Meet Evan Chan | Filmmaker | Director & DP

We had the good fortune of connecting with Evan Chan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Evan, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Hmmm what a great question. If I had to pinpoint the most significant factor behind some of my favorite (and most successful?) projects and relationships from my time in the production world, I’d start and end with my COMMUNITY. In an industry built upon creative collaboration, our friends, family, and peers are exceptionally important.

As a first-generation Asian American, my community played a huge role in my upbringing. I was a selectively shy yet incredibly curious kid, and it really did take a village for things to run smoothly. To this day, I often attribute my creative vision to the many interactions I had during my childhood.

As I head into my 7th year in the industry, I find myself cherishing my relationships more than ever. They celebrate my wins and pick up my losses. They inspire me, breathing life into my work and driving me to be more than what I sometimes settle for. Ultimately, I think my personal and professional community is absolutely crucial to the success of my brand.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a Filmmaker (DP, Director, and occasional Photographer) heading into my 7th year of branded commercial and documentary production. Born & raised in the eclectic city of San Francisco, I always find myself gravitating towards culturally-rich and compelling projects that can benefit from an eclectic perspective.

After relocating to LA for an undergraduate degree in Urban & Environmental Policy and unsuccessfully attempting to transition into a media arts program, I cut my academic journey short in hopes of uncovering another path into the creative space. Fortunately, I found a home at Barbell Brigade, where I decisively picked up a camera for the first time. For the next 3 1/2 years, I cut my teeth in everything digital video production and marketing.

As year 4 crept to a close, I decided to transition to my next creative itch: tattooing (over time, I’d begun staking claims as a client and friend of a growing number of tattoo artists in Southern California). Despite the initial enthusiasm, I consistently reminisced over the time I’d spent on set. After 6 months filled with countless, reluctant drawing sessions and a few mediocre tattoos, I leaped back over into the production world.

To be completely honest, I’ve only recently realized that filmmaking was always a part of the plan. Growing up, both of my parents worked in traditional sectors, but would frequently pour themselves into various creative pursuits outside of the workplace such as mixed media art, music, and photography (now working in the medical field, my older sister is exceptionally creative as well). It was only a matter of time before one of us flipped the script. Leaving school early was an incredible risk, but I’m whole-heartedly content with both the decision and the outcome.

At the end of the day, this field’s given me more than I could ever ask for — relationships, memories, opportunities; everything. It’s taught me patience and tested my faith. It’s shown me that it’s not always bad to leap before you look. It’s made it clear that we all have a voice that deserves to be heard. Ultimately, the world needs our stories and the next chapter of mine will be firmly, undoubtedly planted in contributing my slice of Asian-America to the mix.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Man that’s a difficult question haha. I think it’d revolve around his/her individual taste and preferences. Fortunately, due to its eclectic history and culture, a city like Los Angeles is truly limitless when it comes to its people, activities, and eats.

Game for a short roadtrip? Santa Barbara, Joshua Tree, or San Diego — their pick. Or maybe we’re just looking for some local greenery — just close your eyes and pick a direction. You can’t go wrong with the coastal, mountain, or inland regions.

Do we want to stay within the city limits? No problem. LA’s home to countless communities with rich, vibrant roots that extend deep into the past. Spending a day or three just exploring the history around us would absolutely be an eye opening experience.

Hungry? When it comes to dining, there’s treasure all around us. Having spent a majority of my time east of Koreatown, I’m currently still getting to know the ins and outs of West LA so that would be a somewhat new frontier for both of us. Regardless, we’ll make sure to stop in the SGV for some of what I think is the best Burmese food in the country (the Bay takes the cake). And if you’ve never tried or even heard of Burmese food, do yourself a favor and phone in a takeout order now!

Looking for some fun? We’re in one of the entertainment capitals of the world. Whatever he/she wants, we’ll find it. The nightlife scene is definitely compelling, but at the same time, some of the most memorable nights are just casually spent talking story with friends. Ultimately, there’s something satisfying for everyone.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, my shoutout goes to my family. Mom, Dad, Shawna, Aunt Julie — nothing would be the same without the backbone of your love, diligence, and courage. Often times, the immigrant story doesn’t lend itself to the uncertainties of the creative space; thank you for supporting me in all my endeavors.

Furthermore, I want to recognize a few individuals that have immensely helped define who I am today. Erin, Jose, Serro, Matt, Andric, David, Bart, Geo — I appreciate ya’ll more than you know.

Website: https://evanchan.co/

Instagram: itsevanchan

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evantchan/

Image Credits
John Pham (Personal Photo)