Meet Weixiang Huang | Film Editor

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

Hi Weixiang, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
This is Weixiang, but you can call me ‘Carter.’ I was born into an open-minded family with parents who encouraged my exploration of new and exciting things. I’ve always had a deep passion for discovering and delving deeper into various interests. Throughout my childhood and for over a decade, hobbies like calligraphy, playing the drum set, and basketball have been my constant companions. During high school, I aspired to become a professional basketball player. Countless hours on the court honed my skills, but I soon realized that my talents might not be enough to fulfill my dream. Nevertheless, I discovered an alternative path.

At the beginning of junior high school, I was recommended by a friend to the anime “Slam Dunk”, so I have countless basketball stories of my own in my mind. Then I watched a couple of great basketball movies like “Glory Road”, “Coach Carter”, and “He Got Game.” These films evoked powerful emotions within me, and I knew I wanted to share similar feelings with others. Thus, the idea of becoming a storyteller was born.

The path to becoming a storyteller was not without obstacles. I lacked the technical skills in camera work, scriptwriting, and shot listing. Undeterred, I tapped into my early interest in video production. At just 12 years old, in 2011, I began sharing my game videos on the platform “Aipai.” In the summer of 2014, I created short films by integrating character models from video games, and then dubbing and editing in the post-production. Each video received 500,000 views, which was a great encouragement to me at the time.

My gradual immersion into the world of storytelling began when I sought inspiration and escape during the daily routines expected by most parents. My passion for the screen grew stronger as I explored it in more depth, it increased my desire to study films systematically in the future when such an opportunity arose. Fortunately, the opportunity came upon my graduation from high school. I was offered to study abroad to get more chances to have closer access to masterpieces. After much deliberation, I started my academic study of films as an undergraduate student at Michigan State University. I mustered up the courage and make myself determined to succeed though I needed to leave my parents and be independent in my 17s. I have endeavored in undergraduate curricula on media information at MSU to establish a solid foundation for film production. Over the study, my favorite courses including film production, post-production, and visual effects benefit vastly in further study.

During my time at MSU, I seized every chance to acquire skills in filmmaking. Armed with my knowledge and passion for film, I eagerly embraced any opportunity to unleash my creativity. Despite being an undergraduate student, I already possessed 12 years of practical editing experience. Prompted by my previous experiences, I initiated as an editor in the 36th Annual Young Playwright’s Festival held by the Wharton Center of Performing Arts at MSU aiming for young playwrights. The most remarkable and proud extracurricular practice for me was the successful and independent running of my Youtube Channel. One of my Youtube videos which was a short recap edit of the anime “Slam Dunk” was such a marvelous hit since Feb. 2020, receiving 1.6 million views. This marvelous achievement made me strongly confident to push ahead in the field. All these unforgettable, personal or team experiences taught me how to cooperate in a group and schedule effectively the different tasks leading to the film’s completion.

My journey led me to the American Film Institute (AFI), where I was admitted to the editing discipline. AFI introduced me to a community of talented fellows, and I thrived in the collaborative environment. It has been instrumental in honing my storytelling skills.

I believe that storytelling holds immense power. It transcends cultural boundaries and touches the hearts of people worldwide. As an editor, I play a pivotal role in crafting the narrative, rhythm, and emotions of a film. Editing allows me to help storytellers convey their emotions effectively. Becoming an editor is not just a career choice, it’s the first step in my journey to becoming a better storyteller.

In my journey from basketball dreams to film editing, I’ve learned that it’s not about where you start, it’s about the path you choose to follow. My background, upbringing, and experiences have sculpted me into the storyteller I am today, and I look forward to sharing more compelling stories with the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I specialize in film and video editing, and I’m currently an editing fellow at the American Film Institute Conservatory, with aspirations to become a film editor in Los Angeles. I’ve been on a creative journey for over a decade, constantly exploring new avenues within the realm of filmmaking.

I began my editing journey 12 years ago. My passion for creating short films initially revolved around gaming themes. As I continued to learn and grow, I ventured into documentary filmmaking, anime music videos, and anime and film reviews.

One of my proudest achievements was the production of my first short film, “Super Prize.” The film tells the story of a young farmer who wins a 5 million super prize but faces a dilemma over the cost of an expensive plane ticket. I took on all the roles in this project, including producer, director, cinematographer, and editor. It was a low-budget film, and due to the challenges posed by the pandemic, I had to handle everything independently. Despite the hard work, I thoroughly enjoyed the creative process.

In the first year at AFI, we need to complete three cycle films. And a thesis film needs to be completed in the second year.
In my first year, I had the opportunity to work on three distinct cycle films, each belonging to a different genre – a romance film, an experimental project, and a musical film. This experience had a profound impact on my growth as a filmmaker. It allowed me to explore and experiment with various storytelling styles and techniques, broadening my creative horizons. Working on projects spanning such diverse genres has enriched my skill set and provided me with a well-rounded foundation for storytelling.

My thesis film is a comedy that reimagines history, focusing on the theme of feminism. It challenges the conventional narrative by humorously depicting the story of Mary, suggesting that she may not have been a virgin. I am fortunate to be working with an incredibly talented thesis team, and we are all excited about the project’s potential impact.

This unique and thought-provoking film allows me to explore new avenues of storytelling and creativity, pushing the boundaries of traditional narratives. Collaborating with my dedicated team has been an enriching experience, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming stages of our thesis project. It’s a journey that promises both artistic growth and a fresh perspective on storytelling.”

Besides school, I am also looking for some editor/assistant editor jobs to enrich my experience. In the summer, I will also go back to my YouTube channel and make anime-related, film-related videos in my spare time. To fulfill my dream of making basketball movies, I will also create a basketball channel in the summer. I will start making some basketball-themed short films and videos about me and basketball.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would kick off the trip with a visit to Griffith Park, which is practically in my backyard. I spend most of my free time there, jogging and staying active. The highlight of this park is undoubtedly the Griffith Observatory, perched atop the hill. It offers breathtaking views of the city and the stars. We’d take a hike up to the observatory, savoring every step of the way. Griffith Park holds a special place in my heart, as it’s where I’ve made countless cherished memories. It’s also a fantastic spot for a romantic date.

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 would like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents; without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today. While I had some less pleasant experiences during my childhood, I believe they were largely due to the challenges posed by the Chinese education system, which contributed to certain aspects of my character, making me less brave and more hesitant in expressing my needs. Growing up in China meant facing immense academic pressure, constant comparisons among parents, and exceedingly high expectations. However, it was precisely because of my parents that I am where I am today.

My family environment was exceptionally open and encouraging. My parents always supported my ventures into various fields, a rare attitude in an environment dominated by daily homework and pressure within the Chinese education system. When I decided to go abroad and pursue a career in the film industry, they stood by my side. I feel fortunate that they supported my choices, even covering the substantial tuition fees for my education. While my family isn’t perfect, they are an integral part of who I am today.

Growing up in an environment with overwhelming academic pressure, I believe my parents made the most significant contributions to my development. They also helped me gain a deeper understanding of the world.

Website: https://aocartersilvergrass.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weixiang-huang-629b46169/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AoCarterCinema