Meet Lan Yang | Cinematographer

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

Hi Lan, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is collaboration. As a Director of Photography, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about technical skills with cameras and lighting. It’s about working closely with the director, camera crew, art department, and visual effects team to bring a vision to life. We function as a creative family, blending our diverse skills and ideas to create something special on screen.

Working with diverse teams around the world has been enlightening and has taught me the value of diverse perspectives. Embracing different viewpoints and working approaches has enriched my storytelling and made it more authentic. I’ve also learned to stay calm under pressure, focusing on being prepared but also being adaptable and seeing challenges as opportunities for creativity. The film set is intense, but maintaining a positive atmosphere helps keep the team focused and the creative spirit alive.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Over the past decade, my journey as a cinematographer has been a blend of learning and growth. As an introvert, stepping into an industry where verbal communication seemed paramount was intimidating. In the early days of my career, the challenges were palpable. On the film set, amidst the chaos and noise, I often found myself struggling to find my voice. However, my mentor encouraged me to embrace my quiet nature as a strength. I discovered that my ability to listen attentively and observe deeply became invaluable.

Creativity drives me, and I’m constantly seeking new ideas and techniques to explore. For the past three years, I’ve been particularly excited about the possibilities of cutting-edge technologies like Unreal Engine and LED volume. Currently, I am the director of photography for USC’s first-ever LED volume thesis film, a project that has pushed me to think outside the box.

For me, being a DP is about being a visual storyteller, which requires an openness to learning and trying new things. The world of cinematography is ever-evolving, and I believe that staying curious and adaptable is key. I’m grateful for the journey so far and look forward to continuing to grow and create in this dynamic field.

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 up, we’d hit the USC campus, since it’s like a second home to me. We’d stroll around, soaking in the energy of students hustling on various film projects. Then, we’d dive into some serious comfort food at a cozy Korean tofu house – nothing beats their tofu soup, even on scorching summer days. For a chill afternoon, we’d swing by a local sushi joint for some fresh rolls and ice-cold beer. And as the day winds down, we’d head to Santa Monica Beach to catch the sunset. Throughout the week, I’d sprinkle in visits to other hidden gems and favorite spots like Griffith Park, LACMA, and Universal 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 express my deep appreciation to all the directors I’ve had the privilege of working with. I’m incredibly grateful for the trust they’ve placed in me and for the opportunities they’ve given me to explore the depths of storytelling, humanity, and the subtleties of life. Each director has brought their unique vision and approach, and collaborating with them has enriched my craft and expanded my horizons in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

I also want to give a heartfelt shoutout to all the camera assistants, gaffers, and grips who have supported me on my sets. Every production comes with its own set of challenges, and I’m truly fortunate to have had the assistance and steadfast support of each and every one of them throughout our shared journey.

Website: www.dplanyang.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lan.yang.1291?mibextid=LQQJ4d