We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lan Yang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lan below.

Lan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I recently worked as the Director of Photography (DP) on “Dr. Supernova’s Evil Plan,” a sci-fi virtual production project. The plot follows Dr. Supernova, a dastardly supervillain, who is forced to babysit his bubbly daughter when she unexpectedly visits his evil lair as he sets a trap for his arch-nemesis. Working with USC’s advanced LED volume wall at the Robert Zemeckis Center was a thrilling experience.

Working on the LED volume stage required agility and inventive approaches, particularly in collaborating with the art and visual effects departments to blend physical and virtual elements effectively. We carefully designed physical sets to align with virtual backgrounds, ensuring seamless transitions between the two. This involved meticulous planning of camera angles, blocking, and lighting setups to match the LED wall’s color calibration and resolution.

Patience was essential, as virtual production, especially with LED setups, requires more time and effort than traditional methods. Our visual effects team used Unreal Engine to pre-visualize scenes and make real-time adjustments, allowing us to refine compositions and lighting with the art department. This demanded significant coordination and teamwork to ensure everything aligned perfectly.

This experience greatly enhanced my understanding of LED volume technology, from color calibration to pre-visualization workflows. We adjusted every aspect to create the most immersive experience possible, enhancing my adaptability in the fast-paced world of virtual production. I’m excited to explore the vast potential of virtual production and build on this experience in future projects.

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.

I’m Lan Yang, a cinematographer based in Los Angeles. I currently work across film, television, and commercial production. Last year, I earned my MFA from the University of Southern California’s (USC) prestigious School of Cinematic Arts, specializing in cinematography. Although I only recently obtained my MFA degree, my journey into visual storytelling began long before that.

Before settling in Los Angeles, I spent six years in Shanghai, one of the world’s leading markets for TV commercials. During that time, I shot over 50 commercials across various industries and countries, collaborating with notable brands such as Boucheron, Under Armour, Biotherm, Avène, Pepsi, and Google. My international work experience, influenced by my upbringing in both Toronto and Shanghai, has equipped me with the skills to navigate diverse linguistic and cultural landscapes—an invaluable asset when collaborating with directors and crews from different parts of the world.

Even before my time at USC, I had the privilege of having my narrative shorts showcased at various film festivals, including the Venice International Film Festival, the Tampere Film Festival, the Arri Awards, and the China Vision Youth Awards. Storytelling has always been my passion, and my studies at USC further honed my skills while also introducing me to cutting-edge technologies like LED volume and Unreal Engine. During my time at USC, I served as the Director of Photography for the short documentary “Journey,” which was nominated for the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) Student Heritage Awards, further validating my growth and expertise in the field of cinematography.

I am always eager to dive into new technologies and continue learning. My goal is to combine technical expertise with creative insight to help directors bring their visions to life and create visual stories that leave a lasting impression.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the best parts of being a cinematographer has been the opportunity to work with teams from around the world. It’s inspiring to see how different perspectives can enrich storytelling, making it more genuine and compelling. Collaborating with directors over the years has taught me to remain flexible and open-minded, especially under pressure. A positive atmosphere on set is crucial to keeping the team focused and creative.

What I enjoy most about my career is its constant evolution, which involves continuous learning and experimentation. I’m consistently on the lookout for fresh ideas and techniques. Over the past three years, I’ve been particularly fascinated by Unreal Engine and LED volumes. Working as the DP for USC’s first LED volume thesis film has pushed me to think beyond conventional boundaries. Creativity drives everything I do and helps me stay curious and adaptable.

I’ve learned so much by working closely with directors, understanding their vision, and bringing it to life visually. I feel incredibly grateful and fortunate to be a cinematographer, and I’m excited about what lies ahead in the film and television industry.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

There are several invaluable resources I wish I had encountered sooner.

First, I wish I had been more engaged with the local film communities, especially during my early years in Shanghai. It’s not just about networking for gigs—it’s about exchanging ideas, engaging in spontaneous collaborations, and receiving the kind of support you only get from folks who are as passionate about film as you are. In LA, I eventually found my community, but connecting with them sooner could have sparked some incredible projects earlier in my career.

Peer networking has also been incredibly valuable, particularly for sharing technical expertise and practical insights. For example, when evaluating new gear, I often consult fellow cinematographers who have firsthand experience with the equipment. Their feedback can be crucial, providing detailed advice on the usability of a lens or its performance under various shooting conditions. This direct, experience-based input helps me make more informed decisions about the gear I integrate into my work.

Each step of my journey has taught me valuable lessons, though a few shortcuts would have been appreciated.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dplanyang.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanglan_dp/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lan.yang.1291?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lan-yang-14a7282b0/