Meet Chris Zilong Wang | Producer

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

Hi Chris Zilong, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
During my early career in film and television, I wholly engaged in a hands-on, collaborative learning environment. I tried directing, camera, and even sound but I found my voice in producing eventually. I enjoy having the privilege and responsibility to bring stories to life by carefully navigating the delicate balance between artistic vision and logistical feasibility. I always held the belief that my professor, an academy nominee, Christine Choy told me – you collaborate or you die alone in the business. I kept this mindset for all the production I’ve been involved in during my undergraduate studies as being a producer means you are the leader and mediators between the collaborators.

Just like in The Damp Season, an Asian American short I produced two years ago, it’s about Shuyan, an 18-year-old second-generation Chinese immigrant, who lives a life unaware of her ancestral roots in New York Chinatown. The appearance of her mother’s alter personality stirs up ripples in their long-estranged relationship with Shuyan. I worked with another producer James, and the collaborative process of bringing this narrative to life was as much a journey of self-discovery as it was a testament to the power of collective storytelling. This distanced yet intimate relationship epitomizes my time living in New York for years as part of the Asian diaspora.

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.
Chris Zilong Wang, a bilingual producer, is currently a senior majoring in Film and Television Production at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. He is active in New York, Beijing, Shanghai, and other locations. With years of experience in film and television production, TV journalism, advertising, and more, he has interned for companies such as Shanghai Media Group, Shanghai Ei Studio Advertising Company, and CGTN North America Division, as well as American companies like FilmNation, Katch Media, SK Global Entertainment, and World Builder Entertainment. He has interned and participated in pre-production planning for multiple American TV series. His independent filmmaking style encompasses a variety of genres, and several of his works have been official selection at world-class film festivals such as the Rhode Island International Film Festival, Woodstock Film Festival, Cinequest Film Festival, and Athens International Film + Video Festival.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a memorable 5-day trip in NYC with my best friend, we’d start by indulging in breakfast at Russ & Daughters Cafe in the Lower East Side, then visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Day 2 would begin with breakfast at Sarabeth’s, followed by exploring Central Park and lunch at The Loeb Boathouse. Midtown Madness on Day 3 would include iconic sights like the Empire State Building and Times Square, capped off with a Broadway show and dinner at Sardi’s. Day 4 would be a cultural immersion in Harlem with breakfast at Buvette, exploring the neighborhood, and jazz at Blue Note Jazz Club. Finally, Day 5 would be a culinary adventure in Queens and Flushing, featuring the Museum of the Moving Image and dinner at Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout to the director I’ve been working with for years – Jackie Shijie Xing. He is super easy to work with and treated his filmmaking work with dedication. We collaborated on multiple projects from narrative to music video. He is so dedicated to empowering Asian voices through moving images. As a director, he aspires to develop stories that resonate with the Asian diaspora and works with actors to bring authentic performances to the screens. Working with him as a producer makes me feel like we’re telling meaningful stories.

Instagram: chris.wzl