Last Updated on August 9, 2024
From the cultural depths of Eastern China, to the bustling world of Hollywood, Weiyang Li’s path in filmmaking has been marked by purpose and determination. His early days, marked by playful enactments of folklore on his mother’s office table, laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in the expansive realm of documentary filmmaking. With each project, whether exploring the socio-cultural dynamics of southeastern China or crafting suspense in international thriller series, Li has showcased his ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Weiyang’s approach to cinema is multifaceted. While he possesses the precision of an editor, he also dives deeply into the core of storytelling, understanding the intricacies of character and narrative. Let’s learn more about Weiyang Li’s career here.
The filmmaker’s evolution
Born in Jiangxi, Eastern China, Weiyang Li’s interest in storytelling began early. According to my mom’s recollection,” he recounts, “I started acting at the age of 1, mimicking the Monkey King from ‘Journey to the West,’ dancing on the office table at my mother’s workplace.” This early passion led him to leadership roles in college theater associations. Later, at China Youth University of Political Studies, he studied Broadcasting and Television Journalism. Under the influence of author Liang Hong, Weiyang gained an appreciation for the humanitarian aspects of journalism and the potential of documentary filmmaking.
The contrasting styles of theater and film shaped Weiyang’s approach. He pursued further studies at Loyola Marymount University, expanding his international exposure. “In 2018, my collaboration with the writer and director Ryan Larkin on the short film ‘Insight’ as an editor opened up a whole new dimension of filmmaking to me,” he shares. Taking cues from filmmakers like David Lean, Weiyang saw editing as a stepping stone to writing and directing.
As Weiyang Li’s career progresses, he remains committed to his craft and vision in the film industry.
Creative journey
Weiyang Li’s cinematic journey has seamlessly transitioned from the picturesque landscapes of his hometown to the dynamic world of Hollywood. Recognized for his unparalleled editing skills, Li has left his mark on notable platforms such as Netflix and esteemed film festivals including the LA Shorts International Film Festival, Flamingo Film Fest, and Dances with Films Festival.
A cornerstone in his career was his contribution to the Netflix thriller series, “Till Death Do Us Part.” Collaborating with Director Kuan-Fu “FT” Lin, Weiyang edited the episode “Last Stop: Paradise,” bringing to life a narrative that probes deep into the complexities of a reconnecting couple with a dark history. He reflects, “When editing an episode within a thriller series, the primary goal is to craft suspense that leads the audience through mysteries towards the final twist. Editing creates an eerie atmosphere and an uncanny rhythm to hint that something is amiss beneath those smiles.” This meticulous approach led the episode to be celebrated at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival.
Building on this momentum, Weiyang collaborated with writer and director Cairo Smith on the psychological thriller, “Screwdriver.” Li shared, “While ‘Last Stop: Paradise’ presents suspense in 30 minutes, ‘Screwdriver’ sustains tension throughout its 94-minute runtime, demanding a dynamic progression in the narrative structure.” His intent was to ensure every character had their intimate and vulnerable moments, capturing the power dynamics among them.
The film’s excellence in narrative structure and pacing not only premiered at the 25th Dances with Films Festival but is also set to stream on Amazon Prime Video, distributed by Buffalo 8, on November 10, 2023. This underscores Weiyang’s significant presence in the industry.
Navigating genres with Melt Pictures
Having established partnerships with cinematic giants like Netflix and Buffalo 8 Distribution, Li’s prominence in the industry is evident.
“In 2022, Ivy Yang of Melt Pictures presented me with an opportunity to expand beyond editing,” Li recounts. “Melt Pictures granted me significant creative freedom, enabling me to craft around 150 minutes of narrative content. This experience greatly enriched my knowledge in navigating varied genres.” The transition saw Weiyang creating content for major mobile games including “Dead by Daylight Mobile” and “Knives Out.” He reflects on this foray into commercials, emphasizing, “It’s all about understanding and forging connections among people.”
Broadening his horizons further, Weiyang ventured into writing and directing, inspired by his own resonant vision and compelling themes. His debut feature, “Away,” explores deep into the generational struggles arising from China’s one-child policy. Drawing inspiration from personal observations, he shares, “The idea of ‘Away’ first occurred to me in 2017. I asked myself about the most vital theme to explore. It became clear that it was the shared loneliness and longing for connection among my generation affected by the policy.”
The film narrates the friendship between two boys from vastly different backgrounds, united in their shared sense of isolation. Weiyang draws parallels between the theme of his movie and the emotional depth in classics like Charlie Chaplin’s “City Light.” He describes “Away” as a tribute to the resilience of human spirit against life’s adversities.
Prior to this, Li’s work “XYXY” made waves, shedding light on contemporary issues with a fantastical twist. He explains, “It’s a tale that dives into the heart of a same-sex couple learning from their mutant son about individuality. In the face of public judgment, their son, adorned with enormous wings, embraces the world.” This film garnered widespread acclaim, resonating deeply with its audiences.
Li’s diverse collaborations include co-production with Taiwanese filmmaker, Kuan-Fu “FT” Lin, on “Frenchies,” a satire focusing on immigrant fears. His association with Lin further extended to the Netflix series “Till Death Do Us Part.” These endeavors further reinforce Li’s reputation as a multifaceted artist, committed to addressing societal concerns with a unique narrative touch.
As Weiyang steadfastly progresses in his career, it’s evident that his work with Melt Pictures and other major collaborations have set the stage for even more groundbreaking storytelling.
Carving the path forward
Weiyang Li has long been celebrated for his meticulous attention to detail and unparalleled expertise in narrative film editing. As he charts his course forward, Li now finds himself drawn to the authentic and poignant world of documentary feature film editing. “Having served as an editor for numerous narrative films,” Li notes, “I’m now eager to immerse myself more deeply into documentary editing.”
As the lead editor for two documentary feature films and playing a pivotal role in the post-production for two more, he recognizes the unique challenges and rewards this domain presents. For Li, documentary films are more than just a different genre – they offer a vast canvas to portray stories anchored in the real world. This venture not only augments his understanding of how documentary directors capture the raw essence of reality but also facilitates a deeper connection with the myriad of lives he engages with through his work.
In addition to his new endeavors in the documentary space, Weiyang’s passion for storytelling remains evident in his independent filmmaking pursuits. Currently, he is meticulously shaping a compelling trilogy focusing on the central character from his debut feature, “Away.”
Weiyang’s intent is clear: he wishes to utilize the extensive creative arsenal he’s garnered during his time in Hollywood to showcase the essence of his hometown to a global audience. As he seamlessly transitions between the different facets of filmmaking, one thing remains consistent – his commitment to delivering stories that resonate, enlighten, and touch the human soul.
A word of advice
For any budding filmmaker, the allure of working with major platforms is undeniable. However, the pathway to such collaborations is often paved with intricacies and nuances. Weiyang Li, with his wealth of experience, offers a crucial piece of advice: “Begin by defining the genre.”
In the ever-evolving world of cinema, genre acts as both a historic playbook for the industry and a guiding roadmap for audiences. A clear understanding of genre allows filmmakers to align their vision with a platform’s expectations. By staying true to a genre’s inherent guidelines, one ensures that the audience is not only receptive but is also deeply engrossed in the cinematic narrative being presented.
Yet, beyond the boundaries of genre, Li emphasizes the importance of character depth in storytelling. “At the very core of any film are its characters,” he remarks. It’s these intricate, relatable, and often unforgettable characters that anchor a story, making it memorable and eliciting the desire among viewers to revisit the narrative repeatedly. As a filmmaker, Li stresses the significance of breathing life into characters – through careful editing choices, insightful performance selections, and more. Such intricately developed characters resonate profoundly, creating a lasting impact on the audience’s psyche.
In an era where the filmmaking industry grapples with multifaceted challenges, ranging from technological evolutions to shifts in audience preferences, the essence of storytelling remains paramount. While external factors may demand attention, it’s the heart of the story – the ability to materialize someone’s vision and connect it with audiences – that truly defines the filmmaker’s journey. As Li succinctly puts it, “Turning visions into reality and weaving them into the fabric of cinema is the raison d’être for many of us in the world of filmmaking.”
