Meet yunfan xu | cinematographer

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

Hi yunfan, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
Switching from being a pre-med biology student to diving into cinematography as a film major was hands down the toughest decision I’ve ever made. I felt torn between sticking to the safe route and chasing after what I truly loved. Being in Boston, where my university was, didn’t offer much guidance in the realm of filmmaking. It was like navigating through a maze without a map. The lack of clear direction or resources to explore my passion made the decision even more daunting. And then there was the uncertainty of a career in the film industry, not know where your next project will come from and who you’ll be working with. However, my excitement and passion for story telling through images refused to be extinguished, and I realized that staying on the pre-med track would mean sacrificing my happiness and ignoring the creative fire burning within me. So, I made the bold choice to take the leap into the world of film, even though it meant stepping away from a path that seemed more secure. There have been many challenges along the way, moments of self-doubt and setbacks, but each challenge has been a learning opportunity, each triumph a validation of my choice. I moved to Los Angles to become a better cinematographer and it has been the best decision I have ever made. Pursuing cinematography has not only allowed me to express myself creatively but has also brought me a sense of fulfillment and purpose I never knew I was missing. It’s taught me resilience, determination, and the importance of staying true to myself, even when the path ahead is uncertain.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What distinguishes me as a cinematographer is a combination of technical expertise, artistic sensibility, and effective communication skills. While mastery of camera equipment and lighting techniques is indispensable, true proficiency lies in the ability to strategically place elements within the frame to tell the story. It’s about understanding not just the tools, but also the nuances of light placement and intensity to evoke the intended mood and emotion. The same goes for choosing the right lens and camera angle, which is crucial for storytelling, each choice influencing the viewer’s perception of the scene and perspective. Beyond the technical aspect, good communication is essential in filmmaking, because it is a collaborative medium. Being the cinematographer requires seamless communication with every department to make sure everyone is working towards the same vision. One of the challenges I have face is to learn to delegate. It was not easy for me to delegate things to the crew in my department because I was used to doing everything by myself coming from making independent filmmaking where there is little to no crew. Learning to trust my team and delegate tasks has not only lightened my workload but has also fostered a culture of innovation. Over the last 3 years I have gotten much better on communicating what I want and creating a trusting environment so that my crew can execute and even bring up better ideas that I could not thought of, which ultimately elevates the final product. As I continue to refine my craft, I’m committed to cultivating an environment where creativity thrives and collective contributions shape our collective success.

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’m eagerly anticipating my parents’ visit for my upcoming graduation this summer, and I’ve already outlined a detailed plan to make their trip unforgettable. We’ll kick off our adventure by immersing ourselves in the breathtaking beauty of Los Angeles, starting with a visit to the iconic Getty Center. With its remarkable architecture and rotating art exhibits, it’s bound to captivate their senses, especially my father, who is a big fan of art and music. To ease into the journey and any jet lag, we’ll explore the diverse natural beauties within the Getty, including the serene Japanese garden, offering a perfect blend of tranquility and cultural immersion. After my graduation ceremony, we will head straight to the legendary Yosemite National Park, a crown jewel of California’s natural landscape. Here among towering sequoias and cascading waterfalls, we’ll go on hikes, talking about family and the future. These moments of connection in the nature will undoubtedly become cherished memories. Of course, no trip to California is complete without a scenic drive along the iconic Route 1, going through the rugged coastline with the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop. We’ll pause midway to enjoy the Californian sun-bathed beaches, feeling the ocean breeze and indulging in the amazing seafood offered by the restaurants. It’s sure to be a journey filled with laughter, exploration, and unforgettable moments that we’ll treasure for a lifetime.

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 want to give a massive shoutout to a remarkable individual named Conor Holway. Our paths crossed through Instagram when I was just dipping my toes into producing video content. Instantly, we clicked because of our shared determination and hustle. Conor was navigating the realms of acting and producing while I was honing my skills as a cinematographer. Together, we embarked on countless no-budget projects, utilizing every ounce of creativity and resourcefulness to expand our network within Boston’s creative community. Despite facing financial constraints and a lack of crew, we embarked on an ambitious venture, crafting a 50-minute film with heavy visual effects. What’s truly astonishing is Conor’s ability to leverage his connections and determination to screen our film in the largest AMC theater in downtown Boston, drawing an audience of over 300 people. Fast forward three years, both Conor and I have migrated to the bustling creative hub of Los Angeles, where we continue to flourish in our respective fields. Currently, we’re on the brink of completing a proof-of-concept film for a feature project we’re passionately pursuing. Once again, our collaboration involves intricate visual effects and special effects, a testament to our shared ambition and creative synergy. I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Conor for his unwavering support and encouragement, constantly nudging me beyond my comfort zone and propelling me towards the next level. Together, we’ve discovered that our creative energies perfectly complement each other, and I am profoundly grateful for the journey we’ve embarked on together.

Website: www.frankxudp.com

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSzXs2uSJjIypMuJ3eRkxVQ