Jun 29, 2015 8 Questions with: Ursula Liang
Ursula Liang is a journalist who cleverly saw the writing on the wall before the decline of the print world. She was right on time to pivot into filmmaking, thus getting a head-start on the journalism medium of the future (in my opinion, anyway). 9-Man is her documentary film about an 80-year-old Asian American sport, allowing her to fight Asian American representational issues with real, dynamic, and nuanced storytelling. She shot, produced, and directed the film herself, and had some help from a team. 9-Man received a standing ovation during IFF Boston and it was recently featured on TV too – allowing Ursula to reach even more unexpected new audiences. If you’re interested in learning more you can follow Ursula on Instagram and Twitter, and you can follow the documentary on Instagram and Twitter too.
What are you currently working on?
I just finished a documentary about a streetball battle in the heart of Chinatown called 9-Man and I am working to distribute it. I’m also in pre-production on too many ideas for a next film, trying to decide which I feel passionate enough about to carry me thorough the struggle of making a second doc.
How would you describe your job?
It’s exciting, chaotic, boring and rewarding all at once. Most people don’t know how much mania and minutiae go into making a film, but having intimate access to stories is unbeatable.
What does your average work day look like?
I often work a split day. I wake up late, work, then head out to whatever networking event, social activity needs attending, then I come home and start working again late at night. When I’m in production it’s a different story and very variable.
What’s the best thing about living and working in NY?
Hui mei noodles, sample sales, the 24-hour subway system, and the high concentration of filmmakers who are willing to lend you gear.
Where do you find inspiration?
I am not an inspiration snob. I troll social media, bad television, dirty streets for ideas. Things that stand out in those spaces are always worth considering.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grow up?
A florist or a veterinarian.
What are you reading at the moment?
Dogeaters by Jessica Hagedorn.
What’s your favorite post-work destination?
Bed.