We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carole Ruiran Chen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carole Ruiran below.
Carole Ruiran, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
For me, a producer’s routine is like a lifestyle. I’ve always thrived on setting things by schedule and managing them as distinct goals. The process of organizing and completing tasks in a particular order brings me immense satisfaction. From a young age, my mom instilled in me the value of being rational. As a result, I’ve grown to enjoy the process of analyzing both stories and individuals. It’s become a task in my life from which I continually learn. I believe that every event, whether positive or negative, has a cause and a result.
Being fascinated by film, I view it as a window into someone’s real life. When I watch a film, I see it as a narrative of someone’s journey. My passion for the film industry intensified as I witnessed the captivating process of bringing ideas to reality.
Before embarking on my journey to study film abroad, I attended a typical high school in Beijing. It was there that I discovered my interest in various video production activities. Despite lacking professionalism at the time, I eagerly tried and experienced different aspects. I even taught myself how to use editing software, which marked the first time I truly felt the depth of my passion for film. After discussions with my mom, I made the decision to redirect my focus towards applying to film school, deviating from the major they initially wanted me to pursue.
The first year after graduating from high school was challenging. However, my determination stemmed from the desire to share my vision of the world through film. I yearned to bring my perspective to life and share it with others.

Carole Ruiran, 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?
As an indie filmmaker navigating the indie scene, my journey has been fueled by an insatiable curiosity to plunge into the vast ocean of storytelling. I actively pursue every chance to dive into diverse projects, using them as stepping stones to not just expand my skill set but to dive headfirst into the unpredictable whirlpool that is the film industry. Roles like producer and line producer have become my comfort zone, allowing me to dance through the complexities of commercial productions, music videos, and narrative films.
On this rollercoaster ride, I’ve stumbled upon some incredible opportunities that have been the spice in my filmmaking soup. A standout moment was getting my hands dirty on an 88 Rising music video. Collaborating with gifted artists and pros, we went wild, shattering creative ceilings and weaving a visual tapestry that echoed the soul of the music. This project wasn’t just a notch on my producer belt; it was a plunge into the vibrant universe of music video production.
Then came the LALIFF Partnership Fellow Program, a ticket to the backstage of the industry. Mentorship from the big shots not only polished my filmmaking know-how but also opened doors to a secret society of filmmakers. Connections made here weren’t just LinkedIn affiliations; they were the key to future adventures and collabs.
And oh, the narrative project that bagged the Tribeca nod! Winning there was more than a trophy on the shelf; it was a nod from the gods of indie filmmaking. A validation that screamed, “You’re not just a filmmaker; you’re an indie storyteller with swagger.” Crafting a narrative that echoed diverse voices, that struck chords with souls—it was a damn good ride.
These escapades, along with the others, have sculpted me into a filmmaker with battle scars and stories. They’ve armed me with wisdom, ninja filmmaking skills, and a deep love for the magic of storytelling. I’m not just passionate about indie filmmaking; I’m on a reckless pursuit to crash through barriers, tackle wild challenges, and birth projects that echo in the minds of those who dare to watch. In the chaotic ballet of the film industry, I’m here, choreographing narratives that refuse to be ignored.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Always have a plan B is what the works told me. To confront these hurdles and challenges, I’ve embraced a hands-on strategy. Before the director shouts “action,” I believe in the groundwork. I firmly believe that meticulous preparation is the secret sauce for a set that runs like a well-oiled machine. I don’t just cross my fingers; I plan for every possible hiccup, weaving a safety net of contingency plans to keep the show on the road.
When the unexpected gate-crashes the party, I don’t panic – I troubleshoot. Taking a breather, I assess the situation, surveying the landscape of potential solutions. It’s about facing challenges with a cool head and a game plan. By dissecting the issue at hand and weighing my options, I aim for decisions that steer us towards the smoothest waters.
But let’s be real – in the chaotic tango of filmmaking, not everything pirouettes according to the choreography. That’s why I always have a Plan B (and sometimes even a Plan C) tucked up my sleeve. It’s more than just a safety net; it’s a lifeline. The knowledge that we’ve got alternative routes mapped out isn’t just my comfort; it’s a dose of confidence for the entire crew. In a world where the unexpected is the only guarantee, having a backup plan isn’t just smart; it’s a testament to the resilience and positivity that defines our journey.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Throughout my extensive professional journey, my commitment to building impactful social media audiences has been a consistent hallmark, particularly in the dynamic landscape of film production. I have honed a distinctive and effective strategy, wherein I initiate audience engagement right from the pre-production stages of each project. Recognizing the inherent intrigue audiences have in the creative process, I strategically unveil glimpses into the behind-the-scenes intricacies, fostering a connection that transcends the final cinematic product.
By crafting a narrative that unfolds alongside the production timeline, I have successfully cultivated a dedicated following that not only eagerly anticipates the finished film but also relishes the opportunity to witness and participate in the evolution of the project. This approach is grounded in the belief that a well-informed audience is an invested audience. Sharing exclusive content from the set, be it captivating snippets of on-set challenges, actor interactions, or the technical aspects of filmmaking, has proven instrumental in creating a more immersive and enriching experience for followers.
Moreover, this strategy goes beyond mere promotion; it establishes a genuine and transparent dialogue with the audience. Through consistent updates and insightful information-sharing, I have fostered a community that values the authenticity of the creative process. This not only boosts the visibility of the project but also builds a loyal fan base that feels an integral part of the cinematic journey. In essence, my approach to social media management for film projects goes beyond conventional marketing, embracing a collaborative storytelling model that resonates with audiences on a deeper and more personal level.

Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rrchen_5?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ruiran-carole-chen-809630203

