Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hao Yu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Hao thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
I consider myself incredibly fortunate and overjoyed to be immersed in the realm of art-related work.
I hesitate to label myself as an artist just yet. The artistic landscape is populated with many seasoned individuals whom I greatly admire and from whom I can learn so much.
My exposure to formal office environments has been relatively limited, with the exception of a few internships. At times, I’ve contemplated whether a traditional 9-to-5 job might be a better fit for me, but the resounding response I always arrive at is that it’s not.
In Los Angeles, I’m able to lead a self-sufficient life. It may not be the existence of opulence, but I believe that alleviating the pressures of life and work while concentrating on exploring the uncharted and fulfilling one’s inner desires is of paramount importance. Despite the inherent challenges of pursuing a career as a cinematographer in this city, I find genuine happiness in the process.
Hao, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
A decade ago, I arrived in the United States with the aim of pursuing advanced studies in cinematography. Like many of my fellow film graduates, I embarked on a journey through various roles within the realm of cinematography while serving as a Director of Photography (DP).
In my nascent career, I began as a member of the grip and electric (G/E) crew, contributing to projects ranging from student films to full-length feature films and TV series. As I accumulated valuable experience, I assumed the roles of a gaffer and key grip on independent productions.
Subsequently, my career trajectory led me to a profound fascination with the camera department. In fact, my initial introduction to the film industry coincided with my first encounter with cameras, igniting within me a profound passion for cameras, lenses, and cutting-edge technologies. My self-doubt at the time, stemming from concerns about my aptitude and assimilation into the Hollywood camera department, momentarily held me back. Fortunately, I found supportive colleagues who welcomed me with open arms, providing opportunities for me to step into the roles of a first camera assistant, second camera assistant, and Digital Imaging Technician (DIT).
Gratefully, these opportunities have culminated in my current status as a proud member of the IATSE LOCAL 600, serving as a camera operator. Among the diverse roles in the film industry, I have discovered my utmost fulfillment in the role of a camera operator. There’s nothing quite like the sensation of being behind the camera lens, capturing the nuances of an actor’s performance. In that moment, you truly become an integral part of the cinematic creation, co-acting with the performers in a shared endeavor.
My distinct Chinese cultural background, coupled with proficiency in two languages, affords me a unique and diverse perspective on the world. In addition, my inherent introversion, both in work and life, leads me to embrace a quieter, more behind-the-scenes work style. Nonetheless, the dynamic nature of film production demands that each team member showcases their talents and adapts swiftly. For me, every film set presents a challenge, and it’s a challenge I wholeheartedly embrace.
I hold a deep admiration for the efficient and safety-conscious work model prevalent in Hollywood. I am delighted to contribute my strong work ethic and grounded demeanor to the collaborative efforts of the team
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
During my initial year in the United States, as someone who ventured to a foreign country solo, I devoted nearly six months to mastering the intricate terminology of the film industry, all while being blissfully ignorant about the workings of Hollywood. Terms like “black solid” and “striking” were akin to cryptic hieroglyphics at the time. In retrospect, these fundamental expressions and on-set protocols weren’t insurmountable, but during those early days, they posed a formidable learning curve.
I once believed that once I had acquired this lexicon of knowledge, I would face the art of cinematography with the same confidence that comes from memorizing textbook content before an exam. However, the reality proved far more nuanced. Success in the film world hinges on more than just terminology; it requires the adept art of communication with directors, producers, actors, and every member of the team. It necessitates the ability to contribute personal insights and ideas and collaborate effectively in devising solutions to the myriad challenges that arise.
In hindsight, I realize that early involvement in actual film shoots and the opportunity to learn from seasoned industry veterans would have been profoundly enriching. During my student days, numerous such opportunities abounded—lectures, exhibitions, group works, and more. Regrettably, my inertia and shyness occasionally held me back from participation. It’s evident now that I missed out on invaluable lessons from the events and shoots I abstained from.
Los Angeles, a city teeming with prospects, is a place where serendipity and opportunity collide. Though I have since gained entry into a professional union, if I could rewind time, I would eagerly immerse myself in the union environment during my student years.
My passion for film(celluloid) extends beyond the present, transcending digital formats, which have eclipsed celluloid in student projects of my era. While a few students dared to venture into the realm of film, I initially opted for digital because film seemed unfamiliar. In recent years, I’ve embraced the world of film, experimenting with 16mm for my first commercial project and capturing countless 35mm photographs. Working with film has emerged as a lifelong calling. Reflecting upon this, I fervently wish that, a decade ago, I had been exposed to more activities related to film, encompassing both shooting and any film-related endeavor that might have crossed my path.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
What enthralls me most is the perpetual sense of anticipation, the thrilling uncertainty that accompanies every moment. As a cinematographer immersed in the present, my mind becomes a canvas interwoven with the threads of history, the vivid tapestry of the present, and the limitless potential of the future. I traverse this intricate landscape with an unwavering sense of purpose, an experience that, in my view, stands unparalleled among all professions.
The art of visualizing the enigmatic, of giving shape to the unknown concealed within the recesses of one’s mind, is a pursuit I hold in the highest esteem. Each day on a film set, collaborating with a diverse consortium of creative minds, is a time of profound elation. Film production unfurls a perpetual tapestry of questions, challenges, and uncharted realms. When, as a collective, we breathe life into a scene or transmute an abstract concept into the tangible canvas of reality, the ensuing wave of accomplishment serves as a ceaseless fount of motivation, compelling me to persist on this journey.
Moreover, as a photographer, there exists a certain enchantment when I press the shutter or record button behind the lens to capture an actor’s performance or a fleeting, extraordinary moment. It’s akin to wielding magic through my lens. The world I observe through my camera is fundamentally different, as, from behind the lens, I mold the story I wish to convey with precise emotions and ideas. The process of translating my thoughts into images is an endeavor I cherish deeply.
Furthermore, shooting on film is an experience of profound anticipation. When you press the shutter, you know in your heart that you’ve preserved a specific moment in a particular place. Yet, it’s only upon the development of the film that the true revelation occurs – “Ah, this is how that moment looked.” The journey from capturing an image to awaiting its development and print is always brimming with expectation. The instant I lay eyes on the photograph, I’m transported back to the moment and place where it was taken, recalling the emotions and realizations that coursed through me at that precise instant. This sensation is almost dreamlike, akin to a voyage through the annals of time and space.
Contact Info:
- Website: haoyudp.com
- Instagram: hao_cinematographer