Daily Inspiration: Meet Chen Wang

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chen Wang.

Hi Chen, 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 was born and raised in Wuhan and have been studying art since I was four. At the age of 17, I studied writing Chinese traditional opera (Peking Opera) in the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Art in Beijing. I first became a play producer when I was a Junior Student. My roommates and I planned a Play called “Dislocated”. It was shown on the NO.9 Chaoyang Theatre and all the tickets are sold out.

After graduation, I went to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in dramatic writing. Two years later, I chose film as my second major and became a film producer. I’ve had the chance to work on several projects, but am always looking for new opportunities to expand my horizons and develop my skillset.

Before I came to La, I first worked as a remote production intern/PA in a feature film called “Something is More than One thing” whose executive producers are Russell Brothers. At the same time, I also worked as development intern in Yingtai Media Entertainment. Then, I got a chance to work as a production coordinator in a feature film. I also worked as a 1st AD in some web-series, short films and reality shows. I also worked as crafty in an Emmy Daytime Nominee TV series.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
1. As a non-native speaker, it’s not easy to get a dramatic writing degree here. I have to think and write in English.

2. As a freelancer, I have to keep finding jobs to make a living. Everyday when I wake up, the first thing I have to do is checking Facebook pages and some websites that have working opportunities.

3. Sometimes, I can feel that it’s even hard for a foreigner female filmmaker to find a job in this industry. When people don’t appreciate my work, I will also feel uncomfortable.

4. I worked in a project that didn’t pay me 45 days after finishing the shooting and they even ignore my email about payment and reimbursement questions. Only after I mentioned I would submit a claim to LA Labour, they replied me. It was a show got nominated by Emmys Daytime.

5. As a producer, I have to be a problem solver. Communication and finding Plan B are the must.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a responsible filmmaker, I’m not afraid of solving any problem. I produced a ten-day shooting project which had over 50 cast and crew members. Because of the weather, we were delayed the first weekend of shooting. Fortunately, I had a plan B. I talked to the talents and the location owner to adjust the shooting schedule. Finally, we finished the filming in time without additional cost on location. During pre-production, I did a lot of research on safety rules and how to film these scenes professionally and legally. I got permission from the local film office and police office. I also got the right to use the trademark of Mercedes-Benz. I have worked as a producer for three years, working with talent include SAG actors and doing scheduling and budgeting.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I always believe people cannot always be lucky or unlucky. So, when I experience something unlucky, I will always think that my good luck will come. And maybe I can get something after I lose something. I’m lucky enough to meet my friends in film industry. Making film is not a thing that can be done by myself. I have to collaborate with others. And during that time, I meet some people that I can work with. For instance, my boyfriend. He’s a Dp and I first met him on set. We worked together in many projects.

Contact Info:

• Email: chwang327@gmail.com
• Website: https://chwang327.wixsite.com/website
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chen.w_/
• Other: https://www.mandy.com/us/crew/chenwang

Image Credits:
Eric Luo