Meet Carol Yan Li

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carol Yan Li a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Carol Yan, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose through a combination of early passions and significant mentorship. As a child, I was always fascinated by sounds—the way environments sounded distinctly as I rode on the back of my parents’ bicycle, and how those sounds told a story. This early curiosity about auditory experiences laid the groundwork for my interest in sound design.

However, it was during my college years that my purpose really crystallized, thanks to one of my professors, Chris Newman, an accomplished sound mixer in the film industry. Chris not only imparted technical knowledge but also instilled a sense of potential in me that I had never recognized before. Up until meeting him, I hadn’t truly valued my own capabilities; I didn’t see myself as someone who could stand out or excel. Chris’s encouragement and belief in my abilities showed me that I could thrive as a sound designer. This mentorship was pivotal—it transformed my interest in sound into a clear and focused career path, giving me the confidence to pursue my passion professionally in both film and game audio. His support helped me realize that my love for sound was not just a hobby but a calling, leading me to dedicate myself to a career where I could continually explore and grow in the field of sound design.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am an award-winning sound designer, specializing in production and post sound mixing for films, video games, and multimedia. I hold a BFA in Film and Video from the School of Visual Arts and an MM in Music Technology from New York University. During my studies, I had the privilege of being trained by two Oscar-winning professors: Chris Newman, known for his work on “The Godfather,” “Silence of the Lambs,” and “Amadeus,” and Tom Fleischman, recognized for “Hugo,” “The Irishman,” and “Shutter Island.”

I began my career in filmmaking in 2014 and transitioned to working in sound in 2016. My work has been showcased at prestigious film festivals, including Cannes, the Student Oscars, Busan Film Festival, and NYIFF, among others. In 2021, I was a finalist for the Student Recognition Award from the Cinema Audio Society. In 2023, I received a game sound design scholarship from the Game Audio Diversity Alliance.

I am passionate about all forms of art and media. My career objective is to collaborate on projects with complex narratives in any medium. My sound design skills are highly adaptable to different genres and are known for their strong emotional connection.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

What distinguishes me in the field is my acute sensitivity to narrative and human emotions. This sensitivity not only fuels my inspiration for sound design but also enhances my communication with directors, enabling me to forge stronger connections. My approach to sound is deeply intertwined with storytelling, allowing me to contribute to projects in a way that resonates with audiences on an emotional level.

Sometimes, our sensitivities can feel like a burden. I often struggled with my own, finding it overwhelming to experience such intense emotions. However, I’ve come to realize that this sensitivity is a gift. It allows for a deeper connection to the world around us and enhances our ability to empathize with others. So, instead of fearing these feelings, I’ve learned to embrace them. Sensitivity is not just a challenge—it’s a strength that can be cherished and celebrated. Don’t be afraid to feel deeply; it’s part of what makes us human and enriches our experiences.

How would you describe your ideal client?

I pride myself on being highly adaptable, which allows me to work effectively with a wide variety of clients. I particularly enjoy collaborating with clients who are passionate and open to a collaborative process. In the entertainment industry, passion is a key ingredient for success, and sharing ideas freely enhances our work, leading to more innovative and impactful outcomes. I believe that when we bring enthusiasm and teamwork to our projects, we can achieve remarkable results together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.carolyanli.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolyanl/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-yan-li-b6b38619a/
• Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10075461/