Meet Tianmi Zhang of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tianmi Zhang

Hi Tianmi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I vaguely remember wanting to pursue a film career back in junior high because I often spent my free time at the cinema and had a knack for writing narrative essays in literature class. I began connecting the two interests and thought I could pursue this in the future. The decision to study in Los Angeles came simply from a quick web search—it seemed like the right place for film.

However, I truly understood what stories I wanted to tell while applying to film school. When I needed to put aside all superficial fantasies about the halo of the film industry, I began to honestly face and analyze my culture, background, and family to answer the question that all film programs would ask: why do you want to make a film? I got the answer. I wanted to tell the stories of women in my family, those strong, wild women who struggled against fate, women who don’t look very elegant but are full of vitality.

While studying in the USC SCA Film and TV Production MFA program, I joined numerous student crews and experimented with various roles—working in the art department, as a script supervisor, producer, and more. On the one hand, I was exploring where my strengths lay; on the other, each role shared the same core purpose: telling the story effectively. By stepping into different positions, I gained unique perspectives and hands-on practice in storytelling.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For me, my struggle is self-doubt. As filmmakers, we are bound to go back and forth between self-expression and comparison with others and often ask ourselves： “Do I truly have talent? Am I genuinely suited for the film industry? Am I wasting my time? How can I compete with native English speakers?” Self-doubt fuels internal friction and anxiety, inclines me always to assume worst-case scenarios, and leads to overthinking, underdoing, procrastination, and more. Looking back, I realize I spent half my time battling these self-doubts.

I learned that the more you concentrate on simply telling a good story, the less you’re distracted by the outside world, the less you compare yourself to others, and the less self-doubt creeps in. But when your days are filled with fantasies of fame and fortune, self-doubt becomes a far more invasive force to attack yourself.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, I focus on screenwriting, directing, editing, and virtual production. My creative projects often delve into themes like family conflicts, cultural clashes, and the challenges faced by women. I enjoy expressing these themes through suspense and dark comedy. My stories and characters are usually a blend of my own experiences and insights from observing others. Regardless of genre, I aim to stay rooted in reality and foster deep empathy.

I love to explore the world through firsthand experience. On set, having worked in various departments and learned the roles and workflows of each, I can now collaborate more smoothly with others. Similarly, when writing scripts, creating characters, and developing plots, I observe the relevant groups before diving into the writing process. I firmly believe I can only make stories that resonate with empathy by stepping into the characters’ environments and understanding their backgrounds and situations.

At the same time, this habit of observation and experience also drives my personal growth. Whether collaborating with a team or creating independently, it deepens my understanding of the complexities of human nature and the nuances of emotion. A writer I admire, Lu Xun, once said, “People’s sorrows and joys are not interconnected.” However, I believe the world is made warmer by those who try to understand and empathize with others.

What does success mean to you?
I define success as reaching a state where you deeply understand yourself, fully embrace your choices, and accept the sacrifices they may entail. Success isn’t just about achieving a specific goal; it’s about knowing who you are, recognizing the path that aligns with your values and passions, and committing to it wholeheartedly. It means acknowledging the opportunities you may have to let go, willingly facing the challenges that come with your choices, and finding peace in the journey. True success brings a sense of purpose, resilience, and fulfillment because it’s rooted in authenticity and self-awareness, allowing you to move forward with confidence, clarity, and no regrets.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tianmi_fm72.3mhz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zhangtianmi

Image Credits
image credits all belong to Tianmi Zhang