Meet Zhongyang Lyu | Editor | Filmmaker | Storyteller

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

Hi Zhongyang, why did you pursue a creative career?
In my pursuit of an artistic and creative career, my journey began in Changsha, China, where I was born in the spring of 1995. Growing up above one of my father’s restaurants, I witnessed his relentless dedication to transforming ordinary ingredients into culinary art. Despite not initially choosing a culinary path, my father’s passion for food inspired me to find my own avenue of creativity: film.

I drew parallels between the culinary world and filmmaking. Just as food satisfies hunger, cinema nourishes the mind. While people often say “you are what you eat,” I believe that “you are what you see.” The process of creating a great film mirrors the artistry of a kitchen, where attention, communication, and collaboration are paramount. Much like Chinese cuisine, filmmaking requires excellence in every aspect—stunning cinematography, meticulous editing, vivid sound design, and more.

Motivated by my father’s spirit of exploration, I ventured to the United States for a college education, breaking new ground for my family. At the University of Missouri, where I studied advertising and film production, I translated theory into practice. As a video producer, our marketing campaign “Beyond the Bog: A Cranspriracy” for Ocean Spray not only secured 3rd place nationally but also sparked the launch of their latest product, pink cranberry juice.

Building on this success, I pursued an MFA in film production at Chapman University. Over three years, I edited seven narrative shorts featured in international festivals and directed a documentary about a Hmong Dance Troop defending their cultural legacy. In a world dominated by screens and social media, effective communication through visuals is paramount. The essence of advertising and film lies in storytelling, and I possess the skills to conceive, plan, and execute concepts for a compelling presentation to diverse audiences. Because, ultimately, innovation must extend beyond the confines of paper to resonate in the dynamic realm of creativity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My artistic journey is marked by a dedication to nurturing creativity, and one standout experience exemplifying this commitment was my role in editing a Coca-Cola commercial currently screening at all Cinemark theaters across the U.S. In this project, I aimed not only to capture the essence of the brand but also to leave a lasting impact on the audience.

A key facet of my creative expression in this endeavor was sound design. Recognizing the pivotal role sound plays in shaping emotional responses to advertisements, I focused on a seemingly small yet impactful detail—the sound of sipping an ice-cold beverage. Utilizing foley sound design, I crafted a realistic and satisfying sipping sound, enhancing the sensory experience. Taking it further, I incorporated the sound of a toy above a baby’s cradle to simulate a straw hitting an ice cube, adding realism and creating a memorable sensory experience.

Adapting to the challenges faced by the film industry, particularly during the recent strike period, I embraced editing bite-sized shows for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Reelshort. This shift acknowledges the evolving preferences of audiences and requires a fresh perspective on delivering entertainment. Editing these shows was not just about crafting content; it was solving creative puzzles in a new context, distilling narrative elements into attention-grabbing moments.

The transition from a large theater screen to the smaller canvas of an iPhone screen brought new challenges, demanding a deep understanding of visual storytelling and user engagement. Reframing content to capture attention in this context became a nuanced art, akin to painting a masterpiece on a smaller canvas where every brushstroke matters.

As the industry evolves, I remain committed to exploring new avenues, experimenting with formats, and pushing creative boundaries. The goal is to tailor entertainment products to meet the needs of today’s audience, offering engaging experiences whether on a big screen or a smartphone. My professional journey is a fusion of adaptability, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to innovation, and I’m excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

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.
One-Day Adventure: Celebrating Cinema and Culinary Delights in LA

Morning:

Start the day with a quick breakfast at a local cafe or bakery.
Head to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures for a morning filled with cinematic history and exhibits, culminating in a stunning view from the top floor.
Afternoon:

Grab a swift and tasty lunch at a nearby eatery.
Visit the American Cinematheque for an immersive film experience, aiming for a screening with discussions or events.
Evening:

Enjoy dinner at Red Chili Hunan Restaurant for a culinary adventure featuring authentic Hunan dishes.
Take a leisurely evening stroll or relax in a nearby park to round off the day.

This condensed itinerary allows for a dynamic blend of cinematic exploration, cultural enrichment, and culinary delights, making the most of a single day. While a week offers a more leisurely pace, this one-day adventure promises an exciting snapshot of the area’s diverse offerings.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to express my gratitude to Stephen Galloway, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and the former executive features editor for The Hollywood Reporter. Galloway’s impact on the industry is undeniable, from creating the acclaimed Oscar Roundtables to hosting and executive producing the Netflix series The Hollywood Masters. With a career spanning over three decades, he has chronicled the luminaries of Hollywood and the media, contributing insightful profiles of figures like Steven Spielberg, Meryl Streep, Ted Turner, and Tom Cruise.

In March 2020, Stephen Galloway assumed the role of the second dean in the history of Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. His vision for connecting Chapman film students to the industry’s pulse is commendable, emphasizing a tangible link to the vibrant world of filmmaking. Under his leadership, Dodge master classes welcomed influential filmmakers such as Damien Chazelle, Fernando Meirelles, and Asghar Farhadi, providing invaluable inspiration.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Galloway for bringing these Masters to the Chapman campus. Through these master classes, I gained profound insights and invaluable learning experiences that have significantly shaped my journey in film.

I would like to extend my appreciation to Susan Landau Finch, an exceptional American film producer, writer, director, and outstanding professor. Every spring, the Chapman University Department of Theatre showcases the talents of graduating seniors specializing in screen acting and theatre performance through the Chapman BFA Actor Showcase. This event marks the culmination of their undergraduate studies and is pivotal in launching their post-academic careers.

For three years, I had the privilege of editing this showcase, and Susan Landau Finch played a crucial role as the director behind many of these productions. Her exceptional communication skills and a strong sense of storytelling contributed significantly to the success of these showcases. I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with her on these projects.

Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to Susan for involving me in a unique project right after I graduated. She brought me on board for a half-live action, half-animation short film Satomi, providing me with the chance to work under the guidance of Sundance-winner editor Keita Ideno and the legendary animation studio Duncan Studio, known for their work on projects like Kung Fu Panda 4, Mary Poppins Returns, and Tom & Jerry. This firsthand experience within the Hollywood industry was invaluable and immensely beneficial to my professional growth.

Website: https://www.lyuzhongyang.com/

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