Award-winning film producer Yunyi Zhu has established herself as an essential player in the world of movie making. Hailing from Beijing, China, Yunyi has a double major in Radio, TV, Film and Economics, and then to further her craft she attended the prestigious Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and graduated with an MFA in Television and Film production.
Over the years, Yunyi has become a sought-after Hollywood Producer, bringing her overseas knowledge and experience which has given her the cutting edge to work with prominent studios, Warner Bros., Mei Ah Entertainment (Hong Kong), Vanishing Angles, Tencent Pictures, and many others. She has mastered her craft, and Hollywood is welcoming her fresh approach to filmmaking and talent.
Yunyi’s latest project ‘Night Vibe’recently had its World Premiere at the iconic movie palace TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, home to the Walk of Fame.
Welcome Yunyi. Thank you for taking time to talk with us. Before we talk about your work on ‘Night Vibe’, what was your first ever Producing gig?
I began my producing career in the world of branded content and commercials, with my first significant project being a commercial for Eco Flow, a leading tech company specializing in eco-friendly energy solutions. This experience was a crash course in the realities of production, which goes far beyond just managing logistics. I quickly realized that at the heart of successful producing is strong communication and the ability to assemble a cohesive team.
In the early stages, it was all about understanding the client’s vision and translating that into actionable plans for the creative and technical teams. I had to learn to navigate various challenges, from budget constraints to tight schedules, all while maintaining a clear line of communication between everyone involved.
Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some renowned international brands, including Riot Games, Mihoyo, Eco Flow, and Lai Fen. Each project brought its unique set of challenges and learning experiences, further honing my skills as a producer.
Working with these brands allowed me to explore different creative approaches and adapt to various industry standards and practices. For instance, collaborating with Riot Games and Mihoyo, leaders in the gaming industry, required a deep understanding of the gaming culture and audience, as well as the technical aspects of producing content that resonates with gamers.
Overall, these experiences shaped my approach to producing, emphasizing the importance of being detail-oriented, communicative, and collaborative. The projects have not only expanded my professional network but also enriched my understanding of different markets and cultural nuances. Each project has reinforced the importance of flexibility, clear communication, and the ability to manage diverse teams. These skills are crucial in delivering high-quality productions that meet the expectations of global brands and their audiences. They laid the foundation for my career, instilling in me the skills and values necessary to navigate the complexities of production.
You have worked on many film and television projects with major studios like Warner Brothers. What was one of your favorites and why?
It’s hard to pick just one favorite project, but the most memorable one was a feature film I worked on as a producer assistant during my time at Warner Bros. This film was produced and shot during the pandemic, presenting a unique set of challenges that made the experience unforgettable. The restrictions of quarantine and limited transportation were just the beginning. We had to implement stringent health protocols on set, including regular testing, social distancing, and wearing personal protective equipment. These measures were crucial in ensuring the safety of the cast and crew but also added layers of complexity to the production process.
Filming began in the summer of 2021 in Chengdu, where the hot weather added another layer of difficulty. The combination of high temperatures and necessary health protocols, such as wearing masks and maintaining social distance, made the working conditions particularly challenging. I was responsible for helping to develop and enforce these protocols, ensuring they were practical and adhered to by everyone on set. This role required close coordination with health professionals and production managers, continuous monitoring of the situation, and frequent communication with the team to address any concerns or issues.
Navigating frequent schedule changes and adapting to an ever-evolving situation required constant communication and flexibility. With travel restrictions in place, coordinating with team members in different locations became a logistical puzzle. However, during the month-long shoot, we successfully wrapped without anyone falling ill, which was a significant achievement given the circumstances.
Despite these hurdles, the experience was incredibly rewarding. It taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving under pressure. Working in such a constrained environment pushed us all to think creatively and find innovative solutions to the issues we faced. The project not only highlighted the importance of meticulous planning and strong communication but also underscored the value of a dedicated and cohesive team. It remains a standout experience in my career, demonstrating that even in the most challenging times, a committed group can overcome obstacles and deliver outstanding results.
The film has not been released yet, but I hope people all over the world will soon have the opportunity to see our hard work on the big screen. It’s a project that means a lot to everyone involved, and we are eager to share it with a global audience.
Your latest project just premiered at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre. That must have been an incredible experience. Tell us about ‘Night Vibe’.
‘Night Vibe’ is a music video made for T-Seal’s song of the same name. It was thrilled that our project was selected by the renowned Dances With Films Festival and premiered at TCL Chinese Theatre.
The story follows the story of Tory, who feels trapped by his mundane life and embarks on an unexpectedly trippy night drive. This journey becomes a metaphorical exploration of his inner self. As he drives through the night, the mundane landscapes of his everyday life transform into surreal, otherworldly environments that challenge his perceptions and beliefs. The visuals are a dynamic blend of vibrant colors and imaginative effects, designed to reflect the turbulence and transformation happening within Tory.
Throughout the night, Tory encounters various symbolic elements and characters that mirror his internal struggles and desires. Each scene is crafted to represent different facets of his psyche, from his deepest fears to his hidden aspirations. The trippy visuals and evocative music create an immersive experience that captures the essence of his introspective journey.
By the end of the drive, Tory arrives at a profound realization about himself. He emerges with a renewed sense of clarity and understanding, having confronted and embraced the truths that were once buried beneath the surface of his routine existence.
What was this experience like for you?
‘Night Vibe’was a particularly special project because it was made with friends. Director, Harry Chen and DoP, Ricky Jhou, Costume Designer, Alexa Maghloubi, all of whom have worked with me on numerous projects, were integral to this music video. The entire crew was composed of people we’ve known for a long time, so working together felt like a family reunion.
The familiarity translated into smooth communication and deep understanding of each other’s working style. We were able to navigate any obstacles that came our way with ease because we knew each other’s strengths and weakness. Harry knows that I had a big list of filming locations and was familiar with many rental houses in LA. When he approached to me about the project, he instantly mentioned about the specific look for the locations that he wants. This insight into each other’s expertise allowed us to efficiently tackle logistical challenges and make quick, informed decisions. When issues arose, we could rely on each other’s knowledge and resources, knowing exactly who to approach for specific needs. Harry’s awareness of my location resources was particularly valuable, ensuring we had access to the ideal settings that aligned with the vision for ‘Night Vibe’.
The comfort and mutual respect within the team fostered a collaborative environment where creativity could flourish. We were able to focus on crafting a compelling visual narrative for T-Seal’s song, knowing we had the support and understanding of a trusted crew. Each department was given full freedom to implement their creative vision and ideas, which contributed significantly to the project’s success.
This autonomy allowed each team member to explore innovative approaches and bring their expertise to the forefront. The synergy between the different departments—ranging from art and costume design to lighting and editing—resulted in a cohesive and visually striking music video.
The collaborative spirit extended beyond just creative freedom; it was about trusting each other’s judgment and embracing the collective goal of creating something special. By empowering everyone to contribute their unique perspectives and skills, we were able to produce a music video that not only met but exceeded our creative expectations. This approach made the project not just a professional achievement but also a shared and memorable experience for everyone involved.
How did you find being the lead Producer on the movie?
Director Harry (Xingyu) and I have collaborated on various projects over the years, including his acclaimed short film Flatulence: The Origin. When he sent me the song and concept for Night Vibe, I immediately fell in love with the project. The idea of featuring a night shift driver wandering through the town, encountering different versions of himself, and ultimately discovering his true identity resonated deeply with me.
The concept’s blend of personal exploration and the nocturnal setting set the stage for a visually stunning and emotionally engaging music video. I was excited to bring this vision to life and contribute to a project that promised to be both artistically and thematically rewarding.
Moreover, the concept was intriguing and full of potential for visual storytelling. The night drive, with its surreal and introspective elements, provided a rich canvas for creativity, allowing us to blend imaginative visuals with the evocative music. We discussed how to use different lighting setups to illustrate the various stages of Tory’s journey of self-discovery.
Color played a significant role in the music video as well. Given the dark night background, we planned to incorporate vibrant, colorful elements to highlight key messages and enhance the overall visual impact. These colors were strategically chosen to stand out against the nightscape, emphasizing the transformative and revelatory moments in Tory’s journey.
Can you share any fun Behind the Scenes stories?
Due to our tight budget, I suggested to Harry that we film the car scenes using projected moving backgrounds on a stage rather than opting for expensive LED screens or shooting on location. This technique often nicknamed “the poor man’s process,” involves using a non-moving car mounted on Gojaks, with a projected background complemented by camera movement and lighting. This approach effectively recreates the illusion of real driving through a cinematic lens, allowing us to achieve the desired effect while keeping costs manageable.
However, we encountered a challenge during filming when the projector wasn’t bright enough to be effectively captured on camera. In a pinch, we had to quickly run to a store to buy a new projector with a higher-wattage bulb. Despite this hiccup, the process was engaging and fun for everyone on set. Operating under constraints gave us more opportunity to be hands on instead of depending on technologies. It also pushed us to be creative and resourceful.
Which actors / directors would you like to collaborate with in future?
I’m a huge fan of Yorgos Lanthimos and deeply admire his unique and provocative style. His ability to blend striking visuals with unconventional storytelling brings a fresh perspective to every project. I particularly appreciate how his films spark thought and challenge traditional narratives. Collaborating with him would be a dream come true, as I’m eager to see how his visionary approach could enhance and inspire new creative endeavors.
What is up next for you?
I’m currently collaborating with my director/producer friend Danny Castro on his new feature film, The Kids from Juvie. We’re excited about the project’s potential, especially since the script was recently selected as a quarterfinalist at the 2024 ScreenCraft Feature Script Competition. This recognition has energized our efforts as we work on the film’s development. We’re focused on refining the script, assembling the right team, and planning the production strategy to bring this compelling story to life. The journey so far has been inspiring, and we’re eager to see how the project unfolds.
We cannot wait to see what you do next!
Thank you, Yunyi Zhu, for the incredible interview. Follow her on Instagram and IMDb. Her website is www.zhuyunyi.art