25 Jun 2024
Zhanyin Xiao is a 2022 graduate of BA TV Production in the School of Film and Television Arts (SoFTA) at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, who is also the first one in the school to win the favour of the world's top film institution - the American Film Institute (AFI). After the crossover from applied mathematics to television broadcasting science and the advanced study of AFI, Zhanyin Xiao keeps his every step solid and challenging.
School of Film and TV Arts: Dual Expansion of Vision and Technology
"I did not go to BA TV Production first. I was ’tortured’ by applied mathematics for two years." He admitted. After in-depth communication with his parents, he resolutely changed the runway, devoted himself to the film and television arts field, and finally opened a new learning career.
The School of Film and TV Arts (SoFTA) at XJTLU opened a new chapter in film art for Zhanyin Xiao. “The prior strength of SoFTA is the learning environment, "he said, noting that the all-English teaching and interaction with teachers and students from globally greatly broadened his international perspective. "Another strength of the school is its highly qualified faculty. Our teachers all graduated from top film schools such as USC and AFI," he added.
During his learning period in SoFTA, Mr Yijun Guo's class left a deep impression on him and became his favourite. In class, Zhanyin Xiao had the opportunity to participate in a TV show production. From script writing to filming and post-editing, this set of processes allowed him to experience the production pattern, which was very close to the industry level.
"We have excellent equipment by current standards in the school studio, even better than the professional studio in the TV station. "Having studied in such an environment, he said, gave him access to the most cutting-edge knowledge and skills.
（TV Studio at SoFTA）
Xiao constantly explored himself through his study and practice, having tried various roles, from scriptwriter to director to photographer and editor. “I think the BA TV Production curriculum is very suitable for undergraduates, "he mentioned. Each attempt made him more aware of his interests and helped him find his niche in the team.
He particularly mentioned an impressive project experience during the production of an emotional interview. In this project, he was in charge of the lighting. Instead of moving the light as standard film production, the studio lighting setup required using headlights fixed to the ceiling, which raised different demands on the skill and creativity of the lighting artist. "It was quite challenging to figure out how to do the lighting,” he said.
Xiao believed that through such practice, he acquired a deeper understanding of the diversity and complexity of the film and television industry. It enhanced his professional skills and broadened his awareness and appreciation of different areas in this industry.
（Xiao Zhanyin and classmates in SoFTA）
Finding Himself and Creating "Apple"
Zhanyin Xiao's application journey was a transformation from imitation to self-expression. Initially, he tried to gain admission by catering to the style of his target colleges. However, that didn't work.
Having met his first failure, Xiao Zhanyin did not give up. He began to explore the story he wanted to tell.
"I think first you have to know what you like. You have to find your own voice," he realized that it was the stories that moved him that could move others. This transformation became his inspiration for Apple's creation.
（Poster of "Apple"）
The creation of Apple is a reflection of Xiao's insistence on self-expression. This short film tells a story about the conflict of dreams and expectations, focusing on the complexity of family relationships. Through a simple but profound story, the film shows the emotional entanglements and mutual understanding between family members. "Apple" was a story and a reflection of Xiao's inner world and his insistence on his own voice.
Xiao undertook the writing, directing, producing and editing, and the whole process was full of challenges. From script creation to filming and final editing, Xiao and his team spent only a month on each.
Through "Apple", Xiao won a 50,000 scholarship from Columbia University and an offer from the American Film Institute. Ultimately, he continued his academic pursuits at AFI, which ranks higher in this major.
（a still from "Apple"）
The Melting Pot of Film Art: Multiculturalism meets creativity in AFI
During his study at AFI, Xiao was surrounded by a vibrant multicultural environment. Learning with students who possessed extensive industry experience from all over the world, he had to quickly adapt into the environment and improve himself in this process. “Here, I learned the techniques of filmmaking, and how to survive and thrive in the real film industry."
During his study at AFI, Xiao was surrounded by a vibrant multicultural environment. Learning with students with extensive industry experience from all over the world, he had to adapt to the environment and improve himself quickly. “Here, I learned filmmaking techniques and how to survive and thrive in the real film industry."
"A film is not a one-man show but a product of teamwork. It's important to learn how to accept other people's opinions, "Xiao explained.
He also stressed the importance of a personal perspective. Xiao believed that one man's background and experience shape a unique understanding of the story. “You need to find your own cultural context to look at different stories, "he said, advocating that the integration of personal perspective is essential for creation in a multicultural context. In his view, no matter what part of the film production, the creator must have a clear perspective and independent judgment.
（A still from Xiao's short film at AFI）
At AFI, Xiao witnessed the mixing of diverse cultures. "We had a project with a Russian director and a Ukrainian producer in our school. They worked together on a project about national identity, and this thing itself was incredible."
"The team’s goal is to tell a story that moves people, while your perspective can shape the story." He firmly believed that diverse voices and perspectives are the key to creating powerful and warm works.
Future Prospects: Cultural Confidence and Creation Freedom
Although his study at AFI exposed him to the broader world, Xiao's heart was always attached to Chinese stories and culture.
"I have no clear career plan yet. If I can have a good internship here, I can stay for a short time, but the ultimate goal is to return to China." he expressed his firm attitude towards the future. He hoped to use the knowledge and skills he learned in film school to tell stories featured with Chinese characteristics and bring them to audiences all over the world.
Advice to the younger students
"Never doubt yourself," he reminded younger students. “Confidence is the driving force when pursuing your movie dreams, but you also need to be self-aware and clear about your strengths and weaknesses.”
"There is no complete distinction between good and bad movies," he said, explaining that the art of film is subjective and everyone's preferences and evaluation criteria will be different. Therefore, he advised students not to pay too much attention to external evaluation but to focus on their own creation and expression. “You have to have an eye on the beauty of life," he added, encouraging them to look for inspiration in their lives and find stories that truly touch their hearts.
Finally, Xiao used his experience as an example: "Find your own voice. Find something that you can relate to your story." He stressed that whether it is an emotional connection or a story-level connection, finding a point of connection between the individual and the work is crucial. “Only in this way can give your work a unique personality and profound connotation to touch the hearts of the audience.”
By Wenzhen Li
Translated by Jiaming Ji
Pictures provided by Zhanyin Xiao
25 Jun 2024