Life & Work with Tianze “Edward” Sun

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tianze “Edward” Sun.

Hi Tianze “Edward”, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always been passionate about film-making since I was nine years old, and wish to write and direct movies that inspire audiences to examine the society we live in, encourage individuals to pursue their passion, and embrace new cultures with different formats in the media industry. In 2012, during a social event for handicapped children and members of the Charitable Association of Linyi (CAL), which I established after CCTV launched a program for caring for people with disabilities, where I met a young girl. She was albino and blind and upon some interaction, I learned that she is a fan of music and ‘watching’ movies. It was quite confusing for a visually challenged individual to love watching movies. She later explained that while watching movies, the teachers accompany them and let them know what is playing on the screen. Her imagination is what makes her understand the plot, coupled with the music and dialogue. I started thinking about how broad the film audiences could be and how many audiences my films could possibly influence.

To better prepare for my filmmaking journey, I selected screenwriting as my major while studying at Loyola Marymount University. Besides the script structure and some ideas related to creativity, beats, and treatment, I really enjoyed writing stories that can help the production students direct. Although the screenwriters were not allowed to register for production courses, I had the opportunity to participate in LMU student film productions every month, benefiting greatly by working on set during my four years of study. Those experiences enabled me to familiarize myself with different filming positions, including Production Designer, Assistant Director, Boom Operator, Sound Mixer, Script Supervisor, and PA.

Then I went to America Film Institute and got my master’s degree in editing because I believe editing is the best way of telling stories. With my knowledge of screenwriting, I knew how to write a story, and now I learned how to tell the story. During my two years of study at AFI, I edited more than a dozen of short films, documentaries, commercials, and music videos. Some of the short films I have edited went to major film festivals in the states and abroad. Such as New Port Beach Film Fest, Tallgrass Film Fest, International Puerto Rican Film Festival and etc. Winning Highland Park, Broad Humor, DTLA, Rhode Island Film Festival and etc. The thesis films I did are competing in Sundance, Tribeca, SXSW, Slamdance, and other major film festivals around the world in 2023. As an editor, I just got nominated for the 2023 American Cinema Editor (ACE) Eddie Awards, in the category of Anne V. Coates Award, which the winner will be announced on the 5th of March.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road was a little smoother than everyone else in my opinion. I always consider myself a lucky person. Kept my head down and work. Just let the rest be taken care of itself. I have never questioned the road of filmmaking and I am pleased with where I am standing right now.

I would say the road will be rougher ahead of me, and I need to be prepared for what’s coming than thinking back on what the difficulties were. In the end, those are just stepping stones whether good or bad.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do editing most of my time, but I write and direct sometimes to learn the stuff I am not so familiar with, at the same time honing my skills.

I think I specialize in communication, which is an important factor in this business. Especially for being an editor. I have a lot of things I am proud of. I believe I am lucky lol, and I have a lot of people who are supporting me without questions. I feel blessed and proud at the same time.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
All the professors at AFI really helped me a lot. I can pull a long list of names but I am worried that I might miss a few. So I just want to thank them collectively. My mentor outside of school Shelly Westerman also played a big part in my recent editing journey. She got nominated for ACE Eddie Award. I want to congratulate her as well. She would help me anytime anywhere, looking through my work and giving very specific notes, also bringing me a lot of confidence in the meantime.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://suntianze.wixsite.com/website