Today we’d like to introduce you to Jingzhe Wang.
Hi Jingzhe, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Let’s begin my story from the year 1996. I was born and raised in a strictly disciplined Chinese military family. My family’s education philosophy and values focused mostly on science; they believed art is just a luxury of life. My childhood weekends were packed with all different school-related classes. The weekly family movie night was the only time I had that my soul and mind was allowed to travel. I never realized that my love for movies was rooted in my heart until I was astonished by the power of filmmaking in my freshman year of college. While attending Guangzhou University, I created my first documentary about a volunteer camp highlighting the struggles and segregation of those who suffered with Leprosy in remote areas. Leprosy-healed patients are a forgotten group of elders isolated in remote villages back to the 1970s due to how contagious the disease was. Although they have fully recovered, they have no family to return to, and their appearance still scares and triggers crowds. They are fundamentally stuck in their village and live like a family. That very immature and undeveloped documentary ended up blowing up on the internet and brought considerable awareness to the issue. The volunteer camp’s application number raised significantly, and the incoming resource helped them develop more programs in similar villages. This event made me determined to change my major to filmmaking.
I then earned a scholarship to go on an exchange program to Ball State University (IN, USA), and that allowed me an opportunity to change my major to Video Production. After I graduated from my undergraduate degree, I had an opportunity to make more documentaries and to continue to develop my skills. I was employed by an international production company as a bilingual producer. I had opportunities to travel around China with top-notch production teams to shed light on more world issues and finding solutions. We have worked on topics like alternative fuel, endanger animals’ protection, Chinese folk culture, and more. During those video productions, I had a chance to actually work with farmers, rangers, scientists, and artists. We might not come from the same background, but the pure joy they felt when introducing how their work makes this world a better place deeply resonated with me to this day. I am currently studying at Chapman University Dodge College, working on an MFA degree in Film and TV Producing. My goal is to continue producing empowering stories. I believe an intriguing character can break the barrier of language and culture and provide our audience a new perspective to look at our world.
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?
I feel fortunate in both my academic and professional career, I met hundreds of inspiring fellow artists and excellent teachers who have supported me throughout my journey. My biggest struggle would also be every producer’s struggle: balancing our sense of aesthetics and the project’s business value. As an artist, I want to show the most beautiful image, most intriguing characters, and even avant-garde storytelling technique. However, when the audience goes to the movie theater or turns on their tv, they might just want to seek a moment of relaxation. Movie producing is a process of developing a great story idea to a mature script, matching the story to the right talents and resources, then eventually making it to the big screen. Our quality control standard largely decides if this movie becomes a cliché 3-act story or an in-depth touching story, and their borderline is surprisingly thin. However, we can’t make a penny in the early stages. So sometimes financial pressure may affect my decision in development. It will further cause me to over-researching data to reinforce my creative position. At that moment, a discussion with partners or a good movie would support me to continue guarding my authenticity and marching forward.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love putting a movie together, and I’m good at it. Stepping into the narrative film production world from documentary production helps me look at two different fields with a fresh eye. Currently, I have a few narrative feature projects and a documentary feature project in development. I would love to introduce them after they are market-ready. I’m open to new scripts and story ideas. Feel free to shoot me an email if we share the same values. I would love to help with your story ideas.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
The international community and open-minded residents are my favorite things about this city. This welcoming environment also helped incubate thousands of artists, singers, and content creators to explore the calling art without getting negative judgment or criticisms. This culture also reinforced my value of being original.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vincent_jingzhe/
Image Credits:
Yongze Yu
