We asked some of the city’s rising stars about why they think they have been so successful and we’ve shared their responses below.

Salomé Egas | Interdisciplinary Artist, Educator and Bilingual Children’s Book Author

There have been a few habits that I’ve learnt in my artistic journey that have helped me tons, but I must say that the most important one has been consistency and perseverance. (Whether that’s writing a bit everyday, connecting with new collaborators often, or booking 2 studio hours a week, I needed to create those pockets of time just to be creative independently of any results). Eventually consistency and perseverance create a motivated habit that you don’t question, you just do. I must say though, that if you don’t have the inner conviction that you are capable, you are enough, talented and worthy, it is very hard to commit. Read more>>

Philip Yuzhong Ge | Film Producer

Reflecting on the habits that have been instrumental to my success, I believe a relentless commitment to the craft and a strategic approach to storytelling are paramount. My journey has taught me the importance of meticulous pre-production planning, from budget management to cross-departmental coordination, ensuring that each project is not just a work of art, but also a testament to efficiency and collaboration. For instance, ‘Fishtank’, a psychological thriller that was selected by the Tribeca Institute ‘Through Her Lens’ Program, challenged me to delve deep into the psyche of our characters, translating complex emotions into a visual medium. Read more>>

Yexin Chai | Art Director/Concept Artist

Consistent Artistic Practice: I’m always painting and sketching, drawing inspiration from the great masters of Academic art and the Renaissance. Their sketches hold hidden gems that you only discover by putting a brush on canvas. Visual Inspiration from Film: Watching more good films and animations. I’m an avid consumer of quality movies and animations. I screenshot moments that inspire me, creating a visual library that sparks creativity in my work. This collection has helped me throughout my art career. Organized Image Collection: I save and categorize impactful images based on color, composition, and more. This curated collection serves as a well of ideas for my own creations. Read more>>

Piotr Matyja | Film Director

I feel that persistence, hard work, and a big-picture mindset have been my compass in the filmmaking journey. In the face of challenges – be it tight budgets or unexpected hiccups on set – my commitment to pushing through obstacles has turned setbacks into stepping stones. If you don’t put in the effort, nobody will. Behind the scenes, there’s meticulous planning, research, and countless hours refining details. I bring this work ethic to the team, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone shares a commitment to excellence. Whether in script development or post-production, setting high standards results in the better end product and even for smaller projects I always want to feel that it came out as good as it could be. Read more>>

Darren Tian | Indie Producer & Rookie pilot

Without a doubt, meditation stands as a important habit in my life, profoundly contributing to my personal and professional success. First of all, it serves as an invaluable sanctuary, allowing me to disconnect from the noise of the outside world. Through this practice, I find it essential in navigating life’s demands. Beyond stress relief, meditation unfailingly brings me creative ideas. As the mental chatter ceases, inspiration emerges. I believe it’s because within our subconscious lies an intricate web of connections. Often, it’s the subtle threads we overlook in our conscious state that yield the most innovative solutions. One of its most significant impacts is its unparalleled ability to alleviate stress. Read more>>