Meet Sunny Liu | filmmaker & entrepreneur

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

Hi Sunny, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

In our dynamic careers within the entertainment industry, we distilled the essence of a successful founder: one who envisions beyond the present, empathizes with customer needs, and orchestrates teams to actualize their vision.

This mindset propelled us to create YoPo, an innovative AI solution revolutionizing Visual Media Arts post-production. We aimed to harmonize efficiency and artistic brilliance, catering to both industry professionals and enthusiasts.

Collaborating with COO Jasmine Moni Guo immersed us in the entertainment landscape’s challenges. As contributors to significant projects, we deeply understood the frustration of non-artistic tasks draining creative time.

This pain point became the catalyst for YoPo’s inception. Industry discontent highlighted untapped opportunities. Amidst competition, we honed in on a market gap and set out to redefine post-production through AI.

To validate our vision, we sought the expertise of AI scientist Tianfu Fu, a Facebook research scientist, who provided technical insights that refined our solution.

YoPo’s core philosophy is rooted in uniting artistic needs with technological innovation, enhancing creative processes without replacing them.

What should our readers know about your business?

My path as a filmmaker and entrepreneur is deeply intertwined with my diverse upbringing. Growing up in a multicultural environment, I’ve always felt a profound commitment to highlighting diverse narratives. This commitment shines through in my multifaceted roles as a filmmaker, pianist/composer, and animator.

My formative years within a tapestry of cultures taught me the profound impact of empathy and human connection. These early life experiences ignited a sense of responsibility within me—to authentically portray the complex mosaic of human experiences as a storyteller.

My upbringing remains the driving force behind my creative and entrepreneurial pursuits, inspiring me to create work that transcends mere storytelling. My goal is to forge profound connections with audiences, nurturing a deeper understanding and unity.

Take, for instance, my latest project, ‘All My Friends Have Stories,’ a documentary series celebrating unique journeys and diverse perspectives. It doesn’t just reflect my values; it’s a testament to the enduring influence of my upbringing. Heartfelt feedback from our audience confirms that these narratives resonate, fostering understanding among individuals from various backgrounds.

Looking forward, my mission is clear—to continue crafting meaningful content that empowers individuals and honors the rich tapestry of human experiences. I warmly invite readers to explore my work and actively engage with our vibrant creative community. Together, we can build connections among people from all walks of life and contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

When friends come to town, I can’t wait to share my love for New York City’s rich cultural scene. Our first stop is always Lincoln Center, where the magic of the Metropolitan Opera and mesmerizing ballet performances truly captivate the soul. I remember the first time I watched ‘Carmen’ at the Met; the passion and drama on stage left me speechless. And if we’re lucky, catching a live New York Philharmonic orchestra performance is an experience that’s simply breathtaking.

For an unforgettable artistic adventure, I’d take them to MoMA to experience a silent black-and-white movie screening with live piano accompaniment. There’s something incredibly special about the nostalgic charm of these films, where the absence of dialogue heightens the power of visuals and music. It’s like stepping back in time and rediscovering the origins of cinematic art.

For more artistic exploration, we’d visit some of my favorite museums. The Whitney Museum offers a unique immersion into American art, showcasing the diverse narratives that have shaped the nation. I’ll never forget the ‘Andy Warhol – From A to B and Back Again’ exhibit; it provided a fascinating glimpse into his creative journey. And the Morgan Library, with its literary and artistic treasures, has been my personal haven for creative inspiration. I’ve often found myself lost in the world of rare manuscripts and beautifully illustrated books, feeling a deep connection to the artists of the past.

To round out our tour, we’d stop by O Cafe, a place that holds a special spot in my heart. During my student days, I practically lived here, studying over countless cups of coffee. What makes this place truly unique is the amazing staff. They not only serve great coffee but also create a sense of community. I’ll never forget how they took the time to teach me how to make my own ice latte, a small act of kindness that embodies the spirit of this place. O Cafe isn’t just a coffee shop; it’s a piece of my New York story, brimming with cherished moments and the vibrant pulse of the city.

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?

I’d like to give a heartfelt shoutout to my dear friend, Audrey Vardanega. Audrey is a gifted pianist/composer, a passionate entrepreneur, and an extraordinary cook. However, her impact on my life goes far beyond her impressive talents.

Audrey played a pivotal role in creating my first feature documentary, ‘Pianoman.’ Her unwavering support and creative insights transformed scenes, making them powerful and memorable. Through her and her partner Christos Vayenas’s organization, The Autumn Salon, she orchestrated our promotional events, broadening our audience.

Audrey’s visionary approach as the artistic director of Musaics of the Bay has redefined classical music through collaborations with various artists. Beyond her professional achievements, she’s been a constant source of inspiration in my creative journey.

I invite you to explore Audrey’s work; her dedication to reshaping classical music and empowering artists has left a profound mark not only on my life but on the entire artistic community. Audrey, your contributions deserve all the recognition and exposure they can get.

Website: sunnyliusunny@yahoo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pianomanfilm/