Meet Weiming Wang | Film Director and Producer

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

Hi Weiming, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Storytelling has always been my way of understanding the world, shaping emotions, and offering new perspectives. I was drawn to filmmaking because of its ability to create immersive experiences and transport audiences into different realities. However, I’ve always been interested in pushing boundaries—both visually and narratively. That’s why I embraced vertical filmmaking, a format that was initially dismissed but has since proven to be a powerful medium for storytelling in today’s mobile-driven world. For me, creativity isn’t just about making films—it’s about constantly evolving, challenging conventions, and finding new ways to engage audiences. Pursuing a creative career has given me the freedom to innovate, experiment, and ultimately, redefine how stories are told in the digital era.

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 as a filmmaker is rooted in a passion for storytelling innovation, and what sets me apart is my dedication to vertical filmmaking—a format that was once overlooked but is now transforming the way audiences engage with stories. Unlike traditional cinema, which relies on widescreen compositions, vertical filmmaking demands an entirely new visual language. It requires rethinking everything from framing and camera movement to pacing and character interaction, and that challenge is what excites me the most.

I’m incredibly proud of how my work has helped shift industry perceptions about vertical content. My project The Affair Zone dominated the Vigloo Vertical Drama platform, holding the #1 spot for three consecutive weeks and proving that vertical filmmaking is more than just social media clips—it’s a legitimate cinematic medium. Another highlight of my career was Love to Phallus (2023), which was selected at Dumbo Film Festival and the European Shorts Awards, as well as my North American debut film, Accompany (2022), which earned me the First-Time Director Award at the Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente de Madrid.

Getting to this point in my career hasn’t been easy. Early on, vertical filmmaking wasn’t taken seriously, and I had to fight against industry skepticism. It took a lot of trial and error, developing my own techniques, and proving through my work that vertical content could have just as much depth, complexity, and emotional impact as traditional films. Another challenge was adapting storytelling methods to this format—figuring out how to create compelling narratives when working with a limited field of vision. But overcoming these hurdles only made my creative approach stronger.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that innovation requires persistence. Whenever you push boundaries, there will be resistance, but if you truly believe in your vision, you have to keep going until the world catches up. I want people to know that my work is about reshaping the way we experience film—not just by embracing new formats, but by continually challenging the norms of storytelling.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to scale up my vertical productions, collaborate with brands that want to tell stories in groundbreaking ways, and continue mentoring emerging talent through my directing studio. Whether through narrative filmmaking or experimental performance, my goal is always the same: to redefine what’s possible in storytelling.

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?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d take them on a mix of nature, food, art, and film culture, making sure they experience both iconic landmarks and hidden gems that make LA so unique.

We’d start with some of my favorite hiking spots in Altadena, like Millard Falls, where the scenic trail leads to a beautiful waterfall. After the morning hike, we’d grab brunch at Café 27, a hidden gem up in the canyons, perfect for a relaxing meal with a view. For those who love adventure, I’d also take them to Malibu Hike and Wine, where we can explore the stunning coastal landscapes and then wind down with a wine-tasting experience.

For art and culture, we’d spend an afternoon in Downtown LA’s Arts District, walking through graffiti-covered streets, stopping by indie galleries, and visiting The Last Bookstore. A visit to Little Tokyo would be a must, where we’d get some of the best Japanese food and explore cultural landmarks. For a deeper dive into art and history, Getty Villa is the perfect place to admire classical architecture and ancient art.

As a foodie, I’d make sure we hit some of the best restaurants in town. Malibu Farm on the pier offers a laid-back oceanfront dining experience with fresh, organic food. Destroyer, a Scandinavian-inspired spot in Culver City, serves mind-blowing minimalist dishes. Topping is another must-visit, especially for anyone looking for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Of course, no trip to LA is complete without driving along Mulholland Drive at sunset or visiting Griffith Observatory for the best panoramic city views. Whether it’s a night out at a classic Hollywood speakeasy, catching a film at a historic theater, or simply soaking in the creative energy of the city, LA always has something new to discover.

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 influences that have shaped my journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for all the support I’ve received along the way. First and foremost, I want to give a huge shoutout to my mentors and collaborators—the filmmakers, producers, and industry peers who have believed in my vision and pushed me to take creative risks. Their guidance has been instrumental in helping me refine my storytelling approach, especially in the world of vertical filmmaking.

I also want to recognize my team and actors, particularly those who have been part of my directing studio. Their willingness to experiment, embrace unconventional storytelling methods, and trust in my creative process has been invaluable. Filmmaking is a collaborative art, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the talented people I work with.

Additionally, I’d like to acknowledge the film festivals and platforms that have supported my work, such as Dumbo Film Festival, the European Shorts Awards, and the Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente de Madrid. These platforms have given my films visibility and validated my commitment to innovative storytelling.

Lastly, I want to give a personal shoutout to my family and close friends for their unwavering encouragement. Pursuing a creative career comes with challenges, but having a strong support system has kept me motivated and inspired every step of the way.

Website: https://www.weimingw.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we1ming_wang/

Image Credits
Weiming Wang