Meet Zikun Wu

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zikun Wu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Zikun, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

It’s really simple, just go recruit. Any form of recruitment will do, even “recruit” a roommate.

Sometimes you’ll find that being chosen or not is purely a matter of luck. Plus, the people applying to you are truly diverse. Sometimes I even wonder if these people really live in the same city as me?

I’m a producer, and sometimes I recruit actors, directors, PAs, and wardrobe staff, etc. Recruitment is really tough. When I can’t find someone to get the job done, I can’t help but think, “I’m really outstanding,” genuinely.

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 am originally from Beijing born and raised. I am currently working at Warner Bros. Discovery in local production. I am a writer and a creative producer.

My undergraduate years were spent at the City University of Hong Kong, School of Creative Media. I am profoundly grateful for the creative freedom the university provided me. Over the course of those four years, I explored various artistic realms, dabbling in graphic design, photography, cinematography, and interactive design. Eventually, I had the privilege of joining my professor’s production team, where we collaborated on the documentary ‘Havana Divas’. When I watched our film’s screening at the Shanghai International Film Festival and my name appeared in the credits, I realized that all the toil had been worthwhile; I will be a filmmaker.

Following my graduation, I joined CurrentZ Media, a company partially owned by one of China’s premier film production giants, Enlight Media. Here, I had the honor of collaborating with a host of kindred spirits, some of whom remain my closest friends to this day. Together, we embarked on the creative journey of developing one film and series after another, including titles such as ‘The Legend of Fei,’ ‘The Neurin Doctors,’ and ‘Tiger Crane.’ The industry was in constant flux, but we navigated it together, sharing in the learning process during our five years of collective endeavor.

During that time, they imparted valuable lessons to me, but concurrently, they also had their limitations. This is what led me back to academia, ArtCenter, with a renewed determination to refine my craft and connect with more fellow filmmakers.

Meanwhile, I am currently setting up my own screenwriting studio and trying to collaborate with mini series companies both domestically and internationally.

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?

1. your voice
2. your voice
3. your voice

You are you, and that’s the most important thing.

I believe everyone would agree that the film and television industry is a highly risky one. At times, you might feel incredibly successful and thinking that you can make a living through filmmaking and enjoy a comfortable life. However, more often that is not the case. It’s a journey of creating, revisions, and self-doubt.

There are times that it seems like everyone around you, whether it’s the clients, colleagues, or friends, always thinks that the current plan isn’t good enough, the script needs more work, the actors aren’t up to par, and so on. As someone in the production department, a lot of the work we do goes unnoticed. My friends always ask me: what does a producer do exactly?

But your belief in yourselves and your own voice is the most unique and meaningful gift you can bring to the audience and to the world. Otherwise, you’re just imitating others, merely repeating what already exists. How boring is that!

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My mom has always bravely been herself and that alway inspire me. She’s the youngest female CFO in her company, and when she started, she was just a hotel receptionist. If she can do it, then so can I.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latwzk
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zikun-wu-690434276