Today we’d like to introduce you to Klaire Zhang.
Hi Klaire, 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 seem to always end up somewhere different from where I aim to be. I was always good at maths and sciences, interested in numbers and the human condition. So, naturally, I ended up in a music school. I sped my way through finishing a double major in three years when my interest in music dimmed under the pressure of becoming popular and making a career out of music. As I was signing myself up for more schooling for a career in psychological research, I learned that my skills are applicable to audio post-production. I did one project and it just clicked. Socializing in the film circle somehow comes a lot more naturally to me, exerting creativity feels less draining, and I feel a lot more fulfilled after each project. First on top of my last semester in college, then a full-time job, I worked on 11 films in the one year after I started working on my first film, and I am currently doing foley for the first feature film I got.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Let’s say that the road has been quite smooth, but very windy. From a young age, I was taught and encouraged to put my best effort into everything I do. I took it wholeheartedly, and have been an overachiever ever since. By the time I had to choose a few subjects to specialize in at high school, I had completely no idea what I actually enjoyed – I could get very good grades in most subjects, but all of them felt like a drag after a while, which led to a really bad burnout. I didn’t know back then, but I was in the middle of an identity crisis – I had no idea who I was, what I liked, what I was actually good at, and what I cared about. I had to make a choice between the colleges where I was accepted to, (which was slim pickings after my grades dropped pretty disastrously,) and my decision led me to the path of music, to my then to audio post-production. I’m currently in the midst of figuring out how to stay in the US to see through the potential with my current career. Anyone who’s been through the US visa process would know it’s not easy. It saddens me to think that there’s a good chance that I won’t be able to stay in LA next year, but I need to keep reminding myself that all the rough patches that were out of my control eventually led me down paths to where I truly believe I’m supposed to be. When I look back in a few decades, I know the struggles will all have been for the best.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I spend a lot of my free time working on all kinds of audio post production projects for independent films. I do everything from sound editing, to dialogue editing, to mixing, and delivering audio to spec for festival submissions. Being a competitive and at times restless person, I find that a lot of the filmmakers I work with have the patience and zen I admire. I love being able to contribute to films that have the much needed kindness, love, and powerful messages, in my own way. On top of the freelance work I do for independent filmmakers, I currently work full-time at Pixelogic Media doing audio post production for TV shows and films. One of the most exciting things about this job is that I get to work on titles before they come out, and it is thrilling to keep harmless secrets like this. It can sometimes be frustrating to work under an NDA though, since I love sharing and telling others about healing, wholesome, and truthful content. On the other hand, working in localization is all about making content available to a wider audience, including visually impaired individuals. Being a part of something good; along with the extraordinary team I get to work with at Pixelogic; the work I get to do also fits so well with my meticulous, curious, and excitable personality; I really hope I get to make this job into a career.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
It’s not all about the situation you’re in, it’s more your perception of it. My feelings flip-flop at least every week when it comes to the uncertainty of my visa situation. At times, I really have the abundance mentality: I am a hard worker and a fast learner, I can bring my skills anywhere; I have the privilege to go back to school for audio or even psychology; I can go back to Singapore and still be able to do the freelance work that I am currently doing… But on other days, the uncertainty stresses me out so much that I can’t think about it without tearing up. The most ideal situation that you wish for on a good day could be your nightmare on a bad day. This is why I speak about mental health and therapy so much – sometimes being aware of your perception and mood, as well as the bigger picture, really makes a difference.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.klairezsound.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jhklairez/
Image Credits:
Cole Nelson Kate Vaungh Katie Kim
