FILM & ACADEMIA

FILM & ACADEMIA

Third-year Ph.D. candidate and Delphian alumna Nicole Zhang details her academic and professional pursuits.

This past winter, alumna Nicole Zhang visited campus for the first time in over six years. While visiting, she graciously agreed to do a Q&A to update the Delphian community on the details of her academic and professional pursuits.

Delphian Magazine: What was your path from being a Delphian student to where you are now?

Nicole Zhang: After graduating from Delphian, I pursued my college education at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. Initially pursuing a single major, I discovered additional interests in history and critical cultural studies, prompting me to pursue a double major. I completed a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Culture and Design Management, and a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Asian Studies.

After my bachelor’s degree, I recognized a need for a deeper theoretical understanding of film and transitioned to University College in London, renowned for its film theory research. After obtaining a Masters in Film Studies there, I delved into the practical realm as a film producer, which inspired my current doctoral research. I am currently in my third year as a Ph.D. candidate in media studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, which is dedicated to my thesis work.

DM: What made you decide to pursue film and academia?

NZ: I discovered my passion for film production during my high school years at Delphian. This fascination drove my choices, influencing my selection of college, major, and various projects in different countries.

The wish to become a film producer has consistently guided my academic and personal endeavors. Living and studying in South Korea, the UK, China, and Singapore further fueled my interest, solidifying my commitment to becoming a film producer. This diverse exposure has deepened my understanding of storytelling and filmmaking on a global scale, which has consistently remained an integral aspect of my career path since then.

DM: What skills have you found most helpful in your pursuits?

NZ: In academia and film production, a blend of independent learning, effective communication, and adaptability are useful. Research skills, critical thinking, and a passion for continuous learning are also paramount in academia, while communication skills are vital in both teaching and filmmaking.

On the film production side, creativity, storytelling, and project management skills are key. Technical proficiency in editing software, an understanding of cinematography, and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams contribute to working well in the world of filmmaking.

DM: What projects are you currently working on?

NZ: I’m currently immersed in researching the dynamic world of film production, focusing on the duties of producers in the Chinese film industry.

Picture this: I’m unraveling the tales and strategies these producers spin when tackling the challenges of making a blockbuster. My work explores how industry insiders navigate hurdles in creating and distributing films, highlighting the crucial role of commercial cinema in shaping the larger industry’s growth.

Additionally, I’m emphasizing the audience’s impact on the production process, offering insights into power dynamics within this cinematic landscape.

DM: Do you have any advice for Delphian alums or students interested in a similar career path?

NZ: I advise embracing the intersection of all of your interests. Seek opportunities to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application. Cultivate a passion for continuous learning, as both academia and film are dynamic, evolving realms. Engage in interdisciplinary projects that allow you to integrate insights from your academic pursuits into your creative endeavors and vice versa.

Networking is also crucial—connect with professionals and academics in both domains to expand your perspectives and create valuable collaborations. Lastly, stay committed to your unique vision; the synergy between academia and film may lead to surprising and impactful contributions.

DM: Having done the Delphi Program®, what would you say has been the most important skill you gained as a student that has helped you in your life?

NZ: The most important skill I gained from the Delphian program was the ability to think critically and approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset.

Delphian’s emphasis on developing strong learning skills has also been instrumental in shaping my doctoral studies and preparing me for the multifaceted challenges of academia and beyond. This skill has not only facilitated my research but has also become a cornerstone in my approach to teaching and film production.

DM: Have the points of the Delphian logo come into play in your life, and if so, how?

NZ: The four points of the Delphian logo—Knowledge, Ethics, Integrity, and Leadership—have played an important role in shaping my approach to life.

Knowledge acquired at Delphian has been the cornerstone of my academic journey, providing a strong foundation for my research and teaching endeavors.

Ethics and integrity are guiding principles that have influenced my interactions with others, both professionally and personally. These values are crucial in maintaining credibility and trust, aspects vital in academia and the film industry.

As for leadership, Delphian’s emphasis on cultivating leadership qualities has empowered me to take the initiative, collaborate effectively, and aspire to make a positive impact in both the classroom and on set.

DM: Has your experience doing the Delphian practical program been valuable to you and, if so, how?

NZ: The practical program gave me several special experiences that have significantly shaped my current path.

To name a few, the East Coast business trip with Mark Siegel enhanced my understanding of industry dynamics and fostered my networking skills.

Leading a community outreach project in Cambodia honed my cultural sensitivity and teamwork skills, which have been vital for collaborative and leadership roles.

And lastly, the career interest project, where I curated film-related programs, laid the foundation for my aspirations as a researcher and film producer. These experiences collectively equipped me with practical skills and perspectives essential for my journey.

DM: What do you miss most about your time as a Delphian student?

NZ: What I miss most is the incredible sense of community and support. The school provided a nurturing environment where both staff and peers played a central role in my academic and personal growth.

The continuous support and acknowledgment from the Delphian community have left a lasting impact on me, which I carry with me into my current stage as a Ph.D. candidate.

DM: What was it like to come back and visit campus?

NZ: Returning to campus after six years was a nostalgic and enriching experience. The familiar surroundings triggered a flood of memories from my high school years. Witnessing the growth and changes on campus filled me with a sense of connection and appreciation for the foundation it provided. It reinforced my commitment to education and the impact it can have on individuals’ lives.