Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruei-Ci Jhou.
Hi Ruei-Ci, 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 believe cinematography is the perfect fusion of art and engineering. The meeting point of art and me, like many other children, began with painting. I vividly remember sneaking into my older brother’s painting class after school, pretending to be one of the students.
Surprisingly, I never imagined cinematography would become my career path. I was not a fan of engineering, math, or physics. Yet, cinematography emerged as the blend of art and engineering.
My perspective shifted when I interned at a film studio. I became captivated by the collaborative efforts of the team—camera experts, lighting technicians, and production designers—all possessing multifaceted skills. They understood beauty and knew how to wield tools like drills and flatheads to create visually stunning images.
Their conversations didn’t revolve around equations, even though lighting, lenses, and many techniques were rooted in physics. Films are the medium through which they express themselves. The beauty, emotion, and meaning come through when you experience the pictures, transcending the underlying physics and engineering.
That moment sparked my desire to study cinematography.
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?
If you love and want to chase something, there is no road that is smooth, especially when you recognize it as a part of life.
Have you ever experienced the initial joy of sharing your paintings with friends and those around you? However, as time goes on and you meet children who can paint ten times better than you, doubts start to creep in. Confidence wanes, and you begin to question why you ever thought you were talented. Gradually, you find yourself hiding your works, avoiding conversations or reactions to your art. The desire for acknowledgment clashes with a stronger sense of embarrassment, making it challenging to let your artistic soul shine.
At the start of my career in LA, I hesitated to share my work, doubting my abilities in the cinematic city. Comments made me question if I was cut out to be a cinematographer.
Many say it’s just part of the journey and to take it easy, but it’s not that simple. If you care deeply about your craft, it becomes a part of your life, and you may never feel quite good enough. However, you can remind yourself that you are special. Your perspective is unique. You’re not perfect, but your willingness to learn sets you apart. Sharing your work can make you nervous because you value feedback, yet in your vulnerability, don’t forget that you are unique. Even if others do incredible work, only you can do “THIS.”
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a cinematographer based in LA, I often ponder what sets me apart in a city teeming with talent. While my title places me behind the camera, not special than others, I believe my uniqueness stems from my background in animation and design during college. This fusion of disciplines allows me to bring fresh ideas to cinematography, seamlessly blending it with design or animation.
A recent project I’m particularly proud of is the music video for Andras Jones’s “Olympia’s Secret.” In this video, I combined cinematography with 90s zine-style animation, resulting in a dynamic and engaging piece. Despite the challenges I faced, such as headaches during production, the final product fills me with immense pride.
During the shoot, my mind buzzed with animated sequences seamlessly intertwining with live footage. My college major equipped me with a unique skill set that I incorporate into my cinematography, distinguishing my work from others in the field.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
Honestly, I have a deep fear of “luck.” Coming from Taiwan, where the concept of luck is deeply ingrained in our culture, I’ve always believed in its delicate balance. If you have a stroke of luck today, it’s often followed by challenges or misfortune later on. While this might not be universally true, it’s a belief I’ve held onto.
Because of this belief, I’ve been reluctant to attribute my successes to luck. Instead, I firmly believe that my achievements stem from my hard work and unique skills.
In the past, I used to attribute my successes to luck, fearing that if my luck ran out, I would fail. This mindset trapped me in a cycle of anxiety, fearing mishaps during productions or failing to meet expectations. Once, I had a project with Simu Liu, the Marvel movie star. Many people told me I was so lucky. However, since then, I haven’t been sleeping well. I felt like I got the project not because of my ability but because of luck. If luck ran out on the shooting day, the production team would dislike me immensely. You see, whether it’s good or bad luck, it doesn’t make me feel good.
Now, I’ve shifted my perspective. I remind myself that my successes are not the result of luck but of my own abilities and efforts. It’s my talent and dedication that have brought me projects and opportunities, allowing me to connect with other talented filmmakers. It’s about “ME” rather than “LUCK.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cineloverj.myportfolio.com/reel-1
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruei-ci-jhou-015299274/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/819317083
Image Credits
Ruei-Ci Jhou
Harry Chen
