We’re happy to be speaking today with respected Creative Executive and Producer Elenore Pan; welcome to our humble pages, Elenore! Before we plie you with too many serious questions, how has your New Year been treating you?

New year has been great! A lot of backlogged productions are picking up paces while new projects are being put together. It is exciting to see that the industry is slowly finding some level of normalcy again.

Congratulations on all of your hard-earned success! What put you on the path that eventually found you as a Creative Exec and Producer?

I have always been a lover of filmmaking, and I was trained in directing in film school. As I navigate through the industry in the real world, however, I realize that the roles are more fluid. It might not be true for entry level jobs on set, but at an exec level, almost everyone is wearing multiple hats. What matters more is not the job description of your title, but what is best for the project and what can you do to make it work. Producing happens to be my way in and I am very good at using my creative and business brains simultaneously. I am blissed to be doing what I do these days, but I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of trying different roles in the future.

When you began to pursue the field of entertainment, what was your family’s reaction?

No one in my family works in the creative industry, but I am very lucky that my family is supportive. My parents chose very different career paths from my grandparents, so they understand what it means and what it takes to figure things out on your own. As long as I take responsibilities for my own choices, my family is unreservedly supportive.

What is it precisely about the zany world of entertainment that has captured your fancy for so many years?

It is for sure a zany world, but there is no better feeling than seeing your hard work amounting to something that you can share. I am a people person, and in this industry you really see the widest ranges of personalities and seemingly impossible things happening. This job is about endless learning, and I like the fact that I am constantly growing as a person.

Being a woman, wee the challenges that you faced in the entertainment industry more rigorous and demanding than that of your male counterparts?

I wouldn’t say that being a woman makes the challenges I face more rigorous and demanding than my male counterparts. They are just different sets of challenges. But it is definitely harder to find a good female mentor since there are much less women in the c suites in this industry.

When you landed your first real foray into the industry – as an intern on a successful Chinese TV series – was that confirmation for you that this was the right decision both personally and professionally?

Confirmation might be too strong of a word – but it was certainly encouragement. It made me feel like things are possible so I should keep trying.

You studied film at Northwestern University. Was this sort of an affirmation that you were on the right track?

It is actually a funny story. When I got all the college offers, I was debating between going to Northwestern or Tisch. I chose Northwestern in the end because I wasn’t sure at the time if filmmaking is what I want to do for a living, even though I enjoyed it very much. Surrounding myself with people on different tracks kept me very grounded and made me think harder about my own choices. Studying at Northwestern gave me the time and space to try and wander, and when I finally decided to pursue film, I knew I was ready and certain.

You can now count Starlight Media as your professional home. What was it about Starlight that resounded for you?

I met some of the most hardworking people there, and it is very inspiring. I also really appreciate the opportunity to work in multiple languages with industry people from different countries.

What sort of challenges have the last couple of years of a worldwide pandemic presented to you as a producer and creative exec?

I was trained in live-action narrative films, and when all production were put to a halt, it was rather difficult for many people, not just me. However, the pandemic gave me the time to think and research and helped me realize that I was being too much of a stickler for live-actions and was limiting myself. I am now a lot more interested in animations, virtual productions, and new technologies like AR and the metaverse than I used to be.

Do you feel a responsibility to shepherd into Hollywood a new generation of Asian female indie filmmakers?

Absolutely! I wouldn’t be here if not for all the amazing people, especially women, who have helped me. It would be an honor to be able to give back and support other people.

What about film inspires you and makes you wake up in the morning with a spring in your step?

We live in a very politically and socially turbulent time right now, and I think artists have the duty to tell good stories and connect people more than ever.

Are there any up and coming filmmakers that you think audiences should keep their eyes on?

Maybe not as “up-and-coming,” but there are a few directors at their major breakthrough stages whom I am following. I am curious to see what Michael Sarnoski, Julia Ducournau, Carla Simón, and Tatiana Fedorovskaya would make next.

An out of left field question – Would you ever think of writing and directing a feature film yourself?

I have always been a sucker for auteur cinema. I would love to write and direct when the right opportunity presents itself.

Final – SILLY! – Question: Favorite film about the making of film – Living in Oblivion, The Player or Barton Fink?

Barton Fink always!

INTERVIEW: Starlight Media Creative Executive & Producer Elenore Pan

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