We were lucky to catch up with Blair Bai recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Blair thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I have a decade of experience in the field of film. A significant portion of this time was dedicated to education, as I attended both undergraduate and graduate film schools. Throughout my journey, I’ve taken on a variety of roles including screenwriting, project development, producing, camera work, teaching assistance, editing, and assistant directing. Additionally, I’ve been actively involved in directing my own films. During my academic years, some of these roles were part-time engagements while I was in school, while others were pursued as full-time positions or freelance opportunities as I established myself as a professional in the industry.
At present, my primary sources of income revolve around editing, producing, and assistant directing. I’m also pursuing my passion for writing and directing on the side. Since I graduated from USC grad school just seven months ago, achieving financial independence is currently my top priority.
During my time in school, I proactively crafted a roadmap for my future, with a strong emphasis on building up my professional reputation. This drove me to engage in numerous student projects. Of course, these projects started as unpaid endeavors. However, over time, I steadily built up my network and reputation. As a result, I’ve been increasingly approached for paid opportunities.
Truth be told, there isn’t any secret recipe to this process. The core principles involve honing one’s professional skills, maintaining strong work ethics, and fostering a likable and positive demeanor. Beyond this, actively establishing connections is crucial. Whenever promising projects arise, I take the initiative to reach out. In the realm of technical roles like editing, having access to a powerful workstation is essential. Recognizing this, I invested early on in building my own editing station using savings I had accumulated. This workstation played a pivotal role in attracting a multitude of gigs my way.

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

I began my journey into the world of film during my undergraduate studies. However, my fascination with the realm of film and television goes back to my childhood. Growing up, there was a DVD rental store near my home, so I often spent my free time renting various movies and immersing myself in cinematic experiences. Around the time I was in third grade, I watched a Chinese film called “A World Without Thieves.” I vividly recall staying awake with excitement throughout the night. It was during that moment that I realized how vivid and impactful the art of film could be. From then on, studying and making films became my dream.

Consequently, during my last year of high school, I embarked on a solo journey to Beijing for the art entrance examination. Enrolling in the Beijing Film Academy had been a lifelong aspiration. Reflecting now, that period remains a bittersweet memory, as the Chinese art entrance exams are notoriously rigorous and demanding. Nonetheless, luck was on my side, and I managed to secure a spot.

Film is a collaborative art form. In the film industry, mastering interpersonal interactions holds immense significance. People are at the core of this industry. I believe maintaining emotional stability is pivotal in the workplace. Focusing on problem-solving rather than personal emotions is paramount. Moreover, effective communication plays a vital role. One aspect I pride myself on is my strong work ethic, continually refining my professional skills with each project. Punctuality and consistently delivering on commitments are principles I adhere to. Credibility holds immense value in this field.
Everyone experiences moments of insecurity. When working with directors, it’s often crucial to consider their emotional needs. It’s essential to always remember that filmmaking is a collaborative art, where teamwork is key.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

It might sound clichéd, but I aspire to win an Oscar loll..

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Every time I see my name in the film credits.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vimeo.com/user96464369
• Instagram: bbbllaaiirr