Rick Chung is a Vancouver native, lifestyle writer, and content creator known for his coverage of local arts and culture. He studied Political Science at UBC and Broadcast Journalism at BCIT before starting his career in media at CBC. His many bylines over the years include Vancouver Is Awesome, BC Living, Montecristo Magazine, The Georgia Straight, and Destination Vancouver. Lately, Rick has been active within the performing arts industry, advocating for non-profit theatre organizations like the GVPTA, Carousel Theatre, and Firehall Arts Centre.
What is your channel called and what is it about?
I pretty much own my name, “Rick Chung,” on most major platforms, including my eponymous website. I also post as YVArcade. I started out writing and photographing everything hyperlocal in different Vancouver neighbourhoods, from events to festivals and dining out. Currently, I mostly post about film, TV, theatre, restaurants, cocktails, and major events.
When did you start it? What motivated you at the beginning?
A very long time ago, sometime in 2009, before starting journalism school and leading up to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. I needed an outlet to publish news content as writing samples and a portfolio while studying journalism, interning in newsrooms, and creating my own personal brand.
Who were you inspired by? Any influences?
Seth Meyers, Sean Fennessey, Jia Tolentino, Anthony Jeselnik, David Chen, and Wong Kar-wai
How would you describe your audience?
I sure hope it’s mostly educated young to middle-aged women, minorities, people of colour, and queer people.
What is your creative process? Do you have people who work with you?
While I am primarily a writer, I usually start with what visuals I want or have to work with, even if it’s just boring images or photos to break up blocks of text. I try to think as little as possible and just start writing or making editorial decisions. In everything I do, I try to have a summary of my experiences or feelings, no matter the medium. For assignments or outside articles and projects, I work with editors and collaborators to figure out what we want before submitting a draft to revise. However, the vast majority of my work is done primarily alone.
How do you monetize your content? Do you also have another job?
I have always done freelance writing, copywriting, consulting, content marketing, social media, etc. I currently work with various arts non-profits, doing communications and artist advocacy work.
What is your favourite piece of content you have created?
For almost two decades, I’ve published an annual (now bi-annual) top 10 list of all the films I’ve seen in the past year, as well as lists for the different decades and eras.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
Best: Access to the best attractions in the city and being professionally forced to go out on weeknights. Worst: Dealing with so many emails every day and constantly editing photos.
What are your future plans for your channel?
For it to continue to exist (no small feat) and do more or the same with less.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram (and most places) at @rickchung and @yvarcade. (Also TikTok and Letterboxd.)
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Canadian content creator that you love?
I’m always impressed with the cinematic content that Toronto-based filmmaker Patrick Tomasso produces.
