Meet YI WANG | Film Producer/Director

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

Hi YI, what matters most to you?
The value or principle that matters most to me is persistent endeavor. It resonates deeply with me because it encompasses all six points I adhere to in my professional endeavors.

Before embarking on any project, I meticulously scrutinize its potential and worth. This initial value appraisal ensures that I invest my time and resources wisely, focusing only on projects that hold genuine promise.

Once committed to a project, I staunchly believe in the adage ‘actions speak louder than words.’ Persistence and unwavering commitment to delivering tangible results serve as the cornerstone of my work ethos. I am dedicated to seeing projects through to completion, no matter the challenges that may arise.

Moreover, I ardently advocate for the acquisition of resources essential for project realization, while simultaneously striving to evolve into a resource of indispensable value myself. This involves championing resource acquisition, fostering innovation, and rejecting mediocrity.

Recognizing the paramount importance of nurturing a supportive and harmonious work environment, I extend unwavering emotional support to all collaborators. This emotional sustenance creates a positive atmosphere conducive to creativity, collaboration, and productivity.

Furthermore, with an innate talent for discerning promising concepts and materials, I possess the acumen to translate them into tangible and groundbreaking endeavors. This fosters innovation and drives the success of my projects.

Lastly, I eschew the allure of average difficulty-level projects, opting instead to confront challenges head-on. It is through the courage and decisive action I exhibit in confronting adversities that I define my worth as a producer.

In summary, persistent endeavor encapsulates my commitment to thorough evaluation, unwavering dedication, resource advocacy, emotional support, innovation, and rejection of mediocrity. It is the guiding principle that drives my approach to work and life, empowering me to achieve excellence and make a meaningful impact in all that I do.

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.
As an ENFP producer, identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), my artistic approach is defined by creativity, passion, and adaptability. What sets me apart from others is my ability to infuse projects with innovative ideas, emotional depth, and a unique perspective. I take pride in connecting with audiences on a profound level, leaving a lasting impact through storytelling.

Many of my collaborators often describe me as demonstrating strong Judging (J) tendencies, despite my ENFP nature. This means I exhibit a high level of organization and structure, allowing me to effectively manage projects, meet deadlines, and deliver results with precision.

Moreover, I excel in communication and coordination, adept at adapting my approach to accommodate various personality types and ensure smooth collaboration throughout the film production process. Whether through active listening, clear instruction, or collaborative problem-solving, I find ways to connect with each member of the team and facilitate productive and enjoyable work experiences.

A director once remarked on my high acceptance of the complexities of human nature, including its darker aspects. This attribute allows me to maintain confidentiality and engage in constructive communication, creating a positive and productive production atmosphere. Consequently, she believed that I am exceptionally suited for the role of a producer.

My journey to where I am today professionally has been both challenging and rewarding. While it hasn’t been easy, my determination, resilience, and willingness to embrace new experiences have been crucial in overcoming obstacles. I’ve learned valuable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and staying true to my vision, even in the face of setbacks.

What excites me most about my art is its ability to inspire, provoke thought, and evoke emotion through storytelling. I believe in the power of film to spark conversations, challenge perceptions, and foster empathy. My goal is to create meaningful and authentic narratives that resonate with audiences from all walks of life.

Ultimately, I want the world to know that my brand and story are rooted in authenticity, creativity, and a deep passion for storytelling. I am committed to pushing boundaries, exploring new ideas, and making a positive impact through my art. Whether it’s through film, television, or other creative endeavors, I am dedicated to sharing stories that entertain, enlighten, and inspire.

In summary, as an ENFP producer, I bring a unique blend of creativity, organization, emotional support, effective communication, and coordination to my work, allowing me to manage projects effectively and facilitate a collaborative and enjoyable working environment for all involved in the film production process.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Filming ‘Chowmein Holiday’ in both 2023 and 2024 was an immersive adventure that led us to a diverse range of locations, each contributing its own unique essence to our story. One such significant spot was City Market in North Hollywood, where our kick-off ceremony marked the beginning of our creative journey. Although we didn’t film many scenes with actors there, the vibrant atmosphere and sense of community set the tone for the camaraderie and collaboration that defined our production process.

In Lancaster, amidst the captivating landscapes of the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, we discovered the raw beauty of the desert and its transformative power. These breathtaking vistas served as a backdrop for scenes that delved into the emotional core of our story, allowing us to explore the inner struggles of our characters in a visually stunning setting.

Burbank offered a glimpse into the glamour of Hollywood, with its historic streets and bustling studios. While our filming in this area was limited, its rich history and vibrant atmosphere left an indelible mark on our storytelling, infusing our narrative with authenticity and intrigue.

Staying at both Budget Inn and Earth Inn in Mojave provided unique perspectives on our filming process. These motels, nestled amidst the vast expanse of the desert, served as our sanctuaries during the production. From the bustling energy of Budget Inn, where our wrap on October 6th, 2023, marked the culmination of our efforts, to the tranquil atmosphere of Earth Inn, where we found solace and rejuvenation after long days of shooting, each motel offered its own blend of comfort and inspiration.

In addition to these locations, we conducted pick-up shooting at Oaks Hollywood, a stunning bar and restaurant located at 6423 Yucca Street, Los Angeles, CA 90002, on January 29, 2024. This picturesque venue provided the perfect setting for capturing additional scenes that added depth and nuance to our story.

Finally, on January 30, 2024, we wrapped up our production journey at Electric Pony Studios, located at 439 E. 58th Street Los Angeles, CA 90011. This state-of-the-art studio facility offered the ideal environment for our final shoot, allowing us to bring our vision to life with precision and creativity.

I wanted to introduce these locations to my friend to share the sense of adventure and creativity that defined our filming experience over two years. Each place offered its own unique charm and served as a source of inspiration for our storytelling. From the bustling energy of City Market to the tranquil beauty of the desert landscapes in Lancaster and Mojave, these locations provided the perfect backdrop for our cinematic journey.

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’ve always been enamored with Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s work. There’s a raw authenticity and unapologetic honesty in everything she creates that just speaks to me on a deep level. From the moment I watched ‘Fleabag,’ I was captivated by her ability to infuse her characters with such complexity and depth, while still delivering razor-sharp wit and humor. It’s rare to find someone who can navigate the dark corners of human experience with such grace and levity, and Phoebe does it effortlessly.

What I admire most about her is her fearlessness. She fearlessly dives into the messy, uncomfortable truths of life, unafraid to challenge conventions and push boundaries. Whether it’s through her writing, acting, or producing, she has this incredible knack for tapping into the heart of what it means to be human, flaws and all.

But beyond her talent, it’s her authenticity that truly sets her apart. She’s not afraid to be vulnerable, to show her imperfections, and to embrace the messiness of life. In a world that often prizes perfection, Phoebe’s willingness to embrace her flaws and vulnerabilities is incredibly refreshing and inspiring.

I particularly love her relaxed and humorous demeanor, as well as her exceptional expressive abilities. These qualities shine through in everything she does, but especially in ‘Fleabag,’ which happens to be my absolute favorite of her works. The way she effortlessly breaks the fourth wall and invites the audience into the inner workings of her character’s mind is nothing short of genius.

Ultimately, Phoebe Waller-Bridge is more than just a talented writer and actress to me – she’s a beacon of authenticity, courage, and creativity. Her work has not only entertained me but has also challenged me to embrace my own authenticity and to fearlessly tell my own story, flaws and all.

Inspired by Phoebe’s example, I aspire to become a producer like her – someone who exudes creativity, expressive ability, and humor in their work. I want to create content that not only entertains but also resonates with audiences on a deep and meaningful level. Like Phoebe, I aim to infuse my projects with authenticity, vulnerability, and humor, creating stories that capture the complexities of the human experience. Moreover, I am committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive creative environment, where diverse voices and perspectives are valued and celebrated. By embracing creativity, expressive ability, and fearlessness in my work, I hope to leave a lasting impact on the entertainment industry, much like Phoebe Waller-Bridge has done with her groundbreaking work.

My belief that ‘beauty transcends morality’ and ‘vulnerability itself is an ability’ further fuels my passion for storytelling. These beliefs encourage me to explore the depths of human experience without judgment and to embrace vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness. Through my work, I strive to challenge societal norms, provoke thought, and inspire empathy, much like Phoebe Waller-Bridge has done with her fearless storytelling.

In addition, my SVA Thesis Film ‘Smoothie’ is also a dark comedy, adapted from personal experiences. Premiering at the SVA Theatre in 2023, it went on to win the Best Dark Comedy award at the 2024 International Film & Script Festival Lotus. This achievement further solidifies my dedication to dark comedy and my ability to connect with audiences through storytelling.

Website: https://bigcarrotfilmhistoriayi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historiayi?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
P1234 – SVA Thesis Film “Smoothie” Ji Woo Jung, Cecilia Petrone, Matthew Saio, Laura Wei, Qi P5678 – UCLA Thesis Film “Chowmein Holiday” (from left to right) Jui-En/Ray Chang, Chengyu Lu, Sabrina Poon, Yi (Historia) Wang, Fan (Annine) Zhang, Jingruo Wang, Xuanying (Siren) Lai, Junhong (Ankh) Zhu P7 Film Location Budget Inn credit to our production designer Prairie T Trivuth