Writing and Directing KPOP DEMON HUNTERS

We are sealing the Honmoon with KPOP DEMON HUNTERS directors and co-writers, Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans! The veteran animation filmmakers break down how Maggie developed the story based on Korean culture and music, how she collaborated with Chris as a directing team, and how they pitched the idea to Netflix and K-pop music producers. They also share stories from behind the scenes of their seven-year production process including the creation of the film’s iconic “popcorn eyes” and how they worked with songwriter and producer EJAE to write the music… with a special surprise voice memo from the woman behind Rumi’s singing voice herself! 

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(00:00) K-pop meets demon hunters
(00:47) Let’s talk K-pop… and demon hunters!
(02:04) Fun fan reactions
(03:02) Honmoon in the club, the origin of honmoon
(06:12) How Maggie’s Korean upbringing in Toronto shaped her storytelling
(07:51) K-pop meets demon hunters (the full story)
(09:59) How they became a directing team, WISH DRAGON
(11:19) How they pitched KPOP DEMON HUNTERS
(12:45) The music was the hardest part, how EJAE’s demos made it seem possible
(13:20)EJAE, Teddy Park, THEBLACKLABEL, the demo for HOW IT’S DONE
(15:23) Comps: “old people” anime, Cowboy Bebop, Sailor Moon, K-dramas, and GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
(17:10) Comedy, female empowerment, being your “stupidest self” with your friends
(18:04) Collaborating on directing and screenwriting
(19:53) Writing the script for KPOP DEMON HUNTERS
(20:39) Sony Pictures Animation, shout out to the crew
(25:00) The joke that became the iconic “popcorn eyes” scene
(27:12) Voice Memo from EJAE (Musician, Songwriter, Producer, Singing Voice of Rumi)
(29:45) Prox Recs

IN PROXIMITY IS A PRODUCTION OF PROXIMITY MEDIA
Host, Director, Producer: Paola Mardo
Executive Producers: Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian
Theme Song and Additional Music: Ludwig Göransson
Co-Director and Director of Photography: Patrick Epino
Sound Designer and Mix Engineer: Ken Nana
Editors: Patrick Epino, Ken Nana, Ben Caloza
Sound Recordist: Isabella Miller
Motion Graphics Designer: Apollo Baldoz
Associate Producer: Celine Mendiola
Social Media Coordinator: Alexandria Santana
Production Intern: Ben Caloza