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

Bofan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I recently produced a vertical mobisode series shot entirely on iPhones—a unique experience that pushed both my creativity and technical skills. This show, a soap opera series designed specifically for mobile-first audiences, so it required us to rethink traditional storytelling techniques to fit the vertical format while keeping the narrative engaging.

The concept was born from a desire to connect with viewers in a more intimate, relatable way. Filming on iPhones allowed us to be agile, capturing spontaneous, close-up moments that feel personal to the audience. Using mobile devices also brought a sense of accessibility to the production, and we were thrilled with the final image quality. In fact, most viewers wouldn’t be able to tell it was filmed on an iPhone versus a professional camera—and we didn’t even use external lenses.

Bofan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey, as a creative producer, into this industry began with a deep love for film and storytelling. Growing up across different cultures, I became fascinated by how stories can connect people, even across vast cultural divides. This fascination ultimately led me to pursue an MFA in Creative Producing from Columbia University, where I honed my skills in crafting narratives that resonate on a universal level.

Currently, I work as a Creative Producer at ReelShort, where I specialize in vertical mobisodes—short, engaging stories designed for mobile viewing. My work is about innovating within the fast-evolving media landscape and finding fresh ways to connect with audiences on their terms. The iPhone project mentioned earlier, for example, allowed us to create a soap opera series shot entirely on mobile devices, which not only made the content more accessible but also redefined how we tell intimate, character-driven stories.

What sets my work apart is a strong blend of creative vision and data-driven strategy. My experience spans not only storytelling but also understanding audience preferences through data and algorithms. I’m proud of my ability to bring a global perspective to each project, and producing content that reflects diverse perspectives.

For me, storytelling is not just about entertainment but about fostering empathy, raising social awareness, and leaving a positive impact. Each project I take on is a chance to explore new ways of connecting with audiences, and I want people to know that my work is always driven by a commitment to meaningful, resonant storytelling. Whether it’s a series or an independent film or commercial/fashion related production, my focus is always on creating narratives that stay with people and inspire conversations long after the credits roll.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing a story resonate with people on a deep level. Whether it’s a moment of connection, inspiration, or even self-reflection, knowing that something I helped bring to life has made a meaningful impact on someone’s experience is fulfilling.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Society benefits when artists from a variety of backgrounds are empowered to tell their stories. This diversity in storytelling not only enhances empathy and understanding but also strengthens the cultural fabric of society. I do think it’ll be helpful if we invest in policies and programs that prioritize inclusivity, from education and training programs to grant funding and representation in leadership roles.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bofanzhang.com/

Image Credits

The Collaborationist