Meet Jiayu Liu | Film director & producer

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

Hi Jiayu, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As a film director and producer, the decision to start my own business was fueled by a combination of creative freedom, entrepreneurial spirit, and a desire to bring unique stories to life. Here’s a glimpse into my thought process:

Creative Control: One of the primary motivations was the need for creative autonomy. Working under larger studios often meant adhering to strict guidelines and sometimes compromising my vision. By establishing my own business, I could choose projects that truly resonated with me and maintain the integrity of my storytelling.

Diverse Storytelling: I wanted to create a platform where diverse voices and unconventional narratives could thrive. The industry often overlooks certain genres, themes, and perspectives. By starting my own company, I aimed to fill this gap and produce content that might not otherwise get the green light.

Collaboration Opportunities: Starting my own business opened doors to collaborate with like-minded creatives. It allowed me to build a team that shared my passion and vision, fostering a collaborative environment where innovative ideas could flourish.

In essence, the decision was about harnessing the power of storytelling while embracing the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. It was a step towards creating a space where creativity, diversity, and innovation could thrive, ultimately contributing to the evolving landscape of the film industry.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
After the screening at the LA International Short Film Festival, several viewers approached me to express their appreciation for my film. One elderly gentleman told me, “Never stop making films.” His words touched me deeply. Being able to create a shared dream for everyone in a dark theater is my greatest pride. I hope my films will always strive to explore life, freedom, and love in a positive light.

The path of pursuing dreams is not always smooth. Besides external voices, the most daunting are the ones inside myself: I sometimes question if I am truly suited for this, if my work is appreciated, if my dreams are worth pursuing. It is the support of friends, family, and audiences that keeps me going. If I want to depict the essence of love, I must believe in the power of love. I hope that those who watch my films can feel love and warmth in the worlds I create, to believe, to love, and to express.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First, I would take them to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to see Los Angeles, and indeed the entire United States, through the lens of cinema. There, they could witness how stories that once seemed distant continue to shine brightly in the river of history. Next, I would bring my friends to the beach to experience the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean, a reminder of how time flows in the blink of an eye. Finally, we might visit the Griffith Observatory at night, to marvel at the city under the stars and the celestial bodies millions of light years away.

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?
When I was five years old, my father bought me my first movie DVDs—The Lion King and Mulan. I believe this ignited my passion for film. My parents never stopped nurturing my dreams: my mother introduced me to the books and DVDs of Harry Potter, showing me the magic of real life through cinema. I am deeply grateful to my mom and dad for their unwavering support and guidance. Their encouragement has given me the courage and motivation to pursue my dreams, and they will always be my first audience.

In my teenage years, I encountered what would become my favorite film, The Time Traveler’s Wife. I was captivated by its unique story and the fascinating timeline it depicted: the past and future intertwined like a loop, influencing each other, yet the sincere love between people remained constant. I am thankful for the profound impact this movie had on me, as it helped me realize the kind of storytelling I love. I want to create stories that are based on real human emotions but are filled with fantastical dreams. I want to create dreams for every viewer, dreams centered on love and radiating with imagination.

I aspire to be a dream-weaver, just as my parents created dreams for me, and just as movies have created dreams for me.

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10107533/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk