Phoebe Hyun

Hi my name Phoebe Hyun. I was born in Queens New York and moved to Bloomington Indiana when I was 12. I've lived here ever since!



Projects by Phoebe Hyun

From Small-Town Dreamer to Hollywood Success: Angelo Pizzo’s Journey

By Brady Owen, Phoebe Hyun, and Edward Lewis

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Apr. 3, 2025)

As the lights in the theater slowly started to dim, so did the voices in the audience. All Angelo Pizzo could do was take deep breaths in order not to let his worries take over. The air in the theater was thick with anticipation. This was the moment he fought for, a test screening for the film he had poured his soul into. If the audience didn’t like it, well, that was it; it was over. His heart pounded, each beat louder than the last as he watched his film unfold on screen. His mind was restless as he thought about all the challenges he had faced up until this moment. As the end credits rolled and the lights slowly turned on, the entire theater erupted. For a full five minutes, all you could hear were cheers and claps, he had done it. The fight had been worth it. His dream had come true. 

Angelo Pizzo and colleague viewing hoosiers.
Angelo Pizzo and his colleague viewing Hoosiers.

It’s the kind of story you’d see in a classic movie: a small-town dreamer with big dreams fighting against all odds to make it in the industry. But for Angelo Pizzo, it wasn’t a movie, it was his life. From his small-town childhood to becoming the creator of arguably the most iconic sports films, Hoosiers and Rudy, Angelo’s journey is one of a dreamer who faced all his challenges head-on. His story is more than just about making movies – it’s about dealing with setback after setback and proving dreams are achieved through persistence, passion, and lessons learned from failure. 

Growing up in a small town, Angelo Pizzo never dared to dream of a career that was not “traditional.” It wasn’t until later in life that he found his true calling and was willing to jump into a world of unknowns. Angelo said, “I’ve always loved film, but I’ve never thought of making a living doing it.” He explained how for a good portion of his life, his plan was to work in politics. However, that plan took an unexpected turn after his involvement in the anti-war movement, which shifted his perspective entirely. Disillusioned with politics, he took a step back from the conventional path and decided to “ski a season in Aspen, surf a season in Hawaii, and live on a commune there.”

It was during this time of exploration and self-discovery that Angelo began to reconsider his future. After returning home, his father told him that he’d “support him no matter what, but [Angelo] had to pursue something he loved.” This moment of encouragement marked a turning point in Angelo’s life, propelling him toward a career in a field he never imagined — filmmaking.

Early Struggles

Like many success stories, Angelo’s journey was filled with setbacks. For years, he worked with companies like Warner Brothers and 21st Century Fox until he felt ready to go off and create something on his own. 

Initially, Angelo’s approach to filmmaking was more academic. After being told by the head of the comparative literature department that he needed a doctorate from one of three specific schools, he was motivated to do just that. After years of working toward that very goal, he ended up scoring an internship that was usually for production students, he soon began questioning his career choices once more. 

Collection of props and pictures from over the years.

After being told by one of the people he was fortunate enough to work with that he “doesn’t belong in academics, you’ve got to be in this business”, he was able to start gaining work experience in development, which led him to become vice president of production. 

During the early years in his career, Angelo faced many challenges, rejection and uncertainty being two of them. Yet, he didn’t let anything deter him. Instead, he used it as fuel to push himself forward.

The Importance of Persistence and Passion

For Angelo, the most important lesson in his career was learning to keep going, no matter the odds. He stressed how important determination is for anyone looking to make it in a competitive industry like filmmaking.

Angelo said, “The one thing I was told really early on was you’re going to face a lot of rejection. You’re going to get a series of nos and people discouraging you that you’re not going to make it. And if you allow other people to define what you’re capable of…then you’re finished”.

Despite the setbacks, he refused to let others define his potential became the foundation for his success. By embracing his failures and pushing forward, Angelo ultimately found his place in the industry, creating some of the most beloved and iconic films in sports history. His journey reminds us all that success isn’t about avoiding failure, but about having the grit to rise again and again, no matter how many times you’re knocked down.

A media and plaque earned by Angelo Pizzo for his work.

Behind the Scenes: Quinley’s Perspective

To truly understand what it’s like to work with Angelo, we spoke to Quinley Bowden, his stepdaughter, who had the chance to work with Angelo on his most recent project. Quinley, who has witnessed Angelo’s journey up close, shared her perspective on what it’s like to see him both at home and on set. “Well, I think that both on and off set he’s a different person… in real life he’s kind of nonchalant… he’s just a guy. But on set, he’s very locked in”.

When asked what Angelo’s previous work means to her, Quinley said,  “…these are really inspirational movies. I always feel really good after watching an Angelo Pizzo movie”. We also asked Quinley how working with Angelo on set had impacted her understanding of filmmaking and storytelling. She reflected thoughtfully, “I was involved… for a long time. I read the script months beforehand, seeing the way the movie morphed and changed throughout the whole process was really cool”.

Posters of Hoosiers and Rudy.

A Legacy of Hope

Today, Angelo Pizzo’s name is synonymous with inspiring stories of hope and perseverance. His films continue to resonate with audiences around the world, showing that the greatest victories often emerge from the greatest struggles. His journey serves as a powerful reminder to anyone chasing a dream — whether in film or any other field — that success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of hard work, passion, and never giving up.

As Angelo reflects on his career, he connects the story of Rudy to the challenges many people face in their own lives. “Rudy seems to inspire people to do a couple of things,” he explains. “To go after their dream no matter how impossible it seems, and no matter how little support you have from your friends and family.” He adds, “Rudy never gave away the power to let others define not only who he was, but what he was capable of. And I think a lot of people are looking for that in their own lives.”

For those just starting out, Angelo Pizzo’s story proves that success in Hollywood—or in any field—isn’t reserved for the fortunate few. It’s for those who dare to dream and have the persistence to make those dreams a reality.

Angelo Pizzo on red carpet for film All-American.

Pizzo highlights important pieces of his film career and how he has reached the tip of the mountain from his humble beginnings

Apple Reveals the Apple Watch- A Huge Leap in Wearable Technology

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

Media Contacts
Archie Messinger
messingermess@gmail.com

Phoebe Hyun
phhyun@iu.edu

Taylor Waterman
twaterm@iu.edu

Apple Reveals the Apple Watch- A Huge Leap in Wearable Technology 

Cupertino, CA-  Today, in front of a massive crowd Apple’s CEO Tim Cook revealed the “next chapter in Apple’s story” the Apple Watch. With this enormous unraveling, Apple instantly set a new standard for wearable technology. During the big reveal, Tim Cook demonstrated how the Apple Watch is designed to seamlessly integrate with everyday life. It provides a powerful, intuitive, and stylish device that enhances how users communicate, track their health, and interact with the world. “Apple Watch is the most personal device we’ve ever created,” said Cook. “It reimagines what a watch can do, connecting technology with people in a way that feels natural and essential.” According to Tim Cook, this new innovative device is intended for everyday use with features that assist in communication, and health tracking as well as a plethora of other day-to-day uses. In addition, Apple’s new device has applications that assist with navigation and give users discreet messages when they receive messages. The Apple Watch has a range of adjustable bands and materials, such as 18-karat gold, stainless steel, and aluminum. The device also offers the option of interchangeable bands that allow for personalization, offering a variety of styles, including the Milanese Loop, Leather Loop, and Sport Band. This attention to detail demonstrates Apple’s keen marketing tactics and Apple to keep users fascinated.

Young Woman Using Apple Watch during studies.
Kassidy Allen, a student at IU, is referencing her new Apple Watch while planning her week in Ballantine Hall.

The Apple Watch isn’t just a timepiece but a comprehensive health and fitness tool that can help you track and control your health while attaining your fitness goals. “Apple Watch motivates people to live a healthier life,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Operations. “It provides the kind of insights and encouragement that were previously only available through dedicated fitness devices. By flicking your wrist, one can send and receive messages, make calls, and receive notifications thanks to the device’s seamless integration with the iPhone. Also, Siri is implemented within the watch, providing voice-activated support for tasks like using Apple Maps for navigation, creating reminders, and checking the weather. Many Apple devices such as iPhones and Macs easily pair with the Apple Watch, forming a connection that improves convenience, and productivity. Early in 2015, the Apple Watch will be on sale for $349. To accommodate varying tastes and lifestyles, it will be available in three collections: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Sport, and Apple Watch Edition. Security and safety are a major priority with Apple’s new innovative device. The device’s “Tap to pay” or Apple Pay capabilities allow secure, contactless payments directly from the wrist while requiring biometric authentication for enhanced protection as well as other security methods. The Apple Watches contactless payment capabilities are a major step in the future of digital transactions as well as the future of secure payments. 

Woman using Smartwatch.
Jennifer Blotkamp ,a professor at Bloomington, uses her Apple watch to check when her class starts. She is preparing for her next lecture.

The Apple Watch has many partners such as Nike, Twitter, and American Airlines, showcasing the diversity of Apple Watch in various industries. Many institutes can utilize the Apple watch to make a plethora of tasks more affordable and effortless.  From fitness tracking to travel and social networking, the Apple Watch can use its many applications to assist working people in accomplishing their career goals and aspirations.  The new Apple Watch is a bold step forward in technology for a variety of reasons such as advancements in navigation, healthcare, fitness, and communication. The introduction of the Apple Watch demonstrates Apple’s dedication to innovation and pushing the limits of what technology can accomplish to improve daily living.  The Apple watch will surely revolutionize the industry and possibly the way humans interact with each other in the future. Apple’s position as one of the most significant tech corporations globally has been cemented by its unrelenting pursuit of innovation, and the reveal of the innovative Apple Watch proves this even further.

Tim Cook unveils exciting surprise during the Apple event in Cupertino California. What was originally supposed to be an event about the new iPhone, turned into a thrilling reveal of Apple’s latest product, the Apple Watch. 

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