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Meet Dan Qiao Megan: Warrior and Loving Challenger of Film

We had the privilege to interview Dan Qiao Megan, who has carved a niche as an independent film producer based in LA, and celebrated for her commitment to telling authentic stories that elevate underrepresented voices in the competitive and ever-evolving world of filmmaking. I would say Megan is not just a filmmaker, but a “warrior”, a term she uses to define her approach to overcoming challenges in her work. Meanwhile, she’s also a “loving challenger”, someone who dares to take creative risks while deeply valuing collaboration and empathy. Below is a glimpse into her career journey, creation philosophy and future pursuit.

Hi, Megan, your journey in filmmaking has been remarkable. How would you define your role as a “warrior” and a “loving challenger” in this industry?

Thank you very much for your recognition. I think being a filmmaker, especially in this competitive industry like Hollywood, demands a warrior spirit. To me, a warrior isn’t just about resilience but also about adaptability and empathy. Filmmaking is full of storms—creative challenges, logistical nightmares, or even a main actor stuck in Italy a week before shooting. You’ve got to ride through the storm without jumping ship. That’s how I see myself: a film producer who turns adversity into opportunity, all while staying grounded in compassion and collaboration.

Your short film Chicken and Duck Talk carries a fascinating premise. What inspired this story?

The inspiration of this film came from my own experiences navigating cultural and ideological differences. The film’s core is a dialogue between a professor and a student, exploring East-West perspectives and the gap between academia and popular culture. It reflects my journey as a filmmaker—transitioning from being an audience member to critically engaging with cinema as an art form. I wanted to show that meaningful stories often emerge from clashing perspectives, and sometimes those clashes teach us the most.

You ever mentioned and emphasize the importance of scripts. How does this belief influence your filmmaking process?

For me, the script is the soul of a project. If it’s not on the page at the beginning, it won’t finally show on the screen. We always spend an immense amount of energy to the pre-production to ensure the story feels like authentic, relatable, and worth telling. Every script I work on must excite me first and reflect something truthful about the human experience. I believe audiences connect to authenticity, and that connection drives my passion as a filmmaker.

In “Chicken and Duck Talk”, cultural tension plays a central role. How much of this reflects your personal experience?

I would say a lot when I first came to America, actually. I grew up in China and then came is pursuing my filmmaking, I’ve met a lot cultural and ideological differences not only in the class, but also in my workplace and daily life. The tension between the professor and the student in the film mirrors my own struggles and revelations relatively. Through storytelling, I wanted to show how these differences can either divide us or become opportunities for deeper understanding.

You often champion female-driven narratives. Why is this so important to you?

Female voices in the film industry are not enough, and still need more room to be heard. My work experience in different industries and some personal sensitivity to various social classes, genders, and cultures have given me a richer perspective and inspiration when shaping my characters and writing dialogues. I strive to tell stories that elevate diverse perspectives, particularly women’s. These voices matter—they inspire, challenge, and expand our understanding of the world. My goal is to create platforms for these narratives, to ensure female-driven stories can be heard and seen by as many people as possible.

As both a producer and director, how do you balance these roles?

Balancing these roles is challenging but rewarding. Directing is about creative vision—it’s like imagining a duck gliding gracefully on water. Producing, on the other hand, involves ensuring that the duck has a river to glide on, finding the right insurance, and hiring an animal wrangler. Switching between these mindsets requires discipline and adaptability. I also think a good producer and directors always can get a relatively best from whoever they have so I have been continuously self-regulating. I’ve learned to trust my team, delegate effectively, and stay calm under pressure. If I panic, the entire crew feels it, so maintaining focus is key.

You’ve worked on over 40 films. What motivates you to keep on going?

I would say it’s the stories and the audience. I always can learn something new from every project. And every collaboration broadens my perspective. Film is more than entertainment, it’s also a way to connect with others. That’s what keeps me motivated—the possibility to inspire and to be inspired.

Looking back, what has been the most valuable lesson from your filmmaking journey?

The most valuable lesson, I think, maybe it’s learnt to listen, which brought me a lot of fortunate. I would like to hear suggestions from the DP, feedback from the AD, or even an actor’s interpretation. Listening helped me see perspectives I probably hadn’t thought of. Filmmaking is a collaborative art. The best work comes from embracing diverse ideas and turning them into something powerful. Therefore, I would also like to express my gratitude to all of them who participated in this film. Especially my 1st AD, Iris, she managed the time very well, which allows me to deep focus on the creative world. And she sometimes reminds me to grasp the DNA of my film when we don’t have enough time on set. Make sure I have the shots delivering what I want to convey.

What’s next for you, Megan? Any upcoming projects you’re excited about?

Absolutely. I’m currently working on a female-driven drama. It explores the theme of resilience and community. Meanwhile, I’m also exploring ways to make filmmaking more accessible, supporting aspiring filmmakers and influencers to pursue their dreams.

Thank you again Dan Qiao Megan for coming. She is not just a filmmaker; she’s even more a storyteller, a warrior, and a loving challenger. Her passion for elevating voices and creating meaningful connections through film production will continue to inspire more audiences and filmmakers alike.

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