Hao Yan graduated from SCAD Atlanta with an MFA in Film and Television, and he has been in the film industry for 5 years. 

How many years have you been a judge?

This is my first year!

What excited you about judging for the Telly Awards?

I’m excited to judge for the Telly Awards because it’s an opportunity to engage with a wide range of creative work and see how different storytellers approach visual narrative across formats. It almost feels like walking into another artist’s inner world. I’m always inspired by strong ideas executed with clarity and intention, and I value the chance to learn from other filmmakers. Telly Awards is a great network to gathering the most talented group of artists. Contributing to a platform that recognizes excellence in storytelling and craft is both meaningful and motivating for me.

What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?

My first job in the industry was working on independent productions, primarily as a camera assistant and later as a gaffer. Those early experiences put me directly into the practical side of filmmaking—handling gear, setting up lighting, and supporting the camera team under real time pressure.

What it taught me most was the importance of preparation and problem-solving. Also later on when I start to producing, I’m very happy that these early experience helps me to understand the collaboration of each department, then I can easily targets the problem and solving from bigger picture.

What project are you most proud to have worked on?

I’m most proud of directing the music video Galon, a project that really pushed me both creatively and logistically. It required a strong visual concept, detailed planning, and close collaboration across departments to bring the world to life. I was deeply involved in shaping the tone, pacing, and visual language, especially through lighting and composition.

What makes it especially meaningful is that the project went on to win a Telly Award for Best Directing. Beyond the recognition, it represents a moment where my creative instincts, technical skills, and storytelling approach all came together in a way that truly reflects who I am as a filmmaker.

What do you look for to determine excellence in video?

The originality behind the video. How genuine they are for audience.

What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?

I’m responsible for creating a idea and execute all the way from script to screen. I love the process of turning the ideas into something tangible and cinematic. There’s something incredibly rewarding about the whole process, and seeing how those creative choices resonate with an audience. I also value the collaborative nature of filmmaking—working with talented people to build a world that feels real and immersive.

In your experience, what is a significant change you are seeing happen in the video, television, and/or film industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?

One significant change I’m seeing in the film and television industry is the growing demand for high-volume, short-form, and platform-driven content. Storytelling is becoming faster, more condensed, and highly optimized for audience retention, which is shifting both creative and production approaches.

From a craft perspective, this means filmmakers need to balance efficiency with intentionality. You’re often working with tighter schedules and budgets, but the expectation for strong visuals and clear storytelling hasn’t gone down. If anything, it’s become more competitive.

My insight for navigating this shift is to stay adaptable without losing your voice. Understand the format you’re working in—its pacing, audience behavior, and constraints—but still apply strong fundamentals in visual storytelling, lighting, and composition. At the same time, being technically flexible and comfortable wearing multiple hats can be a huge advantage in fast-paced environments.

Ultimately, the tools and platforms may change, but the core of what makes something compelling—a clear genuine story and a well-executed vision—remains the same.