We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mandy Chen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mandy, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I believe that the key to maintaining creativity is continuous learning. As a director, I need to constantly learn, stay fresh, and understand the present in order to create works that are both classic and resonant. First, I learn from the people around me, listening to their stories, understanding their experiences, and observing their work habits. However, as a new director, I can’t have access to everyone and everything. We can only learn through reading and watching films. I find that reading books and watching movies are enjoyable ways to relax. You can sit at home and learn about the world and experiences you have never encountered before, which is fascinating. Especially when watching films, not only do you experience a new story, but as a filmmaker, you can also observe their narrative angles and techniques, which is very helpful for my work and creating new things.
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 earned my MFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design and chose to stay in Atlanta after graduation to advance my film career. I frequently work as a Director and Producer, but I also take on roles as a 1st Assistant Director and Editor. My experience spans narrative films, commercials, and music videos.
I excel at connecting with people and understanding their vision, ensuring their needs are met and brought to life on screen. As a female Asian filmmaker who has lived in the U.S. for nearly a decade, I bring a unique perspective on blending diverse cultures to engage and resonate with various audiences.
Recently, a music video I directed won The Telly Award, and a narrative short film I worked on was nominated for the Emmy SE Award.
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?
Certainly! Here’s a refined version of your text:
Learning, communication, and mindset are the most crucial qualities for achieving success in any endeavor.
Firstly, continuous learning is vital. It keeps your creativity alive and helps you progress. The most direct way to learn is from those around you who are more skilled or experienced. Additionally, reflecting on each project, summarizing your experiences, and striving to avoid past mistakes will contribute to your growth.
Secondly, improving your communication skills is essential. Effective communication can directly enhance your efficiency and facilitate your learning and development.
Thirdly, maintaining a positive mindset is crucial. When faced with difficulties and challenges, it’s important not to withdraw but to approach the situation with optimism and do your best with the resources you have.
By embodying these three qualities—continuous learning, effective communication, and a positive mindset—you will find significant benefits for both your career and personal life.
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?
Misunderstandings are a common challenge for creators. What the audience ultimately sees is the final product, which may differ from the creator’s original vision due to various difficulties encountered during the creative process. Additionally, the intended message can sometimes be misinterpreted by viewers for a variety of reasons.
In these situations, I believe the best approach for creators is to focus on self-improvement and strive to make their work as close to their vision as possible. It’s also valuable to view their work from the audience’s perspective, which can offer insights into potential misinterpretations and enhance the overall impact.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmandy.cc?igsh=N3IxaTQwdjM1NHV0&utm_source=qr
- Other: Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user107480021
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