Conversations with Zeming Sun

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zeming Sun

Hi Zeming, 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’m a independent filmmaker, 3d artist and illustrator, and currently developing my own nature-fantasy story series ‘Floraspira’. Like other artists, I have been passionate about painting and music since I was a child, immersed in this new world opened by audio and video, and enjoying presenting everything in my mind through ink and brush. I graduated from the College of Design and Innovation at Tongji University, where I honed my skills in painting, design, and 3D technology to enhance the artistic and visual impact of my work. Now, as I pursue a Master’s degree in Animation at USC, I continue to learn, refine my craft, and develop my stories and films.

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?
As a newcomer in the film industry, I have too few connections, few funds nor production experience, and have not systematically studied directorial thinking. Therefore, I have always been “one person and one team”, combining my abilities in art, technology and music to forge ahead on the road of independent animation creation.
Moreover, the slower-paced, stream-of-consciousness narratives I gravitate toward are not mainstream today. At the same time, AI remains highly controversial. While it has significantly aided my creative process, the increasing shift of capital towards AI-driven production is gradually reducing the support available for traditional artists like myself who rely on more hands-on, process-driven approaches.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have been developing an original story series called Floraspira, focused on nature and fantasy. Through the portrayal of primal energy, I aim to evoke a deep yearning for pure beauty in people. So far, I’ve created numerous illustrations and completed four short films in this series.

The first film, Song For A Fish, uses a flying fish as a symbol of faith, telling the story of a rebellious boy’s growth. This 2D short features simple character designs and vibrant, expressive backgrounds, streamlining the workflow and organically blending the art and narrative.

The second film, The Garden, my undergraduate thesis, tells the story of a nature girl whose creativity is stolen by AI. It was my first full 3D production, focusing on the dynamic growth of fantastical plants, and introducing ‘Foxowl,’ a floating hybrid creature reflecting the disorder created by AI.

At USC, inspired by my professor Kathy Smith and feedback from senior Shengwei Zhou, I created Bloodmoon, an experimental animation exploring the fragmented inner world of a person who has lost their partner. I combined hand-drawn, cutout, and 3D animation, while also composing the music with guitar to enhance the emotional resonance.

In the Production One project, I created the fourth Floraspira film, Sarra, a horror narrative about a wicked siren. This film emphasizes a dark, religious atmosphere, portraying nature’s dangers and allure.

And currently, I’m working on my thesis, Floraspira: Ash. I’ll dive into fear and love, exploring how they intertwine, shape our perceptions, and drive our actions in ways both beautiful and destructive.

While making these films, I’ve continually reflected on whether I am truly immersed in my own stories. Beyond considering the audience or avoiding clichés, maintaining sincerity and passion in my work is my top priority.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think the threshold for creating video content is getting lower and lower. The increasingly convenient and easy-to-use software, such as Blender and Unreal Engine, will allow more and more young artists to devote themselves to the creation of independent animation and subvert the traditional Hollywood blockbuster workflow. In the future, there will be many creative-led low-cost animations such as “Flow” in theatrical animation films. In addition, the rapid development of AI will have a great impact on independent animation, and it will penetrate more and more into this industry from text concepts to finished films.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://laosunmingo.wixsite.com/mysite
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridersun.keepdraw/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeming-sun-33773928a/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ridersun9557