Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shuqi Yan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shuqi, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
From a very young age, filmmaking has been part of my life. When I was just three years old, my mother bought several DVDs, and that was when I watched my very first movie, The Sound of Music. I was utterly mesmerized by the combination of sound, language, and visuals—it left a lasting impression on me. I rewatched it countless times, and that was the moment I first understood the power of cinema.
Later on, in college, I once again crossed paths with film due to the nature of my studies. In my free time, I immersed myself in films of all genres. It was during this time that I made the decision to come to Hollywood to pursue filmmaking. I started preparing by creating my first short film, expressing my personal views on love through the medium of film.
Eventually, I made my way to the United States to study filmmaking, where theory and practice came together in ways that truly opened my eyes. I discovered that filmmaking is something I want to dedicate my life to. The ability to tell stories—my own or others’—through a camera and script, and to express my perspective on the world, felt incredibly powerful. I realized this is the meaning of studying film: to potentially inspire and influence others. And that’s what gives filmmaking its purpose for me.
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’m Shuqi Yan, a 24-year-old filmmaker originally from Hefei, Anhui Province, China. I recently graduated with an MFA in Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy in August 2024. My life has always been surrounded by art—whether it was dancing, playing the piano, or music, and eventually, it led me to pursue filmmaking. Art has been deeply intertwined with my journey.
Early on, I focused on being a Script Supervisor, which allowed me to immerse myself in the technical aspects of film production. Over time, however, I discovered my true passion: producing. Now, I’m on the path to becoming a producer, where I can combine creativity with leadership, bringing diverse stories to life on screen.
As an ESTJ and a Taurus, I bring a blend of structure and passion to my work, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead. This next chapter in my career is about embracing the challenges of storytelling and production, and I hope to continue creating projects that inspire and resonate with people globally.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three key qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are honesty, perseverance, and composure.
Honesty is fundamental when dealing with others. Genuine relationships and trust are built through being sincere and transparent, whether in personal or professional settings.
Perseverance means sticking with your goals and not giving up at the first sign of difficulty. Success doesn’t come overnight; it’s about staying committed and pushing through challenges without losing sight of your objectives.
Composure is crucial when facing obstacles. Staying calm and collected, especially in stressful situations, helps you think clearly and find solutions without getting overwhelmed by emotions.
For those just starting their journey, I would advise embracing these qualities early on. Be genuine in your interactions, be determined with your goals, and always keep your cool when problems arise. These will not only make your path smoother but will also bring long-term rewards.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
In the past 12 months, my greatest area of growth has come from the support of my boyfriend Ray and my parents. Ray has played a crucial role in helping me grow both professionally and personally. We worked together on two production projects, during which he constantly gave me valuable advice and taught me important lessons. He has been a mentor, encouraging me to stay focused on my filmmaking goals. One of the most significant things I learned from him is to remain calm and composed when facing challenges, rather than reacting impulsively. This mindset shift has helped me greatly, especially in improving my communication skills by being more open and direct, which has strengthened our collaboration.
My parents have also been instrumental in my growth. Their unwavering support allowed me to pursue my dream of studying filmmaking abroad. I am incredibly grateful for their encouragement and belief in my journey. Their backing helped me embrace the challenges and opportunities of this past year with confidence and determination.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15126153/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shuqiyan__?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Image Credits
Weijie Liu, Gaojie Wang, Rui Dong, Yijia Sun, Bella Chen
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