We recently connected with Yuqin Hong and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Yuqin, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The short film I just finished recently with my pals is quite meaningful to me. It’s a poetic sci-fi mockumentary shot on Super 8 camera about the last moments of a man (the director himself in 30 years) who’s been ‘stuck’ in the past time. I do think this one is the most creative, genuine, and spontaneous short film I’ve been producing so far. We call it a ‘passion project’, not only because the premise of it came out from daily chats, but we also found great resonance in this story and we all believe it could be something. Its delicacy and purity really remind me again the origin of why we love cinema and why we love making it.

The whole experience was so free and driven by ever-rising enthusiasm. We were a minimum crew and we all worked with each other somehow and well knew each other’s capacities. It’s precious to still own the pure enthusiasm on a common artistic pursuit after/when struggling through in the real film business life. It was a break to me to tentatively jump out of the work routine of commercials and Vertical Tv mini-series productions.

I’ve been working with this director throughout our student period as we are same year alumni of American Film Institute Conservatory, even after graduation we still collaborated closely. Our last work won the best experimental short on 2023 LA Shorts International Film Festival. It’s always nice to have a creative partner who owns the same taste and can share the bitter and sweet throughout the journey of filmmaking. Especially for Producer – Director combination, it’s an organic relationship to boost each other’s careers.

A fun fact and challenge during the production, which is we need to film the melting process of the character (into a pile of fluid) based on the story, after some researches I was sure doing it practically would be more budget friendly, so we dived into the tests with our Production Designer to figure out what texture of the fluid would work the best to simulate the ‘real’ situation. It did take a while but we were quite glad with the final looks.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I believe I am fortunate to have embarked on my journey of studying film at an early stage. I earned my bachelor’s degree in producing from the best film school in China. Those four years were pure and enriching, immersing me in the most authentic world of cinema, experiencing a wide range of film genres, learning narrative techniques, and exploring emotional expression. It can be said that this period opened the door for me to a film world where “content is king.”

After graduation, I joined a film and television company as a producer’s assistant, fully involved in the production of TV dramas, from family comedies to legal dramas. This period made me realize for the first time that the commercial aspect of film is equally crucial. Especially as a producer, business management skills and networking are just as important as artistic literacy and aesthetic ability. By closely working with the producer and observing their working methods and the entire production process, I gained insight into another side of the film industry. I realized that there is still a long way to go to become a strong producer.

Then came my study period at the American Film Institute Conservatory. The two years of study there were a time of rapid learning for me, with artistic literacy and professional skills improving simultaneously amid challenging coursework. I further clarified how to balance art and commerce as a producer, how to persist, and how to make trade-offs.

As a producer, I am passionate about embracing challenges. Although my original personality was not inclined this way, I have increasingly realized the importance of seizing opportunities and taking initiative during my career growth. Challenges certainly come with obstacles, but overcoming them leads to evolution. So I often push myself to the limit, which can also expand my network and allow me to meet more creative filmmakers, who may become valuable resources in the future. At the same time, I insist on conveying my voice through my works, not limited to a specific genre. I embrace as many types of film as possible. I once interned at a company focused on developing and producing documentaries and docu-series, where I experienced the charm of documentary and the power of objectivity.

These experiences have shaped who I am today. They have equipped me with diverse and intelligent filmmaking techniques and an endless passion for storytelling, enabling me to firmly root myself in this industry as creator of strong will.

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

For me, never settling might be the best answer to this question. When we look back at the history of film content and technological development, it constantly emphasizes a sense of ‘unsettledness.’ Therefore, being in the midst of these waves, we need to maintain this vitality. Whether it’s studying new artistic styles, understanding emerging technologies, or gaining insights from other fields, this constant thirst for knowledge can keep us intellectually engaged and continuously enhance our creative capabilities.

The journey of never settling is profoundly fulfilling, as it enables us to fully immerse ourselves in the creative process and discover joy in every stage of creation. This unwavering dedication not only enhances our works but also motivates those around us to pursue their own creative passions with equal fervor. This is where dynamic and organic relationships emerge.

Because of the love for cinema, we shall never settle. It’s a perpetual journey of learning, exploration, and ongoing growth that imbues the life of an artist and creative with deep and lasting life and energy.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I’m not going to talk about a specific resource here, but more about a type of resource – networking. Although it’s a well-worn topic, I still want to emphasize its importance. For creators in the dynamic film and television industry, especially those starting out who often underestimate its value. Reflecting on my early career, I admit I wasn’t naturally inclined towards socializing, which regrettably led me to miss out on collaborations with more talented individuals.

The film industry emphasizes collaboration the most; without the right team and platform for collaboration, progress is difficult. The breadth and depth of your professional network often dictate the opportunities that come your way. Even if you possess significant talent, without the right supporters and opportunities, breaking through and making your voice heard can prove exceedingly difficult. Building and nurturing relationships within the industry not only opens doors but also enhances your creative journey, enabling you to reach heights that might otherwise be unattainable.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuqinhong_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuqin-hong-8310b7235/

Image Credits
Jialiang Sun, Hector Santiago,