We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shengze (mark) Ma a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shengze (Mark), thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later?
If I could go back in time, I would choose to start working earlier while continuing my studies. As a film production major specializing in cinematography, I have come to realize that this craft relies heavily on practical experience. Mastering camera requires constant hands-on practice and real-world application—something I didn’t fully grasp at the beginning of my academic journey.
Initially, I was deeply focused on my coursework, while this foundation was essential, I now understand that I missed valuable opportunities to build connections and gain practical insights through on-set experiences. It wasn’t until later that I discovered the importance of on-set practice, networking, and shadowing experienced professionals. By then, I had to catch up on the industry’s collaborative nature and the nuances of working with directors, crews, and other creatives.
Looking back, I believe the ideal path for me would have been to balance work and study from the start. Combining both would have allowed me to apply my classroom learning directly to real-world projects, reinforcing my skills while adapting to the fast-paced demands of film production. It would also have helped me build a professional network earlier, positioning me for more significant opportunities as I advanced in my career. If I had started working earlier, I would have gained a better understanding of the industry’s workflow and built confidence in navigating professional environments sooner. However, I also acknowledge that balancing work and study requires careful time management and commitment, something I would have had to develop early on.
In hindsight, I don’t regret my journey because it has shaped who I am and how I approach my work. But if given the chance, I would choose to be more proactive in seeking opportunities outside the classroom while maintaining my academic pursuits. This approach would have enabled me to grow both creatively and professionally without compromising my education. Today, this reflection motivates me to make the most of every opportunity and continue building my skills, connections, and experience in the film industry.
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.
My name is Shengze (Mark) Ma, and I am a Cinematographer/Camera Operator/Assistant Camera. My journey began with my father’s film camera, which I used to capture the world around me. Driven by curiosity about the true essence of society, I honed my observational skills and developed a foundation in documentary storytelling through photography. This early exploration sparked my fascination with visual storytelling. After advanced training in cinematography, I delved into examining my themes through a subjective lens and fictional narrative. In contrast to the objective nature of documentary photography, with fiction, I got to discuss the different possibilities of my protagonists when they encountered challenges.
In my learning and work experiences, I have consistently improved my craft and expanded my network. Networking is vital in the film industry; each connection opens doors to unique opportunities and offers valuable lessons from diverse perspectives. I specialize in working within the camera and lighting departments, using light, shadow, and camera movement to tell compelling stories. My work spans short films, TV series, music videos, commercials, vertical short dramas and etc. These experiences have equipped me with the adaptability to manage diverse shooting environments and achieve creative goals under complex circumstances. My role extends beyond operating the camera—I collaborate closely with directors and creative teams to craft unique visual expressions through lighting, composition, and camera techniques, capturing the emotional core of characters and their stories in a way that resonates with audiences.
What I am most proud of is my ability to give a voice to those often overlooked. Whether documenting marginalized communities through powerful visuals or tackling creatively demanding narrative projects, my aim is to connect emotionally with viewers and create visually striking, meaningful works. I want my audience to see a more layered world and experience deeper emotions through my lens.
To potential clients, collaborators, and audiences, I want to convey that my work is not just a profession—it is a passion. I believe in the power of film to tell untold stories and to make unseen voices heard. Whether for commercial projects or artistic endeavors, I bring dedication, professionalism, and authenticity to every project, infusing each frame with life and purpose.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
1. Professional Skills and Creative Style
A solid foundation of professional skills is indispensable. Through continuous practice and learning, I have mastered the use of lighting, camera language, and storytelling techniques. I can flexibly adapt my creative style to meet the needs of different projects. For each project, I dedicate myself fully—not just focusing on the visual aesthetics but also using the camera to convey character emotions and drive the story forward. This attention to detail and narrative sensitivity has earned me recognition from directors and producers.
2. Reliability and Responsibility
No matter the scale of the project, I approach every shoot with a high level of responsibility. I understand that every aspect of film production is critical, and even a small mistake can impact the final result. On set, unexpected issues such as equipment malfunctions or tight schedules are common. My ability to remain calm and respond quickly in these situations has built trust with the team. I am always punctual, efficient, and meticulous, ensuring that my work meets high standards. This reliability gives directors and producers confidence in entrusting me with important tasks.
3. Strong Team Collaboration
Film production is a highly collaborative industry where communication and teamwork are essential. I always respect the director’s creative vision while offering professional suggestions to achieve the best visual outcome. On set, I strive to maintain seamless communication with lighting, camera assistants, and other departments to ensure the entire process runs smoothly. This efficient and cooperative working style has helped me earn the trust of my team.
4. Diverse Project Experience
Participating in various types of projects has allowed me to tackle a wide range of challenges, including short films, music videos, commercials, TV dramas, and documentaries. These experiences have not only helped me build technical expertise but also taught me how to quickly adapt to different creative styles and narrative requirements. Directors and producers often prefer cinematographers with diverse experience and flexibility, which has become one of my strengths.
5. Awareness of New Technologies and Trends
The field of cinematography is constantly evolving with new technologies and creative trends. I am committed to continuous learning, staying updated on new equipment, tools, and shooting techniques. For example, I spend time studying the latest cameras and lenses and exploring innovative methods like drone and virtual production technologies. This sensitivity to industry advancements not only enhances my technical skills but also allows me to bring more innovative possibilities to each project.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Most of the projects I’ve worked on so far have been short films, commercials, vertical short dramas and etc. These experiences have given me rich, hands-on practice and allowed me to hone a wide range of skills—from planning and shooting to post-production. Through this journey, I’ve steadily developed my ability to craft both visuals and narratives. However, deep in my heart, I’ve always held on to a bigger dream: to join a proper film crew and work on feature-length movies.
To me, cinema is a unique art form. In just two hours, it has the power to tell a complex and profound story, immersing audiences in entirely new worlds. Compared to short films or ads, movies offer a much larger narrative space and artistic depth, demanding even more dedication and effort from creators. A film set is a dynamic and intricate creative environment, where talented artists, technicians, and storytellers come together to achieve an ambitious vision. Being part of such a team is, in my eyes, the ultimate definition of professional fulfillment.
To move closer to this goal, I’ve been focused on improving my craft every step of the way. In every project, no matter the scale, I strive to give my best—whether it’s mastering the play of light and shadow, designing compelling camera movements, or capturing the emotional essence of a character. I firmly believe that every project, even a small one, serves as a stepping stone toward growth and learning.
At the same time, I understand that breaking into a film crew isn’t just about technical skills; it’s also about building connections and gaining visibility in the industry. That’s why I actively participate in industry events, network with directors, producers, and other film professionals, and seek every opportunity to showcase my abilities and passion for cinema. My hope is to make my work and dedication stand out, opening the doors that will lead me to the world of feature film production.
And yes, I know the road ahead isn’t easy. But if I’ve learned anything from my time behind the camera, it’s that every small step—every perfectly timed frame, every carefully adjusted light—adds up to something greater. I’m excited to keep taking those steps, frame by frame, toward the day when I’ll be standing on a feature film set, working alongside a team to tell a story that moves and inspires audiences around the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shengzema.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marker_mark13
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@markermarkmark
- Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16335500
