Meet Eva Zheng | Executive Producer at Ease-In Film & Screenwriter

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

Hi Eva, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to share my journey. As a storyteller, I often find myself immersed in the narratives of others, sometimes overlooking the fact that I am also the central character in the film of my own life.

Two pivotal decisions have shaped my current success. The first, I made it at the age of 15, was to move to Los Angeles from China, driven by the dream of becoming a filmmaker. The second, a decision I made two years ago, is to pursue a master’s degree in producing at the American Film Institute (AFI). Today, I’ll delve deeper into the latter decision and its profound impact on my journey.

AFI’s influential network opened doors to opportunities that were unthinkable. Last month, I was on set for a meet-the-cast shoot for the faith-based Netflix series “The Chosen”, and last summer, I contributed to a promo shoot for the newly-launched ABC reality show “The Golden Bachelor”. Additionally, I produced two short films – “Martha, Martha” with the Utah-based production company Burgindie Pictures, currently making waves in film festivals, and “One of Those Nights,” a poignant story about a social outcast finding belonging.

This semester, I’m actively preparing the thesis film “Little Bird” with a team of talented AFI fellows, and I’m also working for Paper Plan Productions, known for producing “Your Honor” starring Bryan Cranston and “Tehran” with Apple TV+.

Initially, many of my friends couldn’t fathom my decision to return to film school, especially given my existing bachelor’s degree in film production from Emerson College and years of professional experience in Los Angeles post-graduation. Choosing AFI meant letting go of the stable client base my company had built and returning to crafting student films. I, too, faced moments of self-doubt. However, reflecting on my growth as a filmmaker, the community I’ve cultivated, and the myriad opportunities that have come my way, I have no regrets about taking this path.

Having worked as a producer in the commercial realm, it became easy to get lost in transactions, forgetting the essence of why I entered the world of filmmaking. AFI provided me with more than an education; it offered a supportive and like-minded community. In this environment, I was mentored by established industry professionals, including the head of our producing discipline, Lianne Halfon, who produced the Academy Award nominated film “Juno”. The school constantly invited us to attend premieres and screenings before releases, allowing me to connect with filmmakers who inspire me greatly. The collaborative partnerships formed at AFI have significantly enriched my creative journey.

Recently, as I revamped my production company’s website, I was thrilled to see the wealth of new collaborators I could add to my team. Now, I am confident that my future in the industry is charting a well-navigated course.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Ease-In Film emerges as a vibrant and innovative video creative agency. What distinguishes this business is the diverse language proficiency of our team. I firmly believe that each additional language spoken by my team opens up exciting new business territories for us to explore.

My journey began with the production of a commercial for Boult Audio, a prominent Indian-based headphone brand. It wasn’t without its challenges—I vividly recall the anxiety that gripped me when our confirmed filming location for the next day suddenly fell through. In that crucial moment, I had to leverage all available resources to secure an alternative at the last minute. Experience like this taught me to adeptly problem-solve on the spot and respond to emergency situations with calmness and instant solutions.

Furthermore, I honed my leadership skills, understanding that effective communication and trust are pivotal. Instead of simply assigning tasks, I prioritize understanding my teammates’ approach, fostering an environment of openness.

Fluent in both Mandarin and English, my language proficiency has attracted clients from China seeking co-productions. A recent collaboration with Anta Sports, the leading sports brand in China, highlights the international appeal of our work.

Looking ahead, my goal for the next five years is to create multilingual content for the international film market. I aspire to be the bridge connecting audiences from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The western part of California carries an unspoken charm for me, as it is the very land where Chinese immigrants first set foot in the 1800s. In my recent visit to Lake Tahoe, I delved deeper into this historical connection, embarking on a research trip for a feature script I’m currently developing.

In addition, California’s Highway 1 holds a special place in my heart, marking the first road trip of my U.S. adventures. Cruising along the coast and through expansive desert landscapes, every sight seemed like a frame from a classic Hollywood movie. The journey includes stops at the charming Danish town of Solvang, exhilarating hot air balloon rides in Temecula, and indulging in the finest wines from Napa vineyards—a true glimpse of the American dream.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As I reflect on the twelve years I’ve spent in the United States as a Chinese diaspora, away from my homeland and family, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the remarkable individuals and communities that have become my extended family.

When I first arrived as a stranger in a new land, the Archer family and the Nejara family opened their hearts to me. Their kindness transformed them into more than friends; they became my family, providing love and support akin to what I’d receive from my own parents and siblings. Sharing holidays with them became cherished traditions, solidifying the bonds that make this country feel like home.

I am deeply thankful to my beloved community, True Jesus Church, a haven during my toughest moments. It has been a guiding light, teaching me to cling to my most cherished beliefs and inspiring me to be a source of positivity in the world.

In my journey as a filmmaker, the voices and visions of directors like Hayao Miyasaki, Ang Lee, and Mel Gibson have been instrumental. Their artistry has left an indelible mark on my life, igniting the passion to tell stories that resonate.

A special acknowledgment goes to my parents, exceptional in their willingness to push me beyond my comfort zone while unwaveringly supporting my dreams. Their encouragement in the face of obstacles and their constant presence have been my pillars of strength. I am profoundly grateful for their role in shaping me into the creator I aspire to be.

To express my gratitude, I dream of gifting tickets to the premieres of my future theatrical films to all who have influenced my journey. Their belief in me has given the confidence and courage needed to break out of my shell and explore my voice as a creator.

Website: https://ezinfilm.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-yilin-zheng-94b4b416b/

Other: https://ezinfilm.com/evayilinzheng

Image Credits
Jui-en Chang Alex Aljouni Brandon Goebel