Today we’d like to introduce you to Ziqi Yang.
Hi Ziqi, 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 interest in filming traces back to childhood when my family acquired our first Sony Handycam, enabling me to document life’s diverse moments. The allure of capturing raw emotions and turning ordinary footage into enduring memories became a driving force, compelling me to always have a camera by my side. As I grew older, I would stay up late with my dad to watch TV shows and movies, and because my dad was a fan of crime drama, action films, and sci-fi, I became obsessed with these genres as well. To me, each movie is a door to experience a different life and gain new insights of the world.
Although always fascinated by storytelling through various media, I had limited experience in film production before attending Boston University for my bachelor’s degree. Consequently, I opted for a double major in Film and TV production and Advertising. Film was a pursuit of passion, while Advertising served as a pragmatic choice, considering the uncertainties about my potential as a filmmaker.
During my four years in college, as I wrote and directed a couple of short films and worked at the school’s TV station, I realized that filmmaking is not a passing interest for me; it was a sincere passion about presenting my perspectives through storytelling. This realization led me to take a chance and apply for USC’s grad program, where I was fortunate to be admitted.
With most of my time in undergraduate focusing on directing, I initially considered cinematography a weakness due to its technical complexities. I never thought that I would be good at cinematography until I met my first cinematography professor, Jeremy Royce at USC. His guidance not only boosted my confidence but also demystified the technical aspects of cinematography. Then, with the guidance of Professor Dianne Farrington, I successfully served as the Director of Photography for a short film, earning selections in several film festivals.
In 2023, I became a member of Sony’s Future Cinematography program, a testament to my growth as a cinematographer. I am also honored to be selected as the Director of Photography for a USC capstone documentary short film project in the upcoming semester, marking a crucial milestone to me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In the beginning, the pursuit of filmmaking presented a fascinating yet daunting journey for me. None of my family members were involved in the entertainment business, leaving me to navigate the path to become a filmmaker or survive in this industry independently. Despite my parents’ suggestions to change majors for more familial support or opt for a career with a more certain trajectory, I couldn’t fathom giving up my passion for storytelling in exchange for the so-called “safe choice.” My desire was to work in a field where I could continually create and express, especially through the medium of film.
While fortunate to have unwavering support from my parents, I encountered pressure, obstacles, and self-doubt along the way. During the early stages of studying abroad, grappling with a language barrier and disparities in the entertainment industry between Hollywood and China left me feeling lost and deflated. Cultural differences raised doubts about my ability to succeed in this new environment. Countless nights were spent staring at empty script pages, questioning if a future in the industry was feasible. As graduation approached and I stood at a crossroads, I contemplated abandoning filmmaking in favor of pursuing marketing for grad school….
Reflecting on this journey, I am grateful for holding onto my dream during challenging times. I discovered that my Asian cultural heritage was not a limitation but an advantage, allowing me to infuse my films with a unique perspective. Witnessing my film screen in theaters, eliciting genuine laughter from the audience, made all the hardships worthwhile. The sleepless nights, tears, and setbacks served as nourishment, fostering my growth as both a filmmaker and a resilient individual.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a filmmaker based in Los Angeles, and I’m currently pursuing my MFA degree in Film and TV Production at the USC School of Cinematic Arts to advance my journey as a filmmaker.
As a director and cinematographer, my portfolio spans narrative, documentary, and commercial projects. My dual expertise allows me to approach storytelling with both the director’s mindset, orchestrating the film, and the cinematographer’s eye, conveying the narrative visually.
Having worked and studied in Guangzhou, Boston, Los Angeles, and London, I am an avid traveler who revels in exploring diverse cultures and human experiences. I firmly believe in the power of film to resonate with people’s inner desires and emotions, fulfilling the universal need to be seen and understood. My passion lies in featuring voices and perspectives that I believe should be highlighted.
The short film “Lost,” which I wrote and directed, delves into the struggles of a victim of child trafficking on his desperate journey to reunite with his family. In my upcoming documentary short, “Do No Harm,” where I serve as the cinematographer, we will follow the journey of a home hospice nurse aiding terminally ill patients in dying with dignity. With a sincere dedication to storytelling, I consistently seek authentic emotions and perspectives in my films, as I believe that’s what makes films truly beautiful.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
The years leading up to 18 were carefree and joyful, and I always considered myself fortunate and grateful for that. However, family conflicts, the loss of a loved one, and academic setbacks marked a turning point at 18, separating those days and propelling me into the complex world of adulthood. As someone inclined to conceal emotions, the negativity surrounding these events overwhelmed me. Despite this, I refrained from seeking help because, being someone known for eliciting laughter, expressing my true feelings made me feel vulnerable.
In my first narrative comedy short film, I crafted a protagonist who has a strong attachment to a fluffy toy, mirroring myself, who always sleeps with a fluffy pillow that I grew up with. The film served as a reflection of my loneliness and insecurities about the future during that period. Prior to its screening, I was worried about the audience finding my story silly and incomprehensible. However, when the final comedic beat landed, and laughter echoed through the audience, a sense of relief washed over me. It was then that I realized the power of film, discovered the beauty of being understood, and acknowledged the necessity of confronting my vulnerability as a filmmaker. This experience taught me to embrace all my past experiences, whether positive or negative and draw inspiration from them, as they collectively shaped who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yangziqi.wixsite.com/grace
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziqi-yang/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14413988/?ref_=pro_nm_visitcons
