Meet Danchi (diamanta) Zhao | Production Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danchi (diamanta) Zhao and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danchi (Diamanta), we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
For me, choosing to study art was already a huge risk—one that felt even bigger growing up in China. In my family, art was encouraged, but only as a hobby, a way to cultivate taste or build character. It was never seen as a viable career. Like many parents, mine hoped I’d choose a more stable path. They sent me to piano lessons and ballet classes to refine me, not define me. The idea of pursuing filmmaking was far outside their expectations—and, to be honest, it was outside of mine at first, too.

The turning point came during my undergraduate studies at Emerson College when I switched my major from Media Studies to Media Arts Production. Looking back, it was a bold decision that set me on the path to where I am today, pursing the MFA program in Film Production at USC. I realized I didn’t just want to analyze stories; I wanted to create them. I wanted to build worlds, make visual decisions, and take the kinds of risks that could bring stories to life in ways only film can.

Filmmaking feels like where I belong, even though it’s inherently risky. It’s not just about the practical uncertainty of whether a project will succeed or fail—it’s emotional and creative. Every single choice in filmmaking feels like a gamble. From assembling the right team to defining the visual style, casting, editing, and even choosing the music, there’s always uncertainty. There’s no definitive “right” answer, only what feels most authentic to the story. Even storytelling itself is risky—every decision about how the narrative unfolds, what to reveal, and what to withhold means embracing the unknown.

As a production designer, the risks I face are different but just as personal. Every detail—colors, textures, shapes, materials—has to work together to build the world of the story. Sometimes, I challenge myself to reinterpret familiar ideas. In one project, for instance, I used yellow to symbolize sadness and fragility instead of warmth. It reminded me of the yellow in withered plants, evoking decay and endings. It was a bold choice, but it worked. Other times, the risks involve practical challenges. For example, I once needed to create gravestones on a tight budget. We bought wooden letters to create plaques, adhered them to stone, and managed to achieve an authentic look on camera.

These trial-and-error moments have taught me so much—not just about filmmaking but about embracing the unknown. Taking risks has pushed me to learn new skills, dive deeper into unfamiliar territories, and find innovative ways to tell stories.

I’ve come to realize that risk isn’t something to fear—it’s something to embrace. It’s through risk that I’ve grown, both as an artist and as a person. The fear of failure doesn’t disappear, but it drives me to dig deeper and find authenticity in my work. For me, risk-taking isn’t just part of filmmaking—it’s the heart of it. It’s how I stay honest, how I create, and how I connect with others through my art.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I was a child, I loved crafting. In Chinese elementary and middle schools, students could take on different roles in the class committee, and I was always responsible for marketing and publicity. My main job was to design posters for class events or projects. Each time, I would tailor the style to fit the theme—sometimes hand-drawing, other times using collages. I would carefully decide on colors, textures, fonts, and every detail, hoping that those who saw my work would notice the thought I put into it. I enjoyed this far more than acing an exam; I’d rather spend my time in art class or creative assignments in crafts. This early dedication to visual expression profoundly shaped my path to becoming a production designer today.

When I discovered filmmaking, I began learning how to communicate through visuals. I started exploring how to use imagery and symbolism to convey subtle messages. My goal has always been to create immersive environments that seamlessly support the story and feel authentic to the audience. I love adding intricate details—just like costume designers use clothing to reflect a character’s personality, I believe that a character’s space can reveal their inner world. So every decoration and piece of furniture is carefully chosen, as they reflect what kind of person the character is.

Growing up in China and studying in Japan has given me a unique perspective on Eastern aesthetics and symbolic expression. This sensibility doesn’t only apply to stories with East Asian backgrounds; I’ve found ways to incorporate it effectively into narratives set in Western contexts as well. It brings me great joy and pride when a collaborating cinematographer notices and captures the small details I’ve prepared. Those details feel alive and natural on screen, as though they are the traces left behind by a friend you know well. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite places is the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. They’ve done an incredible job with their interactive exhibits and activities, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults. I have a particular fondness for visiting aquariums to see jellyfish. While most aquariums have touch pools for gentle sea creatures like starfish, the Aquarium of the Pacific was the first place where I got to touch jellyfish. Feeling their soft, bouncy surface and sensing their gentle movements felt absolutely magical.

After exploring the aquarium, I love heading to Torrance for some cozy Japanese comfort food. One of my go-to spots is Shoya, a warm and welcoming little restaurant that specializes in Oden, perfect for ending the day on a hearty note.

On top of that, I’m a total milk tea enthusiast! Here are some of my favorite spots in LA and nearby:

3CATEA
OMOMO
Cha Redefine
Formosa Aroma
CHICHA San Chen
A Little Tea

Each has its own unique flavors and vibe, making them must-tries for fellow boba lovers!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my family and friends who have always stood by me and supported my decisions. Many of them don’t work in the film industry, and some aren’t even interested in watching movies. Yet, they’ve been there for me every step of the way—listening to me ramble on about everything happening in my filmmaking journey, reading my scripts, watching my cuts, and even rolling up their sleeves to help me build sets.

They may not love film, but they love me. And because of their unwavering love and support, I feel much more courageous and never alone.

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danchi-zhao-095a14171/