Today we’d like to introduce you to Zitian Zhang.
Hi Zitian, 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?
During my early childhood, I developed a strong fascination with fairy tales and ancient myths. As a visually-oriented individual, I naturally transferred the stories I read into vivid mental images and illustrations on paper. Eventually, my passion for the arts led me to discover the world of film—a captivating blend of visual elements and literature—which soon became my life-long career pursuit.
Upon entering the Communication University of China, I chose to major in film, theatre, and TV directing. As I delved deeper into the filmmaking realm and gained more practical experience, I began to question aspects like production efficiency and the essence of filmmaking. As an undergraduate directing student, I often had to take on various roles, such as producing, cinematography, production design, and editing, in order to keep production costs at a minimum. Although this approach allowed me to learn multiple software tools and gain hands-on experience in different departments, I couldn’t help but feel that my short films could have been even better if we had run the production process more efficiently.
My perspective on the industry expanded further through internships at Tencent Pictures and Haohan Media (a subsidiary of Huayi Brothers Media Corporation), where I specifically focused on TV development and production. These experiences broadened my insights and piqued my interest in producing. Consequently, this curiosity sparked my decision to embark on a journey to the United States to hone my abilities in the more established industrial Hollywood. And here I am, a graduating producing fellow at AFI Conservatory.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I should say that every step is not easy. It seems like I’m always choosing a more challenging path that widens my horizons, stepping out of my comfort zone, and temporarily leaving behind what I’ve already gained. When I was determined to give up my job in China, I asked my friends and elders around me, and they didn’t see going abroad as a wise or safe choice, especially during the pandemic. However, I deeply knew that if I chose to stay in my home country, after a few years of being stuck in the meeting room, I would regret my hesitation. So, I still made the decision to go abroad, even if it meant giving up the network I had built in China.
Even though I had prepared my English skills beforehand, hoping for a smooth transition to an English-speaking environment, and even learned a lot of film terminology, it just wasn’t enough. I was embarrassed the first time I had to figure out what some tiny G&E stuff was called in English but I pretended that I knew it. That was the first time I produced my cycle film at AFI.
Another challenge came from my background as a director. I was constantly torn between the mindset of a producer and a director, sometimes struggling to define my own role. How much involvement is appropriate for a producer in the development process? How should a producer provide notes on set? These were all questions I sought to answer through repeated practice.
However, after these two intense years of training at AFI, I realized how far I’ve come and how much I’ve matured. As a producer, not only have I learned how to excel in my role, but I also achieved what I set out to explore when I decided to study abroad: how to run a production efficiently and foster cooperation among its crew. Whatever the future holds, whether as a producer or a filmmaker, I believe I will tread the path more confidently.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Currently, I’m working as a producer based in LA. However, I see myself more as a well-rounded filmmaker because I also take on screenwriting, directing, and assistant-directing roles. Apart from my time on set, I’ve been interning in development and sales & acquisition, continuously enhancing my skills in various areas for the past two years. During my internship, I’ve read numerous Sci-Fi novels which inspired me a lot in screenplay creation.
I believe my key strength lies in finding a perfect balance between creativity and productivity. With my background as both a former director and now a producer, I make a conscious effort to blend my rational and emotional sides. I rely on my emotional sensibility to effectively communicate and understand artistic creations, while my rational thinking comes into play when assessing the practicality and successful execution of projects.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Seemingly, I had been going through significant changes all along. When I was young, I was an outgoing and highly competitive tomboy who even rocked a shaved head for a few years. However, as I entered middle school, I realized that my personality wasn’t well-received, and gradually, I transformed into a reserved, sensitive, and quiet person, just wanting to achieve good grades and leave school as soon as possible. But suppressing my true self was painful. I couldn’t suppress my love for the arts; I still participated in many school activities like drama competitions, singing contests, anime cosplay, etc. At the same time, I took the opportunity to express my views on the world by writing essays. The affirmation I received from my Chinese teacher regarding my literary skills strengthened my belief in being a person who is meant to create things and voice opinions. I’m extremely grateful for having encountered many wonderful teachers who appreciated and protected my personality.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @zzt0122
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zitian-zhang-750b4925a/
Image Credits
Wuliang “Steven” Zhang, Young Lee, Rita Xiao, Fan Zhang
