Meet Yuanhao Zhang of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yuanhao Zhang.

Hi Yuanhao, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi there, my name is Yuanhao Zhang. I’m a Director of Photography, Steadicam Operator, and the founder of Yan Production LLC, a film and video entertainment production company based in Los Angeles, California. I studied film and cinematography at the New York Film Academy.

When I first moved to Los Angeles in 2022, I immediately noticed the differences between the film industries on the East Coast and the West Coast. From my experience, everything in LA feels larger in scale and far more structured compared to New York. Even in the indie film world, there’s a very clear pattern and process to how films are made here.

I spent a few years learning that system—working as an assistant camera, networking, and gaining experience. Over time, I realized that the path felt more like working toward a corporate career than creating art. That realization led me to step outside of the routine and start my own company, Yan Production LLC. Our mission is simple: to focus entirely on bringing the best visual experiences to the films we create.

Today, my work as a Director of Photography spans across narrative films, commercials, music videos, and corporate videos. I’ve had the honor of serving clients including Coachella, Infiniti Motor Company, EP Yaying, and more.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Right now, the industry feels like it’s at a standstill. Getting hired is tougher than ever, and honestly, it feels like I spend more time chasing gigs than actually creating. It’s frustrating — we didn’t get into this business to sit around waiting for permission to work.

But that’s the reality we’re facing. You can either sit still and hope, or you can take control. I’m choosing to build. I’m creating my own projects, collaborating with people who still believe in making things no matter what, and sharpening my skills every day. Because the truth is, when things finally pick up again, it’s not the ones who waited that will be ready — it’s the ones who kept moving forward through the silence.

This slowdown tested my patience, but it also forced me to double down on why I started this journey in the first place: not for the industry, not for the recognition, but for the love of storytelling.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Director of Photography and Steadicam Operator based in Los Angeles. I specialize in creating visually driven narratives, blending strong storytelling with precise, expressive camera work. I’m known for my ability to capture emotion through movement and light, and for being highly adaptable across different styles and genres.

What I’m most proud of is staying true to the art, even as the industry constantly shifts. Whether I’m shooting a major commercial project or a small indie film, I bring the same level of passion and focus to making the visuals serve the story. I want every frame to feel intentional, alive, and emotionally honest.

What sets me apart is my perspective. Growing up in a small town in China where filmmaking wasn’t part of everyday life, I learned to see stories from an outside-in point of view. I wasn’t surrounded by the industry — I chased it down. That background keeps me grounded and curious. I’m always searching for a fresh angle, a deeper emotional truth, and a more powerful way to visually connect with an audience.

At the end of the day, it’s about trust — trusting the story, trusting the team, and trusting that if you pour your whole self into the work, the audience will feel it too.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor and building a network has always been a personal journey for me. I didn’t come from a place where the film industry was easily accessible, so I had to find my own way into it. I learned that the best connections happen when you’re genuine — when you’re not just looking for a job or a favor, but when you truly care about the work and the people you meet.

Early on, I focused on doing my best every time I stepped on set, no matter how small the project was. I asked questions, I listened, and I tried to learn from everyone around me — not just directors or DPs, but ACs, gaffers, grips. That openness and respect naturally led to real relationships, and some of those people ended up becoming my mentors and collaborators.

My advice is: be patient, be real, and don’t force it. Find people whose work you admire, and show up ready to learn and contribute. Mentorship and strong networks are built on mutual trust, not quick favors. The right people will recognize your passion, and when they do, that bond can shape your entire career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yan-production.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/someone.name.kevin/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9990793/