Chang Yuan
B.S., Business Entrepreneurship, University of Rochester
Area(s) of Interest: Music, TV/Film, Performing Arts, Theatre, Arts/Music Festivals, Nonprofit Work, Entrepreneurship, PR/Marketing
What are 1-2 of your most significant academic/extracurricular/work experiences? During my internship at Beijing Television Station as an Assistant Director for Flavor Master, I participated in the full production cycle of three 40-minute programs, including planning, location scouting, scriptwriting, and post-production. I also researched and crafted culturally rich food stories that blended regional food traditions with audience interests, enhancing my storytelling abilities and deepening my understanding of media production.
What is your ideal job in 10 years? In about 10 years, my ideal role is to work as a film producer, overseeing the entire production process from concept development to distribution. I hope to create impactful and culturally diverse films that not only entertain but also inspire meaningful conversations and foster cross-cultural understanding.
What led you to enroll in the MSLCE program? I chose the MSLCE program because it combines leadership, business strategy, and creative industry experience, which perfectly matches my goal of becoming a film producer. My work at film festivals, television, and museum projects showed me the importance of bridging artistic vision with commercial success, and I believe Northwestern will give me the skills and network to make that happen.
What aspects of the MSLCE program are you most excited for? I’m really excited for classes like Economics of Creative Enterprises and The Power of Pitching and Persuasion. I think they’ll help me develop my business model and improve how I communicate; both key for building partnerships and growing my future ventures.
If you could have lunch with any person (living or dead) who would it be? I’d love to have lunch with Ang Lee. I really admire how he tells powerful stories that connect with people from different cultures. I’d want to hear how he balances his creative vision with the business side of filmmaking, and how he makes his movies speak to audiences all over the world.