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

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

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is a sci-fi thriller we’re currently making, set in the year 2071. The story envisions a dystopian world where women’s tongues have been cut off, leaving them to communicate solely through sign language. What makes this project truly special is that we are casting fully Deaf actresses to play hearing characters, with 90% of the dialogue conveyed through American Sign Language (ASL).

This film bringing together different generations of talent, including Linda Bove—an iconic Deaf actress known for her groundbreaking work on Sesame Street, where she introduced ASL to mainstream audiences—and Deanne Bray, best known for her role in Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye. It’s particularly significant because this is the first time in over 20 years that Linda and Deanne have worked together. Beyond that, we have assembled one of the largest casts of Deaf actresses in a single production, creating a powerful representation of their artistry on screen.

Shooting this film has been both challenging and inspiring. It was filmed on 35mm, with over 50 background actors and a tight schedule, yet the performances were breathtaking. As the production progressed, our crew organically started learning ASL, and by the end of the shoot, many of us could sign basic phrases. This experience was not just about making a film—it became an opportunity to educate the industry on working with Deaf talent, proving that they can take on a wide range of roles beyond the limited narratives they are often offered. More importantly, it fostered deeper connections between the industry and the Deaf community, opening doors for more authentic representation in the future.

Qiuping, 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?

I started my career in the film industry as a cinematographer during my undergraduate years, driven by an obsession with telling stories visually. After producing over 20 short films in school, I realized that my true passion lay in producing—bringing stories to life from behind the scenes. That realization led me to a prestigious scholarship program associated with Columbia College Chicago, where I immersed myself in every producer’s course I could take.
To further hone my skills, I moved to Los Angeles for an intensive five-week producer program at Paramount Studios. There, I had the incredible opportunity to learn from top industry professionals—producers who shared their real-world experiences and insights. That program gave me a systematic understanding of the producer’s role, which ultimately led me to fully transition into producing.
Since then, I have produced more than 30 short films and over 100 commercials across China, Hong Kong, Japan, the U.S., and Canada. My work spans different cultures, industries, and creative visions, always with the goal of crafting compelling narratives and delivering high-quality productions. What sets me apart is my deep understanding of both the creative and logistical sides of filmmaking—balancing artistic vision with efficient execution.
I am most proud of my ability to bring stories to life on screen, collaborating with talented teams worldwide, and creating content that resonates with audiences. Whether working on films or commercials, my mission is always the same: to produce impactful and visually stunning work that tells a story worth remembering.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal has always been to break the fourth wall and bring storytelling to audiences worldwide. With China’s rich 5,000-year history, there are countless untold stories that deserve to be shared on a global stage. As a producer, I am passionate about bringing these narratives to life in a way that resonates with diverse audiences.

Beyond storytelling, I am deeply committed to advocating for gender equality in the film industry. Too often, women in production are confined to assistant roles or departments like hair and makeup, while key creative and leadership positions remain male-dominated. I want to challenge these stereotypes and create real opportunities for women in filmmaking—whether as directors, cinematographers, or producers. By hiring more female filmmakers and championing women-driven stories, I aim to shift the industry toward true inclusivity and representation.

For me, producing is not just about making films—it’s about changing the industry for the better, breaking barriers, and ensuring that more voices, especially those of women, are heard and seen on screen.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I spent six years working in the social media business, managing influencers long before platforms like TikTok became dominant. At the time, our business revolved around signing content creators, managing their accounts, and generating high-quality content every month to ensure their engagement and data remained strong. However, after the pandemic hit, the industry exploded, and while social media was thriving, I began to think about what more I could do within the entertainment business beyond influencer management.

That’s when I made a major pivot. I started scouting young, talented filmmakers by reviewing their short films and videos, searching for fresh storytelling voices. This led me to an opportunity to serve as a jury member for the Shanghai International Short Film Session, where I met incredible filmmakers from around the world. Around the same time, my feature script was selected by a studio, which opened the door for me to collaborate with writers in developing scripts and creating IPs.

This shift reignited my passion for film and TV, leading to the founding of a company dedicated to reviving ancient Chinese stories and reimagining them in a modern way to fit contemporary society. We now develop and package these IPs, selling them to studios for adaptation. My career has come full circle—transitioning from social media back to film and television, but now with a fresh perspective on storytelling, audience engagement, and content creation in the digital age.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8017384/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_qiuping%2520han
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ping-h-21444233a/

Image Credits

Brandon Goebel
Jasper Khadjenouri