Meet Sheng Wan | Focus Puller & Filmmaker,

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

Hi Sheng, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
For me, OCD helped a lot, haha; attention to detail and strong organizational skills are crucial in the camera department. Knowing exactly where each piece of equipment and media is at all times may seem basic, but on a long production day, it becomes essential. Keeping track of everything ensures a smooth workflow and helps avoid unnecessary delays.

I believe that every member of the camera crew should cultivate these skills to maintain efficiency and professionalism. My guiding principle on set is, ‘Always be prepared.’ Whether it’s during prep, throughout the shoot, or leading up to the wrap, I consistently strive to anticipate and solve problems before they arise. Those who have worked with me know that this approach is key to delivering a seamless production.

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 primarily work as a First Assistant Camera on set. I still remember my first experience as a Focus Puller during a school project. At the time, I didn’t know much, but I managed to keep everything sharp and instantly fell in love with that feeling. That moment sparked my passion, and I’ve dedicated myself to honing my skills and gaining as much experience as possible.

The journey wasn’t easy at the beginning, and even now, I’m constantly learning new things from the people I work with on different sets. Staying humble and being open to listening has been key to overcoming challenges. Just follow my heart, follow my marks, and follow my guts.

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.
I’m an outdoor person, so whenever friends visit me in LA, I make it a point to take them to outdoor spots, steering clear of the urban city areas. My favorite place to visit with my dog is the Angeles National Forest. It’s absolutely stunning during the fall and winter, and there’s even a chance of snow in the winter, making it a perfect getaway. Having lived in Michigan, I have a special affinity for snow and the forest, making this place particularly meaningful.

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Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The first person I want to acknowledge is my mother. She was a strict parent, and because I attended boarding school as a child, I didn’t spend as much time with her as I would have liked. Despite that, she has always been my role model. In my mind, success was only real if it had her approval.

When I decided to pursue filmmaking during my undergraduate years at Arizona State, I felt uncertain about how she would react. However, her response was unexpectedly supportive and gave me the motivation I needed to follow my passion. Her belief in me has been a driving force behind my determination to achieve my goals.

Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15165286/?ref_=nmbio_ov

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

Image Credits
Chris Lau, Annie