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 March 31st! Welcome to the Jump In newsletter, 4th 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 22 Years
What I learned recently to help you become more creative and wise.
22 years ago today, I opened my eyes to this life. I began to take in the world and all it has to teach, but some lessons only arrived after the long way around. Here are some that I wish I’d learned sooner.
Stop looking for life to be easy, stop looking for shortcuts.
3 summers ago, I started questioning whether filmmaking is the right path for me. It’s such a hard uncertain career after all. But then I realized, isn’t everything worth doing, pretty difficult?
When things get hard, the brain does what it was built to do: find the easier path. That instinct kept our ancestors alive. However, the goal isn’t to survive but to thrive. Consistently doing the things you don't want to do is where character is built, and the fear of failure, if you let it, will cost you your greatest growth.
Live a more interesting life.
We are making films even when we aren’t behind the pen, camera, or computer. All the stories we encounter and the perspectives we develop is what separates the best filmmakers from the average filmmaker. So go read more. Travel more. Experience more. Observe more. Learn about people, culture, history…etc.
Don’t lose sight of the you when you first started.
The best films come from a pure place. But as you climb, the noise gets louder: opinions, politics, expectations, fear. The challenge is learning to silence all of it except the story, and do our best work. I won't pretend I've figured this out. It's a balance I'm still finding.
What I do know is this: when I'm stuck, I think of 11 year old Jiayang. That kid reminds me why any of this matters.
Latest Endeavors
What I have been working on the last couple weeks.
STARDUST: Wrapped weekend one of production on this DKA short film as the cinematographer.
EZZIE AND NIX: Script development continues on this romance feature film.
Helpful Resources
Helpful videos and books I strongly recommend for your creative journey.
Great interview with the recent Oscar-winning director Sam Davis on filmmaking.
Learn about what Applying to and Attending Film School is like.
My podcast on Building a Career in the Entertainment Industry in 2026.
Our Community
Latest ventures by members of our amazing filmmaking family.
Come support USC’s DKA on their new short film STARDUST, about a boy who built a star.
Picks of the Week
Best films and shows I’ve watched recently.
The Boys (TV Show)
Great characters and fun concept. So happy I’m finally getting into this show.
The Pitt (TV Show)
Such an intense look into a place where I hope I never end up in.
Actionable Advice
Small steps to move closer to your goals.
Start a side quest.
Do something adjacent to your main thing. Try something you always wanted to try.
Clean your workspace.
Figure out a daily routine and stick to it.
This structure will clear up your life and give you more time to do what matters.
Check-In with Me
I’d love to hear from you.
What makes a good birthday celebration to you?
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.
Spring break in China.
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