Logan actor Lark Lee knows it’s tough to make a living from acting.
Best known for her role in ABC television series Harrow, Korean-born Lark is turning her attention to film-making.
Her romantic comedy series Paige is gaining a following on YouTube and her acting profile page is well visited with more than 250,000 views.
Success is coming a little later in life for Lark, who has just won a Logan City Council arts grant to work on a new film-making project.
And while she insists she wants to make Logan proud of a project she says will attract global attention, it’s her personal life where fulfilment truly lies.
Now a single mum, she says it takes courage to get back into the workforce.
“I could finally pursue my passion after I had my daughter because I realised my value,” she said.
“I see so many mums (especially Asian mums) think that their life is over and feel like they are just stuck at home.
“My life is full of drama, scars and constant mental struggles. Don’t give up on yourself, mums. You are just as important as your children.”
Lark’s path to the red carpet hasn’t been easy, discouraged by her “working-class” family in South Korea to pursue a love of acting and singing.
“When I was at uni, I often went to watch movies early in the mornings by myself because in Korea the tickets to the first screenings were always cheaper,” she said.
“After my graduation, I got a job in an office but I was miserable. I spent my time only looking forward to weekends. Then, I decided to try living in another country.”
Lark’s “holiday” to Australia was a one-way ticket, and two nights in a hostel room.
From there, the journey was a blank canvas which led to a relationship and a daughter.
“After having a child of my own and then leaving her dad, I finally had the guts to try different things,” she said.
But beyond Harrow, auditions were difficult to get.
Enter, stage left, film-making.
“I put so much effort and money into acting classes and director’s workshops,” she said, so why not make a career out of it.
Until now, she has been making short films with actor friends. And her audience has been growing.
So has her confidence, gaining mental and emotional rewards from her work.
“I have made a heavy drama short film which made many women cry and that video went viral on social media in Korea,” she said.
Paige, a romantic comedy web series, is gaining traction, and she has made a documentary web series after receiving a grant from BEMAC.
Her latest project is a feature film that showcases the mix between Korean and Australian culture.
“When I shared it with BEMAC and creative facilitator Ali Strachan, they loved the story and encouraged me to apply for the Regional Arts Development Fund grant.
“I think I was better at making my own films rather than acting for others. I find great joy in making my own creations.
“I want to work as a writer/director on the global stage, entertaining people and keep making films until the day I physically can’t work anymore.”
Best known for her role in ABC television series Harrow, Korean-born Lark is turning her attention to film-making.
Her romantic comedy series Paige is gaining a following on YouTube and her acting profile page is well visited with more than 250,000 views.
Success is coming a little later in life for Lark, who has just won a Logan City Council arts grant to work on a new film-making project.
And while she insists she wants to make Logan proud of a project she says will attract global attention, it’s her personal life where fulfilment truly lies.
Now a single mum, she says it takes courage to get back into the workforce.
“I could finally pursue my passion after I had my daughter because I realised my value,” she said.
“I see so many mums (especially Asian mums) think that their life is over and feel like they are just stuck at home.
“My life is full of drama, scars and constant mental struggles. Don’t give up on yourself, mums. You are just as important as your children.”
Lark’s path to the red carpet hasn’t been easy, discouraged by her “working-class” family in South Korea to pursue a love of acting and singing.
“When I was at uni, I often went to watch movies early in the mornings by myself because in Korea the tickets to the first screenings were always cheaper,” she said.
“After my graduation, I got a job in an office but I was miserable. I spent my time only looking forward to weekends. Then, I decided to try living in another country.”
Lark’s “holiday” to Australia was a one-way ticket, and two nights in a hostel room.
From there, the journey was a blank canvas which led to a relationship and a daughter.
“After having a child of my own and then leaving her dad, I finally had the guts to try different things,” she said.
But beyond Harrow, auditions were difficult to get.
Enter, stage left, film-making.
“I put so much effort and money into acting classes and director’s workshops,” she said, so why not make a career out of it.
Until now, she has been making short films with actor friends. And her audience has been growing.
So has her confidence, gaining mental and emotional rewards from her work.
“I have made a heavy drama short film which made many women cry and that video went viral on social media in Korea,” she said.
Paige, a romantic comedy web series, is gaining traction, and she has made a documentary web series after receiving a grant from BEMAC.
Her latest project is a feature film that showcases the mix between Korean and Australian culture.
“When I shared it with BEMAC and creative facilitator Ali Strachan, they loved the story and encouraged me to apply for the Regional Arts Development Fund grant.
“I think I was better at making my own films rather than acting for others. I find great joy in making my own creations.
“I want to work as a writer/director on the global stage, entertaining people and keep making films until the day I physically can’t work anymore.”
