Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruoyan Chen.
Hi Ruoyan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a filmmaker and media scholar currently living in New York. I am pursuing an MA degree in NYU’s Media, Culture, and Communication program. Born and raised in Beijing until 18 years old, I set off for my undergraduate study at Emerson College, Boston. I was in Media Studies major, minoring in Marketing Communications. I also spent a semester in the Netherlands, traveling around different European countries either with friends or alone, getting inspired by the diverse culture and the rich history.
Initially, I was unsure about what I wanted to do in the future, but I knew I loved watching TV with my grandma and parents while growing up or going to the movies with friends. In college, I explored different perspectives of media, including script writing, TV studio live production, film production, and even conducting academic research related to cultural communications through different forms of media. These various experiences have helped me to develop a deeper understanding of media and its role in shaping culture. It also provided me with practical skills in production and research.
My first internship was as a social media and community outreach intern at New FIlmmakers LA. I also worked at a local community TV channel, supervising live broadcasting. Then after I graduated from Emerson, I settled in LA and worked as a development assistant at a film development company, providing script coverage, participating in creative meetings and project pitches, and researching filmmakers and talents.
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?
During the pandemic, I faced a difficult situation when my job offer was canceled due to COVID-19 outbreak. As an international student, I had only three months of unemployment period before I had to leave the country. While sending out numerous resumes, I also prepared graduate school applications. Luckily, I found a job before the three months were up and received an offer from NYU, but I still remember the stress and anxiety I faced during that time.
I also find it hard for international students when it comes to advance their careers in the entertainment industry. It’s hard for people who are doing film production, but it’s even harder for people who are looking for an in-office job, such as in talent agencies or film development studios, because of the lack of work sponsorship provided — but I hope I can work it through, building connections and honing the skills I have.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Lived in Boston and Los Angeles, my work is influenced by the contrastive culture and space between the two countries. My academic works, The Ones We Left Behind: Comfort Women, The Disappeared Home – Documenting and Contesting the Torrent of Demolition in Beijing, and The Semiotic Portrayal of Hong Kong in Wong Kar Wai’s In The Mood for Love, analyze how different moments of Chinese history represented in films.
I also create hand-crafted short films and documentaries focusing on Asian storytelling. My mission is to create content and to find and amplify marginalized voices in her work. The documentary, Taste of Home, is my first video project, a record of the Chinese food truck businesses in Long Island City, where I currently reside and feel a strong sense of belonging and community. It’s a story about not only the lives of Chinese immigrants in Long Island City, which has been discussed quite often, but also their connections, interactions, and support to sojourners who temporarily live in the city.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I am currently exploring another career option as a UI/UX Designer, melding my research background from school and the creativity from my heart. While pursuing a career without prior experience can be challenging and risky, I am eager to embrace this opportunity because I am curious about and interested in the area. I never know what I can achieve if I do not try.
To achieve my goal, I am taking online classes and utilizing the resources from school. I am eager to immerse myself in the world of UI/UX design and apply my unique skill set to create innovative and user-friendly designs. I hope to discover new passions and potentials that I never knew existed.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ruoyanchenn
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruoyan-chen-8a1743137/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk9TgR1aBnM
