Life & Work with Bingliang (Bing) Li

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bingliang (Bing) Li.

Hi Bingliang (Bing), please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My passion for film has its roots in my childhood. My parents used to take me to movies, theaters, and music concerts, which ignited my interest in the world of entertainment. But what really sparked my enthusiasm was talking about films, especially those within the Sci-Fi genre. It became a habit to watch a minimum of three films per week, and this deepened my love for films. The turning point in my decision to pursue filmmaking as a career was when my best friend and I created a short film during our high school days. To our delight, the film secured the second prize in a national competition. That amount of recognition was incredibly inspiring and motivated me to continue down this path.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Arts at Temple University in Philadelphia. The program equipped me with valuable knowledge and skills in the field, but I was eager to gain more practical experience. After a brief period of freelancing, I decided to take a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles. The City of Angels provided me with a wealth of opportunities and exposure to the film industry, which was exactly what I needed to advance my career.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Becoming a filmmaker is no easy journey. Beyond the challenges of dealing with visas and work restrictions, I’ve discovered that one of the most significant hurdles is effectively connecting with audiences that hail from a vastly different cultural background than my own. Reflecting on my childhood love of movies, I’ve always seen film as a means of entertainment. As a result, I approach my work with the intention of making it relatable rather than overly artsy. The goal is to express my ideas while ensuring that my audience grasps the message I aim to convey, which is of paramount importance.

I often encounter creative roadblocks when developing my scripts. In my most recent short film, the story revolved around an Asian family dealing with conflicts between a wife and her mother-in-law. Adapting this narrative required substantial alterations to ensure that the tension was palpable, regardless of the viewer’s cultural background. The feedback received so far has been positive, and I’m genuinely pleased with the outcome of this short film.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I consider myself a filmmaker specializing in Sci-Fi genres and documentaries. My primary wellspring of inspiration is drawn from the people in my life, as I find their stories to be the most authentic and deserving of a broader audience.

In addition to my film pursuits, I have a deep-seated passion for cooking. Last year, I invested my spare time attending a culinary school, and now I’m known for my culinary skills among friends and colleagues. I take immense pride in excelling in both filmmaking and the culinary arts. What’s fascinating is how cooking has enriched my understanding of filmmaking. They share fundamental basics – the necessity for your work to resonate with people. It’s a source of pride for me to potentially be the best cook among all the filmmakers I know.

Cooking, for me, serves as an extraordinary form of meditation. It may sound a bit unconventional, but when I’m in the kitchen, a sense of calm envelops me, creating a zone where I’m fully immersed in the act of cooking, with no worries about anything else. This provides me with a profound sense of relief. I believe this unique combination of filmmaking and culinary prowess truly sets me apart from the rest.

Any big plans?
Without a doubt, I’m committed to continuing my journey in filmmaking and producing more content for my audience, sharing those authentic stories that resonate with me as well as my audience. However, my life took a significant turn last year with my immersion in the world of culinary arts, opening up a whole new realm to explore. I’m planning to shift my focus toward topics centered around food and culture in the future.

Food possesses the remarkable ability to bring people together, transcending cultural boundaries, and this provides me with a distinct perspective to delve into the narratives behind various cuisines. I’m eager to explore the rich histories and cultural influences that have shaped the world of food.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tug76019.wixsite.com/bing
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bingliang_l/?hl=en
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/bingliang-li-57223b15a