Meet Baizhuan Webber Wan

We had the good fortune of connecting with Baizhuan Webber Wan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Baizhuan Webber, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
As a filmmaker and cinematographer, I have to say that discussing work-life balance is one of the most debated topics today. For many of us, to grow or improve in our craft, we have to treat life as part of our work—or sometimes, our work becomes our life. What do I mean by this? A good film respects its audience. It doesn’t underestimate or overlook them. This respect comes through the story, visuals, and attention to detail. To achieve this, we need to constantly draw inspiration from life and observe the world around us. Whether it’s walking through the city, eating at a restaurant, or hiking in the park, we’re always gathering ideas from daily life. In many ways, our work is our life.
Since college, I’ve been trying to find this balance, planning my days to create structure and make time for inspiration. I look for beauty in everyday moments—learning about film, observing people, studying nature, and watching movies to see how the industry evolves. As I’ve gotten busier with projects, much of my learning has shifted from the classroom to hands-on experience. The things I observe in life feed into my work, and the satisfaction of creating something from those insights enriches my life, making it feel more balanced.
Of course, the more work demands my time, the more carefully I need to plan my life. We’re all human, and stress can easily disrupt balance. That’s why finding a routine is key. I make sure to exercise 2-3 times a week to keep my energy up. Sometimes I even go for a 30-minute run before a shoot to get my day started.
But it’s also important to know when to take a break. We need time to learn, explore other lifestyles, take classes, and enrich our life experiences. Doing this feeds back into our creativity and improves our work. So, when it comes to work-life balance for filmmakers, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s about finding a rhythm where life and work support each other, and constantly adjusting to maintain that balance！

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I wouldn’t say I’m a successful filmmaker just yet, I would say I’m deeply influenced by Eastern culture, and most of the art I admire comes from Asia. To me, the greatest charm of artistic work lies in hesitation—a kind of beauty that belongs solely to living beings. I firmly believe that AI will never be able to replicate the beauty found in human hesitation. That’s why I’ve always been drawn to experimental and poetic films, even though they’re incredibly challenging to create.

In today’s fast-paced creative world, it’s even harder to find space to develop or produce slow-paced, experimental pieces. Early in my career, this made it difficult to build up a reel or create a strong resume. While others might take three years to put together enough projects, it took me around four and a half years. But I stuck to what I love and remained true to my style. Persistence, it turns out, was worth it. Since then, I’ve become much busier, and my reel and resume have started to stand out from my peers. I’m almost always booked for shoots now, and I believe things will only continue to improve.

As my mentor, Brendan Ugema Kuroki (CSC), once said, there are no fixed rules in filmmaking. You have to stay committed to the beauty you see and bring it to life. After all, rules are made to be broken.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, If you’re coming to LA, the beach is a must! I’d suggest picking a sunny weekday to avoid traffic and taking a scenic drive from Malibu all the way down to Laguna Beach. Along the way, you’d stop by iconic spots like Santa Monica Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Seal Beach, finally ending the day with a sunset at Laguna Beach.

Trust me, each beach has its own unique vibe. Spend about half an hour at each, watching seagulls fly by, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some dolphins. Grab some local food and soak in the atmosphere. No matter how tough or serious you are, the beauty of California’s sunshine will always get to you!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I consider myself very lucky to have had key mentors at different stages of my life. Before my college years, I must give credit to my father. He graduated from the prestigious Shanghai Theatre Academy in China and worked as a stage director. Growing up, I was immersed in the world of theater, and my father nurtured my love for films and the way I analyzed them. He instilled in me the habit of watching and interpreting films regularly. Without me even realizing it, he passed down a lot of knowledge about lighting and storytelling techniques, helping me avoid many potential obstacles and challenges.

In more recent years, I was fortunate to meet another incredible mentor, Andrzej Bartkowiak, a member of ASC/DGA. He is an outstanding filmmaker, and we crossed paths at a film festival. I admired his work and asked him for advice, and while he shared valuable technical insights, what he taught me about life was even more impactful. His calmness, composure, and charisma showed me many traits worth emulating. As he once said, the most important lesson for any DP isn’t just about mastering the technical side, but learning how to communicate. His steady, confident personality will influence my career for years to come.

Website: https://www.copacetictalent.com/productions

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanbaibaii/?hl=en

Other: https://vimeo.com/user/116435908/folder/20960432 

Image Credits
they are on film set bts photo