Daily Inspiration: Meet (Piki) Ping Zhou

Today we’d like to introduce you to (Piki) Ping Zhou.

Hi (Piki) Ping , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Producer Ping (Piki) Zhou, who grew up in Beijing, describes my journey of growth as a tapestry woven with family and art. Raised in a city that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, I was deeply influenced by the artistic ambiance at home, where a profound love for art permeated every corner. This unique familial atmosphere laid a solid foundation for my future path in filmmaking.

During my university years, I chose to major in media. Displaying a strong interest in film production, I’m not only dedicated myself to acquiring professional knowledge but also actively participated in various creative endeavors. Upon graduation, fueled by dreams, I made the resolute decision to pursue a master’s degree in film production at the New York Film Academy, aiming to systematically delve into the essence of filmmaking.

As a freelancer post-graduation, I embarked on a remarkable career, filming multiple short films and garnering accolades from various film festivals. Subsequently, I joined a film production company, entering a new phase in my professional journey. Over the past six years, I actively engaged in shooting projects for renowned brands such as Elle, Dior, Armani, Tom Ford, and FILA and collaborated extensively with numerous artists. My achievements extended beyond the commercial advertising domain, reflecting his profound impact in the industry.

This growth story is akin to a captivating film filled with challenges, efforts, and dreams. Through unwavering passion and continuous pursuit of my love for film, I was gradually emerged as a prominent producer, gaining recognition within the industry. The future holds the promise of witnessing me create even more spectacular works in the field of filmmaking.

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?
Every shoot may encounter unforeseen circumstances, and as a producer, it’s crucial to stay calm and promptly address issues. In some projects, the budget is always a central topic of discussion, requiring us to meet client requirements while ensuring the smooth completion of the shoot. Most of my clients are in China, so I also need to overcome the challenge of time zone differences. During the day, I coordinate with the team and oversee various aspects of the shoot, while at night, I communicate with my clients. Indeed, each project is full of challenges, but when we see the final footage, everything feels worthwhile.

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?
Elle X Armani X Jackson Wang

Pop mart X Clot X Edison Chen

FILA Golf X Lily He

Music video-Lil ghost – “Last Day”&”Good Life”

Elle X Dior X Yuanyuan Tan

Little Red Book X Eileen Gu Winter Olympics TVC

Elle X Tom Ford X Junning Zhang & Meiqi Meng

Music video-FACEVÔID – BE WITH YOU Ft. Gingerbread

2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Interview – NetEase
Producer & Dop & Editor
Interviewing over ten top supermodels, shooting and producing behind-the-scenes (BTS) videos. Concurrently conducting an interview in collaboration with Chinese artist Ouyang Nana.

Romago – Double racer II TVC & Photoshoot
“Romago Double Racer II TVC & Photoshoot”, A wristwatch brand from Switzerland

Midea all easy pro-TVC
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Los Angeles Film Awards
“Now You See Him”, Best Narrative Short • 02/2018
Global Film Festival Awards
“Twenty Years After”, Best Inspirational Short • 02/2017
US Hollywood International Film Festival “Twenty Years After”,Best Short Short • 02/2017
Festigious International Film Festival “Twenty Years After”, Best Picture • 02/2017
NYC Indie Film Awards “Gum Gum”, Best Short Film • 02/2017

What matters most to you?
Many friends from outside the industry often ask me why producing is so exhausting and how I’ve managed to persist for so many years. My answer is that many people, after graduation, may find themselves working in jobs unrelated to their field of study or not in roles they genuinely enjoy. However, for me, having a job that I love and is related to my field feels incredibly fortunate. Over these years, there has always been a burning passion in my heart, providing me with the strength to maintain enthusiasm, love, and respect for this profession.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piki_zhou/

Image Credits
(Piki) Ping Zhou