We recently connected with Yue Meng and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Yue thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

During the production of a student short film, we encountered an unexpected issue related to contracts. One of the crew members we had initially scheduled suddenly requested a formal paid contract with a rate far beyond our original budget. This came up at the last minute and almost disrupted our entire shooting schedule.

As the producer, I immediately initiated a conversation with them to explain that this was a non-commercial student project, and all of our cast and crew were participating as volunteers without financial compensation. I also shared our budget breakdown and production plan to help them understand our limitations and creative intent.

After an open and honest discussion, they agreed to stay on board as a volunteer and even helped simplify the contract to clarify roles and expectations. This experience taught me that clear and respectful communication is crucial in any creative process—sometimes, it’s more effective than having a perfect plan.

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.

As a producer, I entered the creative industry through my passion for storytelling and a strong interest in organizing and empowering collaborative work. I started by managing small student film projects, gradually developing my skills in budgeting, scheduling, and team coordination. What drew me to producing was the unique position it holds between art and logistics—turning abstract ideas into real, tangible works through effective planning and communication.

I primarily focus on independent short films, especially those that explore themes of identity, technology, and social tension. My work aims to support emerging voices, often in multicultural or underrepresented communities. I help solve key challenges such as low-budget production, contract negotiation, and team alignment, often acting as the bridge between creative vision and practical execution.

What makes my approach unique is a balance of creative sensitivity and business structure. I take pride in creating an environment where directors and writers feel fully supported, while ensuring we meet deadlines and stay within budget. I hope that future collaborators, audiences, and potential supporters will follow my journey to see how powerful storytelling can emerge even from very limited resources—when the right team and intention come together.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most valuable aspect of being a creative is the ability to turn abstract ideas into tangible experiences that connect with others. As a producer, I find deep fulfillment in building bridges—between the creative vision and the practical world, between team members, and between a story and its audience.

The process of transforming a script into a living, breathing film involves constant problem-solving, collaboration, and empathy. I believe there’s something incredibly meaningful about bringing people together under a shared purpose to create something that didn’t exist before. Whether it’s a student film or a professional project, the magic lies in that transformation—from concept to connection.

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

Yes, there is a core mission that drives my creative journey: I hope my work can offer audiences a sense of motivation in their own lives. Whether it’s through the struggles and growth of the characters, or the genuine collaboration behind the scenes, I want viewers to walk away from my films feeling a sense of “I can do this too.”

In today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming world, I believe the power of storytelling goes beyond entertainment or aesthetics—it can spark reflection, connection, and courage. Even if it’s just a small shift in how someone views a relationship, an emotion, or a dream, that moment of resonance is what makes the entire creative process meaningful for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: mengyue0622
• Linkedin: 孟悦

Image Credits

student film