The Reflective World of Sche-Hao “Thomas” Wang

By Daisy Franklin

Sche-Hao “Thomas” Wang’s films linger in the mind, gently prompting viewers to reflect on universal themes through his careful blend of sound, silence, and human complexity. This USC School of Cinematic Arts graduate’s work spans narrative shorts, documentaries, and experimental formats, all held together by an intimate look at family relationships and a unique auteur perspective. Here, Thomas shares how his background, influences, and explorations in storytelling guide his craft.

“I value the understanding of human nature and worldview that underpin a story.”

Explore human nature’s depths

For Thomas, the foundation of storytelling lies in exploring the depths of human nature. With a background in theater and philosophy, he approaches filmmaking as an introspective journey, one that transcends plotlines to examine the beliefs and values that drive his characters.

“Rather than directly addressing social issues or criticisms, I’m particularly drawn to films that present various viewpoints, sometimes with a subtle, ironic twist at the end, prompting viewers to reflect further,” he shares. His affinity for films with a strong auteur style shines through his work, which is filled with personal touches that make even universal themes uniquely his.

“USC’s program covers every aspect of film production.”

Crafting cinematic visions

The rigorous training at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts allowed Thomas to explore every facet of filmmaking, shaping his approach to directing and editing. “Whether directing or editing, I can communicate effectively with the entire production team,” he says, emphasizing how USC’s emphasis on character-driven storytelling resonated with his love for nuanced narratives. This holistic view of filmmaking has become essential in his collaborative work, especially in projects that delve deeply into character and emotional depth.

Finding Inspiration in French New Wave

“I’ve long admired films with strong auteur expression.”

Juxtaposed images provoke laughter

Thomas’s film When a Man Is Suspicious brings humor to the topic of jealousy by using techniques inspired by French New Wave director Jean-Luc Godard. He recalls the profound impact of Godard’s Pierrot le Fou: “I was struck by the way he combines static images with sound to create layers of humor and meaning.” This admiration led him to experiment with juxtaposing sound and visuals in When a Man Is Suspicious, giving the film an ironic twist that leaves audiences both amused and thoughtful.

Telling Stories of Resilience in Down the Road

“Family and relational themes have always captivated me.”

Family bonds ignite change

For Thomas, storytelling is deeply personal, often grounded in the universal bond of family. When director Care approached him with Down the Road, a documentary about a father-daughter duo helping California wildfire survivors, the story struck a chord. “I was particularly drawn to the film’s ability to spotlight social and environmental issues without losing sight of the human aspect,” he says. The documentary captures the journey of philanthropist Woody and his daughter, Luna, as they travel across California, donating RVs to displaced families and sharing stories of hope and resilience.

Family at the Forefront: The Sound of Walking and The Last Sonata

“A story has to move me first before it can touch an audience.”

Unspoken connections reveal truths

Family dynamics remain a recurring theme in Thomas’s work. His short films The Sound of Walking and The Last Sonata explore father-son relationships with minimal dialogue, focusing instead on powerful soundscapes and visual storytelling. In The Sound of Walking, which follows a son hiding his sexuality from his father, Thomas says, “We found the humor that came through in rehearsals engaging, so we decided to explore more comedic elements.” The film begins with humor but shifts to tension, building emotional complexity in just under ten minutes.

With The Last Sonata, he similarly leaned into subtlety, letting moments of silence and an intense gaze speak louder than words. “Sometimes, an intense gaze or silence at the piano can convey more than words or physical confrontations,” he shares, describing how he used sound and silence to mirror the strained father-son relationship. The result is a delicate balance of emotion, where the power of family is felt in every frame.

Exploring Trauma and Compassion in On My Road to Dharma

Journey within revealed truths

“We took a layered approach, guiding the audience step-by-step from the outside in.”

Thomas’s documentary On My Road to Dharma reveals the story of Venerable De, a monk who meditates with inmates in California prisons, despite his own struggles with trauma. Working closely with director Yihuan Zhang, Thomas took great care in editing to convey the depth of Venerable De’s past while focusing on his present-day compassion. “This dedication allowed him to gain their trust, slowly breaking down their barriers so they could share their stories with honesty,” he says of Zhang’s approach, which allowed the raw, heartfelt footage to shine.

Breaking New Ground in Vertical Storytelling

Curiosity sparks emotional journeys

“Our approach prioritized serving the audience’s curiosity and enhancing their emotional experience.”

Venturing into vertical storytelling, Thomas found commercial success with Breaking the Ice, a mini-series that captivated audiences, racking up over 200 million views. The format presented unique challenges, but Thomas quickly adapted, saying, “Instead of conveying the director’s vision, our approach prioritized serving the audience’s curiosity and enhancing their emotional experience.” This exploration of new formats not only broadened his skills but also opened him to the endless possibilities of visual storytelling.

Looking Ahead: New Genres and Broader Themes

Shared stories connect us

“I believe that our shared humanity connects us all.”

As he looks to the future, Thomas is eager to explore new genres and balance the personal with the commercial in feature-length scripts. Currently developing a crime romance comedy, he aims to create “an engaging storyline combined with relatable characters that can establish a common ground.” He believes that by drawing from shared human experiences, his stories will continue to resonate with audiences.

“Films need an audience to fulfill their purpose.”

New horizons await creation

While Thomas remains dedicated to the introspective and emotionally resonant themes that have defined his career, he’s also expanding his reach by connecting with new collaborators and genres. “Regardless of genre or artistic value, films need an audience to fulfill their purpose,” he reflects. This evolving approach to storytelling shows that Thomas Wang’s journey is far from over—each new project adding another layer to his distinctive voice.

Through each frame and subtle moment of sound or silence, Sche-Hao “Thomas” Wang continues to make an impact, crafting films that reflect both personal resonance and universal emotion.