Miranda Zhao’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Miranda Zhao. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Miranda, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’m walking a path in filmmaking, driven to become a better storyteller, but I love to wander in the process—experimenting with shots, improvising on set, and discovering little moments that make a story feel alive. Each project is a step, each story a lesson. The path guides me, and the wanderings keep my stories alive.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Miranda Zhao, a director and writer, with on-set experience as a first assistant director across a range of productions. What makes my approach unique is the way that on-set experience shapes my storytelling. Being close to the practical realities of production has taught me to value collaboration, structure, and clarity, and those lessons carry directly into the projects I’m developing, which focus on honest, grounded stories shaped by real working environments.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds between people break when communication falters and individual efforts go unseen, something especially clear on a film set where collaboration is everything. They are restored when people listen, respect each other’s roles, and recognize the care and work behind every contribution. Through that shared effort, powerful stories can emerge, stories strong enough to reflect our shared humanity and reconnect us.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain when I realized it could be a tool rather than a burden. I learned to channel those experiences into my work, turning them into creative strength instead of something to keep inside.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
An important truth I believe is that real impact comes from honesty, not from making things appear perfect. There is often pressure to present a polished version of ourselves or our work, but that can distance us from what truly matters. When we allow space for sincerity and imperfection, the result feels more human, more meaningful, and more lasting.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
When the process no longer challenges me, it’s a sign that I’m staying in a comfort zone. That’s usually when I look for more complex stories, unfamiliar roles, or tougher environments, because growth in filmmaking comes from stepping into situations that demand more from me creatively and personally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mirandazhao.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miranda-zhao-119356244
• Other: IMDb: https://imdb.me/mirandazhao