Director of Photography Yunfan Xu on Filmmaking In The Era of Reels

In an era dominated by short-form content like Reels and TikTok videos, filmmakers face a unique challenge: how to capture audiences who are accustomed to instant gratification while still crafting narratives with depth that have a lasting impact. Director of Photography (DP) Yunfan Xu, a rising talent recognized for his visually compelling work on award-winning projects like Slobopoly and Jewish For Lunch, offers insights into how filmmakers can thrive in this evolving landscape.

“I think it is a great question to think about,” Xu says when discussing the waning attention span of viewers. “It is something that filmmakers need to take into account more than ever.” His solution is simple. Adapt to modern attention spans while simultaneously maintaining artistic integrity. “Films can keep up with the ‘Reels’ era through engaging visuals and tight storytelling,” he explains, “opening with striking imagery and eliminating filler keeps audiences hooked.”

Just as important as narrative Xu says is visual storytelling and dynamic pacing “Every shot I frame serves a purpose—whether it’s building tension, enhancing emotion, or immersing the viewer in the world of the film.” His films immediately grip audiences through engaging openings setting the tone right off the bat. These crucial first few seconds draw the crowds in gaining their attention through a promise of continued entertainment.

Rather than discard the benefits of short-form content, Xu draws inspiration from it. Borrowing from the energy of social media, he utilizes fast-paces, rhythmic editing which immerses his audiences and captures their attention. To draw them in ever further, the DP relies on personal investment through “strong character-driven emotions, which ensure people stay invested even in a short-form world.”

Xu advocates leveraging the very platforms that pose challenges to viewers’ attention spans. “Filmmakers can use teaser content and social media cross-promotion to bridge the gap between short and long-form storytelling,” he says. Ultimately, it comes down to storytelling the DP believes. “The key is to remember that presenting great stories in a way that resonates with today’s viewers will keep their attention.”

His own career is a testament to this ethos. Xu’s work on Slobopoly, which clinched the Best Comedy Series award at the 43rd College Television Awards, demonstrates his ability to blend sharp comedic storytelling with dynamic cinematography. The film’s success extended beyond the College Television Awards, earning accolades at prestigious festivals such as the Beaufort International Film Festival, Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, and Reedy Reels Film Festival. It even garnered official selection for Academy Award-qualifying festivals like the LA Shorts International Film Festival.

Similarly Jewish for Lunch, another project where Xu served as cinematographer took home Best Comedy at the Mentone Film Festival and The Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival. He attributes the films’ success to its witty script played out perfectly on screen through high level individual performances being perfectly complemented by a strong visual narrative.

The DPs gripping shots has contributed to his inclusion in projects currently streaming on major platforms such as Amazon Prime and Disney. Xu explains that these opportunities arose from a combination of hard work, and industry networking. Given the chance to collaborate with talented filmmakers on films such as Apple Cinema, available on Amazon Prime and Showcase Now, has opened doors for his work to be appreciated on a wider level.

However, he is quick to point out that his success comes in part from established connections. “My involvement in Apple Cinema came through a long-time friend and the film’s director/producer,” Xu explains. “Our shared understanding of storytelling and his industry ties helped secure its distribution.” Serving as the film’s Director of Photography, he shaped the film’s visual language, doing so despite the challenges of both a tight budget and restrictions to filming during the COVID-19 pandemic. Showcasing his creativity, the movie was shot in an empty movie theater, utilizing physical lighting and stylized shadows to enhance the eerie isolation of the apocalyptic setting.

Xu’s involvement in Wallpaper, streaming on Disney India, came from a director with deep roots in the Indian filmmaking scene. His understanding of the different markets he navigates, aligning with directors who possess strong industry access is key to his continued success. While the connections the DP makes are important to his upward arc, they must combined with technical skills to have an impact.

His technical abilities are what Xu uses to lure audiences in, capturing their attention quickly as the film begins to unfurl its narrative. The DP’s style plays into the trends of the moment if only to serve the deeper purpose of storytelling. Instead of shying away from the challenge posed by short form media, he faces it head on, creating works of cinematic art that span generations.

Cinematic visions awaken artistry

As cinema moves forward during this exciting time of innovation, it is cinematographers like Yunfan Xu, who are at the forefront, shaping the artistic vision we see on the big screen. His adaptable nature and technical ability have shone through with his many award winning projects. While the attention spans of many have waned, this has not stopped Xu from masterfully creating works of art capable of gracing any big screen.

Follow along on Yunfan Xu’s cinematic journey on his website www.frankxudp.com