Meet Wei-ta Chen

We were lucky to catch up with Wei-ta Chen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Wei-Ta, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I still face imposter syndrome at times, especially as a non-US artist working in a highly competitive city like New York. It’s hard not to feel inadequate when comparing myself to peers who seem to be advancing faster, whether in career or personal life. I’ve learned to focus less on external validation and more on my own progress. I remind myself that everyone’s path is different and that my unique experiences as an immigrant and independent filmmaker add value to my work.

One example that stands out was when I was preparing to submit *The Routes* for a major documentary festival. I doubted whether my film, which reflects on personal and immigrant experiences, could resonate with a broader audience. But instead of letting that doubt consume me, I reminded myself that my perspective as an immigrant filmmaker is precisely what makes my work unique.

A big help has been acknowledging that self-doubt is part of the creative process. Rather than fight it, I try to use it as motivation to keep learning and improving. Surrounding myself with supportive peers and mentors also helps.

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

I’m an independent filmmaker and cinematographer, specializing in documentaries that explore the human experience. What sets my work apart is the way I merge personal storytelling with a broader exploration of philosophical questions. I try to find beauty in the small, quiet moments, like an artist working alone in their studio or someone connecting with their homeland through memories. These intimate details are often overlooked but are powerful in revealing larger truths about the human condition.

One of my most personal projects is *The Routes*, a documentary that follows the story of an immigrant artist, Hung-Ju, while reflecting on my own journey as a filmmaker in New York. The film touches on both of our struggles with homesickness and how that shapes our creative work. What I find exciting about my projects is their ability to spark conversations about identity, belonging, and truth—things that resonate deeply with audiences from diverse backgrounds.

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?

Adaptability – As an artist, especially in a fast-paced environment like New York, you must be able to adapt to constantly changing circumstances. Whether it’s adjusting to a smaller budget than anticipated or pivoting creatively when something doesn’t go as planned, adaptability is crucial. For those starting out, I recommend embracing uncertainty as part of the process. Learn to be flexible with both your vision and the practical constraints you face. This will help you thrive in environments that might seem overwhelming at first.

Perseverance – The path of an independent filmmaker, especially as a non-US artist, is filled with challenges, from securing funding to navigating visa requirements. I’ve had to endure periods of doubt, especially seeing peers in different life stages—like settling down or advancing in traditional careers—while I was still pushing for my creative goals. Perseverance is what keeps you going when it feels like you’re stuck or falling behind. My advice is to trust in your own timeline and keep moving forward, no matter how slow the progress may seem.

Self-discipline – While I don’t consider myself a naturally disciplined person, I’ve had to cultivate this skill as a freelancer. It’s easy to get distracted or lose momentum when you’re working independently, so I’ve found tools like the Pomodoro Technique to be helpful. Also, creating an environment conducive to focus—whether that’s working in cafes or libraries—and joining study groups with peers have been critical strategies for staying on track. For newcomers, developing good habits early on will pay off, especially when you’re your own boss.

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?

In the film industry, especially with larger projects, collaboration with various specialists is essential. As a result, having some level of knowledge—or even hands-on skills—in areas beyond your primary focus can be incredibly helpful, especially if you’re in a leadership role. For traditional film crews, it’s often more feasible to concentrate solely on your area of expertise, such as being a technical specialist in cinematography or sound. However, if you’re looking to run an independent studio and manage projects from start to finish, you’ll inevitably encounter aspects you’re less familiar with.

For example, during pre-production, you might face challenges with negotiation, script writing, casting, or securing funding. During production, managing costs, crew coordination, and technical details all require attention. Then, in post-production, there are editing, VFX, sound design, legal issues like licensing, and eventually, distribution and marketing. It’s hard to imagine how many details one or two people might have to handle if you’re used to larger teams, but this is often the case in independent studio operations.

That’s why I recommend taking the time to develop skills outside your core strengths. You don’t have to be an expert, but having enough knowledge to communicate effectively with specialists in different areas will definitely pay off. You’ll find that even a little investment in learning can go a long way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://weitachen.pro
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weita_photography/