Meet Sitong Cao

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

Sitong, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

I keep my creativity alive by constantly taking in “nutrients”—seeing new films and theatre, reading books, staying curious about what’s happening in the world. I believe creativity needs to be fed, and experiencing life fully—whether it’s joyful or painful—is part of that process. I try to feel everything with my heart and stay open to all possibilities. I never tell myself, “This won’t work.” Creativity often starts from a small spark, and you have to let it grow without shutting it down too soon.

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 a freelance indie film producer and casting director, and I’ve been lucky enough to work across a wide range of projects—from quirky experimental films to heartfelt documentaries and emotionally rich narratives. My work has screened at major festivals around the world. What excites me most is the creative journey I get to take each time, collaborating with incredibly talented people who inspire me.

Additionally, I’ve also worked in the theatre department of a talent agency, which gave me a deeper understanding of how to support artists not just creatively, but logistically—making sure the paperwork is in order, payments are processed, and everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Whether I’m on set coordinating a shoot or working behind the curtain to make sure artists are supported, I feel grateful to be part of the process that brings meaningful stories to life.

Right now, I’m developing both a new narrative short and a personal documentary project, and I’m always excited to connect with others who are passionate about bold, impactful storytelling.

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, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been passion, attention to detail, and adaptability.

First, you have to be passionate and truly love what you do. The path isn’t easy—there are long days, setbacks, and moments of doubt—so that passion is what keeps you going when things get tough. Second, attention to detail is crucial, especially as a producer. You need to think ten steps ahead, anticipate what could go wrong, and have a plan for it. I remember one shoot where we suddenly realized we were missing a key prop, and I had to build a makeshift one on the spot—being able to problem-solve quickly makes all the difference. Lastly, I believe in staying open—to new ideas, new people, and new ways of storytelling. The creative process is full of surprises, and embracing that can lead to some of the most rewarding outcomes.

My advice for those just starting out is: stay curious, stay kind, and stay ready. This industry is built on collaboration, and the ability to work closely and respectfully with others is just as important as any technical skill.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely—I’m always open to collaboration. I’d love to connect with creative individuals who are passionate about telling bold, meaningful stories—whether it’s a polished script ready to go or just the seed of an idea you’re eager to explore. I’m especially excited to partner with people who want to experiment, push boundaries, and reimagine the possibilities of storytelling through film or theatre.

I’m also deeply committed to uplifting underrepresented voices and would love to work with more Asian filmmakers to bring our stories to broader audiences together.

If you’re working on something and think we might be a good match, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out via email or social media!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @sitongcao
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sitong-cao-a1aa37190/

Image Credits

Thus They Spoke Dir. Yash Zhang
Blooming Dir. Sitong Cao