Text By Kate Stone
Jiaci Yan is a Chinese videographer living in New York City. He has been a huge fan of cinematography since he was little, he loves to record the moments in life and make them look cinematic. What started in the backstage of New York Fashion Week, Jiaci Yan has become a rising fashion videographer who is ready for capturing more supermodels in the industry. Working with the dreaming lady Maye Musk, mother of Elon Musk, Jiaci Yan documents her cover shooting well and smoothly. Additionally, Jiaci has connected with supermodels and popular nfluencers such as Victoria Jancke and Ann Sophie.
We spoke with Jiaci about his upbringing, start in videography, life in New York City, and stories behind the scenes.
Where did you grow up, and how did you become a videographer?
I am from a small town Lanxi in China, people there don’t know much about movies, don’t even say the industry. But my father was different, he loved watching Hollywood movies and always watched with me. As a young boy, I was fascinated by movies and their ability to showcase human emotions, strengths, and vulnerabilities in a way that is both captivating and inspiring. This love for cinema led me to pursue videography as a profession.
I studied coding at first because it was the most popular major at the time and most of my peers chose to code, but the further I learn, the more I feel lost since it was not the thing I love to do. There was one time I was helping the school casting team set up their gear and prepare for filming, I found I love everything they were doing. So, I quit coding and started learning about videography and editing, and soon I discovered my true calling in life. With every project I worked on, I just loved more about what I am doing.
We saw that you have made videos for New York Fashion Week. How was your
experience?
The first time they invited me to the fashion week, I was beyond thrilled to be able to create videos for those fashion brands during the fashion week. I knew that the pressure to deliver a visually stunning and captivating video that accurately captures the essence of the event would be intense, but I was eager to rise to the challenge. On the day of the show, I was up bright and early, setting up my equipment and getting ready to capture the magic of the show. My camera was an extension of my eye, greedily capturing every movement, every gesture, and every moment. When the video was complete, I was filled with pride and a sense of accomplishment. I had created something truly special, a visual tribute to the creativity and beauty of the fashion brands there. And as I watched the final product, I knew that I had captured a piece of the magic of the incredible show, and that was just the beginning of my journey as a videographer.
Being part of the production team of the cover story for Maye Musk, how do you recall
that experience?
Making a fashion video for Maye Musk was probably the best experience I ever had. I was elated when I saw the renowned model and entrepreneur, Maye Musk. This was a dream come true for me as a videographer, to work with one of the most wellknown names in the industry. The day of the shoot was a flurry of activity. The studio was bustling with makeup artists, stylists, and photographers all working together to make this cover shoot a success. For me, Maye was professional with no doubt, she was a natural in front of the camera, exuding confidence and charm. It was a privilege to witness her talent and grace up close.
Maye could stand there and pose for over 8 hours, which was not an easy task that everyone could make, don’t even say it was at the age of 74. Her spirit influenced everyone on site, and everyone got motivated by her. I was overjoyed with the result when the final version was ready. The video was a fitting tribute to Maye’s talent and beauty, and I was proud to have played a part in capturing it.
What was the biggest challenge of doing the project?
Cover shoots are often tight on schedule, which means that there is limited time to capture all the necessary footage. Especially when Maye needs to change almost eight outfits and has an interview arranged in the middle of the shooting. It means the whole team of people needed to work effectively with others and coordinate all the moving parts of this large-scale shoot, including lighting, makeup, and wardrobe. Everything is supposed to be ready when Maye is done with the current look and gets ready for the next. As the only videographer there, I needed to be extra-focused and detail-oriented to capture all the moments I need.
You are currently based in New York City, how does the city form your artistic side?
New York City is such a special city, especially when it comes to art and the filming style of my own. New York City is often considered a hub for art and creativity, and it’s not hard to see why. The city’s energy, diversity, and constant movement inspired me the first time I came here. For me, the city’s urban landscape, iconic skyline, bustling streets, and vibrant neighborhoods provide endless visual inspiration. New York City has been home to a diverse range of cultures and communities, which provided me with rich material to draw from and explore. With so many artists and creative people living and working in the city, I just had more inspiration, collaboration opportunities, and a network for artists to showcase everyone’s work. Also, New York City is home to some of the world’s most prestigious museums and galleries, offering me the chance to see and learn from the work of other talents and masters in the world.
Besides fashion videography, you have also been working on urban landscape photography. What can you tell us about?
In addition to my work in fashion videography, I have also been exploring the world of urban landscape photography. This type of photography allows me to capture the unique beauty and character of cities and their environments. From the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets to the quiet parks and hidden alleyways, urban landscapes offer endless opportunities for creativity and storytelling. I find that urban landscapes provide a fascinating backdrop for exploring themes such as human interaction with the built environment, the passage of time, and the interplay between nature and man-made structures. Through my work, I aim to showcase the diversity, beauty, and complexities of urban environments and the people who inhabit them.
Which is one of the best pieces of advice you have ever received?
“Get ready for the accidents” It’s one of the best pieces of advice I ever received from my experienced videographer friend. I have learned that there are so many unpredictable things that could happen during shooting, and as a videographer, I must be prepared for things like sudden demands from people, bad weather, road conditions, random passersby in the background, lighting, noises, etc. So, as I have gained some experience, I always double-check everything to make sure the shooting will be under control, and I go early to check the place, the angles to shoot, the props I can use, etc.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to watch YouTube videos, TikTok and Instagram because there are so many talents out there creating tons of content every minute. For me, it is exploring new creative avenues and learning new techniques by just watching. This can include experimenting with new cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment, and exploring new styles of videography. Many videographers enjoy traveling and lisiting new places to capture unique landscapes, cultures, and stories, and incorporating these experiences into their work. All of these make me so excited and motivated that I cannot wait to explore and try the new techniques I found interesting.
Anything else you would like to share?
I love videography, and I didn’t make up my mind until I went to graduate school. Now, I am so sure that I will do this as my lifetime career, and I can keep learning it and do it without thinking about other things. I think it is never too late to start doing something I really like, but just keep doing it and I will get better and better.