Meet Linnan Liu | Film director, sound designer/mixer, colorist

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

Hi Linnan, what do you attribute your success to?
I wouldn’t say I’ve “success” yet, but there are definitely a lot of things that have helped me get to where I am now. It all starts with my experiences—my childhood, my family, and everything I’ve gone through while growing up and studying. Honestly, I’m a slow starter. I don’t catch on to trends quickly, and I’m definitely not the fastest thinker. It took me three or four years after middle school to even realize that some people didn’t like me back then.

Instead of diving into hobbies, I’ve always been the kind of person who gets wrapped up in other people’s stories. I’m easily moved, I feel sadness deeply, and I connect with people on a really emotional level—maybe too much. That’s just how I am, whether it’s in real life or in the stories I see in movies.

I think that’s why, in middle school, I discovered how much I loved movies. I loved feeling what the characters felt, seeing all these different sides of life, and learning from them. Back then, I had no idea how movies were actually made. I didn’t know how one scene connects to the next, what camera angles meant, or even what a director actually does. But the stories and characters always stuck with me, and I couldn’t stop wondering how it all worked. That curiosity pulled me into the world of film.

When I came to the U.S. for school, I started exploring filmmaking more seriously in high school. I shot some short films, but at that time, I didn’t know how to write something that really touched people. I was just figuring out how to use a camera, how to edit. But even then, I felt this pull—this need to tell stories, to share what I saw in the world. That’s what kept me going: curiosity and the need to give a voice to those stories.

Now, as a grad student at USC, I’ve written and directed a few short films. Are they perfect? Definitely not. Are they “successful”? Probably not in the way most people define success. But they’re honest. They’re made with the curiosity that drives me and the urge to tell stories that matter.

I don’t think success is something I can define just yet. For now, I want to keep learning, keep experiencing life, and keep telling stories. My curiosity pushes me to absorb as much as I can and pour it into the stories I want to share—expressing both myself and others through film. That’s all I can ask for right now.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a director, I’m still in the process of learning—watching films, engaging in conversations with different people, analyzing stories, and immersing myself in the process of filmmaking. With every project, I aim to grow, ensuring that the next film is better than the last. This growth comes from hands-on experience, learning from collaborators, and connecting with actors. My focus lies in family dramas and stories about women. Being a woman myself, I find that understanding and telling women’s stories comes as naturally as breathing. For me, filmmaking isn’t something you can just jump into—it requires a solid story, a clear and purposeful theme, and a strong reason for telling it. My perspective on family life and women’s experiences evolves with every stage of my life, and these insights fuel my passion and courage to distill those moments into stories and translate them into films. I strive to present these stories with honesty and authenticity. Of course, there are challenges—like feeling stuck when a script doesn’t meet my expectations or getting so consumed by filmmaking that I lose touch with life itself. I’ve learned that when I neglect life, my stories risk becoming hollow. Balancing the demands of filmmaking with staying grounded in real life has been one of my greatest lessons.

As a colorist, my work is about understanding the director’s vision and the film’s emotional tone. Before diving into the technical aspects, communication is key. Miscommunication early on can lead to significant problems later, so I focus on connecting with directors and cinematographers to fully grasp what they want their work to evoke visually. This collaboration allows me to bring their vision to life effectively.

As a sound designer and mixer, creativity is paramount. Sound enhances the richness of a film, but poor execution can compromise the entire experience. Sound design is deeply tied to life—it’s about capturing the textures, rhythms, and atmospheres of real-world sounds. Every place—whether it’s a subway station, an airport, or a restaurant—has its own unique soundscape, and these nuances are impossible to imagine without experiencing them firsthand. At the same time, sound design allows for boundless creativity. For instance, if I need the sound of a broken tennis racket but don’t have the exact foley, I might layer the sound of a snapping guitar string with the crunch of breaking bones and the thud of wood hitting the floor. The process of creating these sounds is endlessly fascinating.

No matter what role I’m in, it’s always a test—a test of my ability to keep learning, to draw inspiration from life, and to push myself further. My curiosity drives me in everything I do, and it’s what motivates me to strive for excellence in every position I take on.

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?
I live in Koreatown, Los Angeles, so the first consideration for an economical stay would, of course, be to have my friend stay at my place. Here’s how I’d plan the week:
Day 1
I’d start by taking her to have an American breakfast. Since my best friend is from China, I’d bring her to Denny’s. It may not be the fanciest restaurant, but it holds a special place for me—I remember traveling to another state a few years ago during Christmas, and Denny’s was the only place open. So, it feels nostalgic and meaningful.
Next, I’d take her to Griffith Observatory. Ever since La La Land filmed there, it has become a must-visit spot for tourists. For friends visiting from out of town, it’s definitely on the list.
In the afternoon, we’d go to one of my favorite restaurants, Great White, where they can make cheese-free pizza.
Later in the day, I’d show her around my campus. Believe it or not, USC is listed as one of the popular “tourist attractions” in travel guides for the West Coast.
For dinner, we’d stay local and have Korean food at a restaurant near my home.
Day 2
I’d take my friend to Huntington Library. For lunch, we’d pack homemade sandwiches to enjoy there.
Afterward, we’d head back and finish the day with a comforting hotpot dinner at Haidilao.
Day 3
We’d “visit” Beverly Hills—not to shop, because the prices might be out of reach for us—but just to enjoy the area. After exploring Beverly Hills, we’d head to Melrose, which is full of cool thrift stores, designer second-hand clothes, and vibrant murals.
Dinner would be back in Koreatown with another round of delicious Korean cuisine.
Day 4
We’d start the morning at Memory Look with a matcha latte and a dessert for breakfast.
Then, we’d head out to the Rose Bowl Flea Market, which is massive, and spend the entire day browsing until it closes.
Day 5
I’d take her to the Getty Center, where we could spend the whole day exploring art and architecture.
Day 6
A full-day adventure at Universal Studios Hollywood would be on the agenda.
Day 7
Of course, we’d save the grand finale for Disneyland—a perfect way to wrap up the trip with a day of magic and fun!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There have been so many people who’ve made an unforgettable mark in my life, but if I had to pick one person who’s had the biggest impact, it would be my dad. He’s always been my biggest supporter and the person who’s given me strength, even when I doubted myself.

He’s one of those people who’s endlessly optimistic, and while that might sound like a cliché, it’s true. I’m not naturally optimistic—I’m more of a “fake it ‘til you make it” kind of person. I’m just a grad student trying to figure things out, knowing that life after graduation might not be easy. But my dad has always made me believe in possibilities, and that belief has kept me going.

Growing up, I looked up to him so much. He’s the kind of guy who knows everyone, who always has friends wherever he goes. I used to envy that about him. He’d quietly slip me extra pocket money or tell me, “If there’s something you want to do, just go for it.” That kind of unconditional support gave me the confidence to dream bigger.

When I told him I wanted to study film, he didn’t fully understand what that meant. He didn’t know what kind of career I’d have or even if I’d be good at it, but he didn’t hesitate. He just said, “Go for it.” That’s the kind of person he is—he doesn’t need to understand everything to believe in you.

There was a time when he got really sick, and it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced. I wasn’t allowed to see him in the hospital, so I had to wait outside, hoping for even a glimpse. It was devastating. But he fought through it, staying true to the optimistic person he’s always been. Even after getting better, he didn’t hold onto anger or bitterness toward the people who weren’t there for him during that time. Instead, he chose to keep helping others.

When I’m at my lowest, I call him. He might not have all the right words, but he knows how to make me feel like everything’s going to be okay. He celebrates all my wins, even when he doesn’t really understand what I’m talking about, and he always gives me the kind of encouragement that feels genuine and unwavering.

He’s not perfect, but he’s my dad. And in his own imperfect way, he’s given me the courage to keep chasing my dreams. I wouldn’t be where I am without him, and he deserves so much credit for being the steady, supportive presence that’s always been there for me.

Website: https://www.linnanliu-huoguo.com/

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

Image Credits
director: Linnan Liu
Director of cinematography: Cameron Leewong
Colorist: Linnan Liu

director: Jacob Piller
Director of cinematography: Surui Guo
Colorist: Linnan Liu