Director Yinghui Li Discusses Her Journey and Directorial Process

For many, building a career in something they love is a challenging journey. This was no different for director Yinghui Li, who overcame countless obstacles to establish herself in the film industry. Currently working as a director at Crazy Maple Studio, one of TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2024, Li has reached millions of viewers with her highly reviewed vertical series. Her filmmaking journey is one that transcends eras, combining the timeless aspect of film with a new wave of cinematic styles in the vertical format.

Born and raised in China, Li’s education began there at Communication University of China receiving a Bachelor’s degree in International Economics and Trade. Proving to be a stepping stone, she pursued her filmmaking dream in California attending the prestigious Chapman University and graduating with a Master’s degree in Film Production. Her career took off quickly following her critically acclaimed web series pilot “Slobopoly“. Li is now making new waves with her vertical series, gaining millions of views on the ReelShort app. Today we had the chance to sit down with Yinghui Li, to discuss her journey, as well as her future. She provides us with valuable insights about the future of filmmaking while highlighting projects that have been significant to her.

When did you first get interested in filmmaking?

Yinghui Li: I’ve always been interested in storytelling, but it wasn’t until I watched “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” in high school that I came to the realization that I wanted to pursue filmmaking and become a director. That movie has honestly changed my life in so many different ways. I was fascinated by how much impact both the stories and the characters had on me. I felt understood in a way I had never felt before, and decided that I wanted to express myself through filmmaking.

Have you worked in other areas of film production and how has this helped your progress as a director?

Yes! I’ve also worked as a first assistant director (1st AD) in film production. The role of a 1st AD requires a different mindset and approach to that of a director. As a 1st AD, your goal is to help production make the day and ensure safety on set. The role entails being a liaison between different departments making sure each one has a clear understanding of what they need to do for a scene and what they need to prepare for the upcoming scenes. It is a job that requires strong communication, time management and problem solving skills. I find that my experience as an AD has been very helpful to me as a director. It helps me to better strategize the coverage of a scene in the most efficient way possible.

Why do you think vertical series have taken off in recent years?

I think it comes down to the fact that how people consume content has changed over the years. Smartphones have become a huge part of our daily lives, and we’re seeking content that provides instant entertainment without demanding too much of our time. Vertical series are very easy to access, all you have to do is scroll through your phone to watch them. This combined with their short, easily digestible run time of around 1-2 minutes per episode makes these vertical series something you can watch and enjoy on the go.

How do you approach a new project? What are the first steps you take?

Each project requires a different approach depending on the scale, budget and whether or not I am the writer. For the projects where I am directing a script I also wrote, I can make the necessary changes to the script on my own. This allows me to be the creative lead in charge of both the tone and the storytelling. However, when I am directing somebody else’s script, the first thing I do is sit down with the writer. This allows me to have a clear understanding of the tone, theme and characters, making for a more creative and collaborative process which is something that I have had a lot of fun doing.

Who are your industry idols or mentors?

There are so many filmmakers whom I look up to and who have inspired me over the years. Ang Lee, Denis Villeneuve, and Julia Ducournau stand out as three of many filmmakers who have influenced my storytelling style.

What is your favorite film and why? (I know this might be impossible but if you have 2 or 3 to talk about that would be excellent!)

Honestly, this feels like an impossible question! I have a top 10 film list but the roster is constantly changing as I watch new films. But there are a few stalwarts, for example “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. As I previously mentioned, this was the film that made me want to become a filmmaker in the first place. I’ve rewatched it so many times over the years, and yet still find something new and inspiring from it with each watch. Another film that has remained on the list for a long time is “Titane” directed by Julia Ducournau. It sparked in me a fascination with body horror and the bold unconventional choices Ducournau made in the film have influenced my own storytelling style.

What unique perspective do you bring to set that helps you stand out as a director?

I think having the understanding that my success as a director isn’t just about me doing my best on my own. It’s about creating an environment that helps bring out the best of each and every one on the team. Filmmaking involves teamwork and it’s a collaborative process. I’m always excited to share my ideas with the team and see all the beautiful things they can bring to the project.

-Where do you see your career going in the future? Are you looking to branch off into Hollywood productions? Do you enjoy working within the “newer” framework of film production where online presence can be just as important as billboard success?

I think coming from the traditional “horizontal” filmmaking to directing vertical series has given me new perspectives in storytelling. But, at the end of the day regardless of whether it’s vertical or horizontal, I’m trying to tell good stories. I want to create stories that emotionally engage people, which is why I became a filmmaker in the first place. I think it is hard to predict what the industry will look like over the next few years, but I believe there are good stories to tell in any format. I want to explore the vertical world further while taking time to develop my own projects.

What has been your greatest success to date?

One of the most important milestones in my career was getting recognized by the Television Academy Foundation for “Slobopoly”, a web series pilot I directed. I’m also very proud of my very first vertical series “Recipe for Faking a Marriage”, which has received over 35 million views on the ReelShort app.