Meet Xing-Mai Deng: Cinematographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Xing-Mai Deng and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xing-Mai, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Back in 2005, Steve Jobs gave a commencement speech at Stanford University. At the time, I was still a year away from going to college but I stumbled across the video recording of that speech on iTunes. Towards the end of his speech, Jobs quoted his favorite publication in the mid-1970’s, ‘The Whole Earth Catalog’, the small text beneath the photograph on the back cover of the final issue. He said, ‘Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.’ Now I can’t even fully recall the 3 life stories Jobs told at the commencement but ‘Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish’ has stayed with me. All these years, I have kept reminding myself that I have never learned enough, nor tried enough; and to keep going after what I want no matter what. Filmmaking is a very tough business. It requires determinations, perseverance, humbleness, and patience to move forward. Whenever I get lost, I have always referred back to ‘Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.’ This quote has been the beacon that points the direction for me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was born and raised in Beijing, and moved to Los Angeles 11 years ago. I have always wanted to see the world. After I received my Master of Fine Arts in Film Production degree from USC, I started working on projects as a cinematographer globally. I have shot on locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City in the US; Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou in China; Jacmel in Haiti; and Jakarta in Indonesia. I spent my time mostly back-and-forth between Los Angeles and Beijing as the hires are mostly made in these 2 cities. Maintaining 2 separate professional networks takes efforts. I need to not only keep myself updated on the latest technologies and cinematographic crafts, but also keep myself relevant in 2 completely different cultures. Of course, it has not been easy, even before the age of the COVID-19 pandemic. The world has become a smaller place, yet the politics and prejudices are extending the distances between peoples in different countries. I have learned to be understanding and I hope I could help others to understand.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my friend to visit Los Angeles County Museum of Art; The Getty Center; ArcLight Cinemas Hollywood; LA Opera; Los Angeles Public Library; Griffith Park; The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens; and my alma mater USC. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am very fortunate that I have encountered so many kind and knowledgable people in my life, mentors who have patiently given me invaluable lessons professionally and personally. They were my professors when I was at Cal State LA and University of Southern California. They have not only taught me the craft and the art of filmmaking, but also showed me the philosophy of life as a person working in the film business. I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am right now if it weren’t for them so I owe everything to them.

Website: http://cine-mai.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cine.mai/