Meet Shan Jiang | Production Designer & Director

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

Hi Shan, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
What truly brings me joy is the collaborative process of pre-production. When key crew members and I come together to brainstorm, we essentially live in the same creative universe, which allows for smoother and more effective discussions. I find it immensely satisfying when we discover the “right vision” for a project collectively. This process isn’t just about my input; it’s about how we, as a team, can elevate an idea to become something meaningful.

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.

I’ve been fortunate to work in production design, a field that I’m passionate about. What intrigues me the most is the interplay between space and performance. My aim is to add depth and authenticity to the narrative through careful design, but it’s not just about my individual style or approach. I’ve also been influenced by painting, animation, and model-making, and I’ve found that these disciplines contribute to making my work in production design more well-rounded.

One of the challenging yet fulfilling aspects of my work is navigating the balance between idealistic visions and real-world constraints. At times, simplicity can be more effective and economical than complexity. What I find most rewarding is the opportunity to create an environment where both the crew and actors can excel in their crafts.

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?
When friends visit, I enjoy taking them to various prop houses around LA. These places aren’t just warehouses; they’re like specialized museums and a great source of inspiration for anyone in the creative field. I also like giving them a taste of my daily life by going to the American Cinematheque for a classic film screening, followed by dinner at the House of Pies to talk about the movie. It’s during these laid-back conversations that sometimes the most interesting ideas come to light.

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 owe a tremendous amount to my mother. Her steadfast support and belief in my artistic pursuits have been a constant source of motivation for me. Without her encouragement, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It’s not just about the projects I’ve worked on; it’s about the person I’ve become, and for that, I am incredibly grateful to her.

Other: Email: jiangshan19960406@gmail.com

Image Credits
Joy Tan Shih-Chun Hsiao