This is Jiayang Liu’s bi-weekly newsletter on building a creative and fulfilling life. A place where lessons, resources, roadmaps, and exclusive behind the scenes are shared.
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Hey, it’s Jiayang!
Happy Tuesday, I’m back! Welcome to the Jump In newsletter, 5th issue. If this is your first time, I’m so excited for you to join me on this creative endeavor! I’m constantly learning lessons about life and creativity, and I wanted to create a space to share those reflections with people on similar creative journeys.
Lessons from the Last Weeks
What I learned recently to help you become more creative and wise.
Motivation is the result of action, not the cause of it.
It's easy to sit and wait for inspiration to strike. But I've found that the drive to do the work almost always comes from simply starting, from doing the thing before you feel ready.
Make sure you are having fun.
Balancing school with a dozen different projects sounds exhausting on paper. But when you genuinely love what you're building, it becomes far more manageable than it looks from the outside. That love is ultimately the only thing that separates the people who keep going from the ones who don't. Find ways to make the journey feel exciting, because it should be.
Latest Endeavors
What I have been working on the last couple weeks.
DP’d NAVYS (music video) for Maddie Jayne.
DP’d LOVE AMNESIA (music video) for Josh Moray.
DP’d STARDUST (short film), weekend 2 production. Finally wrapped.
Produced a GMC Commercial for Selmshots.
Producing “AYO U UP?” (commercial) for DrinkOver. We are actually looking for background actors for this upcoming Monday and Sunday. So hit me up if you’re interested in being at a party or office boardroom.
Producing EZZIE & NIX (feature film): We've kicked off rehearsals and launched our Instagram. This story means so much to everyone involved, it would mean the world to have you follow along on the journey.
Helpful Resources
Helpful videos and books I strongly recommend for your creative journey.
A reminder of why we make movies.
Our Community
Latest ventures by members of our amazing filmmaking family.
Follow NEON HEARTS, a new sci-fi short by film director Alexander Guo.
Picks of the Week
Best films and shows I’ve watched recently.
Project Hail Mary (2026 Movie)
Yes. I teared up.
28 Years Later (2025 Movie)
Can’t believe it was shot on iPhone lol.
The Drama (2026 Movie)
Loved the energy in my theater, so many gasps.
Actionable Advice
Small steps to move closer to your goals.
Figure out what is the most important thing you need to be doing tomorrow and do that first thing in the morning.
Check-In with Me
I’d love to hear from you.
What’s something fun you’ve been proud to be working on?
What are you working on?
Anything you like to promote to our community?
Any support you need from the community?
Behind the Scenes
A snippet of my life.
Producing for GMC in Malibu.
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