We’re looking forward to introducing you to Honglin(Adam) Zhu. Check out our conversation below.
Honglin(Adam), it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
For me, what my day looks like usually depends on whether I’m working on set.
If I have to be on set, I’ll get up, grab a coffee, and head over. Then I’ll spend the whole day working there.
If I’m not on set, my day tends to be more varied. I’ll start the morning with an anaerobic workout at the gym, then come home around noon to cook and take a nap.
In the afternoon, I’ll play some PS5, and at night, I’ll watch a movie. That’s pretty much it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Right now, I’m a freelancer. I graduated from Chapman University this year, and my main role is Director of Photography.
I mainly work on short films and the currently popular vertical-format mini dramas.
Besides working as a DP, I also take on roles as a camera operator, gaffer, and colorist.
I’d say I’m a pretty well-rounded filmmaker.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I think that person would definitely be my graduate professor, Johnny E. Jensen, ASC. He’s a DP with an incredible amount of experience and insight — he’s already in his seventies. Pretty much everything I learned in school came from him.
Beyond the technical knowledge, he also gave me a lot of encouragement and support.
Honestly, I’m not a very confident person. I often doubt my own abilities. I sometimes feel like I’m not good enough to be a DP — not skilled enough.
There was one time during class when I had to screen my thesis short film — it’s something everyone has to do, and the professor gives live feedback while watching.
When it was my turn, Johnny gave me a lot of suggestions and also pointed out several issues. I ended up standing at the front of the class for almost two hours.
By the end of class, I felt a bit defeated because I thought I didn’t do a good job. But as I was leaving, Johnny came over to me and said,
“Don’t be upset that I gave you such harsh feedback — it’s because I want you to be better.”
He patted me on the shoulder, pointed at me, and said,
“You’re great. You’re talented. Keep going.”
Hearing those words meant the world to me. Suddenly, I felt a surge of confidence and clarity.
I realized that I’m not bad at all — I just lack confidence.
I truly believe Johnny helped me become a better version of myself.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I’d say:
“You don’t always have to hide in the background. It’s okay to speak up, to take up space, and to be yourself. I know you often feel insecure and shy, but you’re more interesting and lovable than you realize. I wish you could be a little more confident and open, because the world isn’t as scary as it seems — and you have so much to share.”
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
One person I truly admire for their character, not their power, is the director Takeshi Kitano.
What I find remarkable about him is the way he constantly breaks boundaries — not just as a filmmaker, but as a person. He’s someone who has moved between comedy, television, serious cinema, and even literature and painting, all while staying grounded and unapologetically himself.
Despite his fame, he often shows a deep sense of humility and introspection in his work. There’s a quiet toughness and emotional honesty in how he approaches life — he’s not afraid to show vulnerability, contradiction, or silence. I admire how he carries complexity with grace, and how he stays true to his identity no matter what space he’s in.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had only 10 years left, I would immediately stop the endless grind of working on set.
As much as I love filmmaking, the physical and mental toll of nonstop production work is just too much. It drains my energy and leaves little room for personal growth or meaningful experiences outside of work.
I’d rather spend that time creating more intentional projects, connecting with people I care about, and simply living a bit more slowly and fully.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/double2pig/
