Today we’d like to introduce you to Shangxiao Qiu.
Hi Shangxiao, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up on a quiet island where time moved gently, and life was beautifully simple. But even as a kid, I felt the itch of something bigger—an urge to step beyond the horizon, to see the world not just as it is, but as it could be. At 16, I left that stillness behind and moved to America to study. It was the first of many leaps, and it taught me how to find clarity in chaos, how to move through unfamiliar spaces with curiosity rather than fear.
Filmmaking became my compass. It gave me language when words weren’t enough—a way to turn emotion into light, memory into movement. It wasn’t just about capturing moments; it was about building worlds. Over the years, I’ve shaped my voice through stories that blur the lines between reality and feeling.
Now, as a USC alumni, I create short films, commercials, and music videos that carry pieces of my own journey—stories soaked in texture, color, and intention. I don’t just aim to direct or shoot—I aim to resonate. Every frame I create is built with care and honesty, reflecting a desire to break patterns, stir emotion, and connect across silence.
I’m still chasing that horizon. Still searching, still telling. But I know now that the journey itself is the art—and the camera is just the way I make sense of it all.
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?
Not at all. The road has been full of cracks, detours, and moments where I couldn’t see what was ahead. Leaving my hometown at 16 to study in a foreign country was both liberating and terrifying. I had to learn how to rebuild myself from scratch—navigating a new language, new culture, and a constant sense of being out of place.
Creatively, the struggle has been just as real. Carving out a voice in a saturated industry means you’re often misunderstood, overlooked, or told to play it safe. But I’ve never been interested in safe. I’ve always felt this quiet rebellion inside me—the urge to break patterns, to challenge expectations, to make something that feels alive. That rebellious instinct has brought both inspiration and resistance.
I’ve stumbled, made mistakes, doubted myself more times than I can count. But I never stayed down for long. Each setback taught me to be sharper, more intentional, more fearless. I’ve also been lucky to have people who believe in me—who offered second chances when I needed them most.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s mine. And every bump along the way has made the journey—and the stories I tell—more honest, more human, and more worth sharing.
We’ve been impressed with Ryvia Studios, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My production company, Ryvia Studios, was born from a desire to blend cinematic artistry with bold, contemporary storytelling. We’re a creative visual studio that specializes in high-quality commercial filmmaking, product videography, and brand storytelling—partnering with brands, influencers, and artists who want to express something real, something that cuts through the noise.
What sets us apart is that Ryvia Studios is a style-driven creative studio built with a global mindset. We specialize in working with international brands looking to break into the U.S. market—brands that value not only high production quality but also cultural fluency and storytelling that resonates across borders.
Our team is internationally built, and that global perspective is reflected in everything we create—from our visual language to our portfolio. We understand how to translate a brand’s identity into visuals that align with both Western and international aesthetics. That’s why we’ve become the go-to photography and videography agency for global brands seeking a strong, authentic entry into the U.S. market.
We’ve worked across industries—fashion, tech, biotech, lifestyle—and across locations from Los Angeles to New York, Boston, and Shanghai. What I’m most proud of is how we’ve stayed nimble yet high-caliber, collaborating with a curated network of directors, cinematographers, and creatives to produce work that’s both artistically elevated and deeply market-aware.
Ryvia Studios isn’t just a service provider—it’s a creative partner. We build with the brand, not just for it. If you’re looking for visuals that are cinematic, stylish, and emotionally resonant, Ryvia is where strategy and storytelling meet. We’re here to make your brand unforgettable.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a quiet and observant kid. I liked to take my time to watch, listen, and understand before jumping into anything—which made me a quick learner and someone who could adapt easily to new environments. I’ve always been curious, drawn to figuring things out on my own rather than following the crowd.
I also had a competitive side, especially when it came to sports. I loved playing soccer—not just for the physical challenge, but because I enjoyed the strategy, the teamwork, and the thrill of competition. It gave me an outlet to express myself in a more dynamic way and taught me discipline, focus, and how to push my limits. That mix of quiet observation and competitive drive has really shaped how I approach life and creativity today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ryviastudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukas.qiu/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukas-qiu-a9b96822b/
