Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bofan Zhang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Bofan, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I’d say my work ethic comes from a blend of cultural and professional influences that have shaped me over the years. Growing up, I was always encouraged to put in my best effort, not only for personal success but to contribute positively to others and my community. Working in multiple markets—across the U.S. and China—has taught me the value of resilience and adaptability, two qualities that are vital in the film industry.
I believe that powerful storytelling has the potential to shift perspectives and inspire change. This drive, paired with a strong sense of responsibility to my audience and collaborators, is really the foundation of my work ethic.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a bilingual creative producer, I work at the intersection of storytelling, culture, and technology, bringing a global perspective to my projects. My career has spanned across the U.S., China, and South Korea, which has enriched my approach to film and media production. Currently, I’m the Creative Producer at ReelShort, where I’m diving into the emerging vertical format. It’s a fascinating space because we’re creating for mobile-first audiences, producing mobisodes with the potential to reach tens of millions of viewers worldwide.
What excites me most about this role is the challenge of storytelling within the constraints of mobile media—finding ways to create powerful, impactful narratives in shorter, visually distinct formats. Looking ahead, I’m especially excited about pushing the boundaries of vertical storytelling. We have some upcoming series that experiment even further with narrative structure, designed to draw audiences in from the first swipe. For those who love storytelling in innovative formats, it’s an exciting time to be part of this creative journey.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Adaptability: The industry evolves quickly, and being able to pivot and embrace change always help me open up unexpected opportunities
Cultural Awareness: Understanding different cultural viewpoints has definitely enriched my storytelling. It allows me to connect with broader audiences in authentic ways.
Staying Optimistic: I’ve worked hard to stay optimistic—it hasn’t been easy, but I’ve found that once keeping a positive mindset, my problem-solving efficiency actually improves.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to instill a strong sense of purpose and resilience. They always encouraged me to pursue work that aligned with my values, emphasizing the importance of contributing positively to the world. Growing up, they nurtured a curiosity about the arts and an openness to different cultures, which has been invaluable in my career as a creative producer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bofanzhang.com
Image Credits
Jesse Grant, Getty Images
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