Today we’d like to introduce you to Qianfan Chen
Hi Qianfan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, my name is Qianfan Chen. I’m a 26-year-old girl from China, now living and working as a full-time film producer in New York. I produced 2 independent feature films, more than 20 short films and 5 vertical shows. The films I produced be selected to many film festivals and one of my hit vertical shows eventually achieves a viewing volume over 500k.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My life has been as straightforward as a glass of water. This simplicity is part of why it’s challenging for me—and for many young people like me—to become full-time artists.
Ever since I was young, I’ve had a passion for writing, creating, and making little videos to capture moments of my life. When I went to college, I decided to major in journalism. It was there that I discovered the world of documentary filmmaking and the power of visual storytelling. Three years ago, I took a leap of faith and moved to the United States, joining the Film MFA program at Columbia University. That was the beginning of my journey into the world of film.
For me, the important thing isn’t how you start, but how you keep going. When I first arrived in the U.S., I didn’t know anyone. I had no resources, no experience, and, to be honest, I didn’t think I had enough talent. But I wanted to show that even ordinary people can find their own artistic path, make a living doing what they love, and become full-time artists.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My journey in the film industry has been quite an adventure, one filled with unexpected opportunities and exciting challenges. My first big break came when I landed a job as a production staff on an indie feature film called “Blue Sun Palace.” This film was a labor of love and creativity and it went on to win the French Touch Prize of the Critics’ Week Jury at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. I got this job because I had a bit of experience, a lot of foundational knowledge in film production, and the advantage of speaking Chinese.
Being part of the “Blue Sun Palace” crew was a whirlwind experience. I was suddenly thrown into a large film crew, interacting with top-tier actors and actresses. It was thrilling and intimidating at the same time. But it was also where I gained some of the most practical and invaluable experience—learning how to run a large team of over a hundred people efficiently.
After the production ended, I found myself at a crossroads. Like many young professionals, I didn’t want to stay an assistant forever, even if it was a typical path to Hollywood. I felt a pull to carve out my unique path. I believed that my origins held my opportunities, and I needed to discover what set me apart in the competitive New York market.
My story begins in Shenzhen, China, a city buzzing with innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. It’s the birthplace of DJI drones and TikTok. Growing up in this vibrant city, I was always surrounded by people who were pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers. This environment instilled in me a love for adventure and a drive to innovate. I became passionate about finding new trends and opportunities. For me, the next big opportunity was to turn the camera vertically.
What matters most to you? Why?
As Instagram’s user base exploded and TikTok became a global sensation, I noticed a shift in how people consumed media. They were spending more time watching videos on their phones than on traditional media like TV or movies. Inspired by this trend, I decided to help a friend manage her social media account. Though we only gained a few thousand followers at first, it sparked a bigger idea.
I reached out to friends back home in Shenzhen who were involved in cross-border e-commerce. I offered to help them create vertical ads for their TikTok accounts, promoting affordable, high-quality products to the U.S. market. From scripting to shooting to editing, I provided an all-inclusive, affordable service. Slowly but surely, my business started to gain momentum.
The cross-border e-commerce advertising business was thriving, and then a new opportunity came knocking: vertical short dramas. This was where my passion truly lay. During my three years studying narrative filmmaking at Columbia University, I learned what makes a compelling story and a high-quality film. Additionally, I understood internet content and knew what kind of drama and tension could capture an audience’s attention and drive traffic.
My first vertical short drama as a producer, “Forbidden Desires,” was a hit. It generated significant traction and sparked widespread online discussion. My second series, “Submitting,” reached the top position for the quarter on the platform. These successes were deeply gratifying and confirmed that I was on the right path.
Now, I’ve joined REEL SHORT, the largest and most successful vertical short drama company in the U.S. Our latest production, “Mr. Hill’s,” is about to be completed and will be released soon. This project combines everything I’ve learned and everything I’m passionate about. I can’t wait for everyone to see it!
Every step of my journey has been about turning challenges into opportunities and using creativity to carve out my own unique path in the world of film and media. I’m excited to see where this adventure takes me next.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.qianfanchen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fawnfawn888/
