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

Wenrui, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment when I decided to pursue a creative path professionally. Throughout my childhood, I was involved in all kinds of art: painting, composing music, writing novels and poems, making films… These artistic activities made me stand out among other kids, so becoming a professional artist was always in the back of my mind. I didn’t know how I could make a living from my creations, but I definitely felt recognized by others.

I had many experiences like this. I remember when my painting was selected and displayed at the entrance of my primary school. A short story I wrote was shown to a famous writer in China. But my most important memory is when the short film I made in 7th grade won first prize in a national contest.

Growing up in China, the education system focuses on studying various subjects to achieve good exam scores, leading to better schools where the cycle repeats. Creating art made me feel like I was doing something for myself, and as I kept doing it, I could see myself improving. This sense of control and satisfaction made me want to pursue art professionally.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Wenrui Zhao, and I’m from Beijing, China. I’ve been fortunate to grow up in a family that celebrates imagination and storytelling. Throughout my life, supportive teachers have helped me unleash my creativity, nurturing my passion for the arts.

My journey into filmmaking began indirectly through my father, who owned a camcorder. While I can’t recall all the details, I believe watching him use it sparked my initial interest in film. In the fifth grade, I attended a summer workshop hosted by Apple, where I learned to use GarageBand and iMovie. Having some background in music composition, I not only made my first film there but also did the sound design for it. Showcasing that film on the last day of the workshop and seeing everyone gather to watch it was an incredible feeling that left a lasting impression on me.

Inspired, I started creating more short films using the skills I had learned. In the seventh grade, an opportunity arose to direct a short film for my class, and I seized it. The film was a success—it won several school awards and even earned a national award. This achievement earned me the nickname “The Director” at school, and I continued to direct more projects whenever I had the chance.

As I made more films and developed my skills, I realized the crucial role of sound in filmmaking. High-end equipment was out of reach, so I made all my middle and high school films using an iPhone. To make them feel professional, I focused on sound quality, believing that good sound could elevate even mediocre visuals. My background in music helped me achieve impressive results in this area.

By this point, my artistic path was clear: I wanted to focus on directing and sound for film. I pursued these passions at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, finding a balance between them. Today, I work in production sound and post-production sound for films, using my earnings to fund my own directing projects.

While film is my primary focus, I don’t limit myself to just one medium. The diverse art forms I explored in my childhood—writing poems, making podcasts, taking photos—continue to be part of my creative expression. I believe that pursuing art is about exploring subjects I care deeply about and finding the best form to express them. Whether it’s through a film, a song, a poem, or a photograph, each piece reflects a part of me.

What sets me apart is my eagerness to know a little bit about everything. I believe that all the knowledge I accumulate, no matter how unrelated it may seem, eventually connects and helps me understand the world better. This evolving understanding influences who I am and what I create. I’m most proud of my ability to weave different art forms together to express my ideas and emotions.

I hope that through my work, I can share meaningful stories and perspectives that resonate with others. My aim is to embrace creativity without boundaries and continually explore new ways to connect with people. I’m committed to producing work that not only entertains but also sparks thought and inspires others to see the world from different perspectives.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think education is really important in terms of cultivating the next generation of artists and making people get into the habit of enjoying art. I’m not so familiar with the education system in the US, but in China, art education was not always guaranteed and definitely not prioritized. This creates a great gap between the artists and their audiences, as many people may not have the chance to engage with or understand art fully. To bridge this gap, I believe society should invest more in art education from an early age, making it an essential part of the curriculum rather than an optional activity. By doing so, we can nurture not only future artists but also audiences who appreciate and support the creative ecosystem.

Also, since AI is inevitably involved in art making, I think it is crucial to regulate the use of AI. While AI can be a powerful tool that expands the possibilities of artistic expression, it also raises concerns about originality and the value of human creativity. Implementing guidelines can help ensure that AI serves as a complement to human artists rather than a replacement, preserving the integrity of creative works.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

At a personal level, a goal that has always driven my creative journey is the desire to leave a lasting trace in this world. I once wrote a metaphor in a novel that summarizes this idea well: Time is like ocean waves, and we are children running along the beach. The artworks we create are the sandcastles that protect our footprints from being washed away. While there will inevitably come a day when the sandcastles collapse and the ocean erases our traces, until that day arrives, we can always look back at our footprints and run forward fearlessly.

As I delve deeper into art and meet more fellow artists, the mission of my creative journey has expanded. I no longer aim solely to leave a trace for myself through my artworks; I also want to help others leave their footprints in time. With my unique perspectives, I’ve helped many directors tell their stories and assisted aspiring artists in acquiring the skills I have. The satisfaction I get from helping other creators brings me immense joy, and I consider it a key mission in my creative journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr.ryanzhao/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wenrui-zhao-ryan/
• Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15240792/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Image Credits

Frank Yu
Jessica Yiwen Qian
Chris Zilong Wang
Chu Zhao
Bobby Han