Meet Lavender Qianbo Zhang | Film, TVC, MV Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lavender Qianbo Zhang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lavender Qianbo, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When I just stepped into the industry, my focus was heavily skewed towards work. The desire to build my brand and prove myself often led to long hours and an “always-on” mentality. But after I’ve done several more projects and feel more, I think about for a producer or a filmmaker, the work-life balance is a dynamic equilibrium rather than a fixed state. Also, I have found the common thread in my work and life – I love to create art, and this is important. I used this common thread to tie my work and life together, and create a comfortable mental environment for myself. Because of this thread, I am a producer at work, but also a performance artist in life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an Independent Film/TVC/MV Producer working on a project-by-project basis. Over the past one year, I produced several short films, commercials and music videos, and established a number of stable partnerships with companies and filmmakers. At the same time, I’m also doing a part-time internship in a production company named BlueX2 Media. This dual approach of independent projects and structured learning has been instrumental in my growth. One key factor in my career so far has been that I’ve allowed myself to take the time to settle in. After I produced the first short film of my life, I realized that I had many shortcomings as a producer. So I continued to learn from other excellent producers by working on their projects and on set. Even though filmmaking and producing seems to be a very linear process in a way, I’m always learning something new on the set and finding myself improving.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In my personal life, I’m always the one with the least plan among friends…but here is it:
For the first day, I would just chill at home with my friend, watch movies, talk, cook and eat by ourselves. On one hand we need a good rest before a trip. On the other hand, I think it’s the best way to integrate my friend into my current life.Then, I’ll start the day with hiking in Angeles National Forest, where we can escape from the busyness and crisp mountain air. This is what I would normally do when I feel too much pressure and need a short break. But if my friend wants some busyness and craziness, I guess we’ll experience the electric energy of a live music show and immerse in the buzzing atmosphere with excitement instead.
Of course, we might also go by the beach, to the bookstore, to the mall, to a nearby town… I’ve always thought it doesn’t matter where we go, it’s who we go with.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to the United States Overseas Student Union (USOSU). When I first moved from NorCal to SoCal in 2022, adjusting to a new environment was both exciting and daunting. USOSU helped me build lasting relationships with people from different areas who shine in different fields. In this organization, I have met very close friends in my daily life. Through a variety of social activities, I have also improved social skills and built my network, which are equally important beyond my professional knowledge. I’m currently one of the executive board members of USOSU, because USOSU not only helped me in different ways, but also inspired me to give back and support others in similar situations.

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