Meet Iga Xiaoyi Zhou

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Iga Xiaoyi Zhou. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Iga Xiaoyi, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re very focused on here – improving our ability to make decisions. Everyday, we’re faced with decisions that can impact the future of our careers, businesses, relationships and more and so one of the most impactful areas for personal development, in our view, is decision-making. Can you talk to us about how you developed or improved your decision-making skills?

Go with your gut—just like that. As a film director, decision-making is a constant and fast-paced process, especially on production days. Every department looks to you for answers, and sometimes you genuinely don’t know the ‘right’ answer. But in this role, you have to know—or at least appear to know. That’s where preparation comes in.
For me, preparation is crucial. I develop a clear vision for the film and make deep, personal connections with the story and the characters. When I’ve done the groundwork, I can trust my artistic instincts to guide me. While having many options can make it harder to choose, intuition often cuts through the noise. Our intuition is a reflection of our authentic style, shaped by our past experiences.
Practice is equally important. In Chinese culture, we say, ‘Practice makes perfect.’ The more hands-on experience I gain, the more confident and efficient I become in decision-making. Learning by doing leaves a lasting impression—it’s much easier to grow when you actually exercise the skill.
Of course, I’ve made my share of mistakes—plenty of them. But I’ve learned not to let those mistakes defeat me. Every wrong decision is a chance to reflect and grow. With each misstep, I discover ways to improve and ideas to explore for the next project. Mistakes aren’t just setbacks; they’re stepping stones to growth and innovation.

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?

I’m a film director and screenwriter with a primary focus on narrative projects, though I also love stepping into the editor’s chair. I was born in Jinan, a beautiful city that’s known for natural springs in China, and moved to California to pursue my filmmaking career in 2015. Me and my husband, Bilal, started a brand called Laughing Duck Production last year, which specializes in video and film development and production.
Through my work, I strive to create a bridge that connects people across the world who share similar experiences. Films have deeply enlightened and guided me throughout my life, and I hope my creations can do the same for others. Above all, I want my films to resonate with those who feel on the edge, offering a sense of inclusion and reminding them they are never alone in this vast world.
As a female artist, I view stories through a distinctly female narrative lens. I’m passionate about crafting authentic female characters with powerful cores and independent values. It excites me to contribute to the growing representation of inspiring female characters in today’s films, and I’m committed to telling stories that reflect real women and their journeys.
Looking ahead, I’m preparing to dive into my next major project—a feature film set in a post-war dystopian society. This concept has been brewing in my mind for years, born out of my desire to explore a protagonist who fails the hero’s journey. I believe this idea is ready to enter development. It’s a project that blends several intriguing elements, and I’m thrilled to bring it to life. I hope that within the next couple of years, it will be completed and ready to share with audiences worldwide.

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?

On the top of my mind is being a genuinely nice person. Filmmaking is a collaborative process, and no one wants to work with someone who brings unnecessary drama, especially in high-pressure situations. A positive impression can open countless doors, while a bad attitude can kill opportunities before they even start. I’ve had encounters with rude and irresponsible people, and honestly, they were a total nightmare. I wouldn’t work with them again, no matter how skilled they might be.
Second, networking is absolutely essential for filmmakers. My college film professor used to say, “10% of a filmmaker’s time is spent making the film, while 90% is spent finding the people to make the film.”Attend networking events like film screenings and festivals, and even work on sets—there’s no better way to meet people than by collaborating on the same project. For filmmakers just starting out, I highly recommend donating your time to work on others’ projects. Not only will you gain valuable experience, but people will remember your help and often return the favor when you need a crew for your own projects.
Lastly, persistence. I truly believe persistence is the key to success. It’s easy to lose sight of your goals as you navigate to become a mature artist. Stay true to yourself, keep creating what speaks to you, and remain motivated, even during tough times. As an artist, I’m always grateful for any recognition, but the truth is there are far more rejections and criticisms. I had a project that didn’t meet my expectations on the festival circuit, which was disappointing. But then a friend shared how much the characters in the film inspired her personally, and that reminded me why I created the project in the first place. That realization brought me back to the core of my creative journey: to tell stories that connect with others and make an impact.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes! I’m always looking for artists to collaborate with. The ideal collaborator would have a passion for creating strong female characters, especially those representing minority perspectives, and for telling female-driven stories. I’d love to connect with someone who is highly visual and open to experimenting with fresh, innovative ideas.
I’m open to connecting with people across all departments, but I’m especially in need of connecting with lighting experts. Lighting is such a crucial element in setting the mood and elevating the drama within a frame, and I’m eager to learn more in this area. For my next film project, which is quite ambitious, I want to create a deeply moody, suspenseful atmosphere, and finding the right person who can bring that vision to life through lighting is essential.
While I’m focusing on developing my next film, I’m also open to working on other projects—as long as they’re dope. Right now, I’m in the writer’s room for an ambitious horror TV series about radiation-exposed undead people, which has been such a thrilling experience. I’d love to write for anyone with an amazing idea that needs help with development.
I’m also available for directing and editing roles. If you have a bold, inspiring idea and are looking for a collaborator, feel free to reach out to me through my personal website or social media. Let’s make something incredible together!

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