Life & Work with Philip Yuzhong Ge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Philip Yuzhong Ge.

Hi Philip Yuzhong, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I received my earliest cinematic education on a small MP4 screen during humid mid-summer nights in southern China. At the age of twelve, I was sent to a junior boarding school where life was unbearably monotonous. However, I found an escape through films by saving up enough money to purchase a second-hand MP4. Every night after lights out, I secretly met with some of the greatest auteurs in film. Although I was curled up in a dorm room without any air-conditioning and my face was drenched in sweat, I was transported to the breathtaking world of light and shadow through the storytelling and aesthetic of these great filmmakers. This experience planted a seed deep inside my mind that I carried with me as I studied Economics at the University of Southern California.

My economic training has given me a unique perspective on filmmaking, sharpening my cinematic instincts. I understand that filmmaking is not just about money, but also a science that studies how human activities are triggered by a series of decisions and desires, much like the actions of characters in films.

During my junior summer at USC, I produced a short documentary at a Tibetan Buddhist academy, located at an altitude of 13,540 feet. Over the course of several days, I interviewed academy students and was moved by their genuine excitement and desire to share their stories with the world. This experience made me want to tell stories about underrepresented communities through filmmaking. So after graduating from Columbia with my master’s degree in Economics, I attended the American Film Institute to pursue a career in film producing.

Now, as an independent producer, I have produced over 20 narrative short films, documentaries, and commercial projects. My goal is to inspire and motivate people from around the world through my films, and hopefully, even help another child escape the monotony of boarding school and discover their passion for filmmaking.

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?
As a producer, I’ve found that the journey of bringing stories to life is not always smooth. There are always obstacles and challenges that arise, and that’s just a part of the process. One of the biggest challenges I’ve constantly faced is the unpredictability of film production. There are often unexpected obstacles and issues that arise, such as cast and crew dropping out last minute or location owners changing their minds. This requires me to be able to quickly process information and make decisions under pressure.

But despite these struggles, I’ve learned to see them as opportunities to problem-solve and come up with creative solutions. I believe that my ability to work well under pressure and my enjoyment of problem-solving have helped me to become a better producer. It’s not always easy, but the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles and bringing a project to completion is worth it. I think it’s important to remember that challenges are a natural part of any creative process and it’s how we handle them that ultimately defines our success.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an independent producer based in Los Angeles, I have established a diverse body of work, including narrative films, documentaries, commercials, and music videos. I have had the opportunity to work with clients such as 88rising, a record label with a massive following on Youtube, and Garena Free Fire, one of the most downloaded mobile games worldwide.

My short films have also been recognized by prestigious festivals including Palm Springs Shortfest, Nowness Short Awards, and the Student Academy Awards. The subjects of my narrative projects are varied, from repressed queer youth to families in a small Honduran village, from demon-facing Salvadoran teenagers to a lost Cantonese astronaut. But they all share one thing in common, they are all about voices that are not often heard in our society. I am passionate about using my multicultural background and experience to tell stories of underrepresented voices, bringing their unique perspectives to the world and giving them a platform to be heard.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I understand that taking risks can be daunting, but it is through taking risks that we can discover new and exciting opportunities for growth, both personally and creatively.

One of the major risks I’ve taken personally was leaving a stable job in finance to pursue a career in filmmaking. It was a difficult decision because it meant leaving behind a stable income and a clear career path. However, I knew that filmmaking was my true passion and that the only way to fully pursue it was by taking the leap.

Creatively, I view risk-taking as an essential part of the creative process. I believe that in order to push boundaries and create meaningful and impactful work, one must be willing to take risks and embrace uncertainty.

Contact Info:

• Website: philipge.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalashinikov/