Today we’d like to introduce you to Yifan Du.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I graduated from the Academy of Art University in 2018 with a major in Motion Picture and Television, after which I moved to Los Angeles. My first position was as an assistant to the CEO of a film distribution company, and later I transitioned to working in the production department at a television station. During that period, I was frequently involved in TCV commercial shoots and TV show productions, where I gained substantial hands-on experience.
After accumulating industry knowledge, I founded my own film and television company, focusing primarily on advertising, commercial video production, and vlog filming. Meanwhile, from 2019 to 2022, TikTok and YouTube live streaming were at their peak. Due to the pandemic, many commercial filming services were suspended, so I shifted my focus to online media—producing vertical short videos for celebrities and influencers on TikTok and Red Note. For example, I handled the post-production and packaging for Maggie Q’s first vertical social media short video.
Leveraging my combined experience in digital content and traditional film/television production, I began creating vertical short dramas. At the end of 2023, I produced my first vertical short drama. Another project I shot in February 2024, Atlante’s Mistaken Fiancée, reached one million views within its first month and has accumulated 27 million views to date.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The path of entrepreneurship is never smooth. In the second year of running my business, I encountered the pandemic, which brought the entire film and television industry to a halt. As an international student, I also faced practical challenges related to my visa status. These pressures pushed me into a period of intense anxiety.
However, I’m grateful for my ability to recognize emerging trends. It allowed me to identify the only industry that continued to thrive during the pandemic: the online content ecosystem—particularly TikTok and YouTube. By seizing this opportunity, I was able to pivot from traditional film and commercial production to internet-based media, a shift similar to transitioning from movie theaters to Netflix.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I studied Motion Picture and Television in university, specializing in directing. However, opportunities to work as a director after graduation were limited. Because I have extensive experience in post-production, my strongest skills are in editing and post-production. In the film field, the short film A.I., which I directed and oversaw post-production for, won more than a dozen awards at international film festivals. In the digital media space, I handled post-production and quality control for Maggie Q’s social-media short videos; and in 2024, the vertical short drama Atlante’s Mistaken Fiancée reached an impressive 27 million views.
I believe what sets me apart is my combination of formal training in traditional film and television and practical experience rooted in the internet era. This dual background allows me to approach my work with a multifaceted, adaptable perspective.
What were you like growing up?
I was born in Luoyang, China, and I’ve been active and energetic since childhood. My parents hoped I would develop artistic interests, so they enrolled me in dance, piano, and painting classes at a young age. They never expected me to reach any particular level of achievement—at that time, most parents simply wanted their children to explore hobbies beyond academics.
In high school, I learned guitar and bass, formed a band, and played bass. I also hosted several large-scale school events. But what I enjoyed the most was watching movies. My interest in film and television began with the first DVD my father bought when I was young. There weren’t many movies in theaters back then, so we often rented films to watch at home. Movies felt like magic to me—full of hidden secrets behind the scenes—and I wondered whether I would ever have the chance to work in this industry and discover those secrets myself.
Later in high school, my parents gave me my first Canon DSLR camera, which marked the beginning of my journey in shooting and creating my own videos.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.famemediaus.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancyyyy_du?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
