We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Oz Lu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Oz thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
Right from the start, I knew I wanted to dive headfirst into the wild world of filmmaking. But let’s be real, breaking into the film scene is no walk in the park. Like many young filmmakers, I kicked things off as a regular movie fan. There was just one tiny glitch—I’d be watching a film, and this other voice in my head was busy drafting a completely different plot. It’s almost like a dual personality. One of me is enjoying the movie, and another me is changing the plot at the same time.
This unique experience makes me decided to roll up my sleeves and get hands-on. I started cranking out short stories and whipping up my own short films, just to demystify this whole filmmaking thing. The turning point that shouted, “Hey, go pro!” was during a post-production gig. I was so deep into it that I pulled a classic move of forgetting to eat for an entire day. It felt like I’d stumbled into a Zen state, a cinematic meditation that whisked me away to another dimension.
That same vibe, that total mind-blowing concentration, I found it not just in filmmaking but also in creative writing.
I want to spend my life on doing something I really love. So here I am.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Greetings, I am Oz Lu, a distinguished writer-director with a nuanced footprint in both the United States and China. I hold a BA in Film Production from Emerson College, a testament to my commitment as evidenced by consistent recognition on the Dean’s Honor list for three consecutive years.
My professional trajectory has been shaped by pivotal roles at esteemed organizations such as Huayi Brothers and CBS television. In this dynamic journey, I have honed the art of transforming conceptual frameworks into compelling narratives while deftly navigating the intricacies of the production process.
Beyond the realm of artistic expression, my prowess extends into the commercial landscape, where I have served as a commercial writer for notable brands including Budweiser, Xiaomi, and Nike.
A highlight in my portfolio is the successful execution of a social media marketing strategy for my short film, “My Love from Dreams,” resulting in the impressive generation of $25,000 within a span of three days. The film went on to premiere at the Indie Short Fest, earning a nomination for Best Sci-fi Short.
Complementing my cinematic endeavors is my literary venture. “Interviews with Creatures from the Underworld,” my fantasy novel, has consistently dominated the “Rising Authors Chart” on ‘Qidian Literature,’ China’s premier online literature platform, for over a month.
What sets me apart is the seamless integration of storytelling finesse, production acumen, and a demonstrated ability to craft narratives that transcend mediums. Whether on the silver screen or within the pages of a novel, my work epitomizes a commitment to delivering captivating and enduring stories.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
In my perspective, fostering a supportive environment for artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem requires a multifaceted approach, with government initiatives playing a pivotal role. Government funding stands out as a crucial resource for young filmmakers, serving as a catalyst to kickstart their initial projects.
Furthermore, it is imperative for governments to broaden the scope of their involvement in the film industry. Shifting from a focus on propaganda cinema to a more inclusive range is paramount. This expansion should encompass diverse narratives, voices, and perspectives that reflect the richness of our society. In doing so, the government not only supports a wider array of creative expressions but also fosters an inclusive creative ecosystem that resonates with a broader audience.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
In the context of Chinese society, the prevailing measure of success has traditionally been tied to financial prosperity and fame. This societal norm often leads to a common misconception about the creative journey – that its value can be solely quantified by the monetary gains it brings. The intricate relationship between creativity and financial success has been a nuanced challenge that many creatives, including myself, have navigated.
In this landscape, there exists a pervasive notion that the more lucrative a creative pursuit, the more successful it is deemed to be. This perspective can be confounding to non-creatives who may struggle to comprehend the complexities of our journey. Personally, I have experienced the need to reevaluate and redefine my relationship with money as a creative.
Initially, I perceived money as a potential hindrance to my creative path. The societal emphasis on financial success created a tension between my artistic pursuits and the pursuit of wealth. However, over time, I’ve come to view money not as a hindrance but as a crucial support system for sustaining and expanding my creative endeavors.
Contrary to the common belief that more money equates to greater success, I’ve discovered that the right amount of financial support is more conducive to my creative process than an excess of wealth. It’s a balance that allows me the freedom to explore, innovate, and express myself authentically without being encumbered by financial pressures.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/ozzzy26
- Youtube: @ozlu9707