Meet Jocelyn Jc Zhao

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jocelyn Jc Zhao. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jocelyn JC below.

Hi Jocelyn JC, so happy to have you on the platform with us today and excited to chat about your lessons and insights. Our ability to make good decisions can massively impact our lives, careers and relationships and so it would be very helpful to hear about how you built your decision-making skills.

As a film producer and a graduate of film school, stepping into the real world was both exciting and overwhelming. I quickly realized that while I had the creative foundation from my education, the decisions I faced in the industry often went beyond what textbooks or classroom exercises could prepare me for. It was a journey of trial and error, one where I had to teach myself to navigate through ambiguity.

In the beginning, I felt a bit lost, unsure of which path to take or how to assert myself in a room full of seasoned professionals. The only way forward was to commit to constant learning. I watched and listened intently—whether it was observing how experienced producers negotiated, studying directors’ decision-making on set, or even analyzing what went wrong in a project’s workflow. Every interaction became an opportunity to absorb knowledge.

I also embraced experimentation. I wasn’t afraid to try new approaches, even if it meant making mistakes along the way. Early on, I learned that failure is not the end—it’s feedback. Each misstep taught me something invaluable, from budgeting strategies to managing relationships with creative teams.

Over time, I began to trust my instincts more and rely on the confidence I built through these small victories. I found that decision-making in filmmaking is about balancing the art and the logistics, while always keeping the story at the heart of every choice. Through persistence and self-reflection, I’ve developed a decision-making style rooted in adaptability, collaboration, and a willingness to learn from every experience.

Today, I approach each project with a blend of intuition and practical reasoning, knowing that even the toughest decisions are opportunities to grow and refine my craft.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As a feminist filmmaker, my work is deeply rooted in a commitment to telling stories that challenge traditional narratives and amplify underrepresented voices. From the beginning of my career, I’ve been drawn to projects that explore identity, resilience, and social transformation—especially those that give women and marginalized communities a platform to be seen and heard.

One area I’ve been particularly passionate about is experimenting with new storytelling mediums, including vertical films and series designed for mobile-first platforms. While many see this format as a creative limitation, I view it as a unique opportunity to subvert norms and reach audiences in unexpected ways. For me, vertical storytelling isn’t just about adapting to changing technology—it’s about democratizing access to stories. The vertical screen, often held in the palm of one’s hand, creates an intimacy that traditional formats can’t always achieve. It’s a space where voices that are often drowned out in mainstream media can connect directly with viewers.

As a feminist, I’m fascinated by how emerging formats and technologies can reshape our collective understanding of media. Historically, women and marginalized voices have had to fight for their place in the spotlight. Now, with platforms that prioritize accessibility and innovation, we have a chance to redefine not just the stories being told, but how and where they’re consumed. For me, the most exciting question isn’t just about what the next “big thing” in storytelling is—it’s about who gets to tell it and how it can disrupt the status quo.

Currently, I’m working on projects that fuse feminist themes with these new formats. One initiative I’m particularly proud of involves creating short-form series that highlight the complexity of women’s experiences in modern society. These stories are designed not just to entertain, but to provoke thought, spark conversation, and inspire change.

Beyond individual projects, I see my role as a filmmaker as part of a larger movement. I want to create a body of work that challenges viewers to reconsider whose stories they’ve been consuming—and whose stories they’ve been missing. The intersection of feminism, technology, and storytelling is where I feel most inspired, and I’m committed to pushing those boundaries every day.

As I look ahead, I’m excited to continue exploring this dynamic space, using my voice and platform to champion diversity, equity, and creativity in all its forms. For me, filmmaking is not just a profession; it’s a form of activism, a way to reimagine the world one story at a time.

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

Resilience and Adaptability，Empathy and Communication and A Strategic Mindset. It’s a journey, so give yourself room to grow.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

Growing up in a traditional Chinese family, my parents held a very progressive outlook on life. One of their most impactful beliefs, which shaped me profoundly, was: “In order to attain wisdom, it is not enough merely to read books; you must be well-traveled as well.”

They embodied this philosophy by taking me on countless journeys, showing me the world beyond our immediate surroundings. Whether it was exploring nature, visiting historic sites, or simply observing different ways of life, these experiences taught me curiosity, adaptability, and an appreciation for the diversity of human stories.

This upbringing is the reason I am so independent and adventurous today. Moving to a foreign country and pursuing a career in filmmaking—something no one in my family had ever done—didn’t feel intimidating; it felt like the next exciting chapter in my journey. My parents’ willingness to embrace new ideas and challenges taught me to do the same, and it’s a lesson I carry with me in everything I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/jczhao
• Instagram: @jocezzhao
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9350991/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk