Meet Rio Jiaming Chong

We were lucky to catch up with Rio Jiaming Chong recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Rio Jiaming with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

For me, passion is the driving force behind everything I do. My greatest passion lies in filmmaking, a craft that inspires me to consistently aim for excellence. When you truly care about the work you’re doing, a strong work ethic naturally follows. This commitment is not something forced—it grows from a genuine desire to create meaningful, impactful work.

As a filmmaker, I don’t just create content; I strive to create art. Each film shot I produce reflects my dedication to the craft. I meticulously care for every aspect and element of production, ensuring that my projects are not just passable creations but works of art that resonate with international audiences. My short film Sunset, for example, was produced with almost zero budget, yet it went on to win the prestigious Rome International Movie Award and was selected by the Toronto Lift-Off Film Festival—recognitions that reflect my ability to achieve excellence even under constraints.

To sum up, I believe that my success in winning international awards, achieving commercial viability, and securing financing for independent projects speaks to my extraordinary ability as a filmmaker. My work ethic stems not just from the desire to create, but from a commitment to push artistic and professional boundaries, making contributions of major significance to the film industry.

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 am accomplished filmmaker, producer, and co-founder of OnShot Production, recognized for my exceptional contributions to the film industry. With a proven ability to create meaningful and commercially successful works, I havd established myself as a leading figure in independent filmmaking on both a national and international scale.

My short film, “Sunset,” is a prime example of his extraordinary talent. Produced with almost zero budget, Sunset achieved remarkable success, winning the prestigious Rome International Movie Award and earning an official selection at the Toronto Lift-Off Film Festival. These accolades are clear evidence of his ability to produce internationally recognized, award-winning work, a hallmark of excellence in his field.

I also won internationally recognized awards for producing three documentaries: “Thirty Three Stories”, “Foreign New Abe” and “Dreambowl”, which had won Chinese American Film Festival and International Houston Film Festival.

As the co-founder and CEO of OnShot Production, I led the development and production of several vertical drama series. These innovative projects not only pushed creative boundaries but also demonstrated significant commercial success, generating millions in revenue on streaming platforms. This success reflects Jiaming’s ability to bridge artistic innovation with business strategy, a skill rarely seen at such a high level in independent filmmaking.

My exceptional career trajectory includes prestigious invitations to showcase my work at renowned industry events such as the New York Film Festival and the AFI Fest, solidifying my reputation as a filmmaker with extraordinary vision. These invitations serve as a testament to the widespread recognition of my talent and contributions, further affirming my standing within the global cinematic community.

This proactive approach highlights my deep knowledge of the market and my strategic vision for my projects. By securing distribution deals in advance, I ensures that his films have a clear path to commercial success while minimizing financial risks. My expertise in film financing and negotiation reflects his ability to blend creative artistry with business acumen, a rare combination that sets myself apart from my peers.

My contributions are not limited to creative storytelling. My ability to produce award-winning films with minimal resources, drive significant commercial results, and secure strategic partnerships showcases his extraordinary ability to excel in the competitive film industry. Through my work, I have made original contributions of major significance that have been recognized both artistically and commercially.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

As a young filmmaker, I believe that three key elements—broad knowledge, perseverance, and perception—are essential for surviving and thriving in the competitive world of filmmaking. Being a filmmaker goes beyond understanding film techniques; it requires knowledge of a wide range of subjects, including politics, economics, science, and technology. The more we know, the more enriched and layered our films can be. Each area of knowledge adds depth to our storytelling and allows us to approach projects from different perspectives.

Perseverance is equally crucial. The film industry is tough, and persistence is the only way to continue creating, especially in the face of challenges. There will be setbacks, but it is perseverance that keeps filmmakers going. It’s this determination that pushes us to improve, learn, and keep striving for greatness.

Lastly, a filmmaker’s primary goal should always be to make great films. While the path to creating meaningful work can be complex, it’s essential to maintain a clear focus on the craft and continually pursue excellence in every project.

As for offering advice to others in the industry, I don’t believe I am in a position to give that yet. I’m still on my journey, and I don’t consider myself fully successful. The filmmaking world is unique in that there’s no single formula for success. Each filmmaker’s path is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Even if I were to offer advice, it would be based on my own experiences and may not necessarily apply to everyone. The key is to keep learning, adapting, and evolving in this ever-changing industry.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been my ability to balance creative storytelling with strategic business acumen, solidifying my role as both a filmmaker and producer in the competitive film industry.

Creatively, I have honed my ability to produce high-quality films with limited resources, as demonstrated by my short film Sunset, which was produced on a minimal budget but went on to win the Rome International Movie Award and earned an official selection at the Toronto Lift-Off Film Festival. This experience strengthened my skills in resourceful filmmaking—maximizing production value without compromising on artistic vision.

On the business side, I have made significant strides in mastering the film financing and distribution process, a key area for producers. By attending the American Film Market (AFM) and negotiating pre-sales deals with distributors even before films entered development, I proved my ability to understand market demands and secure financial backing. This skill not only ensures the commercial viability of my projects but also demonstrates my knowledge of the film business and my ability to navigate complex negotiations successfully.

Additionally, I was honored to be invited to prestigious events like the New York Film Festival and AFI Fest, further validating the recognition of my work within the global filmmaking community. These invitations highlight my increasing visibility and reputation as an exceptional talent in independent cinema.

This past year has been transformative as I’ve combined creative excellence with business strategy, demonstrating the ability to produce work that is both artistically meaningful and commercially successful—qualities that align with the EB-1 visa criteria for extraordinary ability. By consistently delivering award-winning films and securing strategic partnerships, I’ve not only grown as a filmmaker but also proven my capacity to make significant contributions to the film industry.

Contact Info:

• Other: email: [email protected]