We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Luying Wang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Luying, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The meaningful project I’ve worked on has been directing the film Face Blindness. This project was particularly significant because it marked the first time I directed a suspense film written by someone else. As someone who has always been both a writer and a director, it was a challenging yet rewarding experience to interpret and balance my own ideas with another writer’s perspective.

Working on Face Blindness required a deep collaboration with the writer, who was incredibly open and appreciative of my creative input. This mutual respect and willingness to explore different possibilities allowed us to create a richer, more nuanced story.

The film itself delves into the life of a man with face blindness, a rare condition. However, I chose to highlight Su Ji, a female surgeon, as the protagonist. By focusing on her journey, we were able to explore the emotional and psychological dimensions of the condition from a unique and compelling angle. This shift in perspective not only added depth to the narrative but also allowed me to bring a fresh and meaningful interpretation to the story.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those who may not have read about me before, I’d love to share a bit about my journey and passion for the film industry. Growing up with a strong literature background, I’ve always been captivated by storytelling and the power of written words. This love for writing naturally transitioned into a career in film, where I could bring stories to life visually and emotionally.

As a filmmaker, I specialize in creating deeply nuanced, three-dimensional characters, particularly from a female perspective. I believe that discovering a character’s journey through the lens of female experiences offers a unique and powerful narrative that resonates universally with audiences. My goal is to find those personal moments that are also universal, allowing viewers to see themselves in the stories and characters I create.

What sets me apart from others in the industry is this commitment to authentic, relatable storytelling. I strive to craft characters that feel real and alive, ensuring that their journeys are compelling and emotionally engaging. Whether I’m writing, directing, or both, I put a significant focus on character development and the subtle intricacies of human experience.

For potential clients, the main things I’d like you to know about me are my dedication to storytelling, my passion for character-driven narratives, and my collaborative spirit. I thrive on bringing stories to life that resonate deeply with audiences, and I am always open to new ideas and perspectives. My work aims to connect on a personal level, making the universal personal and the personal universal.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is witnessing the audience’s reactions after they watch my films. Their comments and expressions provide invaluable feedback that influences and refines my storytelling. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how my work resonates with viewers and to know that it has impacted them in some way.

Additionally, I find immense joy in the collaborative process of rehearsals and shooting on set. Working closely with the actors, who help bring my characters to life, is a deeply gratifying experience. I love exploring the nuances of each character with the actors, figuring out their unique ways of talking or even walking. This process allows us to delve into the character’s world and create someone believable and relatable for the audience. Seeing these characters come to life through the actors’ performances is truly magical and one of the most rewarding parts of being a filmmaker.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

One aspect that non-creatives might struggle to understand about my journey as a creative is the deeply personal and often vulnerable nature of the creative process. Creating films, writing stories, and developing characters all require pouring a part of myself into the work. This involves not only technical skill but also a significant emotional investment.

For instance, when I work on a film, I immerse myself in the characters’ lives and experiences, often drawing from my own emotions and observations. This can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Non-creatives might not realize how much of an artist’s personal world influences their work and how the feedback and reactions from audiences can profoundly affect us.

Additionally, the collaborative nature of filmmaking is another aspect that may be surprising. While the final product is often attributed to a single director or writer, the reality is that it is the result of many minds and hands working together. The dynamic interplay with actors, cinematographers, editors, and other crew members is essential in bringing a vision to life. Each collaborator brings their unique perspective and expertise, contributing to the richness of the final piece.

Unlike more structured careers, the path of a creative is often filled with uncertainty. Projects may succeed or fail, and inspiration can be fleeting. Yet, this uncertainty is also what makes the journey exciting and fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11310001/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wangluyinghome/
• Other: company website: https://www.wonthelens.com/

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Rutvij Photo Credit: Steve