Meet Jamie Wang | Filmmaker and Sound Designer

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

Hi Jamie, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Though I’ve been blessed with the most loving parents in the world, my true companion growing up was the television. From a young age, I immersed myself in a kaleidoscope of film and television genres, captivated by the magic of storytelling. Whether I was navigating the challenges of a tough school day or savoring the tranquility of a weekend, stories became my lifeblood, illuminating my path and lifting my spirits.

Growing up in China, my living room became a vibrant gateway to the wonders of world cinema, whisking me away on cinematic adventures through America, Japan, South Korea, and beyond. Each film was a new passport, offering me glimpses into diverse cultures and lifestyles, all from the comfort of my couch. Through laughter, drama, and breathtaking visuals, I journeyed across continents, broadening my horizons and filling my heart with the rich tapestry of stories that connect us all. It was a delightful exploration that sparked my curiosity and deepened my love for the world around me!

My aspiration to enter the film industry was ignited by Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain—a masterful portrayal of a love story between two cowboys that spans two decades, directed by an Asian man.It made me realize how human emotions are the core of storytelling and transcended cultural boundaries.

During my undergraduate years, I found myself on countless student film sets, where my passion blossomed for both production design and sound design. Though these disciplines may seem worlds apart, they share a common thread: the creation of rich, immersive spaces where stories unfold. The thrill of shaping these environments is a joy unlike any other.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Many people started their filmmaking journey believing that the only thing they want to do is to be a writer/director, as if there are no other ways out. As people start to work, they would realize that they need another job or skillsets as well. It is the same for me. With the goal of finding my place in mind, I started crewing in as many student projects as possible in various positions, and throughout the process, I gradually fell in love with sound. After learning Pro Tools in an open-to-all class, as someone who was not in the production programI signed up to be USC’s student mixer for class projects in production program, Peter Stark producing program, as well as expanded animation program; all of which require me to conduct a stereo re-recording sound mix for 5-minute project in a 3-hour time limit. As someone who is not from the production major, I had to learn everything through doing. I learned from projects and my peers to become who I am today.

Throughout working with numerous directors in a short amount of time, I began to see how influential sound could be for films’ emotional beats, and how much sound editing can affect the final product as well as how much a re-recording mixer can elevate the project. While great sound design usually shines in action movies, thrillers or sci-fi, I hope knowledge in sound would allow me to create heart-warming films that are rooted in reality. Earlier this year, I was very lucky to watch The Zone of Interest followed by a Q&A of its foley team. While people may have different opinions on the film itself, I really admire how it has the idea to use sound design to create the intense atmosphere of villages near the concentration camp as well as carrying out the theme of the film, and I wish to use realistic sound design to carry out the beats of stories.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For people who are interested in cinema, I would definitely recommend them to check out The Academy Museum, Braindead studio, Landmark Theater, and theaters affiliated with American Cinematheque for their programmings.

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 take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to my parents. Growing up in a Chinese household, my passion for film was met with skepticism; they envisioned a future for me in finance or medicine, unsure of the seriousness of my dreams. To bridge that gap, I invited them to the sound design exhibition at The Academy Museum during their visit to LA, hoping to share my world with them. I inundated them with countless photos from film sets, offering glimpses into my life and the industry I love. Over time, they’ve come to see the dedication and hard work I pour into content creation, and now, I’m proud to say I have their unwavering support as I pursue my dreams.

Website: https://www.jamiewangfilm.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiewang.wav/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yueran-jamie-wang-b8a081180/