We were lucky to catch up with Xingyu(Yves) Lu recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Xingyu(Yves), really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding my purpose was an unexpected journey. Growing up, I loved storytelling but never considered film as a career. It was only during high school in the US, inspired by my host dad’s advice to “do whatever you want,” that I realized I needed to pursue my passion.
I moved to LA without resources or connections, feeling excited and overwhelmed. I immersed myself in the local film community, attending workshops, networking events, and cold-calling potential collaborators. It was tough, but I learned the value of perseverance and self-reliance.
The turning point came when we completed our first independent project. Seeing our hard work on screen was a revelation. My purpose became clear: to tell impactful stories and bring together talented people to create meaningful films.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m an independent film producer based in Los Angeles. Driven by a passion for storytelling, I dove into the industry to pursue my dream despite starting with no formal film education or initial network.
What excites me most about filmmaking is its collaborative nature. It is incredibly rewarding to bring together diverse talents to create meaningful stories. I’m working on an independent film that tackles social issues with a fresh perspective.
In addition to filmmaking, I mentor aspiring filmmakers, sharing my experiences and insights. Our production company is expanding to include a new division focused on documentaries, and we’re organizing a film festival to showcase emerging talent.
I’m grateful for the support I’ve received on this journey. I’m committed to telling stories that inspire and entertain, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the dynamic world of film.
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?
Looking back, three qualities were most impactful in my journey: perseverance, adaptability, and effective Communication.
Perseverance: Push through setbacks and stay resilient. Do not be discouraged by failures; view them as learning opportunities.
Adaptability: Embrace change and be flexible. My advice: Stay open to new ideas and be ready to adjust your plans as needed.
Effective Communication requires Building strong relationships and conveying your vision clearly. My advice is to practice active listening, be concise, and empathize with others to foster successful collaborations.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
My parents and host family have been the most helpful in my journey. Their unwavering support and encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams. My parents taught me perseverance and adaptability, while my host dad’s advice—”You only live once, so do whatever you want”—inspired me to take risks. Their belief in me helped me overcome challenges and develop essential skills for success in the film industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15893702/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xingyu-lu-55184822a?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3B0i0yfbnKQrmGgZZnOR6jEQ%3D%3D
- Other: https://vimeo.com/xlu54
Image Credits
N/A
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
