Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ruei-Ci Jhou. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ruei-Ci, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I have had a passion for various forms of art since childhood, whether it be painting, taking pictures by my phone, or personalizing my backpack with stickers. During that time, I envisioned a future as a painter. However, it changed when I had the opportunity to visit a film production set. Witnessing someone working behind the camera, orchestrating actions that unfolded on the monitor, was a transformative experience for me. At that point, I had limited knowledge about filmmaking and cinematography, but I was captivated by the sheer “magic” of the process, and an inner voice exclaimed, “I want to do this.” This revelation occurred during my freshman year in college.

During the summer break, I decided to intern at a film production studio. Although I was still a novice in understanding cameras and cinematography, I immersed myself in the environment to observe their work. I may not have comprehended the technicalities, but there was an undeniable sense of creativity and collaboration, with team members communicating, adjusting lighting, and configuring the camera. Witnessing the transformation of their efforts into beautiful images on the monitor left an indelible impression on me. To this day, recalling those moments continues to inspire and spark my passion for filmmaking.

Perhaps, in a way, I am still painting; however, I just use light and shadow to paint the frames.

Ruei-Ci, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Ruei-Ci Jhou, Ricky, I am from Taipei, Taiwan. I have been immersed in the film industry since 2015, driven by a relentless pursuit of learning and honing my filmmaking skills. In the quest for advanced knowledge and expertise, I made the decision to relocate to Los Angeles. There, I delved into specialized cinematography for my master’s degree.

My professional focus spans a diverse range of projects, including narrative films, music videos, commercials, and fashion videos. I am drawn to capturing and portraying various aspects of beauty, love, and kindness through my work. The essence of my videography lies in conveying messages that resonate with these themes, using the visual medium to communicate and evoke emotions.

Given my innate ability to attentively listen to people’s narratives and translate them into the visual language of cinematography, I believe my uniqueness lies in my meticulous attention to detail. Beyond the conventional aspects of cinematography, such as lighting, framing, and blocking, I extend my focus to encompass elements like the texture of production design, semiotics, and color palette. Even more abstract considerations, such as atmosphere and the connection between the film and its audience, captivate my attention.

In my perspective, cinematography serves as another form of painting and language. It goes beyond mere understanding; it aims to make people feel the emotions we experience and immerse themselves in the shared enjoyment of the cinematic experience. This holistic approach to filmmaking allows me to craft visuals that resonate on a deeper level, creating an emotional connection between the audience and the narrative.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, cinematography serves as a powerful means of communication, a sentiment that may not seem particularly unique but holds immense significance in my life. Despite sounding commonplace, this aspect is particularly important to me due to my innate shyness and introverted nature. Expressing myself verbally has always been a challenge, making mediums like painting and photography my preferred forms of self-expression since childhood.

Growing up in a traditional Asian family, I acknowledge that this background does not necessarily disadvantage self-expression. However, it does shape our preferred modes of communication. I’ve always gravitated towards more subtle ways of conveying myself, not because the expression lacks strength, but because it requires a certain resonance. It’s akin to planting a seed in one’s heart and allowing it to grow over time in the right place.

Becoming a cinematographer has been transformative for me. It has not only provided an avenue for expression but has also served as a source of bravery in connecting with others. Cinematography enables me to communicate in a way that goes beyond words, allowing the visuals to speak and fostering a profound connection with the audience. In this way, my chosen path empowers me to share my voice and build meaningful connections with others.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Slow down your paces, enjoy, and truly experience the moments.

As I often express, art is like planting a seed in your heart; it requires time to grow. There’s no need to rush. Take your time and approach it with an open mind. I believe this is the most effective way, and it’s something that anyone can embrace.

I acknowledge that art requires financial support and avenues to reach audiences. However, even with these in place, if the audience is not ready or not in the right mindset, it becomes challenging for art to establish a connection. Art is a language—it requires both someone to speak and someone to listen to our voice.

The most meaningful support, in my view, is simply listening to what we want to express. There’s no need to agree, say anything, or react. Just slow down your pace, immerse yourself in the experience, and truly connect with the art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cineloverj.myportfolio.com/rj
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koda55688/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
• Other: https://vimeo.com/819317083

Image Credits
Ruei-Ci Jhou, Xingyu Chan