Today we’d like to introduce you to Qiqi Deng.
Hi Qiqi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in the small town of Jingzhou, Hubei, China. Back then, my world pretty much revolved around my hometown. But when I was around 11, I watched an awesome sci-fi movie called Moon, and it totally blew my mind. The story was mind-blowing, and it had all these unexpected twists. It ignited my passion for movies. That’s when my love for movies was born, and it completely changed my world.
So, I went off to Arizona State University, and during my first year, I saw the movie Whiplash, and it shocked me. The editing in that film was unlike anything I’d seen before. The way they synchronized the visuals with the beats of the music to create that intense visual impact was just mind-blowing. Inspired by that, I dived headfirst into editing. The real joy for me was in crafting different combinations of clips, which essentially controlled the pacing of the film and the direction of the story. It dawned on me that editors play a pretty special role in the filmmaking process. So, I started working on a few short films, and I felt like a magician – turning stories into reality. From that point on, I knew I wanted to be a film editor.
After graduating from college, I embarked on a nine-month journey working as a production assistant and video editor for various media companies. My role varied from editor to DIT to sound editor on multiple short and video projects. Through these experiences, I acquired valuable technical skills and developed a keen understanding of the significance of collaboration and communication in filmmaking. It became evident that there was a substantial gap in my knowledge, particularly within the realm of editing. This realization fueled my desire to pursue a deeper understanding of editing.
That’s when I decided I had to be in the heart of the film world, so I headed to Los Angeles and ended up at the American Film Institute Conservatory to study editing in-depth, knowing it was a big step forward in my filmmaking journey.
During my time at AFI, I delved deeper into how to tell stories by editing. I explored some thought-provoking topics like the connection between humans and nature, the status of females in society, and the importance of multiculturalism in society. I found myself drawn to non-mainstream and non-traditional stories that might not be paid attention but are incredibly meaningful and profound. For me, it’s all about connecting with the audience and leaving them with something to think about.
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?
I grew up in a traditional Chinese family. My parents had some pretty old-school views, and they weren’t too keen on me going to the U.S. to study film. They were worried about the large amount of cost and thought the film industry was too unstable. It wasn’t just about money; it was also about their daughter heading off to a foreign land for a career they considered pretty unconventional. All of this experience really fueled my determination to explore the challenges that women face in society, like dealing with prejudices, stereotypes, and gender-based discrimination. Besides this, I also had to deal with some financial constraints. Being an aspiring filmmaker made me quickly realize that budgets can be a major headache. There were times when I had to compromise on my original creative ideas to make them fit within our limited resources. It was a constant juggling act, trying to stick to my creative vision while working with practical limitations.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m Qiqi “Kiki” Deng, a freelance Film Editor and Sound Designer based in Los Angeles, California. Currently, I’m pursuing my MFA in Editing at the American Film Institute Conservatory, honing my expertise in the field. My true passion lies in storytelling, and I’m dedicated to bringing fresh, unique perspectives to the screen.
My work is characterized by its intricate storytelling and bold creativity. I take pride in giving a voice to those who are often overlooked and presenting minority cultures in fresh, authentic ways. This is what I’m known for, and it’s what continues to drive my journey of film.
What I’m most proud of is my short film project “Twins.” It’s a film that I directed and edited three years ago, and it holds a special place in my heart. “Twins” delves into dark themes, including murder, mental health issues, and school bullying. It challenges the audience to think about the questions of identity and the choices we make when two souls coexist in one body. This project allowed me to explore the complexity of human nature, especially the capacity for both good and evil.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Through my film studies in the United States, I’ve learned a lesson about the significant differences between American culture and societal structures compared to those in China. As an editor, I’ve realized that my perspective and understanding deeply influence how a story is portrayed. In a multicultural nation like the U.S., especially in a diverse city like Los Angeles, the editing process demands heightened sensitivity to avoid misconceptions and to consider racial and cultural nuances.
My years of study in the U.S. have solidified my understanding of the complexities of mainstream American ideology and its occasional conflicts with minority perspectives. This realization has strengthened my commitment as a filmmaker from a minority background. It’s crucial to amplify the voices of marginalized communities in society, and this awareness will undeniably shape my future editing projects. I’m more determined than ever to ensure that marginalized people’s voices are heard and that their stories are told with authenticity and respect.
Contact Info:
- Website: qiqieditor.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/superdeng11?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/qiqi-deng-3434321a5
