We were lucky to catch up with Shengluo Zhang recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shengluo, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I was the producer of the animated short film “Restless is the Night,” directed by the talented duo of Xiaoxue Meng and Yuehan Tan. This narrative animation explores the journeys of two women from different generations as they strive to seize control of their lives. The film’s great storytelling and artistic excellence led to its selection and prestigious New York Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2023. What made this experience even more significant was the fact that our team, the youngest entrant in the Short Animation Program, stood out among industry veterans.
At the Tribeca Film Festival’s screening and award ceremony in the summer of 2023, the director, Xiaoxue Meng, and I discovered a stark contrast in age and skin color at the filmmaker’s party. Our youth and diversity were a rarity in an industry predominantly led by the majority. It was at that moment that imposter syndrome crept in. Fresh out of graduation, surrounded by seasoned professionals, I questioned whether I might come across as too much of a student, fearing that other filmmakers might not take me seriously.
Our skin color and age made us stand out at the party, but also became a memorable aspect of our interaction with fellow attendees. Throughout the subsequent days of festival events, whenever we crossed paths with filmmakers we had met at the party, they quickly recognized us. Our distinctiveness, both in terms of ethnicity and age, turned out to be an advantage in that specific circumstance, sparking conversations and connections that went beyond the screening room. It became clear that our presence left a lasting impression, not just because of our film’s success but because we represented a refreshing diversity in an industry often criticized for its lack thereof. This realization further fueled my confidence and reinforced the notion that embracing our uniqueness can be a powerful asset in the world of filmmaking.
This experience also became a profound learning opportunity. Embracing the unique position of being the youngest in the room, we highlighted the energy and fresh perspective our team brought to the industry. It wasn’t just about our film’s success; it was about challenging stereotypes and expanding the narrative.
The imposter syndrome, though momentarily daunting, turned into a catalyst for personal and professional growth. It taught me the importance of acknowledging accomplishments and standing tall in spaces where diversity is still evolving. The film festival became a celebration not just of our animation but of breaking barriers and proving that age and background should never limit one’s potential in the world of filmmaking.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a versatile animation producer with a strong presence in the live-action post-production landscape. My expertise spans from conception to execution, allowing me to take on various roles internationally in award-winning films and TV series. I am passionate about pushing the boundaries of innovative visual storytelling, adeptly combining animation, live-action, visual effects, and VR to craft captivating content.
My short animated films have garnered recognition from prestigious film festivals like Tribeca Film Festival and the Rhode Island International Film Festival, solidifying my position as an animation producer. I contributed to Wong Kar-Wai’s TV series, Blossoms Shanghai, in the producing team, further enriching my industry experience.
In addition to my producing achievements, I have directed short films that earned acclaim at renowned festivals such as the Bucheon International Animation Festival, Montreal International Animation Film Festival, and the Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival. The two fashion films I created VFX for were selected by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The FOX Fellowship Endowment Fund supports my short animated film, Philip the Sheep in Green.
I am enthusiastic about exploring diverse opportunities and media platforms to continue crafting compelling visual content. Collaboration with talented individuals is my passion, and I thrive on the creative sparks that ignite when minds come together. Let’s connect and explore new horizons in the world of visual storytelling.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Firstly, self-confidence has played a crucial role. Believing in my abilities and the value of my work and vision allowed me to navigate challenges with resilience and determination during film production.
Secondly, a dedication to my craft has been instrumental. Taking my work seriously and investing substantial time in the creative process has been a driving force behind the success of my projects. For starting out, I suggest immersing themselves in their work, constantly seeking improvement, and approaching each project as an opportunity for growth.
Lastly, being a reliable team member is indispensable in this close-knit industry. Building and maintaining a positive reputation as someone dependable fosters collaboration and opens doors to exciting opportunities. To those beginning their journey in the film industry, I would emphasize the importance of establishing oneself as a trustworthy collaborator. Reputation is all that matters sometimes.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely, I am actively seeking collaborators for future projects. My ideal collaborators are individuals with a keen artistic sensibility, a clear vision of the stories they want to tell, and a reliable work ethic. I am particularly interested in working with filmmakers who are passionate about their craft and storytelling.
If you are a filmmaker who resonates with these qualities and is looking for a collaborator or producer to help bring your film to fruition, I would love to connect. Feel free to reach out to me if you have a specific project in mind or are open to exploring potential collaborations. I look forward to exploring new possibilities and creating meaningful cinematic experiences together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shengluozhang.wixsite.com/shengluo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zshengluooo/?r=nametag
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shengluo-z-190807b7/
