Meet Shirley Fan Zhang | Creative Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shirley Fan Zhang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shirley Fan, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing about the entertainment industry that outsiders might not realize is just how much of the magic happens long before the cameras roll or the characters come to life on screen—and it’s a rollercoaster ride of creativity, logistics, and problem-solving that often feels like organizing a giant, never-ending wedding where the bride is always changing her dress.

For example, every detail of the production has to be planned and accounted for. This includes creating schedules that work for hundreds of people, balancing a budget that feels impossibly tight, scouting locations or designing virtual worlds, hiring the perfect cast and crew, and coordinating with every department to ensure everyone’s vision aligns. It’s also the phase where creative decisions are made that will impact every single frame of the final product—things like costume design, set construction, storyboarding, and, for animation, even figuring out how a character should move or what colors will define the world.

It’s also a phase full of surprises and problem-solving. A location might fall through at the last minute, or a key piece of technology might need rethinking, and it’s up to the producers and the team to adapt and keep the project moving forward. What makes it so special is how collaborative it is—bringing together talented people across creative, technical, and logistical fields to make sure the vision comes to life.

By the time the production or animation begins, so much care and thought has already gone into the process that it can almost feel like the hard part is over. But what’s really amazing is that when audiences see the final product, they rarely think about all the work that went into getting it to the starting line—and that’s exactly how it should be. It’s our job to make the process invisible so the story and artistry can shine. That’s what makes it all so rewarding.

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 art is rooted in storytelling that connects people on a deeply human level. Whether it’s through film, animation, or gaming, I’m passionate about creating stories that feel authentic and resonate with diverse audiences. What sets me apart is my ability to bring structure and order to creative chaos while never losing sight of the heart of the story. I thrive in the balance between managing the logistics and championing the creative vision, making sure every voice in the process is heard and valued.

What I’m most proud of is the journey that brought me to where I am today. Moving from film into animation and gaming wasn’t something I ever planned—it was born out of uncertainty, risk, and a desire to explore something new. Projects like Showdown in Spatulopolis and A Brush with Fate became defining moments in my career, not just because of the work itself, but because they taught me that I could adapt, grow, and thrive in an entirely new field. These projects allowed me to merge my love of storytelling with the innovation of technology, and that’s something I find endlessly exciting.

But it wasn’t easy. Transitioning into a new industry felt overwhelming and, honestly, a little isolating at times. I had to let go of what I thought my career “should” look like and embrace being a beginner again. I doubted myself a lot, especially when comparing my journey to others. What helped me push through were the people who believed in me when I wasn’t sure I could do it myself—friends who guided me, mentors who took a chance on me, and my own determination to keep learning and trying.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay to start over and not have all the answers. Sometimes the scariest steps are the most rewarding. I’ve also learned the value of asking for help, being vulnerable, and surrounding yourself with people who lift you up and challenge you to be better.

What I want people to know about me and my work is that I’m not just here to create content—I’m here to tell stories that matter. I’m especially passionate about advocating for diversity and representation, particularly for Asian stories and characters, as well as championing gender and LGBTQIA inclusivity. I’ve always believed that stories have the power to change the way people see the world and each other, and that’s what motivates me every day.
Ultimately, I want my work to inspire others and show them that it’s okay to take risks, fail, and try again. I wouldn’t be where I am today without those experiences, and I hope to pay it forward by helping others who are trying to find their own path in this industry. My story isn’t perfect, but it’s mine, and it’s what drives me to keep pushing forward.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Los Angeles is a city like no other, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking thrills at Disneyland and Universal Studios, or craving outdoor adventures like camping, hiking, and skiing at Big Bear or Mammoth Lakes, LA has it all. But if you’re like me—tired of tourist hotspots yet drawn to hidden gems—you’re in for a treat.

1) Bradbury Building (Downtown LA)
You may recognize this iconic architectural masterpiece from Blade Runner (1982), 500 Days of Summer (2009), or Chinatown (1974). For movie lovers, the Bradbury Building is a holy grail, seamlessly blending historic charm with a futuristic aesthetic. Its intricate ironwork, grand staircases, and sunlit atrium transport visitors to another era. Located in Downtown LA, it’s also just steps away from Grand Central Market and the historic Angels Flight Railway, making it the perfect stop for architecture and film buffs.

2) Venice Canals
Just a few blocks from the lively Venice Beach, the Venice Canals offer a peaceful escape that feels worlds away from the bustling boardwalk. Inspired by Venice, Italy, this hidden oasis features picturesque bridges, charming waterfront homes, and lush scenery, creating a postcard-perfect setting. The tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, photography, or simply soaking in the beauty of one of LA’s best-kept secrets.

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 and things I want to give a shout-out to for helping me become the person I am today.

First, I have to thank BoJack Horseman and Animal Crossing. Both got me through the pandemic when everything felt so uncertain. They helped me stay sane and gave me comfort when I really needed it. They also gave me the courage to take a chance and dive into a completely new field, even when it felt like the world was falling apart.

I also want to give a huge shout-out to two incredible friends, Jasmine and Cheyton, who played such a big part in shaping my journey. When I first realized I needed to change my career path—something I’d spent my whole life working toward—I was honestly scared and clueless about where to even start. During a catch-up with Jasmine, I told her about my dilemma, and she opened up about her own experience transitioning from film to animation. She not only shared advice and things to watch out for, but she also sent me a list of resources that had helped her. Without her encouragement, I probably would’ve stayed stuck, too afraid to take that first step. Jasmine gave me the push I needed to stop dreaming about making a change and actually do it.

And then there’s Cheyton, who I owe so much to for getting my foot in the door. I had just graduated and was freelancing while trying to figure out how to break into the industry. He didn’t even know I had transitioned into animation, but he knew I was looking for work. When a position opened up at Riot Games, he told me about it and encouraged me to apply. I sent him my resume, and that opportunity completely changed my life.

Lastly, I want to give the biggest shout-out to my former manager, Ashley. When I joined Riot, I didn’t have much experience in animation—I was basically starting from scratch. But she believed in me, took a chance on me, and invested her time into training me. I owe so much of who I am today to her guidance and mentorship.

Looking back, I’m so grateful to all the people who helped me along the way. They didn’t have to, but they did, and their support made all the difference. I hope that one day, I can pay it forward and be the person who takes a chance on someone else, just like so many did for me.

Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7574461/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_shirley%2520fan%2520

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