a reputation as a trusted and respected colorist. In addition, his ability to communicate effectively with clients, quickly understand their needs and visions, and express different emotions to the audience through color manipulation have made him a sought-after colorist for clients from around the world.
Sun’s impressive portfolio includes commercials for major brands such as Coca-Cola, Nike, and Mercedes and music videos for artists like Ty Dolla $ign and Hopsin. He has also worked on a variety of short and feature films, including Sony’s Section 8, Paramount’s Pups Alone, and Lionsgate’s Norm of the North: Keys to the Kingdom.
Despite the challenges he faced when starting his freelance career as a colorist, Sun persevered and focused on his passion for color grading. He advises others to find balance in their work and make the best of what they have, emphasizing the importance of sharpening one’s tools and balancing art, technology, and communication.
Looking to the future, Sun dreams of working on an Oscar-winning blockbuster movie while working half the time on top-notch productions and spending the rest of his time helping indie artists achieve their dreams. He envisions working in a cool, warehouse-like studio and continuing to collaborate and learn from other artists.
Roy Sun is an exceptionally talented and highly respected colorist who has used his skill and artistry to make waves in the film industry. His journey from the streets of a small town in China to the studios of California stands as an inspiration for creatives of all backgrounds. And when it comes to Hollywood stories, Sun’s drive, commitment, and communication skills will undoubtedly lead him to even greater heights.
