Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lizzy Yang Liu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lizzy Yang, appreciate you joining us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

During my time at film school, I thoroughly enjoyed the creative freedom I had, as the educational environment provided great protection for creative individuals. However, after graduating and entering the industry, one of the biggest challenges I faced was self-doubt. I often questioned whether my work was good enough or if anyone would even watch it. I struggled with whether I should stick to my creative vision and personal philosophies or conform to the market demands.

As we all know, making indie films is incredibly challenging. From writing and funding to production, film festivals, and distribution, everything is filled with uncertainties. Therefore, the biggest hurdle for me was overcoming the psychological barriers. When I entered the industry, the fast-paced work environment left me with little time to create my own projects. There was a period when I felt I had lost the desire to express myself as an artist. Even when I forced myself to write, it felt insincere and contrived, and I often criticized myself for the lack of authenticity in my work.

The solution is still a work in progress, but I have realized that creativity cannot be rushed and requires time and experience. Besides working full-time as a creative producer to make a living, I have been reading a lot recently. I hope to find some reflection and depth in my soul through books. I try not to be too hard on myself and feel the need to produce a specific kind of work. Instead, I approach my life and career with a more relaxed mindset. I believe that true stories come from genuine life experiences and real emotions, which are the foundation for creating truly moving stories.

So, my approach is to slow down, wait, and accumulate experiences, while also improving my inner depth and commercial understanding of the industry. This has reignited my passion for my craft and helped me let go of the fear of success or failure.

Lizzy Yang, 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?

Getting into the film industry is quite a long story. From a young age, I was very interested in art and drawing, and I showed a natural talent for it. This passion led me to enroll in the Beijing Film Academy to study film production. Always harboring an American dream, I pursued a Master’s degree in Film and Media Art at Emerson College after completing my undergraduate studies.

During my final semester, I moved to Los Angeles for an internship. Initially, I worked at a film sales agency doing script coverage, an experience that taught me how to refine scripts from a producer’s or investor’s perspective. Since then, I have worked full-time as a producer in various film and media companies, and I also freelance as a film and video director to fulfill my creative vision during production.

Throughout my past and current experiences, I have helped my companies produce several feature films, including the Emmy-nominated documentary “Wuhan Wuhan” and the Venice Film Festival Award Winner “Nezouh.” During this time, I have deeply studied the artistry of independent films and the requirements of international film festivals. This has equipped me with a strong ability to provide creative and logistical vision for projects.

Currently, I am working at a leading American company on a vertical TV mini-series. In terms of creativity, I have a keen sense of market trends and the ability to analyze the key elements of popular genres. I lead teams to complete projects within budget, ensuring smooth production from pre-production to post-production.

What sets me apart is my dual perspective as both a creative and a producer, which allows me to bridge the gap between artistic vision and practical execution. I am most proud of my ability to navigate the complexities of the film industry and bring unique stories to life. For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my work is driven by a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to excellence in every project I undertake.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Don’t be afraid to socialize and participate in networking or film festival events. Approach these interactions with an open mind and talk to other filmmakers. You might gain more inspiration and insights into what others are currently working on. Additionally, if you meet like-minded individuals, there’s always the possibility of future collaborations.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to express myself and continually observe the people, events, and things in my life. I aim to reflect my attitudes toward life and the world through my work, hoping to inspire or emotionally move my audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yangliulizzy.com
• Instagram: [email protected]
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzyyangliu

Image Credits

Lizzy Liu