James Zhang
B.F.A., Photography, Film, Video and New Media, School of The Art Institute of Chicago
Area(s) of Interest
Music, TV/Film, Visual Arts, Fine Arts, Photography, Video/Digital Media, Arts/Music Festivals, Entrepreneurship, PR/Marketing, Gaming
What are 1-2 of your most significant academic/extracurricular/work experiences?
Working as an Account Executive at Shunya International, and interning at Ruder Finn Asia
What is your ideal job/role in about 10 years?
Not sure yet but I hope to master effective communication with clients, strategies to share creativity, and an outlook sensitivity to future trends. In the long run, I will strive to make an impact in the media world
What led you to enroll in the MSLCE program at Northwestern?
I wish to hone my cinematic skills and better understanding the media industry. I wish to explore the intermingling of art and commerce. I also want to learn how to evaluate the business value of new media markets reasonably. I want to learn how to strike a balance between artistry and economic returns when producing a new media product. More importantly, through the courses, professional development activities and speaker events here, I will get opportunities to connect with renowned professionals in creative industries, and thus weave a strong network for my career.
Favorite (song/movie/podcast/show/festival/exhibition…)
My current favorite movies are still 1917 and the Grand Budapest Hotel. Favorite TV show is Game of Thrones.
What aspect of the MSLCE program are you most excited to experience? (i.e. specific class, site visit, IDEA fund, internship, etc.)
I am really interested in classes like Understanding the Creative Industries and Economics of Creative Enterprises. I am also excited to experience local site visits and internship or career opportunities.
If you could have lunch with one person (living or dead), who would it be? And why?
Gordon Ramsey because I know it’s going to be good food.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, they would be…
Self-motivated, collaborative, target-orientated
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would go to a random island in the middle of the Caribbean and settle down there.