Today we’d like to introduce you to Fan Zhang.
Hi Fan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I actually bumped into the film industry quite unexpectedly. I come from Xiamen, a small island in southern China, where I spent more than ten years of my life. Our family home was nestled within an old residential neighborhood, and I always had a profound appreciation for the historical charm exuded by its architectural pieces. Perhaps it was during my middle school years when I first noticed an unusual glow, a cacophony of sound, and a gathering of people downstairs one day.
Curiosity got the best of me, I hurried downstairs to catch a glimpse, and it unfolded as a film crew engrossed in their shoot. As I observed, when the command “Action” was uttered, everyone fell into a hush, and the actors began their performance. When the distinct sound of “Cut” reverberated, it felt as though a stone had been dropped into water, sending ripples of activity through the crew once more. It was nearly magical to witness such smooth teamwork, where everyone synchronized so well, almost holding their collective breath.
It was later that I learned they were working on a movie—a coming-of-age drama named “Carnival”—directed by a Chinese female filmmaker. The thrill of seeing our building as a backdrop on the big screen was exhilarating. This was when my fascination with filmmaking took root. My initial affinity for films was sparked by the intrigue of collaboration and the hidden challenges behind the scenes. In Mandarin, we often describe this as the interplay of “wind and waves” (风浪), a metaphor that resonates with the two types of scenery I often witnessed in my hometown.
Over the subsequent years,I’ve shifted from merely considering watching movies as a pastime to becoming a passionate cinephile. My journey took me deep into the world of filmmaking, where I immersed myself in countless books and online resources to explore its intricate facets, from its various divisions to the intricate processes involved. Consequently, when I entered university, I wholeheartedly pursued a major in film production and chose to enroll in an Art School that boasted not only an exceptional film program but also elite fine arts and music programs in China. This decision significantly broadened my horizons, transcending any boundaries I had previously encountered, and enabling me to draw inspiration and vitality from an array of artistic avenues that extended well beyond the confines of film sets.
During my past filmmaking life, my primary focus was on gaining hands-on experience as a line producer within film crews. This role equipped me with the invaluable ability to navigate through a diverse range of projects, spanning from short films and commercials to full-length feature productions. However, as time went by, I found myself yearning for a return to the world of creativity. The process of taking an idea and turning it into something real started to captivate me, and I realized that my true strengths lay in the realm of creativity. I wanted to push my own limits and become a producer known for my creative abilities. As luck would have it, I got accepted into the American Film Institute for further studies, and that was a major turning point in my journey. So here I am, still deeply passionate about riding the “wind and waves” of creativity.
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 feel that valuable things are never easy to come by. Right now marks exactly a year since I traveled from a small city to a big state. It’s the first time English became my everyday language, and it’s the first time the word “Hollywood,” which I used to encounter only in books, now vividly unfolds in front of me.
At the beginning, I was fearful. I disappointed myself due to language and communication barriers. Every night, I would find myself at home in tears, questioning the decisions I had made. I believe that one of the most challenging aspects of producing is dealing with people and communication. Looking back, I see myself as incredibly courageous for taking this step. Overcoming the obstacles of language, I confidently engaged in socials, I’ve made numerous friends, and I can confidently express my thoughts and pitch my stories.
In the course of the past five years as a producer, I’ve also learned how to balance work and life, conquer anxiety, and adapt to various collaboration styles while working with different teams. I believe making oneself more open-minded is difficult but extremely important.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I believe I’ve just completed a baby step in my lifelong journey as a storyteller in the realm of filmmaking. Looking back at my professional journey, I’ve had the privilege of participating in and producing a number of award-winning short films and features. What excites me the most about these endeavors is that they each possess their own distinct concepts and cultural backgrounds.
I’m really fond of a concept from anthropology known as “Thrice-born.” It’s quite interesting. The first birth is when we’re born into a specific culture and historical moment. It shapes the way we naturally view and interpret the world around us. The second birth happens when we leave our familiar homeland and venture into a foreign land. It’s during this time that we find everything we took for granted being shattered. New languages, customs, and cultural logic take shape, and it’s almost like we’re adopted into this new persona. The third birth occurs when we look back at our place of birth, but this time through the lens and language of this newfound perspective. It’s fascinating how we realize that the place that was once so familiar, so ordinary, holds so much peculiar and unique essence.
Lead by this concept, I find myself consistently retracing my own footsteps, revisiting the path of my personal growth. It has become a wellspring from which my creativity flows. To me, filmmaking is about forging connections with audiences and telling universal stories that transcend cultural boundaries worldwide. I’m obsessed with “little things”— I’m genuinely captivated by the small intricacies of life; those little things are possessing their own voices, exerting their undeniable influence over me. This, perhaps, is the genesis of what we term as “uniqueness.”
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Actually, many people along this journey deserve gratitude. First and foremost, I’d like to thank my family for their unwavering support and trust in my decision to venture into a new industry that none of our family members had ever explored. My dad instilled in me a sharp mind, while my mom gifted me with a courageous spirit. And of course, every filmmaker I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with has contributed significantly to my growth. Each person has taught me invaluable lessons, much like a movie worth savoring. Particularly, the filmmakers from my hometown hold a special place. We’ve made a pact to create Minnan-language films that reflect our hometown’s essence. This endeavor provides a gateway for me to understand both myself and the cultural heritage of my homeland. I genuinely hope we can fulfill this together.
During my time at AFI, I’ve encountered numerous mentors and supporters. A special shoutout to my favorite teacher, Amedeo D’Adamo. Throughout my uncertain first year, he continuously encouraged me to write and guided me to produce works that I truly adore. His teaching approaches and unwavering support are very important in my life to this day. Also, my Director from the first film I produced in AFI and my first friend in the U.S., Kira Powell. She has witnessed my growth over the years and patiently listened and supported me even when my English wasn’t quite up to par. We’ve become inseparable friends, and our collaboration remains an unforgettable experience. Then there’s my mentor, Wuliang Zhang. He’s one of the bravest producers I know, and I can say I wouldn’t have navigated AFI without his mentorship. I’ve gained so much courage from him.
Many good friends also deserve credit. For instance, Zora Zhang who frequently joins me and takes one entire day off, just watching movies at theaters—what we fondly call “movie marathons.” These moments offer rare relaxation from our intense work and school life. Then there’s Zerry Zhou, Xirui Lin, Yuxi Chen, and Yufei Lin, who have supported me from afar in China and accompanied me through significant milestones. Despite the time zone differences that make continuous communication challenging, every chat or call with them infuses me with renewed power.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/anninefanzhang?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fan-zhang-418405261/
Image Credits
Owen. C Jeffrey Ramos Ray Chang Skye Li Miley Luo Jiahui Feng
