We recently connected with Wenjing Du and have shared our conversation below.
Wenjing, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Like most people, I fell in love with films first—that’s what led me to study filmmaking. At that time, I didn’t know much about how films were made. In my mind, movies were a director’s art, so naturally, I thought I wanted to be a director.
But people around me kept telling me that my personality was better suited for producer. I didn’t take it seriously at first—I was still chasing the director dream. Then came the turning point: my first real experience on a short film set. I wasn’t officially in charge of anything; I was just helping my friend. Unfortunately, Everything that could go wrong did. Without thinking too much, I jumped in to fix problems as they came up. By the end of the shoot, things had gone much smoother than expected, and even the director joked, “If you hadn’t been here, we’d be screwed.” That was the moment it clicked for me—producers might not be in the spotlight like directors, but they’re just as essential.
After that, I started digging deeper into what producing really meant. I realized it wasn’t just about solving problems; it was about creating opportunities, building teams, and bringing a story to life. Over time, I discovered that I loved making things happen more than being a director. That’s when I knew—producing was what I was meant to do.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a film producer, and while my work may seem complex and detailed, if I had to sum it up in one sentence, I’d say I’m putting together the puzzle called “story.”
To me, film is more than just a medium for storytelling—it’s a language that reaches deep into the human heart. My job is to nurture stories from the very first spark of an idea, shaping them bit by bit, until they grow into a film that can speak to an audience on the screen.
In this industry, some people focus on the “dream,” while others focus on the “money.” Between the romance of creation and the realities of execution, I’ve found my place right in the middle. And that’s exactly what draws me to this work—the challenge of balancing both, making sure the dream not only exists but also finds its way into the world.
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?
For me, sincerity is the most important quality in the film industry. Whether it’s in creative work or producing, sincerity is the core that holds everything together. Without sincerity, both the audience and collaborators can sense it. As a producer, my job isn’t just managing budgets or solving problems, it’s about making the whole team believe that the project is worth bringing to life.
Next, I believe communication skills are the most important skill, especially for a producer. After all, film is a collective creation, with each person bringing their own perspective. The producer’s role is not to control everything, but to listen, coordinate, and ensure the team moves toward a shared goal.
Finally, flexible thinking is key to surviving for producer. Film production is never a straight line, it’s more like an unpredictable journey. If you’re not stuck in fixed ways of thinking, you’ll be able to present the story in the best possible way.
For those just starting out, my advice is: respect others, work diligently, and patiently wait for opportunities.
First, respect for others is crucial. Respecting other people’s work is the first step in building good working relationships, and it will help you go further in the industry.
Second, approach every work with seriousness. Whether it’s a major project or a small task, always give your best effort. This attitude will earn you the trust of others and help you build experience.
Lastly, be patient wait for opportunities. The road in the film industry is not always smooth, and opportunities may not come right away. So, don’t rush. Before the opportunity comes, make yourself stronger and more prepared.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I’ve been really lucky to have met so many people who’ve helped me along the way. They’re all very experienced in film industry, so I called them my mentors. Looking back, they’ve had a huge impact on my journey. Honestly, they’re the ones who showed me this path and helped me see bigger opportunities. They didn’t just teach me the knowledge of this industry, but more importantly, they gave me the direction and confidence I needed. Whenever I felt lost or unsure, they were always there to help me sort things out with their wisdom and experience, guiding me through tough moments and showing me the way forward.
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