Have you ever woken up from a dream and cannot recognize the difference between dream and reality?
It will start with an illusion of a joyful relationship of a girl then jumps into the isolation reality the girl faces. However, which one is the true reality?… this is ‘Come Away’, the music video fromChinese director and producer Yunyi Zhu. We sat down with her to talk about the making of award-worthy music videosand more!
Congratulations on all your great achievements to date. What got you into producing that made you realize it was your chosen path?
From my earliest years in school, I have been active in assisting organizing talent shows, sports meetings, and various campus events. This enthusiasm persisted as I progressed through the time and now, where I extended my experience by actively contributing to the events in the filmmaker’s community. Event planning has been a source of immense joy for me, particularly in the collaborative aspect of working with a team. In the process of organizing events, I experienced a profound sense of connection with every team member, akin to a cohesive family unit. Discovering my innate ability as a team player has been a gratifying revelation throughout this journey. Witnessing the shared enjoyment and fun among the audience and participants brought about by the team’s collective efforts filled me with an overwhelming sense of pride and added an extra layer of fulfillment. It’s not just about coordinating logistics; it’s about creating a shared experience that fosters a sense of camaraderie and leaves lasting memories for everyone involved.
Through my roles in event coordination and leadership positions, I have cultivated a deep appreciation for the art of bringing people together and a multifaceted skill set that extends beyond the realm of event management. My experiences have played a pivotal role in shaping my problem-solving skills and team collaboration strategies, allowing me to navigate challenges and guide teams toward shared goals. Moreover, I’ve learned that every detail holds significance in achieving the ultimate goal. The lessons learned from these experiences have proven invaluable assets, significantly influencing my work in production.
Following my experience working on set, I discovered an undeniable attraction to the responsibilities of a producer – the organizational architects of the set. It has empowered me to not only exercise creativity in working on developing compelling stories but also to find solutions to bring them to life. Much like my earlier endeavors in event organization, it requires attention to detail and a knack for seamless coordination. As the orchestrator of the set, I relish the challenge of ensuring that everything aligns to create a compelling narrative. This journey has allowed me to channel my organizational skills while pursuing my passion.
Despite COVID-19, I was not deterred and continued to pursue my passion. I did my best to secure real-world opportunities. I interned for a famous Hong Kong producer and winner of the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Screenplay, Frankie Tam Kwong Yuen. The firsthand film industry experience helped me gain a deeper insight of the film industry from pre-production to post-production. Working on a few TV series and features, I polished my writing skills and learned how to collaborate with other talented filmmakers under a fasting-pacing environment. Researching materials, brainstorming, and writing with other writers, meeting with directors and producers enabled me to improve my communication skills and find my own voice as a fledgling and enthusiastic filmmaker and artist and make me ensure that I would want to pursue producing for a career.
Tell us about the making of the music video, ‘Come Away’ for Su Kretschmer.
The video for ‘Come Away’ blurs the boundary between the “perfect” imaginary character in a dream and the truth of reality. It will start with an illusion of a joyful relationship of a girl then jumps into the isolation reality the girl faces. However, which one is the true reality?
We had no budget to make the music video and we are ambitious to shoot on film. I received a lot of help from other filmmakers. Thom Kuo donated his camera and scanned the film for us, and we received help from Kodak for the film stock.
We had a great team for this production. Everyone was super friendly and hardworking. Everyone brought their A-game to create a vibrant and supportive atmosphere that fueled our creativity. As we worked, laughter and conversation filled the air, serving as a reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness that defined our team.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of filming, our team encountered a hiccup when technical issues with the camera threatened to derail our progress. Despite our best efforts, the source of the problem remained unidentifiable. We knew that time was of the essence, and we couldn’t afford losing daylight on the day. Our team rallied together to troubleshoot the issue, discussing possible solutions. The atmosphere on the set was one of determination and camaraderie. We knew that we were all in this together, and we were willing to do whatever it took to get the job done.
After a few tense moments, we decided to use the extra film mag and transitioned to the backup equipment, ensuring that the show would go on. As we continued with the shoot, we realized that the unexpected hiccup had brought us all closer together. It was in these moments of adversity that bonds were forged, and memories were made, transforming what could have been a setback into an opportunity for collaboration and problem-solving.
How did you get involved in directing and producing the music video?
My friend Su Kretschmer, who is an actress, singer, and designer, wrote this mellow and jazzy song. When Su shared her mesmerizing mellow and jazzy song with me, inspiration struck, and I proposed the idea of creating a music video to bring her music to life visually.To prepare for the project, I immediately began gathering resources, knowing that we had a very limited budget so it would require careful planning to bring Su’s vision to life. With the invaluable contribution of our Director of Photography, Jason Yu, the idea of shooting on film emerged, adding a layer of richness and timelessness to the visual storytelling that perfectly complemented the soulful essence of Su’s music.
Despite the constraints of a micro budget, the generosity and support of fellow filmmakers like Thom Kuo proved to be a game-changer. Thom donated his 35mm film camera and guided us through the whole process. Additionally, the unwavering support of individuals like Jake Bottiglieri from Kodak further bolstered our efforts, ensuring that we had the necessary resources and expertise to bring our vision to life.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the preparation process was the collaborative spirit that permeated every step of the journey. From scouting affordable locations in Los Angeles and Orange County to securing the perfect park setting in Irvine, where the park wrangler’s enthusiasm for our song allowed us to navigate regulations with ease, every obstacle was overcome through people’s support and generosity.
In the end, the preparation for this music video was not just about logistics and planning; it was a testament to the power of creative collaboration and the unwavering passion for bringing art to life in its purest form.
The end music video was featured on Kodak Shoot Film Instagram page and Kodak’s music playlist on YouTube.
Watch Here:
Have you set any 2024 goals to achieve?
As a filmmaker, I had always been fascinated by the magic of shooting on film. The rich tones, the grain, the way it captures light – there’s just something special about it that digital can’t quite replicate. So when I had the opportunity to shoot my previous project on film, I jumped at the chance. And I’m so glad I did. The experience of shooting on film was truly magical. There was something about the process that just felt more real, more tangible. It wasn’t just about capturing the image – it was about the whole experience of working with the medium. Now, as I look ahead to future projects, I know that I want to work with film again. There’s just something about it that speaks to me on a deep level. I want to explore the nuances of the medium, to push its boundaries and see what I can create.
I also don’t want to limit myself to just one medium. As much as I love film, I also want to collaborate with other artists in different fields. I want to explore new creative avenues, to see what happens when different art forms collide. So, as I look ahead to 2024, I’m excited about the possibilities. I know that there will be challenges and setbacks along the way, but I’m ready to take them on. Because at the end of the day, it’s the creative process that fuels me – the joy of bringing something new and beautiful into the world. And I can’t wait to see where that journey takes me.
How can people connect with you?
I am active on Instagramand my IMDb. My website is www.zhuyunyi.art
