Meet Doris (Yushu) Shen

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Doris (Yushu) Shen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Doris (Yushu), we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Finding my purpose as a sound designer in film has been deeply influenced by my early experiences with sound and storytelling, particularly my time growing up as a member of the Beijing Philharmonic Choir. These formative years sparked my fascination with how sound can shape emotional experiences and narratives. When I transitioned to sound design, I drew heavily from my background in opera, where understanding the emotional layers of a performance and balancing various sound elements were key.

One project that truly defined my purpose was designing sound for a horror film that delved into the psychological terror of hoarding. The central challenge was creating the sound of a monstrous entity emerging from a wall—a creature born from the very chaos and fear of a hoarder’s cluttered life. This project required more than just technical skill; it demanded a deep understanding of how sound can evoke psychological unease and amplify the horror of the narrative.

Drawing from my singing background, where every note and nuance contributes to the emotional impact of a performance, I approached this challenge with a performer’s intuition. I knew that the sound of the monster needed to be both horrifying and reflective of the protagonist’s inner turmoil. I began by layering various sounds: the creaks and groans of the wall, the unsettling rustle of objects moving such as the insects of wasps and flies, and low-frequency growls that hinted at something otherworldly.

The hardest part was creating the monster’s emergence from the wall—a sound that had to be both terrifying and metaphorically connected to the hoarder’s psychological state. I experimented with different textures, combining guttural roars with the balloon’s elastic sound against the wall, and added a sense of organic, almost sentient movement. Each sound was meticulously crafted to evoke a visceral reaction and mirror the protagonist’s mental disarray.

I relied heavily on my intuition to balance these elements. Just as in opera, where I had to harmonize my voice with the accompaniment, in sound design, I had to ensure that the monster’s sounds complemented the film’s score and background effects. I wanted the sound to be a seamless part of the film’s emotional landscape, enhancing the psychological fear without overwhelming the audience.

Throughout the process, I faced challenges that tested my creative limits. Finding the right balance between horror and psychological depth required careful consideration and numerous iterations. But the end result—a monstrous sound that resonated with both the physical and psychological horror of the story—was profoundly satisfying.

This project reinforced my purpose as a sound designer: to craft auditory experiences that not only enhance the storytelling but also evoke deep emotional and psychological responses. My background in music taught me that sound is not just a technical craft but a powerful tool for emotional and narrative depth. This understanding continues to drive me as I strive to create immersive and impactful soundscapes in film.

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 currently in my final year pursuing an MFA in Film Production at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, and this journey has been both challenging and profoundly rewarding. Studying at USC has given me invaluable opportunities to delve deeply into the world of filmmaking, not just in terms of creativity but also in learning the intricacies of collaboration and teamwork.

One of the aspects I’ve cherished most about my time at USC is the hands-on approach to learning. The program has allowed me to explore all facets of filmmaking, from directing to editing, but my true passion has always been in sound design. The challenges have been significant, but they’ve been instrumental in my growth. Working closely with talented peers and under the guidance of professors who are leaders in the field has been an incredible privilege. Their insights and expertise have shaped my understanding of sound design and affirmed my desire to pursue it as a career.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained through my education to the professional world. My immediate goal is to gain studio experience in sound design and audio mixing. I’m eager to contribute to film projects, utilizing my skills in re-recording mixing to create immersive and impactful auditory experiences. The practical experience will be invaluable as I work towards establishing my own studio in the future.

Beyond gaining studio experience, I’m also focused on developing plans for my own studio service capabilities. I envision creating a space where creativity meets technical excellence, providing top-notch sound design and mixing services for a range of projects. This ambition is driven by a desire to contribute to the industry and to bring unique, high-quality sound experiences to filmmakers and audiences alike.

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?

Reflecting on my journey in sound design, three essential qualities have been particularly impactful: technical proficiency, creative intuition, and collaborative communication. Developing a deep understanding of technical skills—such as mastering industry-standard software, recording techniques, and mixing processes—has been fundamental. These skills not only enable me to execute creative ideas effectively but also equip me to tackle technical challenges that arise during production.

Creative intuition is equally vital. It involves interpreting a director’s vision and translating it into a compelling auditory experience. This requires a nuanced understanding of how sound contributes to emotional and narrative elements in film. By continuously experimenting with different sounds and techniques, I’ve learned to balance and layer audio elements in a way that enhances storytelling and evokes the intended emotional response.

Collaborative communication is crucial in a field where teamwork is essential. Effective sound design often involves working closely with directors, producers, and other creatives. Being able to articulate ideas clearly, listen to feedback, and adapt to the collaborative process ensures that the final product aligns with the overall creative vision of the project.

To excel in these areas, I’ve found that immersing yourself daily in what excites you is key. Pursuing your passion with dedication and enthusiasm will drive you to continually practice and refine your skills. Focus on both executing your artistic ideas and developing technical problem-solving techniques. This daily commitment not only enhances your craft but also positions you as an invaluable contributor in your field.

I’ve been fortunate to learn from some of the best in the industry. Their mentorship has been invaluable, offering insights into navigating the industry and refining my approach. Their guidance has reinforced my belief that maintaining a deep interest in your craft and remaining a perpetual student are crucial for success. Staying passionate and open to learning ensures that you remain a competitive and visionary professional. Embracing these principles has been instrumental in my growth and continues to inspire my journey in sound design.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely, I’m always open to collaborating with fellow creatives who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of sound and storytelling. I’m particularly interested in partnering with individuals who share a deep enthusiasm for film and sound design, whether they are directors, filmmakers, other sound designers, or creative professionals in related fields.

I’m looking for collaborators who are eager to explore innovative soundscapes, experiment with new techniques, and contribute to projects that challenge conventional norms. If you’re someone who values creative experimentation and is excited about working on projects ranging from narrative films to experimental media, I’d love to connect.

If you’re interested in collaborating, please reach out to me directly. You can connect via email at [email protected]. Feel free to also check out my sound reel on www.shenyushu.com. Whether you have a specific project in mind or just want to discuss potential ideas, I’m excited to explore opportunities to work together and create impactful, memorable sound experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shenyushu.com
• Instagram: yushushen

Image Credits

Lenti Liang
CAS