Today we’d like to introduce you to Assia Shao
Hi Assia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Shao Qianhang is a highly acclaimed Chinese female director whose vibrant creativity knows no bounds. With an unwavering passion for storytelling through science fiction, fantasy, thriller, and mystery, she is on a mission to share her boundless imagination and deep insights about the world with her audience.
Her remarkable journey spans across various creative realms, including the realms of film, television, advertising, and even the enchanting world of theme parks. As an integral part of directing teams, she’s made significant contributions to several large-scale film and television productions, such as “Shanghai Fortress” and “Blossoms” directed by Won Kar-wai. Beyond these shores, she’s ventured into exciting territories with the innovative Bezark company, contributing to projects like Beijing Universal Studios and Zhuhai Chimelong theme parks
Shao Qianhang embarked on her cinematic odyssey as an undergraduate at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where she honed her skills in film and television directing. Graduating with flying colors, she pursued her dream in the United States, earning a Master of Fine Arts degree in Film from the prestigious University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts in 2016.
At USC, Assia equipped herself with various perspectives, diving into directing, producing, cinematography, sound, editing, and much more. This comprehensive training and experience transformed her into a more mature filmmaker, ready to take on the world of cinema.
In 2023, Assia finished her new short film, “Filter,” currently making waves in the film festival circuit. It has received accolades at various renowned festivals. (detail in Narrative)
In the most recent chapter of her creative journey, Assia is working on Vertical films as a director and producer. As audience viewing habits change and new entertainment needs arise, films must adapt to new chapters, creating works on new platforms and in new fields. So far, Assia finds it quite challenging and interesting.
At the same time, Assia starts to work as an educator, passing her film production knowledge to the younger generation.
Outside of her creative pursuits, Shao Qianhang finds joy in the simple pleasures of life—savoring delicious cuisine, basking in the warm glow of sunshine, exploring the depths of the ocean through scuba diving and freediving, expressing herself through painting, and creating beauty through the art of Chinese calligraphy.
Throughout her journey, she aspires to be a radiant beacon of happiness in the world of art and cinema, sharing her stories and inspiring audiences with her boundless creative spirit.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Well， in Cinematic talking， there are always conflicts and dilemmas. It’s not an easy path for sure, but all artists， creators, and entrepreneurs all face these challenges and issues. Thinking about it this way, all the pain and struggle have shaped who you are now. Everything you experience in life is part of the scenery. I try to enjoy the struggles instead of trap myself in it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I‘m a director, screenwriter and producer. I’m known for my work, Filter and Pearl. I think I have strong visual storytelling skills. I am good at building up suspense and establishing the atmosphere. I am sincere in what I want but I’m open-minded to all good ideas. Well, there is no bad idea, just different levels of thinking and different perspectives. I’m a happy person, a happy director, and a happy artist.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Risk is a double-edged sword. Moreover, the risk is relevant. What is a risk for me might not be the same for others. I am a free-diving athlete. Because of that， a lot of people think I am a risk-taker. But quite the opposite， I consider myself a safe player. Risk comes when you don’t know what the outcomes are or you don’t have information to support your decision. When you do your calculation， get enough information do your self-risk evaluation， and then make decisions， even if something looks risky， it’s not. But if you do something careless， then that‘s another story. But I have to admit， for me， the biggest risk is to choose to persuade as a film director. Even at this point， I don’t know what’s the outcome. But what I know is that even if the success rate （becoming a big-name director）is low， I have a good shot at being a paid director. And actually, I am now for vertical films and commercials. I am happy with what I am doing and will keep doing it. The journey itself is a great reward and I would be grateful, no matter whether I achieve my ultimate goal or not. See， I am playing safe here.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://happyassia.com
