We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Evey Yu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Evey, 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’ve worked on overcoming imposter syndrome by surrounding myself with positive, supportive people, analyzing both my strengths and weaknesses to truly understand myself, and deconstructing my own pride. It’s been a long journey to reach the confidence I have today. Imposter syndrome has always been a part of my experience, and while I’ve made progress, I don’t think I’ve completely overcome it yet. I still have a long way to go, but I believe I’m on the right path.
When I was younger, I was often seen as the “perfect child” by others. I took a lot of pride in myself, but deep down, I wasn’t sure what made me truly unique. Growing up in a highly competitive culture, much of my value was tied to comparison and competition. My self-worth came from being “better” than others, which I now realize was an unhealthy way to relate to myself. Relying on external validation isn’t sustainable—confidence has to come from within.
My imposter syndrome hit me hard during college in the U.S. When the environment no longer revolved around competition, I lost my sense of self. I felt so small, so lonely, and so terrified of being exposed. Instead of expressing my feelings, I bottled up my sadness, anxiety, and depression.
I began to dig deeper into understanding myself, wondering why I couldn’t just be “normal” and happy. At the same time, I took classes like Anthropocene and Apocalypse, Human Morality, and Buddhist Philosophy, which helped me develop a stronger worldview. I started to realize that I am not important in the grand scheme of things, yet at the same time, I am the most important person to myself. I learned to stop judging myself so harshly and simply let myself be.
I also realized that I’m someone who easily absorbs the energy around me. This made it clear how important it is to surround myself with people who bring positivity, confidence, and different perspectives. After moving to Los Angeles to pursue filmmaking, I met some amazing people—my first roommates, my boyfriend, my intern friends, and classmates. They have all been incredibly supportive whenever I doubt myself. (To them: I love you all ❤️)
In the process, I also began to face my weaknesses and limitations, and I’ve come to see that recognizing your limitations is empowering. It’s a blessing in your career to know what you don’t want to do. That kind of clarity is an asset early on.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a filmmaker and storyteller, and my work focuses on creating psychologically driven narratives that explore complex emotions and human experiences. My background spans directing, producing, and casting for a variety of projects, including short films, vertical mini-series, commercials, and music videos. One of the most exciting aspects of my work is that I constantly get to meet new, inspiring people!
What I find most special about what I do is how film allows me to dive into the human condition—exploring how people think, feel, and connect with one another. For me, storytelling goes beyond entertainment; it creates space for reflection, empathy, and sometimes even healing. Through my production company, 71 Floof Studios, we’re always pushing the boundaries to create films that captivate audiences while also challenging them to see the world differently. Many of my short films have also been selected for numerous Oscar-qualifying festivals and other prestigious events, which has been an incredible validation of the work my team and I are creating.
Right now, I’m really excited about the future of vertical mini-series, a format that’s transforming how we consume stories. While the genre can feel a bit repetitive at times, I believe it will continue to diversify. My directorial debut in the vertical format, From Contract Lover to Billionaire’s Bride, has been trending across multiple platforms, gathering over 2.8 million likes and collects. The show has seen huge engagement, with audiences loving its emotional depth. I recently produced a show for Alta TV, which garnered 2.7 million views on TikTok in the first week. Additionally, I’m in the pre-production phase for another vertical series, with yet another currently in post-production, both of which I’m eager to share soon.
Through it all, I remain deeply committed to building a brand that values creativity, collaboration, and authenticity. My goal is to create art that brings people together and encourages them to look at the world with fresh eyes.
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 that have been most impactful in my journey are adaptability, communication, and having a strong vision.
Adaptability has been key because the film industry is always changing, whether it’s the introduction of new technology, the rise of different platforms like vertical mini-series, or evolving audience preferences. Being adaptable has allowed me to stay relevant and push creative boundaries without losing sight of what’s important in my work. My advice for those early in their journey is to embrace change and see it as an opportunity to grow. Stay curious about new trends, experiment with different formats, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Communication is another crucial skill, and it goes beyond just talking to people. It’s about paying close attention to how others feel and react, managing your emotions under pressure, and never being afraid to over-communicate. When you’re on set or working with a team, everyone has their own interpretation and understanding of a story, so making sure you’re all aligned is essential. For those just starting, remember that open communication fosters trust and clarity, which will make the entire process smoother.
Lastly, having a strong vision is essential, especially as a director or creative producer. You need to believe in your vision and stand up for it. Truly caring about the story you’re telling is what drives the whole process. At the same time, it’s important to be open-minded to suggestions. Sometimes, changes can better serve the story, so being receptive to feedback while staying true to the core of your vision is a delicate but critical balance. My advice is to always ask yourself if a suggestion can help elevate what you’re trying to communicate.
These three qualities have shaped how I approach my projects and the way I collaborate with others. Developing them early in your career can make a huge difference in your success and growth as a filmmaker.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client values collaboration, communication, and creativity. Clear communication is especially important to me—I work best with clients who are transparent about their goals, but also open to suggestions and feedback. That flexibility allows us to create something truly unique together.
I typically take on projects like vertical mini-series, commercials, and music videos. I enjoy partnering with clients who push boundaries and are willing to experiment with new approaches. If you’re passionate about storytelling and want a creative partner who genuinely cares about your project, we’re likely a great fit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eveyyu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eveypicture/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evey-yu-5b2092b6/
- Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13168560/
Image Credits
Rutvij Reddy Seelam
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