Meet Starry Ye | Documentary Filmmaker & Post Pro

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

Hi Starry, why did you pursue a creative career?
From a very young age, I found myself deeply fascinated by the art of storytelling. Around the age of 14, I began writing for newspapers, and over the years, this experience honed my passion for seeking the truth. Upon entering the film and television industry, I discovered documentaries serve as a means to convey the real stories of individuals at pivotal moments through the cinematic lens. This realization ignited my passion for documentary filmmaking, encouraging me to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to this field.

My first hands-on experience with documentary production came in my senior year at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, when I joined the 26 Seconds documentary project in post-production. It wasn’t long before I joined CNN’s HLN Special team. At CNN, I was involved in projects like true crime docu-series: “Lies, Crimes and Video,” “Real Life Nightmare,” and “Sex & Murder,” as well as the high-profile and nationally televised trial of Ahmaud Arbery. Later, I had the opportunities to work on “The Andy Warhol Diaries” for Netflix, “The End Is Nye” with Peacock NBCUniversal, and various independent documentaries. Each project not only sharpened my skills but also deepened my passion and resolve to use filmmaking as a platform to bring art, environmental, music, and social justice topics to the world.

For me, documentaries are more than just a form of entertainment; they are a vital medium of communication and a tool for social change. By producing and releasing these stories into the world, we could ignite conversations and reflections that persist long after the screen fades to black, inspiring dialogue among audiences everywhere. This ability to connect, enlighten, and drive collective action across borders is why I pursued this career, and this vision of using storytelling as a catalyst for change is the essence of my artistic journey along the way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For me, filmmaking has been my life’s breath, and I am very lucky to realize at a young age that this is a vocation for me. This journey, which began with journalistic writing and evolved into a deep exploration of documentary film, has carved a unique path for me within the industry. I am most proud that my international perspective helped me become a person with a diverse mindset and enhance my ability to weave complex subjects into accessible and compelling narratives. Whether it’s exploring environmental issues, delving into social justice, or celebrating music and art, I strive to make every show not only informative but also universe and resonant. I have always believed that stories well told have the magical power to change minds and hearts.

My journey to this point in my career has been far from a straightforward path. I started my storytelling journey since I was very young, and it took me over decades to be where I am today. It was laden with learning curves, breaking through barriers, and daunting task of navigating the complexities of both documentary and TV production. The turning point actually came from embracing the power of collaboration and the important of mentorship. Working with a talented team at CNN and being part of shows like The End Is Nye, The Andy Warhol Diaries, Louder Than You Think, 26 Seconds, and The Baby Carriers, taught me the value of collective effort and diverse perspectives. I learned that persistence, coupled with a willingness to adapt and learn, and focuses on the goals, can overcome almost any challenge.

One of the most crucial lessons I’ve learned is the importance of authenticity. In a world saturated with content, resisting the urge to merely follow trends and instead remaining faithful to one’s unique vision and voice is what yields the most meaningful and lasting work. Furthermore, the essence of persistence has been a guiding principle for me. I believe that there is a discipline for a passion. Pursuing a dream isn’t about the triumphs but the resilience to stand up and press forward, regardless of the setbacks encountered.

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 would like to take my friends on a studio tour at Warner Bros. first, getting a behind-the-scenes look at how some of our favorite movies and shows are made. Afterward, grabbing lunch at Smoke House Restaurant seems like a great choice. If the weather’s on our side, spending the evening under the stars at the top of Griffith Park for the breathtaking views of the city could be a lovely option as well. Throughout the week, I’m thinking a day trip to Santa Monica or Malibu is essential for some laid-back beach time — sun, surf, and relaxation by the beach. Being a museum person, I’d also add a cultural touch with visits to museums like The Broad and The Getty, among others.

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?
Absolutely. I always believed that the transformative power of mentorship and support along our professional journeys. With great appreciation, I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the esteemed HLN Special team from my time at CNN. Their collective wisdom, mentorship, and support have been invaluable to me. I’d also like to extend my gratitude to all the remarkable producers I’ve had the privilege to work with. I am fortunate enough to work with these TV’s best, who have become more than coworkers, and through their unparalleled expertise, have profoundly shaped my journey from the start.

Furthermore, my deepest thanks go to my parents, whose unconditional love and support have been the bedrock of my foundation and strength. My grandfather, in particular, has been a beacon of inspiration since my childhood. My family has instilled in me the values of perseverance and dedication that I carry into every aspect of my work, and their unwavering backing through all life’s vicissitudes reinforces my belief that love conquers all.

Website: https://www.starryye.com

Instagram: @hy_yap

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/starryye/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hy.yap.95

Image Credits
Starry Ye