We recently connected with SHARON SHEN and have shared our conversation below.

SHARON, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

As a film editor, my mission was ignited by a unique experience and honed through diverse academic and personal endeavors. It all started when I embarked on a journey to the Amazon jungle. I was there to document the Inca culture and the wildlife of the rainforest. Away from the digital distractions and immersed in the serenity of the jungle, I was confronted with the shortcomings of my reliance on music and special effects to frame the mood of my footage. I became aware of the real power of editing – its potential to shape and refine a story, rendering it an ‘invisible art’ that subtly influences the narrative and its impact on the audience.

My academic background in sociology from UCLA has played a vital role in shaping my approach to film editing. Studying sociology broadened my understanding of human experiences, societal issues, and cultural identities, all of which inform my storytelling. My interest in film was further sparked during a project on immigration issues, where I used a documentary-style narration to convey the story. This was a pivotal moment, solidifying my decision to delve deeper into the realm of film and storytelling.

Subsequently, I created a cooking channel, which unexpectedly became a platform that connected with thousands globally. I realized the power of a well-edited film when a video I created about Chinese New Year’s food resonated deeply with the overseas Chinese community, evoking their nostalgia and homesickness. This further cemented my mission as a film editor: to use this invisible art to weave together experiences and emotions into narratives that resonate with people’s lives. It’s about giving a voice to the unseen, shedding light on the overlooked, and creating impactful, meaningful stories.

SHARON, 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?

After graduating from UCLA with a degree in sociology, I started my professional journey in the film industry with an internship at the Holiday Channel. My responsibility of editing holiday-themed videos honed my editing skills, and the encouragement from my supervisor led me to pursue my MFA at the American Film Institute (AFI).

My background in sociology provides me with a unique perspective in understanding scripts. This discipline, which explores societal issues and cultural identities, has enriched my storytelling ability, enabling me to create narratives that delve into human experiences.

My services involve meticulous editing to convey compelling narratives. I work closely with directors and team members to understand their vision, which I then bring to life through my editing skills. I have also gained proficiency in sound design, which further aids in shaping the narrative and creating an immersive experience for the viewers.
I have had the privilege to work on multiple projects, but my most notable accomplishment is the film “Eggman,” directed by Charlotte Huang. This film, which I edited, has won multiple awards and even made its way to the Cannes Short Film Corner.

I want potential clients and followers to know that my work is a fusion of technical precision and narrative craft, influenced by my experiences and academic background. I use film editing to weave together experiences, emotions, and cultures into narratives that resonate with people. For me, it’s about giving a voice to the unseen, shedding light on the overlooked, and creating impactful, meaningful stories.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist, particularly in the realm of film editing, is the opportunity to shape narratives and influence emotions. Film editing is often referred to as an ‘invisible art,’ and there’s a profound satisfaction in subtly guiding the audience’s experience of a story without them even realizing it. It’s like being a silent co-author of the narrative, weaving together disparate shots into a cohesive, impactful whole.

Additionally, the creative process itself is incredibly rewarding. The act of diving into hours of footage and emerging with a distilled narrative is akin to unearthing a hidden treasure. Each piece of footage holds potential, and it’s up to the editor to discover and highlight that potential in the final product.

Lastly, there’s a unique joy in seeing the impact of your work on the audience. When viewers are moved, inspired, or provoked by something I’ve edited, it validates the hours of meticulous work that went into creating that experience. The ability to evoke emotions, elicit responses, and influence perspectives through my work is what makes being an artist truly rewarding for me.

Have you ever had to pivot?

An integral pivot in my life unfolded when I was just sixteen. During that turbulent period of my adolescence, my father, recognizing my distress, took me to a peaceful Buddhist temple in China. Amidst the tranquillity of that setting, he narrated a profound fable that forever changed my perspective on life and decisions.

He told me a story about a sick wolf in the grassland, afflicted with painful, festering wounds that no remedy seemed to alleviate. The harsh, dry, and scorching climate of the grassland tormented the wolf, exacerbating its agony. Then one day, the wolf looked towards the forest in the North, attracted by the cool and humid mist emanating from it. However, the wolf was uncertain if the forest would offer any relief to its pain. But it knew one thing for sure: staying in the grassland would not lead to any improvement. With resolute determination, the wolf decided to head towards the forest.

The story ends there, mirroring our life’s uncertainties. We can never be entirely sure if leaving our current environment is the right choice or if our decision will alleviate the pain we’re experiencing. We must bear the consequences of our choices and pay the price that comes with them. But what’s crucial is having the resolve to step out of the painful environment and bravely move forward.

This tale was a turning point for me. It instilled the courage in me to step out of the ‘grassland,’ the traditional path laid out by my family, and move towards the ‘forest,’ a path less trodden, aligning with my inner calling. Despite my family’s expectation for me to study law, I chose to pursue Sociology abroad.

My choice was met with resistance from my mother, culminating in a dramatic confrontation on Chinese New Year. Yet, in the spirit of the wolf, I persevered and didn’t back down. A day after my 17th birthday, I embarked on my journey to the U.S., marking a significant pivot in my life.

Today, my family respects and supports the path I’ve chosen, and they are proud of my accomplishments. The tale of the sick wolf continues to resonate with me, shaping my approach as a film editor. Every cut I make, every narrative I shape, is tinged with the essence of that story and my journey to authenticity and personal fulfillment. The most challenging step is often the first one, but stepping outside your comfort zone is an act of bravery and the gateway to growth and self-discovery.

Contact Info:

• Website: sharonshen.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonsycc/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-shen-3457101b5/