Meet Boliang “Michael” Wang

Today we’d like to introduce you to Boliang “Michael” Wang.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Boliang “Michael” Wang. We appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Interestingly, none of my family members has ever worked in the entertainment industry, but the fine arts have consumed my whole life since I was a little kid. I played the piano for six years and the French horn for three years. When I got into high school, I majored in writing and directing, which has been my concentration since then. I briefly switched to acting while studying at the Singapore Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, but I switched back to screenwriting and directing after I began studying abroad in the U.S.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Living in a foreign country has not been an easy path — learning a new language, not being able to have a family dinner for ten years, and experiencing unspeakable traumas. But I’m definitely not the only one who is struggling, and people all are having their difficulties in life. Some people are getting bombed in war zones as I’m typing in front of my computer with easy access to water and food. I find myself with no excuses.

I also cannot overcome any challenges without the help of others: my parents, who have supported me with their life savings; my mentor Max Eugene, an educator and filmmaker who has offered me his wise guidance since I arrived in this country; my other mentor Michael Cedar, a veteran producer who has helped me get my foot in the door in Hollywood; my screenwriting professors Patty Meyer and Michelle Amor, professional WGA writers who provided me with great job opportunities during the pandemic, writing me recommendation letters that helped me get accepted into Loyola Marymount University’s MFA film program; my English professor Jorge Ribeiro who offered his apartment to me while I was nearly homeless a few years ago; and all my other amazing family members and friends who have helped and contributed to my life. I feel forever grateful to them.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I don’t like to compare myself to others but to myself. I consider myself a screenwriter. I am also a published author. A true story I wrote was recently selected by Matthew J. Goldberg and published in his book “Rings of Kindness.” Additionally, I am an award-winning student filmmaker, and my most recent short film was selected and screened in Regal Cinema Downtown LA.

I’ve worked on television shows produced by major Hollywood production companies such as Fox and Sony. After acquiring my B.A. in screenwriting, I have gone on to pursue my Master’s in Film & TV Production at Loyola Marymount University.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
2020 was a tough year for everyone. We have lost millions of lives in that year forever. They were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters… Although the world is back to normal, we should find out what caused Covid-19 and how we can prevent similar tragedies from happening again.

Contact Info:

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