Here’s the latest short in our “The One Days: HK” series. Philip and I took a trip to Asia this past summer and we managed to shoot this right before leaving back to the states. I remember staying up till around 3am in our hotel lobby trying to think of an idea. I was at the point of almost accepting that we wouldn’t make anything this time around. Fortunately, something came to mind and developed into a decent story. At the end of the night/early morning I had a script written on a piece of scrap paper. Here’s some “behind-the-scenes” talk/thoughts that might be worth sharing 
LOCATIONS
Like all the Hong Kong shorts before, I wanted to highlight new areas of the city. The short starts with Helen and Perry’s characters in a typical HK apartment. I thought the domestic environment was a helpful way for us to see people’s honest everyday problems and concerns. It was a more intimate setting than being on a streetside somewhere. “Goldfish street” in Mong Kok is full of colors, energy and life. After our friend suggested it to us, I knew right away that we had to use that location. The rain was unexpected and added a bit of complication to shooting. And being on a tight schedule, there’s no way around natural conditions like that. But in the end, it was a nice effect and an enriching texture. I think it’s important to show that rain very common in HK. It is an inherant quality of the city. Lastly, the walkway in Central was a somewhat last minute decision. I always imagined the brother and sister finishing their adventure at a walkway. It would’ve been easy to settle with one near Goldfish Street but I kept thinking that would not be strong enough. There needed to be a clear distinction with this final location. We decided to travel fairly far to film the last sequence in Central (which is 20+ minutes away by subway from where we were). I’m happy that decision was made because the walkway in Central is so brilliantly lit that it creates a truly unique setting.
STORY
One of the guidelines I set for this “One Days HK” short was for it to not revolve around a romance. I like those stories a lot, but this time I wanted to take viewers to a different place. The idea for this story is rooted around other elements of life that surround us. Particularly work and family. Finding work is difficult. It can be quick or slow, rewarding or relentless. Sometimes it’s easy to be so defeated, we lose track of what we already have. Corny? Maybe haha. The tricky part with the story was approaching a serious subject while still allowing room for imagination and hope.
CHARACTERS
We had worked with Helen and Perry on previous HK shorts, so finding them to act again was a n0-brainer. They helped translate the script and even added some vocabulary that enhanced the dialogue. Helen’s character is all about offering a new perspective for her brother. Her hamster’s death is not a sad event, but rather a joyous quest for it’s reincarnation. By sharing her playful outlook, she reveals the positive aspects of his otherwise “unaccomplished” life. Perry’s character is someone we are all familiar with. A young man that’s gotten lost in the demands of the world around him. He has been so occupied that he almost forgets what it’s like to enjoy everyday. Luckily, spending a day with his sister pushes him in a better position. Characters in the HK shorts are written around the idea of balance. Different personalities allow for good conversation, comedy, and growth.
DID YOU KNOW…
- Dan Tat, the fish, was bought the night we shot at Goldfish Street and Central. After spending about 3 hours with him, I returned him to the fish shop. I like to believe that we gave him his most exciting night in his life.
- Helen’s character is the same as in “The Spare” and “Dream Line.” When she tells her brother she’s going on a phone date, it’s actually to talk to Kinson’s character (who is studying overseas). This is a very subtle connection that I’m pretty sure most people wouldn’t catch. But highfive to you if you did!
- Perry’s character may or may not be the same as in “The Returning.” I like to leave that connection open ended. We know that he is going through some rough times, so maybe he resorts to pickpocketing in the future. Or perhaps he used to be involved with stealing but has actually left that behind to find a real-world job. Who knows.
Well that’s that. I feel like I just wrote an analysis essay for school. But I hope that gives some insight to the thinking behind some of our work!
December 28, 2010 at 1:22 am
The One Days :HK series has to be one of my many favourite videos from WF. Insightful, subtle and inspiring. A beautiful production indeed.
And Hi five Wes! I did make the connection! Haha
May 14, 2010 at 4:43 pm
This video made me miss living in Asia. I’ve only been to HK once but I like the family, everyday aspect of this video.
March 27, 2010 at 2:24 pm
really liked it. I’m a newbie when it comes to Wong Fu haha. I remember my friend asking me to watch uh…yellow fever and I enjoyed it but after that I just didn’t have much interest truthfully. A year later I find myself back for some reason. You guys just came to mind on a random day and I was bored so I decided to visit your youtube channel and BAM! i’m hooked. sign me up for the wong fu train lol! I knew you guys did some funny things but I didn’t know you guys filmed short skits that are really sincere and meaningful. I really liked this skit A LOT and I totally love how you shot it in Hong Kong. This makes me want to visit hong kong.
I really enjoyed the film
. It was cool it wasn’t about romance but just real life. This is really awesome. Keep on going~~~!!!! Never stop!!
March 23, 2010 at 3:47 am
Nice … Like it !
March 19, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Brillant video man. Luved the storyline. Keep up the good work
February 26, 2010 at 11:03 am
That was perhaps my favorite video ever. It reminds me of my cousins and my country, which I miss very much.
February 24, 2010 at 7:48 pm
It was an amazing video. Totally endearing.
Keep up the good work!
February 23, 2010 at 11:44 pm
“Different personalities allow for good conversation, comedy, and growth.” Amazing!!!
February 22, 2010 at 11:37 pm
Well done Wes, great short. Central walkway was perfect, so you made the right decision haha. Did you use a 5D Mk2 and a 24-70mm f2.8 lens to film it?
February 21, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Well done, an epic short!
February 20, 2010 at 8:25 pm
I really appreciate this behind-the-scenes write up, Wes, so thank you for that! I love getting to know how your short films come together, and the connection to HK is so brilliantly strong! I hope I get to travel there someday and visit some of these beautiful locations.
February 20, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Wes, you never cease to amaze me. I’m a big fan of your story lines. The cinematography and everything about this short was great!
Job well done. 
Steph
February 20, 2010 at 9:13 am
yay i get a high 5
i knew those two characters looked similar from all the other shorts.
make some more please
February 20, 2010 at 2:41 am
You are awesome! The short is amazing, and the commentary is very insightful. Well done
February 20, 2010 at 12:02 am
Being born in Hong Kong, but living in the States now, I feel an instant connection with HK. I thoroughly enjoy the “One Days: HK” series. Yay for dan tats!
February 19, 2010 at 9:40 pm
I like it. I like that it’s a brother-sister story instead of a love story. It’s a very intimated and sentimental story.
February 19, 2010 at 9:30 am
This is one of the best ones and most inspiring one too; especially Perry’s character. In today’s society as a young adult when we hit a bump in life, its like the world had just crumbled into pieces. It sometimes seem that there is no more paths in front and only backwards we can go. This short opens lots of paths for those that have lots theirs.
Thank you so much for this it’s amazing.
February 19, 2010 at 12:38 am
It’s cool how there’s a chronology in your HK series!! Yay! i totally caught the phone date reference! so he’s left for the states eh? phone date episode!!
February 19, 2010 at 12:16 am
I very much approve of how you didn’t do the typical love scenes between two lovers, but rather a love that most people understand, the one within family.
Thank you for sharing this inspiring short movie
February 19, 2010 at 12:16 am
All of them were awesome. I love the series. [: Thanks!
February 18, 2010 at 11:50 pm
Awesome short. Gave me some ideas to start filming again.
Great job!
February 18, 2010 at 9:08 pm
Wow! That was AMAZING! I love the colors and the look at life in another country (never been across the Atlantic). I really love the HK shorts because they expose me to another language as well. The fact that it was about how family supports one another by offering another way to look at what is going on in any given life was just the icing on the cake. What a gem.
February 18, 2010 at 4:52 pm
this was one of my favorite ones (: the colors were amazing on goldfish street ! so beautiful !
February 18, 2010 at 4:47 pm
I always love watching these shorts. They’re very well written.
Watching this made my day.
February 18, 2010 at 4:27 pm
I love the short!
It’s so impressive that you guys were able to do it all in one day, again!
A short and simple piece yet it was able to capture so much.
Some moments are just unexplainable; simple to others who look in but these are the moments that are truly cherished.
I really like the one day HK series! =)
Every time I watch one of these videos, it brings up memories of when I visited my cousins in HK. I really want to go back to HK.
February 18, 2010 at 4:17 pm
My favourite short of the series, pretty good for writing it at 3AM on a piece of scrap paper, Wes!
I never really thought about Helen’s character talking to Kinson LOL, that’s a pretty good idea xD I also really enjoyed the idea of having it as a brother-sister thing rather that a romance, it’s something new and different that we don’t get to see very often.
I’m also wondering, though, will this be on the DVD?
And very good Essay, i would give it an A
February 18, 2010 at 1:17 pm
I really like this short Wes! The story line and visuals of the city really tie it all together for me. The rain, though unexpected, added a nice transition in the story, almost acting like a curtain between set changes. Well done!
February 18, 2010 at 12:41 pm
i always love the behind the scenes stuff.. i really enjoy the HK clips. and i’m glad to be at BU to listen to the story behind it too!
February 18, 2010 at 12:41 pm
You guys are amazing. It’s incredible how decisions made & ideas formed at the last minute can turn out to be so beautiful!
February 18, 2010 at 11:21 am
I thought there was a connection between Helen’s character! Same for Perry; very opened ended connection=)
I defintely like this short. It was different and not too abrasive. Great music too.
February 18, 2010 at 9:29 am
Dan Tat! What a cute name! Makes me crave for some HK egg tarts… which are simply the best. Love the One Days : HK series! Makes me want to live, breathe HK.. that is provided I can find a job there!
February 18, 2010 at 9:17 am
Really liked the commentary. It adds a nice dimension to your website and it’s a pleasure to read for us artsy folks. Keep up the great work!
February 18, 2010 at 8:24 am
You feel like YOU wrote an analysis for school?
I almost feel like I read the Sparknotes on your One Days HK series. xDDD
I liked this short, and I’m a huge fan of the continuity that you’re implying with your characters. =)
February 18, 2010 at 7:48 am
this is so warm! After Paris, je t’aime , New York I love you, I wonder when “HK, I love you” would come up…. hope to see your short in a movie one day!
I grow up and work in HK. I am more than happy to show you other facets of HK when you visit next time!
February 18, 2010 at 4:31 am
Brilliant piece of work, great feel and insight, I can appreciate the time you had to put this all together.
Super sick camera BTW, looks like a gun.
February 18, 2010 at 12:25 am
hey, I thought you said it was going up last night!
Beautiful colors and imagery. Love the positive tone. Great job, Wes!
February 18, 2010 at 12:00 am
I live in a time zone far away from WongFu’s but I was so antsy to see this new short I sort of just stayed guarded on both Youtube and wongfuproductions.com because I love this series, and in the end, it was definitely worth the wait
The short was soft but sends a firm message, and though there was rain in the video, the sun shone brilliantly through.
Great jobs guys
February 17, 2010 at 11:59 pm
i have a quick question, how did you guys plan the script when it started to rain because i know it rains at unpredictable times in hong kong and the way you incorporated it into the script and was prepared and stuff, i thought that was really cool and shooting it all in one day is amazing!!!
i loved the story!
February 17, 2010 at 11:56 pm
I tumbled it
it brought back a lot of HK memories from a month ago since all the places were basically where I was! It brought back a moment I had of home (Vancouver) when I was in HK when it was raining… I actually liked the rain and missed being home.
I think this was the most sentimental video out of all the ones you guys have
Job well done! And props to your amazing creative last minute skills…hehe.
February 17, 2010 at 11:14 pm
I remember watching this short during Wong Fu’s Autumn tour: Its even better the second time around.
Idea: Brilliant
Shot in one day: Impressive
Overall short: Magnificent
Essay= A +
February 17, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Love the insight into creating this project. Great video and thanks for sharing.
February 17, 2010 at 10:33 pm
Thank you for sharing
The story captures many lives of ordinary teens living in HongKong, struggling to find jobs and living mournfully.
February 17, 2010 at 9:25 pm
Awesome new short Wes. Glad you finally settled on a really good name!