Meet Ray (Yu) Zhou | Film & Commercial Director, producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ray (Yu) Zhou and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ray (Yu), what are you inspired by?
I usually seek inspirations from diverse industries, especially from the works of artists in various fields such as architecture, design, music, painting, sculpture, etc. The focus is primarily on visual inspiration, and I find immense value in exploring the creations of these remarkable artists to understand their creative processes and find the wellsprings of their imagination. While their approaches may not directly offer solutions, they trigger a cascade of associations, blending with my personal experiences, and ultimately transforming into my own well of inspiration.

Moreover, delving into the lives of these artists unveils captivating stories, both from their personal journeys and the narratives embedded within their works. These accounts also serve as a constant source of motivation for my own artistic endeavors. One of the reasons I am deeply passionate about cinema is its ability to provide a gateway to diverse and fascinating industries, events, and people around the world. It nourishes my curiosity and fuels my unyielding thirst for exploration.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a director, producer based in LA and Shanghai, with experience working on a range of projects, including films and commercials. Some notable commercial clients I have worked with include Mercedes Benz, Keep, Kilian, Zwilling, and more.

Interestingly, my undergraduate major, Brand management and strategy, has no relationship with production at all. However, it has greatly contributed to my proficiency in directing commercials. By combining production techniques with brand knowledge, I have developed my own distinct style in the realm of branding. This fusion has allowed me to bring more creativities to my commercial directing endeavors and earn the trust of my clients.

On the other hand, my true passion lies in the realm of film. I derive immense joy from the process of creating a film and revel in the art of storytelling. While I appreciate the possibilities offered by motion capture, visual effects, and similar techniques, I firmly believe that they should always serve the overarching story. A compelling narrative is what truly captivates audiences. I take pleasure in documenting my daily inspirations, as they often serve as building blocks for future scripts. This ongoing accumulation of ideas and experiences will inevitably yield rewarding results in the long run.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love camping, so I would definitely pull my friends to explore various national parks. Yosemite is one of the absolute must-visit places. I just went there in May, and the waterfalls were breathtaking. After a day of enjoying the scenery, returning to a cozy cabin in the forest for an outdoor barbecue and chatting by the campfire under the moonlight, that would undoubtedly create unforgettable memories. Perhaps I would also take my friends on a road trip along Highway 1 from Los Angeles to San Francisco, making a stop at the charming town of Carmel by the Sea for a couple of days. Trust me, it’s filled with art and romance. Lastly, as we return to Los Angeles, I would revisit Malibu to catch the sunset and have a memorable dinner at Moon Shadow.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people I would like to shoutout to: my parents, mentor, girlfriend, best friends, and every production team I’ve worked with. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the exceptional production teams I’ve had the honor to collaborate with, especially individuals like Chrissie Lu, Joey Cheng, Edream Yijun Wang, and many others. Over the past year, I had the opportunity to direct my short film, “The Trial,” and take on director and producer roles for various commercials. Throughout these endeavors, these talented professionals provided invaluable support and assistance, making these projects possible and successful.

Joey, as a frequent collaborator and producer, has been instrumental in sharing the production workload, allowing me to focus on my role as a director. Her professionalism and dedication have enabled us to work seamlessly on multiple projects together. Edream is the director of photography for my short film “The Trial”. We’re all grew up in China, thus we have very similar oriental aesthetics in visual elements. His exceptional skills in cinematography have added a unique visual dimension to the film. Likewise, Chrissie, not only my girlfriend but also an integral part of the team, has contributed immensely to the art direction and has been a pillar of emotional support during challenging times. Her presence has made a significant difference.

In addition to the production teams, I want to extend a special thank-you to my mentor, Roger Christensen. I first met him during my freshman year in China, and under his guidance, I acquired valuable knowledge about film production. When I applied to the MFA program in film production at USC, Roger’s recommendation letter undoubtedly played a crucial role in my acceptance. Even after I moved to the United States, he never hesitated to reach out, providing invaluable advice on both professional and personal matters. We also hang out together to find some great Chinese restaurants in Los Angeles.

I am sincerely grateful to these remarkable individuals for their contributions to my journey as a filmmaker. Their support, expertise, and friendship have enriched my experiences and facilitated my growth in this challenging yet rewarding industry.

Furthermore, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my parents. As part of a traditional Chinese family, their support for me to study film and become a filmmaker in the United States, despite having no background in the industry, seemed like a crazy idea at that time. Nonetheless, they chose to stand by me, and their love has been truly incredible. Shout out to this love.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/rayzhou.fm?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==

Other: imdb.me/rayzhou