Today we’d like to introduce you to Hanyu Bao.
Hanyu, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
During 2017, I made my way to Los Angeles to chase my filmmaking dreams, enrolling at the Art Center College of Design. Just like many of my fellow freshmen, I initially had my sights set on becoming a director, and so I chose the directing track. My mind was a constant whirlwind of story ideas, and I eagerly directed several short films during my undergraduate years. However, not all of them met the standards for the big screen. To be honest, when I first ventured into the world of filmmaking, some of my early work was far from remarkable, and I often felt apprehensive about attending classes. It took me several years to truly identify my passions and pinpoint my future career goals.
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered my path. I became involved in various commercial and short film projects, working as an editor and an assistant director. While I managed these roles reasonably well, they failed to ignite my passion. Nevertheless, they provided valuable insights into filmmaking and prompted me to reflect on my post-graduation aspirations. As the pandemic intensified, opportunities for internships and work grew scarcer, and I gradually lost my enthusiasm. During that year, my primary goal became completing my education and deciding my future at a later date.
A turning point arrived in 2021 when I definitively chose to become a producer. As a student filmmaker, I had unknowingly been involved in producing my own projects, but it wasn’t until I began assisting with student projects as a production coordinator that I recognized my talent for managing, budgeting, and organizing. This revitalized my passion, leading me to actively seek opportunities in the field of producing.
Opportunities have a knack for appearing when you least expect them. I crossed paths with a director whose work I greatly admired, and we had a successful collaborative experience. One day, he approached me and asked, “Hey Kaylee, I’m planning to create an indie feature film. Would you like to join me in producing it?” I immediately accepted the invitation after reading the script. This experience was transformative and solidified my determination to pursue a career as a producer.
Now, I’ve grown quite confident in my abilities in physical production. However, there are times when new story ideas take root in my mind, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of regret that I’ve veered away from the creative side. This is precisely why I decided to return to school and focus on producing as my major. Since the year I returned to school, I’ve begun to work more as a creative producer in various commercials. I still firmly believe that I’m inherently drawn to the visual aspect of storytelling, and my passion for creating narratives remains undiminished.
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?
Of course, there are thousands of struggles in front of me every day. Firstly, it took my entire undergraduate to finally pinpoint the area I was genuinely passionate about and hoped to pursue as a long-term career.
Secondly, filmmaking is a realm where unpredictability reigns. Plans can change due to adverse weather, unforeseen illnesses like COVID necessitating production shutdowns, or the sudden loss of a filming location just days before shooting begins. These were the trials I faced as a newcomer to the industry. At that time, I was not only worried about how to address these issues, but I also found myself anxiously shedding tears every night when these accidents occurred. Yet, I firmly believe that these struggles have played an instrumental role in shaping the person I am today. I have learned to prepare multiple backup plans, always having options A, B, and C at the ready. I continually motivate myself by reaffirming that nothing is impossible. When challenges arise, I now face them head-on and work tirelessly to find viable solutions.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an independent producer and am currently pursuing my MFA in Film Producing at Chapman University. I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, including short films, commercials, and an independent feature. Some of my producing work has been recognized at esteemed festivals like the Independent Shorts Awards and The Rhode Island International Film Festival.
One of my most significant accomplishments is my involvement as one of the producers of an indie feature, This is Water. We recently completed the final round of filming this summer, and the film is now in the last stages of post-production. This feature holds a special place in my heart as it represents my first venture into the world of feature films. The journey has been challenging, with hurdles like extreme weather, the ongoing challenges of Covid, and demanding overnight shoots in nasty locations.
What I’m most proud of is how our entire team became a close-knit family. Despite the obstacles we faced, we remained committed to the project. It’s been a collaborative effort, with everyone giving their all to ensure the film’s completion. We received location sponsorship from ArtCenter and received a great deal of support from our friends. It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m excited to see where it takes us.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love LA because it’s always full of fun places to visit. In the summer, I adore the beach and I always hope to surf at Santa Monica, but I just never seem to get the chance. In the winter, I enjoy snowboarding, so I often head to Big Bear or Mammoth with my friends. I find LA to be an adventurous city, especially if you have an affinity for nature. Additionally, I love the Griffith Observatory. Whenever I feel tired or simply want to escape from the demands of daily life, I visit the observatory to take in the nighttime views of LA. It’s tranquil and cool at night, and I love it.
The least about the city might be the safety problem. I often feel uneasy when walking in LA alone, so I end up driving even for short trips, such as going to the grocery store just across the street. Another thing I dislike is the traffic. Sometimes, driving can be incredibly tiring and frustrating, especially when the filming location is far from me and I have to commute during rush hours. Consequently, if one day, LA were to become free of traffic and safety concerns, the city would become even more appealing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hanyufilm.me
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kaylee.hanyufilm?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
