Daily Inspiration: Meet Victoria Chen

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

Hi Victoria, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I had my very first video-making experience when I was like 5th grade at a summer camp in Australia. I have no idea this is going to be my career at that point. In high school, I started making short videos for local contests, originally trying to win prizes and get some income. Gradually I started to find out my passion in visual storytelling. I then got into a filmmaking program in an art school back in Taiwan. I’ve never been that happy going to school. Watching movies, talk about Kirosawa, François Truffaut, Kieslowski, Lars Von Trier, learning from some of the most experienced filmmakers( can even call them master) in Taiwan. Making movies had never been tired for me.

Whenever people ask me if I’m ready for my new project, I’ve never give them the yes/no straight answer, is more like if I’m ready for the new challenge. Everything new project is like a new adventure for me. After graduating from undergrad I’d found a job in office managing film equipments. It’s was good to have a stable job and get paid every month. However, I started to miss being on actual film set. I’ve missed it too much even go straight on set after finishing the office job by 5pm, work overnight, wrapped by 5am, then go straight to the office, took a nap and start a new day. That’s when I decide I want to learn more about films and how to really put the words from the script into motion pictures. Year after, I came to LA to continue learning about visual storytelling. I’ve always remember what our professor told us the first day in class” shoot from your heart “ making movies is never a job for me, it’s more like how you tell the story sincerely from your heart. That is also what makes you different from the others.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It is really hard to be a girl behind the camera back in Taiwan, not only physically, you’re not as strong as guys but also the culture of Chinese filmmaking. I’ve ran into those situations when I’m doing my internship in studio. They send the boys out on set but have girls back in the storage cleaning equipment. Or when you’re on set, they won’t let you touch certain equipment like lenses only because you’re a girl, like having a girl on boat back in the time. I not only worked my ass out to proof myself that I’m a good filmmaker but also learn how to work with good attitude and bring good vibes to the team. I’m really grateful to have my family teachers friends to be by my side and encourage me to pursue my dream as cinematographer.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a filmmaker specialize in cinematography. I’m proud to be a female director of photography. I think what made me different is the Chinese culture background.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I think one of the benefits of being a female cinematographer nowadays is you can easily find a group of female filmmakers. We always support each other’s, introducing jobs and most importantly learn from each other. Filmmaking is all about networking, having great attitude, work hard, bringing good vibes, and always have a big good smile will take you from one job to another.

Contact Info:

• Email: victoriachencine@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.victoriachencine.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/vic.sh_c?igshid=13tuudfqcy7o8

Image Credits
Behind the scene photographer: Anna Hung