Beijing-based producer Song shares her experience in hiring talent for commercials. They discuss balancing work and relaxation, prioritizing quality over money in production, challenges in casting and stereotypes, managing a live streaming team, the development of online platforms, and transitioning from casting director to video producer. They also touch on studying abroad in Minsk, shooting a production in Kip-ton, future plans and climate preferences, challenging societal expectations, production horror story, finding voice over talent, budget constraints, contracts and payment systems, the importance of good food on set, books, bar stories, dealing with fear, setting goals, building relationships, and reclaiming the word 'woman'.
Effective team management, clear communication, and reliable compensation are crucial for successful production.
Managing finances and making sound business decisions are essential for sustainable operations.
Being prepared for unforeseen challenges is vital in production.
Steps are being taken to challenge gender biases and create a more inclusive environment in the film industry.
Flexibility, resourcefulness, and the ability to think on one's feet are essential qualities in film production.
Deep dives
Transitioning from Live Streaming to Model Agency and Commercials
After working as a live streamer recruiter and manager, I transitioned to running a model agency, representing models for photo shoots and video commercials. This eventually led me to pitch for full production projects, where I faced challenges and learned valuable lessons.
Managing the Team and Dealing with Payments
In my early days as a producer, I struggled with managing the team effectively and ensuring timely payments. I learned the importance of clear communication, creating systems, and providing reliable compensation to the team members.
Reflecting on the Loss of Investment
During my time as a live stream recruiter, my team received an investment of half a million RMB, but we didn't generate enough revenue to sustain our operations. The experience taught me valuable lessons about managing finances and making sound business decisions.
Exploring New Areas and Expanding Skills
While I continue to work in commercials, I also have an interest in exploring new areas such as documentaries and scriptwriting. I believe in focusing on the present, enjoying what I do, and constantly seeking personal and professional growth.
Challenges of Filming a Mobile Game Commercial
During the production of a mobile game commercial, the wardrobe guy informed that the costume set for the pirate-themed game was not received just two days before the shoot. To meet the shooting deadline, a team member was sent to Guangzhou to pick up the costumes. Although there was a minor issue with one costume, the shoot was successful. This incident highlights the importance of being prepared for unforeseen challenges in production.
Gender Discrimination on Set
In the film industry, there is a discriminatory practice where women are not allowed to sit on the gearboxes. This occurred during a shoot when a woman sat on a gearbox and was reprimanded by a crew member who said only men were allowed to sit on them. This gender bias is common on sets, but steps are being taken to challenge these norms and create a more inclusive environment.
Creative Problem-Solving with Limited Budgets
Another challenge in production is when the client's vision exceeds the budget. A project required a hospital scene set in a fancy hospital, but the allocated budget could not cover the cost. As a producer, creative problem-solving was necessary, and the script was adjusted to shoot the hospital scene in a less expensive location. This required reallocating funds and making changes to the other parts of the production to accommodate the client's expectations within the limited budget.
Unexpected Challenges during Shoots
Shoots often come with unexpected challenges, such as script changes, wardrobe mishaps, or unexpected constraints. However, being prepared for these challenges and remaining calm are key in successfully navigating through them. Flexibility, resourcefulness, and an ability to think on one's feet are essential qualities to have in the fast-paced world of film production.
Dealing with fear and visualization as a freelancer
The speaker talks about tackling fear as a freelancer and the importance of visualization. She shares that she has learned to hold fear in her hands and keep moving forward. She also mentions using visualization to focus on the type of person she wants to be and set specific goals. By visualizing her desired qualities, she is able to make choices aligned with her values.
Taking back the meaning of 'woman'
The speaker discusses the negative connotations associated with the word 'woman' in Chinese culture, such as derogatory slang terms. She expresses the importance of reclaiming the positive meanings of the word and empowering women. She emphasizes the need to challenge societal perceptions and celebrate women's contributions in various roles, such as being a housewife. The speaker encourages giving back the original, positive meanings to the word 'woman' and reshaping its significance.
Joining me today is Song, a Beijing-based producer who is in charge of hiring all that talent you see in those commercials you try to skip!
It's not an industry that receives the same glitz and glam as the big movies, but she is busy, profitable, and looking for talent. In this episode we talk about how Song got her start in the industry, some of the missteps she's had, and what she sees both for her production company and her new family going forward.
Clocking in at just under three hours, this episode will be of interest to those in China who might be looking for a career change (or side gig) and for those outside of China who are interested in how things work here.
To get in touch with Song, you can find her at:
WECHAT: wangconghuahua
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