Recently, with the rise in popularity of short dramas, producer Kouxiao (Amy) Zhang announced her plans to focus on producing short dramas in the future. These short dramas will be adapted from several of her previously acclaimed works. As this exciting news spreads, we delve deeper into her remarkable career and contributions to the film industry.

Her past works include When Big People Lie, Backbone, Anshan Diaries, Cali’s Flipped, and Hongfu Hotel, among others. Notably, Hongfu Hotel, a short film blending Chinese mythology with a modern New York setting, premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, earning widespread acclaim. Additionally, her documentary Langue, which explores cultural and linguistic diversity, was selected for the 2022 Palm Springs International ShortFest and received a special jury mention at the Nowness Short Film Awards.

Kouxiao Zhang’s versatility is evident in her ability to balance creative vision with the logistical demands of production, contributing to the success of a diverse range of projects. Her innovative approach and meticulous project management have solidified her reputation as a rising star in the industry.

Image credit: Justin Bettman, American Film Institute

Looking ahead, Kouxiao Zhang is preparing to take her career to new heights with a series of vertical short drama projects. These short dramas, designed specifically for mobile viewing, will explore innovative storytelling techniques and modern content delivery methods. Building on her previous successful works such as After Class, Hongfu Hotel, Boss Up, My CEO!, Darling, Please Come Home,  Struggle For Love (金刀出鞘), and Football On The Roof (屋顶足球), these new projects further highlight Zhang’s continuous exploration of creative boundaries and her keen awareness of the latest industry trends.

Zhang’s journey in the film industry has been defined by her exceptional organizational skills and her commitment to guiding productions from concept to completion. Originally from China, she moved to the United States to pursue her passion for film production and quickly built an impressive portfolio. Her work on serialized content, such as Boss Up, My CEO! and Darling, Please Come Home, along with her contributions to feature films like Struggle For Love and Football On The Roof, demonstrates her versatility and expertise in handling both independent and large-scale productions.

Image credit: Justin Bettman, American Film Institute

One of Zhang’s early milestones was the vertical mini web series Boss Up, My CEO!, where she played a pivotal role as producer. The series, which explores themes of leadership, ambition, and romance within a corporate setting, became popular for its engaging storyline and strong performances. Boss Up, My CEO! achieved significant recognition on the Sereal+ platform, where it was featured on the homepage and topped the “Most Popular” list. This success underscored Zhang’s ability to create compelling content that attracts wide viewership and solidifies her growing reputation in the industry. Zhang’s involvement included overseeing every aspect of production, from casting to post-production, showcasing her ability to deliver content that resonates with both local and international audiences.

Following this success, Zhang took on the challenge of producing Darling, Please Come Home, a vertical mini web series designed for mobile platforms. As the line producer, she coordinated a tight schedule and multiple departments to bring this emotionally driven narrative to life. The series, produced for the ReelShort App, was well-received for its innovative format and accessible storytelling. This drama was not only released on ReelShort, a leading platform in the industry, but also ranked top 2 on the ReelShort APP’s hot drama list. So far, the drama has been viewed nearly 100k times. Such results further highlight Zhang’s adaptability to new digital media trends.

In addition to her work in serialized content, Zhang made significant contributions to two major Chinese film projects. She served as the Film Planning for Struggle For Love (《金刀出鞘》), a feature film broadcast on CCTV-6, where she assisted the lead producer in executing many essential production tasks and contributed significantly to the planning and organizational aspects of the project. The film’s success on a national platform underscores Zhang’s ability to contribute effectively to high-profile productions. Similarly, her role as a Film Planner on Football On The Roof (《屋顶足球》), which premiered at Cannes as part of China’s New Talents Going Global Program, demonstrated her capability in handling international productions.

Struggle For Love (《金刀出鞘》) gained significant viewership on CCTV-6, one of China’s most esteemed film channels, solidifying its impact among domestic audiences. It won the Best Film award at the 17th London World Film Festival in 2021. Another of Zhang’s key projects, Football On The Roof (《屋顶足球》), achieved a box office total of 1.02 million RMB and earned multiple accolades. These include a Special Jury Recommendation for a project in development at the 2021 Golden Rooster Film Project Market, the Special Jury Recommendation Award at the 34th Golden Rooster Film Festival, and a nomination for the Golden Silk Road Award” in the main competition of the 10th Silk Road International Film Festival. Additionally, it was featured in the Chinese section of the Cannes Film Festival, further amplifying its global reach. Zhang’s contributions to these projects were instrumental, from managing complex production schedules to overseeing budgets, ensuring that each production met its creative and logistical goals. Her work continues to be a testament to her ability to craft films that resonate both locally and internationally.

Image credit: Justin Bettman, American Film Institute

In summary, Kouxiao (Amy) Zhang’s contributions to both serialized and feature film productions underscore her talent as an exceptional producer. Her ability to manage diverse projects while maintaining artistic integrity and commercial viability has positioned her as a standout figure in the film industry. As she continues to explore new opportunities and formats, Zhang’s influence is set to grow even further, making her a key player in the evolving landscape of film and television production.