Meet Yuanhao Zhang

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yuanhao Zhang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yuanhao below.

Yuanhao, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room has taught me to focus on my craft and let my work speak for itself. Growing up in a small town on the east coast of China, where the film industry wasn’t a thing, the internet became my gateway to cinema. I spent most time with myself in my bedroom researching and experimenting. YouTube allowed me to explore and learn about filmmaking techniques, storytelling, and cinematography, which fueled my passion. Honestly I was just having fun at the time. I didn’t even have a camera. I was making “action films” out of an ipad air I had. When I came to the U.S., I had the opportunity to apply what I had learned and further immerse myself in the industry. Over time, I’ve developed a thick skin and the ability to build trust through consistency, creativity, and dedication. I’ve learned to embrace my unique perspective, which often adds value to the project. It’s about turning challenges into opportunities for growth and showing that diversity in vision strengthens the outcome.

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?

As a cinematographer, I’ve spent most of my career working in the camera department, fully dedicating myself to transforming the story’s emotions into visual poetry. I see my role as the director of photography as being the director of visual language—how audiences will interpret and experience the film through imagery. I’m always eager to embrace new technologies, whether it’s innovative gear, new techniques, or AI. I believe these advancements will eventually become essential tools that push the film industry forward.

To pursue this vision, I started YAN Production LLC, where a group of creatives comes together to experiment with film and media, creating unique visual experiences for audiences. In addition to my work as a DP, I’ve recently ventured into camera operation, offering steadicam services to creatives in Los Angeles, expanding my craft even further.

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?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been open-mindedness, problem-solving, and dignity.

The most important quality in my journey has been being open-minded. It’s essential to learn what you don’t know and challenge your comfort zone. Try out your least favorite camera setup, watch movies you dislike, and figure out why others might appreciate them. And always embrace new technology—it will shape the future of filmmaking.

Problem-solving skills are crucial, because it is the only thing you can count on when things go wrong on film sets–and things always go wrong on film sets. Being able to navigate those challenges and keep the production moving forward is invaluable. It’s a skill that will impress both clients and producers.

Dignity is about knowing your worth and not settling for less than you deserve. Early in your career, you may encounter projects that underpay crew members. Personally, I’d rather work for free than be paid far below my rate, because those projects often don’t value your skills and just want to control you. Don’t waste your time on things that won’t offer valuable experience. Trust me, it’s not worth it.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My mother is the person who made me who I am today, not just through emotional and financial support, but by shaping the way I see the world. She’s always been incredibly open-minded, even about things she didn’t fully understand. Despite not working in film or being a film lover, she believed in me and connected me with filmmakers in our area when I was young, giving me opportunities that were crucial to my growth. More than that, she taught me the importance of being open-minded and that everything has different sides. Choosing the right angle to view the world is a motto I live by, both in my personal life and in my work as a cinematographer. Her wisdom has guided me in how I approach challenges and storytelling, where perspective changes everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yan-production.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/someone.name.kevin/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuanhao-zhang-65a1161a7/