Meet Carol Yan Li | Sound Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carol Yan Li and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carol, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I believe that everyone working in a creative industry is driven by the same fundamental reason: love. The reality is that careers in creative fields are not the easiest paths to choose; these industries are competitive and demanding. Yet, we choose this challenging route because of our deep love and passion for our craft. After all, there are many other professions and positions out there that might offer an easier way to make a living. However, it is our commitment to creativity and expression that compels us to pursue our passions, despite the obstacles.

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.
I specialize in sound design for films, games, and multimedia, with additional expertise in production sound recording on set. In 2022, I post-mixed the sound for the feature documentary “Dear Mother, I Meant to Write About Death,” which was showcased at the Busan Film Festival and received awards. The following year, two films I worked on for post sound, “A Brief History of Bubblegum” and “3 Blind Mice,” were featured in the Cannes Film Festival.

What distinguishes me in the field is my acute sensitivity to narrative and human emotions. This sensitivity not only fuels my inspiration for sound design but also enhances my communication with directors, enabling me to forge stronger connections. My approach to sound is deeply intertwined with storytelling, allowing me to contribute to projects in a way that resonates with audiences on an emotional level.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I just moved to LA and have been here for a week. I must say, the Silver Lake area is absolutely beautiful and has quickly become my favorite place. I would love to drive my friends around that area and show them why I’ve fallen in love with it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is one person who profoundly changed my life—Chris Newman, a professor during my college years and a renowned production sound mixer in the film industry. Growing up, I never saw myself as anything beyond ordinary. No one had ever told me that I could become something more. When I met Chris, I was an unstable young adult, struggling to cope with the complexities of the world. Despite this, Chris taught me many things and always encouraged me, regardless of my state. His belief in my potential as a sound designer gave me the confidence I needed to pursue my dreams. It was because of his support and faith in me that I gained the confidence to achieve the success I have today.

Website: https://www.carolyanli.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-yan-li-b6b38619a/

Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10075461/