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

Hi Darren, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Without a doubt, meditation stands as a important habit in my life, profoundly contributing to my personal and professional success.

First of all, it serves as an invaluable sanctuary, allowing me to disconnect from the noise of the outside world. Through this practice, I find it essential in navigating life’s demands.

One of its most significant impacts is its unparalleled ability to alleviate stress. Amidst the chaos, meditation provides me with a tranquil space to center myself. It’s within this stillness that I’m able to shed the weight of stressors, rejuvenating my focus and energy.

Beyond stress relief, meditation unfailingly brings me creative ideas. As the mental chatter ceases, inspiration emerges. I believe it’s because within our subconscious lies an intricate web of connections. Often, it’s the subtle threads we overlook in our conscious state that yield the most innovative solutions.

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.
Established in Beijing, ‘Ori.Western Production’ is an independent film and video production company. From its inception, I, as the founder, have been committed to fostering cultural dialogue between the East and West. Our portfolio boasts a range of widely acclaimed video content, spanning public service announcements, promotional videos, commercials, and short films, shot across China, Australia, and the United States.

In 2015, a noticeable gap existed among Chinese filmmakers who possessed a comprehensive understanding of both Eastern and Western cultures and workflows. This gap coincided with a substantial increase in investment for content originating outside of China. Seizing the opportunity, I moved to Australia to pursue my Master’s degree while simultaneously expanding the connections to assist Chinese brands and filmmakers in conducting overseas business, resulting in significant success.

Adaptation has been pivotal in sustaining our success, especially given the profound shifts in the post-pandemic landscape compared to pre-2020 years. Continuous learning and an agile approach to evolving trends, coupled with tailoring content to diverse audiences and clients, have been instrumental in our survival as a small enterprise.

Having worked across three different countries since my college graduation, I’ve encountered instances of achievement followed by back to square one moments brought about by shifts in environments or global circumstances. However, with each new beginning, I’ve learned that adversity not only fails to extinguish one’s spirit but propels it further and higher. It’s a lesson I hold close to heart.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1:

Hike to the Hollywood Sign for breathtaking views of the city.
Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood Museum.
Sunset cocktails at rooftop bars like Mama Shelter or The Highlight Room.

Day 2:

Brunch at Republique.
Explore the diverse food scene at Grand Central Market.
Dinner at Nobu in Malibu.

Day 3:

Getty Center
Explore the street art scene in the Arts District.
Live performance at the Hollywood Bowl or the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Day 4:

Venice Beach
Lunch at a beachside cafe, like The Rose Venice.
Santa Monica.

Day 5:

Studio tour at Universal Studios or Warner Bros.
Dinner at Musso & Frank Grill.

Day 6:

Griffith Park and Observatory.
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
Sunset picnic in Runyon Canyon.

Day 7:

Venice Canals and Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
Olvera Street and Union Station in Downtown LA.
Farewell dinner at a trendy spot in West Hollywood.

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?
I want to shoutout for my employer Hammer Museum, ULCA.

Over the past year, I’ve been fortunate to witness and participate in numerous enriching art events and vibrant evening parties. These experiences have not only connected me with a diverse community but also provided an abundance of inspiration for my creative pursuits.

Observing visitors and artists in this dynamic space has sparked countless ideas and stories in my mind. It’s a place where curiosity and creativity converge, offering a unique perspective on art and culture.

I’m especially grateful to my supervisor, Madicyn, and the Chief Communications Officer, Scott, for their invaluable support for granting me permission to shoot my zero-budget student film in the gallery.

The Hammer Museum has truly been a nurturing environment for my creative endeavors, and I’m excited to see how these experiences will continue to shape my artistic vision in the future.

Website: https://www.ori-western.com/en/

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

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.