Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ryan Tian. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Ryan, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
Optimism is a way of viewing the world.
When challenges and setbacks arise, it isn’t easy to process them peacefully. At those moments, we often cannot recognize their true impact on our lives because they appear shrouded in darkness. We feel struggle and pain and may want to escape.
Through many cycles of facing these experiences, I have learned the importance of absolute acceptance and surrender. These challenges are actually the best gifts, guiding us toward our true goals. This isn’t just a platitude—when there is no resistance, energy flows smoothly.
As the saying goes, “Only you can liberate or imprison yourself.” If you don’t perceive obstacles as challenges and setbacks, they cannot prevent you from becoming your true self. Instead, they will pave your way to your destination.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have always found myself to be a natural-born storyteller. From a young age, I was fascinated by storytelling. These magnificent stories fueled my imagination, taking me to places like Alice’s Wonderland, where I could dream and soar. The camera and lens became my pencils, allowing me to bring these dreams to life. Gradually, I discovered my path. As a director, video editor, writer, and filmmaker, I honed my skills to create compelling visual stories. I’ve created award-winning short films such as When Sky Was Sea, For Want of a Nail, and Dreamland, as well as a diverse portfolio of short films, commercials, and music videos.
My more than 10 years of work experience in both the UK and the USA have provided me with a solid foundation in filmmaking. Driven by my creative passion, my works have attracted the attention of many brands and clients. With my unique aesthetic and human-centric approach to storytelling and directing, I strive to craft touching visual narratives that move people in profound ways.
Currently, I am exploring the new format of vertical framing mini-drama web series in media art. I have written scripts across various genres, including romantic time travel, modern drama, and sci-fi. These projects will be coming soon.
Additionally, I have completed editing a feature film that premiered earlier this year in Los Angeles and was later entered into this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Both the film and its trailer, which I also edited, were very well received at the festival screenings. The feedback has been highly favorable. I feel very grateful to have been a part of that creative journey.
As a creator, I use visual language to connect good people and ideas with the world, communicating effectively through my art. My passion lies in this pursuit, and I am committed to serving this purpose fully.
Sending love and peace to this beautiful world with my heartfelt gratitude.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three qualities and skills that were most impactful in my journey as a filmmaker are:
Imagination and Creativity: From a young age, my fascination with storytelling fueled my imagination. This creativity allowed me to see the world in unique ways and translate my dreams into compelling visual stories. My advice to those early in their journey is to nurture your creativity. Engage with diverse forms of art, read widely, and allow your imagination to roam freely. Creativity is like a muscle—the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes.
Technical Proficiency: Mastering the tools of filmmaking—cameras, lenses, and editing software—was crucial for bringing my stories to life. My experiences in the UK and the USA helped me build a solid technical foundation. For aspiring filmmakers, I recommend investing time in learning the technical aspects of your craft. Take courses, experiment with different equipment, and continually practice your skills. The more proficient you are technically, the more freedom you have to express your creative vision.
Resilience and Perseverance: The journey of a filmmaker is filled with challenges and setbacks. It was my resilience and perseverance that kept me moving forward, even when things got tough. I faced numerous obstacles, but each one taught me valuable lessons and helped me grow. My advice to newcomers is to stay resilient. Embrace failures as opportunities to learn and keep pushing forward. Your dedication and perseverance will ultimately lead you to success.
In addition to these qualities, I recommend surrounding yourself with supportive and inspiring people. Collaborate with others, seek mentorship, and always be open to feedback. Building a strong network can provide you with invaluable insights and support as you navigate your journey.
By cultivating creativity, honing technical skills, and maintaining resilience, you can build a strong foundation for a successful career in filmmaking. Keep dreaming, keep creating, and never give up on your passion.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I believe it’s better to go all in on our strengths rather than trying to be more well-rounded by improving areas where we aren’t as strong. Focusing on our strengths allows us to develop our unique talents and become truly exceptional in what we do. This approach not only helps us stand out but also enables us to bring something distinctive and valuable to the table.
In the world of filmmaking, many renowned directors are celebrated for their unique styles and strengths. Take Wes Anderson, for instance. His meticulous attention to detail, whimsical storytelling, and distinctive visual style have made his films instantly recognizable and beloved by audiences. Ang Lee, on the other hand, is known for his ability to navigate and blend different cultural contexts and genres, creating deeply emotional and impactful narratives. Quentin Tarantino’s bold storytelling, sharp dialogue, and unconventional approach to filmmaking have also set him apart as a visionary director.
These filmmakers didn’t dilute their strengths by trying to be well-rounded in areas that didn’t align with their core talents. Instead, they embraced their uniqueness, honed their skills, and developed their own voices. This authenticity has drawn attention and recognition, allowing them to leave an indelible mark on the industry.
In my own journey, I spent time learning from these masters, understanding their unique approaches, and gradually finding my own way. By focusing on my strengths—my imagination, creativity, and technical skills—I developed a distinctive style that resonates with audiences and clients. This uniqueness has been instrumental in drawing more attention and recognition to my work.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to identify your strengths and go all in on them. Embrace what makes you unique and develop those talents to their fullest potential. This doesn’t mean you should ignore areas where you can improve, but your primary focus should be on what you do best. Authenticity and excellence in your strengths will set you apart and lead to greater fulfillment and success.
In conclusion, by becoming the best version of yourself and leveraging your unique strengths, you can create a distinctive and impactful body of work. Be yourself, embrace your uniqueness, and let your strengths shine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ryantian.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rtfilmstudio/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantianfilmmaker/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8775967/?ref_=fn_al_nm_2
Image Credits
Ryan Tian
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