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

Hi Yilin, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued a career in the arts because I’ve always been passionate about everything related to them. I believe creating art grants me a sense of accomplishment. From a very young age, I found joy in organizing and planning events, I loved organizing and planning events. By the time I reached college, I had chosen to major in art. The camera has become like my weapon, allowing me to capture all things both beautiful and sad. Looking back, I am overwhelmed with emotions; it’s not just a trace of my own growth but also a way to relive those special life experiences.

I think of art as boundless, free from any limitations. It enables you to define your own world and share with others how you see the world through your eyes. Art has always held a place of beauty in my heart, connecting to my emotions and granting me a unique strength.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is my eagerness to engage and communicate with others, coupled with my ability to listen attentively. My professional interactions are characterized by effective communication, robust organizational capabilities, and adept problem-solving skills. While immersing myself in film production, particularly through my evolution into a producer, has taught me the essence of resilience under pressure, the importance of shouldering responsibility, and the skill to withstand external challenges. A proficient producer must grasp not only the narrative essence of a project but also comprehend the crew,roles within a film production and the director’s vision. It is through extensive knowledge and practical experience that one can discern the most suitable choices amidst a plethora of options.

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’d recommend an unforgettable day starting with “Sleep No More,” an innovative immersive theater experience in New York. Drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and Hitchcock’s cinematic style, this adventure allows us to don masks and delve into a multi-layered performance space, witnessing silent narratives unfold intimately. Each visitor’s journey is distinctively their own. Following this, a visit to Corallo Trattoria for exquisite pasta is a must, succeeded by a leisurely shopping spree in Soho. To refresh, a stop at Harbs for their renowned fruitcake and exceptional fruit tea is ideal. In the afternoon, a Broadway musical, such as “Chicago” or “Hamilton,” awaits. Days later, embark on a serene boat tour to gaze upon the Statue of Liberty, delve into the eclectic vintage shops of Williamsburg, and immerse yourself in an afternoon of vibrant street culture. Cap it off with a soothing Japanese matcha latte at Nippon Cha in Brooklyn, rounding out a series of memorable New York moments.

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?
As my graduation approached, I, along with my team, produced a short film titled “End of Summer.” This poignant narrative centers around a young boy grappling with his grandmother’s death, who encounters her spirit while preparing for her funeral with his mother. Haunted by the fear that her presence might vanish with the funeral’s conclusion, the boy’s journey is both heartrending and introspective. ”End of Summer” has earned international acclaim, being shortlisted at various global film festivals and winning the Best Student Short Film award at the Big Apple Film Festival—the sole Asian production to claim such a prize.

This success can be attributed to the unparalleled dedication and talent of my team. Without their collaborative spirit and relentless hard work, bringing this memorable piece to life would have been an impossible feat. Together, we faced challenges head-on, investing countless nights in script discussions, planning, and execution. Thanks to their support and encouragement, I know I made the right choice.

Website: https://www.ultaryilin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ultar_irene?igsh=MXMzZjN1bDh6eDQxaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

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

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.