We had the privilege to interview Dan Qiao Megan, who has carved a distinct segment as an unbiased movie producer based mostly in LA, and celebrated for her dedication to telling genuine tales that elevate underrepresented voices within the aggressive and ever-evolving world of filmmaking. I’d say Megan isn’t just a filmmaker, however a “warrior”, a time period she makes use of to outline her method to overcoming challenges in her work. In the meantime, she’s additionally a “loving challenger”, somebody who dares to take inventive dangers whereas deeply valuing collaboration and empathy. Beneath is a glimpse into her profession journey, creation philosophy and future pursuit.
Hello, Megan, your journey in filmmaking has been outstanding. How would you outline your function as a “warrior” and a “loving challenger” on this trade?
Thanks very a lot to your recognition. I feel being a filmmaker, particularly on this aggressive trade like Hollywood, calls for a warrior spirit. To me, a warrior isn’t nearly resilience but additionally about adaptability and empathy. Filmmaking is filled with storms—inventive challenges, logistical nightmares, or perhaps a essential actor caught in Italy per week earlier than capturing. You’ve bought to experience by the storm with out leaping ship. That’s how I see myself: a movie producer who turns adversity into alternative, all whereas staying grounded in compassion and collaboration.
Your brief movie Rooster and Duck Speak carries an enchanting premise. What impressed this story?
The inspiration of this movie got here from my very own experiences navigating cultural and ideological variations. The movie’s core is a dialogue between a professor and a pupil, exploring East-West views and the hole between academia and standard tradition. It displays my journey as a filmmaker—transitioning from being an viewers member to critically participating with cinema as an artwork kind. I wished to indicate that significant tales typically emerge from clashing views, and typically these clashes educate us probably the most.
You ever talked about and emphasize the significance of scripts. How does this perception affect your filmmaking course of?
For me, the script is the soul of a challenge. If it’s not on the web page originally, it gained’t lastly present on the display. We at all times spend an immense quantity of vitality to the pre-production to make sure the story seems like genuine, relatable, and value telling. Each script I work on should excite me first and mirror one thing truthful in regards to the human expertise. I imagine audiences connect with authenticity, and that connection drives my ardour as a filmmaker.
In “Rooster and Duck Speak”, cultural stress performs a central function. How a lot of this displays your private expertise?
I’d say quite a bit after I first got here to America, truly. I grew up in China after which got here is pursuing my filmmaking, I’ve met quite a bit cultural and ideological variations not solely within the class, but additionally in my office and day by day life. The stress between the professor and the scholar within the movie mirrors my very own struggles and revelations comparatively. By means of storytelling, I wished to indicate how these variations can both divide us or change into alternatives for deeper understanding.
You typically champion female-driven narratives. Why is that this so necessary to you?
Feminine voices within the movie trade will not be sufficient, and nonetheless want extra room to be heard. My work expertise in several industries and a few private sensitivity to varied social lessons, genders, and cultures have given me a richer perspective and inspiration when shaping my characters and writing dialogues. I attempt to inform tales that elevate various views, significantly girls’s. These voices matter—they encourage, problem, and develop our understanding of the world. My purpose is to create platforms for these narratives, to make sure female-driven tales might be heard and seen by as many individuals as attainable.
As each a producer and director, how do you steadiness these roles?
Balancing these roles is difficult however rewarding. Directing is about inventive imaginative and prescient—it’s like imagining a duck gliding gracefully on water. Producing, alternatively, includes making certain that the duck has a river to glide on, discovering the appropriate insurance coverage, and hiring an animal wrangler. Switching between these mindsets requires self-discipline and flexibility. I additionally suppose an excellent producer and administrators at all times can get a comparatively greatest from whoever they’ve so I’ve been repeatedly self-regulating. I’ve discovered to belief my crew, delegate successfully, and keep calm underneath strain. If I panic, all the crew feels it, so sustaining focus is vital.
You’ve labored on over 40 movies. What motivates you to maintain on going?
I’d say it’s the tales and the viewers. I at all times can study one thing new from each challenge. And each collaboration broadens my perspective. Movie is greater than leisure, it’s additionally a option to join with others. That’s what retains me motivated—the likelihood to encourage and to be impressed.
Trying again, what has been probably the most invaluable lesson out of your filmmaking journey?
Probably the most invaluable lesson, I feel, possibly it’s learnt to pay attention, which introduced me a whole lot of lucky. I wish to hear ideas from the DP, suggestions from the AD, and even an actor’s interpretation. Listening helped me see views I most likely hadn’t considered. Filmmaking is a collaborative artwork. The perfect work comes from embracing various concepts and turning them into one thing highly effective. Subsequently, I’d additionally like to precise my gratitude to all of them who participated on this movie. Particularly my 1st AD, Iris, she managed the time very effectively, which permits me to deep deal with the inventive world. And she or he typically jogs my memory to know the DNA of my movie after we don’t have sufficient time on set. Ensure I’ve the pictures delivering what I wish to convey.
What’s subsequent for you, Megan? Any upcoming tasks you’re enthusiastic about?
Completely. I’m presently engaged on a female-driven drama. It explores the theme of resilience and group. In the meantime, I’m additionally exploring methods to make filmmaking extra accessible, supporting aspiring filmmakers and influencers to pursue their desires.
Thanks once more Dan Qiao Megan for coming. She isn’t just a filmmaker; she’s much more a storyteller, a warrior, and a loving challenger. Her ardour for elevating voices and creating significant connections by movie manufacturing will proceed to encourage extra audiences and filmmakers alike.
