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

Hi Taoquan, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
If I had to encapsulate my drive toward a creative career in one word, it would be ‘connection.’

My journey into artistic creation began in high school when my father gifted me a point-and-shoot camera when I was 16. I carried it daily, capturing the faces, scenes, and serendipitous moments on my walks to and from school. Over time, as I reviewed these photographs, my affection for the creative process deepened. Initially, my focus was on street photography, which allowed me to weave seemingly disparate subjects into cohesive narratives within a single frame. This repetitive process of discovering and illustrating connections in the everyday world brought me immense joy.

Upon entering college, I transitioned from photography to filmmaking, a shift sparked by a serendipitous visit to a film set with a friend. Unlike photography, which I practiced solo, filmmaking thrived on collaboration. Working with other creatives, I saw how each person’s ideas and visions contributed to the final piece. This collaborative nature of filmmaking not only enriched the creative process but also expanded my network of connections, profoundly influencing my own projects.

Therefore, ‘connection’ truly defines why I pursue a creative career. It’s the thread that ties me to others, bringing us closer through shared creativity and expression.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work is constantly inspired by the everyday moments and encounters I experience. For example, one late-night on a subway train, I observed an Asian man in his 40s or 50s, with long hair, rounded sunglasses, and a grey robe—far from the conventional image of a middle-aged Asian man. Although we never spoke, I crafted a story about him in my mind. A year later, that story became the basis for a comedy short film.

Filmmaking is inherently challenging, filled with both anticipated and unforeseen obstacles that require creative and collaborative solutions. Often, budget constraints limit my ability to execute certain shots or scenes exactly as planned, prompting me to find inventive ‘cheats.’ For instance, I might dress the same room in several distinct styles to make it appear as multiple unique settings. Other times, the solutions come through teamwork. During the production of my film ‘Chroma,’ I directed a complex basketball game scene involving over 30 background actors. Having never managed such a large group, I meticulously planned every movement with my crew, whose support was crucial in both planning and executing the scene.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
– Pine & Crane. Amazing Taiwanese restaurant. Pork over rice and beef noodles are superb.
– Maru Coffee. Great coffee.
– Channel Islands National Park. Kayaking, diving, hiking, and camping. Lots of things to do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my friends from NYU—you all have been instrumental in my creative journey. Without your generous and selfless support, none of my projects or films would have made it to the big screen. Thank you so much!

Other: email: taoquanfu@gmail.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.