Meet Xincong Zhao

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Xincong Zhao. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Xincong, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

I’d say my work ethic comes from a real love for storytelling and respect for the craft. Watching filmmakers put everything into each frame inspired me to do the same. Over time, I learned that being disciplined and pushing through challenges is just part of the job. In the end, it’s about putting in the effort to make every project the best it can be.

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?

Born in Chongqing, China
An alumnus of the New York Film Academy’s Cinematography.
Dedicated cinematography with over 10 years in Feature Film, Documentary, Short Film, and Commercial.
Includes films like Off-road Heroes, and Searching for Goddess Jiao Ai, and award-winning films such as ‘Two Mothers’(THE 45TH MOSCOW INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL), ‘Autism’s Eyes’ (54th Visions du Réel International Film Festival Nyon) and ‘Uniquely You’ (18th FIRST International Film Festival)
Has worked with major brands such as JD.com, Hisense, BYD, Chang’an Automobile, Jiangxi Isuzu, and China Ping An, delivering visually compelling advertisements.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Sincerity, communication, common sense.
Sincerity is all about being genuine—whether that’s in your approach to the story, your interactions with the team, or your dedication to the work. People can tell when you’re authentic, and it builds trust. For anyone starting out, I’d say focus on staying true to your style and approach. Don’t try to be someone else; it’ll come through in your work.

Communication is huge in filmmaking. It’s a team effort, and you need to make sure everyone’s on the same page to create something cohesive. My advice is to practice open and clear communication from the beginning. Be approachable, listen to others, and share your vision in a way that everyone can understand.

Lastly, common sense is underrated but essential. It’s about making smart, practical decisions and being aware of your surroundings. When things get unpredictable on set, it’s common sense that often saves the day. For beginners, I’d say pay attention, stay grounded, and remember that sometimes the simplest approach is the best.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

Sleep, don’t think about anything, only when you are relaxed can you think about the problem calmly, let nature take its course

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @zhaoxincong2019

Image Credits

18th FIRST International Film Festival Official Selection

54th visions du Reel
International rim Festival Nyon

THE 45TH MOSCOW INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL