We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Taoquan Fu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Taoquan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about how you got your first non-friend, non-family client. Paint the picture for us so we can feel the same excitement you felt on that day.

When I graduated from college, I felt completely unprepared for the real world. There were moments when I had no idea what my next step should be. About a year ago, during a conversation with a friend, we started discussing the growing popularity of vertical content on social media. From 15-second vertical commercials to hour-long mini-dramas, this format was clearly on the rise. However, despite graduating from film school, I realized that creating content optimized for social media was vastly different from the traditional filmmaking techniques I had learned.

Instead of feeling defeated, my friend and I decided to take action. We pooled our resources and made two pilot episodes for vertical drama series along with a few vertical commercial specs. Our focus was on creating content that was polished and professional, with the goal of convincing potential clients of our ability to produce high-quality work.

We shared these clips on TikTok and Instagram, and after a few weeks, we got our first big break—NewsBreak App reached out and hired me to produce and direct 30 vertical user-generated content (UGC) commercials. As of June 2024, the app is ranked #3 in the News category in Apple App Store, and users might be able to see the commercials I produced and directed across many different internet platforms. That’s how I landed my first client, and it taught me the importance of being proactive and adapting to industry trends.

Taoquan, 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 graduated from NYU Tisch, where I majored in Film & Television. Like many graduates, I initially felt uncertain about my next steps after finishing school. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon the concept of “vertical” content—the short, mobile-optimized videos we consume daily, from commercials to YouTube Shorts and even hour-long mini-dramas—that I found a clear direction. Intrigued by its potential, I decided to dive into this emerging format.

To build my portfolio, I produced and published a few pilot episodes of vertical mini-dramas and several 15-30 second vertical commercial specs. These projects served as my calling card and helped me establish connections with potential clients. My first client, as I mentioned earlier, was NewsBreak, for whom I created 30 vertical commercials.

My second major project was with FlexTV, where I was hired to produce a vertical mini-drama series called My Billionaire Ex Wants Me Back. At the time, many vertical mini-dramas on the market suffered from lower production quality. I saw this as an opportunity to stand out by prioritizing the overall quality of the series, even with a limited budget. I invested significant effort into pre-production—searching for and scouting the right locations, assembling a skilled cast and crew, and meticulously planning the schedule. The result exceeded my expectations, proving that high-quality content can be achieved on a tight budget.

What sets me apart is my ability to bridge traditional filmmaking techniques with the demands of modern, mobile-first content. I strive to create work that not only looks polished but also resonates with audiences and meets my clients’ goals.

I’m most proud of my adaptability and determination to deliver high-quality content, even in uncharted territory. Having these experiences during the early stage of my career, I realized that I have to be committed to delivering high-quality vertical content at competitive pricing. I understand that many clients are working within budget constraints. My goal is to prove that exceptional content doesn’t have to come with an exorbitant price tag. By leveraging cost-effective strategies—such as efficient location scouting, assembling a talented but resourceful team, and meticulous planning—I’m able to maximize production value without overspending. This balance of quality and affordability not only sets my work apart but also ensures that my clients can achieve impactful results while staying within their budgets.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I find the most rewarding moments come at the end of a production, when everything wraps up. The process leading up to it is often exhausting and, at times, intimidating, filled with challenges that can test your patience and problem-solving skills. But the sense of accomplishment and joy that comes from overcoming those hurdles and bringing a project to life is truly indescribable.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Internet. It is important to run the social media and advertise yourself, so that people will eventually come to you.