Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hanyu Bao. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hanyu, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
I’ve got this naturally optimistic vibe, and it’s deeply rooted in my childhood and family dynamics. My parents and grandparents were always there, giving me heaps of support and soothing words whenever I hit a rough patch in my younger days. They ingrained in me this idea that, no matter what curveballs life throws, it keeps on going. Getting all upset doesn’t really help; in fact, it tends to drag you down.
But here’s the kicker—I thrive on challenges. If my life is sailing too smoothly, I start feeling a bit drained. Challenges bring that exciting unpredictability, even if they come with their fair share of problems. To stay on top of it all, I’ve gradually built up this positive core, ensuring I face whatever comes my way with a mindset that won’t let anything defeat me.
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’m an independent producer and currently pursuing my MFA in Film Producing at Chapman University. I’ve had the opportunity to work on various projects, including short films, commercials, and an independent feature. Some of my producing work has been recognized at esteemed festivals like the Independent Shorts Awards and The Rhode Island International Film Festival.
One of my most significant accomplishments is my involvement as one of the producers of an indie feature, This is Water. We recently completed the final round of filming this summer, and the film is now in the last stages of post-production. This feature holds a special place in my heart as it represents my first venture into the world of feature films. The journey has been challenging, with hurdles like extreme weather, the ongoing challenges of Covid, and demanding overnight shoots in nasty locations.
What I’m most proud of is how our entire team became a close-knit family. Despite the obstacles we faced, we remained committed to the project. It’s been a collaborative effort, with everyone giving their all to ensure the film’s completion. We received location sponsorship from ArtCenter and received a great deal of support from our friends. It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m excited to see where it takes us.
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 on my journey, I believe that those are the three pivotal qualities: communication skills, the ability to identify my advantages and a high level of execution ability.
Communication:
In the realm of filmmaking, communication transcends the mere expression of creative ideas; it’s an intricate process of discovering the art of effective interaction. Questions like how to engage with diverse individuals, what to say, and how to capture attention have been constant considerations in my outreach to clients. Learning how to navigate various circumstances and tailor my communication style accordingly has proven to be fundamental to my journey.
Finding Out Your Advantage:
One key realization on my journey has been the importance of recognizing and leveraging personal strengths. Filmmaking, being a diverse field, demands an understanding of what sets you apart. Whether it’s a unique creative flair, a distinct perspective, or a specialized skill, identifying and utilizing your advantage is crucial for standing out in the competitive landscape.
High Execution Ability:
Turning creative ideas into tangible, impactful works requires more than just conceptual brilliance—it demands a high level of execution ability. Do rather than talk. The efficiency in planning, organizing, and implementing tasks is pivotal for bringing projects to fruition. A strong execution ability ensures that creative visions don’t remain confined to ideas but materialize into compelling cinematic works.
For those starting their journey, focus first on honing communication skills—practice clear articulation, adapt to different audiences, actively listen, and welcome feedback. Secondly, maintain confidence in your creative ideas; seek advice from admired individuals, engage in social interactions, and conduct thorough research to substantiate your concepts. Lastly, cultivate execution ability through robust project management skills, including realistic timelines, task prioritization, and adept problem-solving. These steps not only ensure the transformation of creative ideas into reality but also position you as a reliable and impactful filmmaker in the industry.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
As a freshman independent producer, my team and I are newcomers to the industry, and this sometimes leads to hesitancy from clients to collaborate with us. Compared to more established companies, we lack a competitive background and experience, making it challenging to secure projects despite our best efforts and competitive pricing.
However, I maintain an optimistic outlook, refusing to let failure defeat me. In the face of our limited experience, I channel my attention into generating unique and effective ideas for our clients. My primary goal during pitches is to ensure that every budget is maximized for value. Additionally, I approach each project with utmost seriousness, personally overseeing every creative process to ensure that our deliverables align with our clients’ expectations.
I am steadfast in my belief that our hard work can help people recognize that, despite our team’s limited experience, we bring passion and unwavering dedication to every project. I firmly believe that honesty and enthusiasm are powerful elements in collaboration, and I hope that our commitment to these values will lead to successful partnerships in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: hanyufilm.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylee.hanyufilm?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanyu-bao-a71b5418a/
Image Credits
Risanta Li Yukun Chan Bingcheng Pan
