Today we’d like to introduce you to Jiarong Lu.
Hi Jiarong, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My given name is Jiarong Lu, although I prefer to go by Chrissie. I was born in the small town of Haiyan, nestled in the picturesque province of Zhejiang, China. Though its size is modest, one can leisurely explore the entirety of Haiyan via bus within just thirty minutes. My childhood was spent in this tranquil haven until I was five years old when my family to Shanghai in search of a fresh start. The initial period of adjustment was challenging as we shifted from one apartment to another without a place we could truly call home. One particularly memorable moment from this time was when we resided in a cramped room on the twenty-fifth floor of a building. I recall waking up one morning with all of us squeezed tightly together in the same bed, enveloped by the vast expanse of sky and fluffy white clouds hovering just outside our window. The sound of my parents’ gentle breathing filled my ears, and I felt as though we were adrift in a bottle, carried along by the current. This experience granted me a renewed appreciation for the imagery and sounds around me, inspiring me to delve deeper into my own imaginative world.
My formative years were not initially associated with art. Instead, I devoted myself to academic pursuits, eventually earning a spot at Fudan University after being recommended by my high school. The extra time afforded to me allowed me to explore my interests in greater depth. During this period, I became enthralled with “A Bite of China,” a short yet mesmerizing gourmet food documentary series. Spanning just seven episodes, each running for a mere fifty minutes, this program showcased the captivating variety of Chinese cuisine and culture. I came to view film not solely as an entertainment medium but as a powerful vessel through which to communicate culture, thoughts, and humanity to viewers.
As an undergraduate student, I pursued journalism, which involved a series of interview courses that honed my communication skills. I found myself particularly drawn to interviewing individuals from disparate walks of life, as I relished the opportunity to explore lifestyles and perspectives that differed from my own. This curiosity and desire to learn paved the way for my passion for documentary filmmaking.
To share better films with my schoolmates, I joined Fuxin Media, which was the most important social platform to which I dedicated my time and efforts for nearly two years. It belongs to the Experimental Center of Fudan Journalism School and consists of several sections, including short films, documentaries, talk shows, interior photography, and media salons. It also runs an independent official WeChat account. However, when I joined Fuxin Media, it was on the verge of being shut down due to a lack of public attention. Taking over the leader’s position in September 2015, I set the old account aside and started up a new one without hesitation, like a rebirth. Our routine involved reporting activities and film critiques. I organized meetings regularly to discuss our subscribed articles and the work of different teams to strengthen the connection between them. After each meeting, I would categorize the meeting’s content and write a concluding email to everyone. The best part for me was reading their responses, especially their creative ideas about our next meeting. It was these creative ideas that made Fuxin Media thrive. Consequently, I organized talent recruitment events regularly, and our team expanded rapidly. Now, Fuxin Media has become one of the most popular officials WeChat accounts in Fudan Journalism School, with almost every student subscribed to it. As the former leader, I am sincerely happy to witness its development and progress, just like its name Fuxin, which means “renaissance”. Similarly, filmmaking is a trade that requires the spirit to learn, change, and create, which continuously refreshes and enables it to go further.
During my third year of undergraduate studies, a distinguished American instructor imparted invaluable knowledge on the intricacies of film production. This was my first brush with the art and craft of filmmaking. Even the process of creating a mere three-minute short film left an indelible impression of the spellbinding allure of production. In July 2016, I embarked on a field trip to Yu Jiang City, Jiangxi Province with fellow members of the News in Jiangxi Group to investigate the plight of left-behind children in the region. Previously, the term “left-behind children” had been a nebulous concept, but the experience of encountering these children and witnessing their longing gazes for a life beyond their current circumstances was a revelation. My role involved collecting data via questionnaires, collating information, and capturing the proceedings on film. I had intended to maintain objectivity and avoid interfering with the children, but their responses varied widely, with some too timid to speak and others yearning to share their stories. To produce a more profound and informative narrative, I collaborated with my team members to interview select children. I conducted further research and used field investigation and interviews as the crux of my short film, which instilled in me a sense of social responsibility.
Subsequently, I pursued my passion for filmmaking by applying to USC School of Cinematic Arts for advanced studies in film and television production. The graduate school offered me greater autonomy to explore documentary filmmaking and discover my aptitude for other creative endeavors. In 2019, I joined the Global Exchange program, which enabled me to co-direct and produce a documentary titled “Live Free” with a Communication University of China student. Our subject, Damien Merlina, is a remarkably resilient woman who, despite losing her left hand in a car accident at the age of 19, courageously pursued her passion for art. Her unwavering tenacity and spirit left an indelible mark on me. The film has garnered numerous accolades in China and is scheduled for screening in Portland soon.
At the same time, my student film “Day One” earned accolades, including the best student comedy film at the independent film festival, highlighting my ability to infuse humor into storytelling. As a production designer, I began honing my craft during the second year of my graduate studies, where I discovered my talent for visualizing characters’ lives and the environments that suit them. Drawing from my undergraduate experience of communicating with directors from different angles, I developed a keen sense of understanding of a character’s psyche, helping me bring to life authentic and believable settings that aid in storytelling.
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?
Los Angeles is renowned for its inclusivity and multiculturalism, but it is also a highly competitive city, particularly for those in the entertainment industry, given its proximity to Hollywood. Aspiring filmmakers flock to this city in droves, eager to achieve their dreams of making it big.
However, despite some progress, there is still a noticeable lack of diversity and inclusivity in Hollywood, particularly for Asian actors and filmmakers. Despite some recent successes, such as the groundbreaking film “Crazy Rich Asians,” Asian creatives are still frequently relegated to stereotypical roles or underrepresented in leading positions. Furthermore, they often struggle to secure funding and support for their projects, and there is a significant lack of Asian representation at the highest levels of production and decision-making.
I face significant challenges as an outsider in this competitive and cutthroat industry. Hailing from a small town in southern China, I received a different education and cultural upbringing from many of my peers, making it difficult to integrate into the industry’s established networks. Additionally, due to the lack of access to resources, showcasing my abilities and finding the opportunities I need to succeed can be challenging.
As a filmmaker, I firmly believe that every story is worth telling as long as it is approached with a unique vision and passion for discovering its most powerful aspects. As a recent graduate and freelancer, I am eager to collaborate with more experienced filmmakers and continue learning and growing in my craft. I understand that learning is a never-ending journey in any industry, and I approach each new opportunity with humility and enthusiasm. Although the pandemic forced me to take a year-long hiatus from my studies, I am now fully committed to rebuilding my network and creating more opportunities for cooperation in the future.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I officially graduated in December 2022 and now work as a freelance director and production designer. My Asian heritage plays an essential role in my storytelling, focusing on topics that reflect Chinese and social issues. During my time at USC, I participated in the Global Exchange program and produced the award-winning short documentary “Live Free,” which was screened at various festivals, including the Best Short Documentary at the China-EU Light Shadow Award. My work as a production designer includes many short films and thesis projects, such as “Instant Noodle,” which will be screened at multiple film festivals.
In March last year, I worked as an art director for the USC graduate work “after sunset, dawn arrives”, directed by a wonderful director, Andy Yi Li. This film helped Andy won jury award for BEST ASIAN AMERICAN STUDENT FILMMAKERS in the west region at the Directors Guild of America Student Award. As a member of the team, I was honored to work with such excellent artists. At the same time, the USC thesis film, Instant Noodle, which I worked as a production designer will also be screening at several film festivals such as First Look.
One of my proudest moments was participating in the CBS Leadership Pipeline Challenge program, where our team produced a short film, “In Tune,” that won first place and earned $10,000 in operating funds for the non-profit organization OPICA. The experience taught me the importance of teamwork and the power of humility, communication, respect, and active participation in developing my abilities. These lessons will forever guide my filmmaking journey, emphasizing social impact, and community, and placing my ego aside.
At the same time, I also participated in the production of many commercials, such as Top War, Marvel Snap mobile game advertisements, which will be launched this year.
As a freelancer, I am currently in post-production on a documentary I directed last year, “A Blessing in Disguise.” This short documentary records the journey of cancer patients and their family members fighting against cancer with the help of the Herald Cancer Association, highlighting the challenges Chinese cancer patients face in getting treatment in the United States. As an Asian filmmaker, I am aware of the challenges and inconveniences of living in a foreign country, and I hope to use my identity and knowledge to bring awareness to the issues I care deeply about.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I aspire to forge alliances with creative directors to leverage my Asian heritage in the process of making films. I firmly believe that the fusion of diverse artistic minds generates the most dynamic and captivating works of art.
As a filmmaker, I recognize the paramount importance of collaborative effort in producing exceptional films. I am constantly searching for proficient professionals who share my zeal for visual expression and storytelling. Whether you are a writer, actor, director, cinematographer, or any other industry expert, I am eager to explore the potential for cooperation. By amalgamating our expertise and resources, we can produce a masterpiece that resonates with global audiences and leaves an indelible impact. Hence, if you are interested in collaborating on a project or connecting and exchanging ideas, please feel free to contact me. Let us create something that will leave a lasting impression!
Additionally, I am currently scripting my own project, encapsulating my experiences and imbuing it with my artistic vision.
To gain a deeper insight into my work, please visit https://www.chrissiecreated.com/. You can also reach out to me through my Instagram profile https://www.instagram.com/chrissiejiarong/ or email me at chrissiejiarong@gmail.com.
Pricing:
- 300/day for student films
- 500/day for commercials
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chrissiecreated.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrissiejiarong/
Image Credits
Photos taken by Ray Yu Zhou.
