Sylvia Yang knows what it means to work on the creative edge. Her production Sunshine Beyond The Rain was the first internet drama to be broadcast and made in New Zealand. Sylvia is passionate about bridging the gap between mainstream and Chinese communities through creating snappy, catchy media content that audiences can relate to and walk away with a better understanding of a different community.

"There is the need for both cultures to understand each other better, create more traffic for information. To learn from each other. The better we know about others, the better we know about ourselves."Sylvia Yang knows what it means to work on the creative edge. Her production Sunshine Beyond The Rain was the first internet drama to be broadcast and made in New Zealand. Sylvia is passionate about bridging the gap between mainstream and Chinese communities through creating snappy, catchy media content that audiences can relate to and walk away with a better understanding of a different community.

"There is the need for both cultures to understand each other better, create more traffic for information. To learn from each other. The better we know about others, the better we know about ourselves."During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
Usually at night, when it's cool and quiet, the cool breeze and clear air allow me to have a clear mind and reflect. Mornings are very inspirational too!

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Classy

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
Generating ideas that inspire, touch and delight

How do you think your environment affects your work?
Yes. I usually adjust myself if I feel constrained or uncomfortable in a working space

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
I am more of a big picture girl, but I do find myself paying lots of attention to detail too, must be the age thing.

What inspired you to do an internet drama series on Chinese students living in NZ? (See the Sunshine Beyond the Rain trailer on YouTube).

There was this down time after we did the first original Chinese musical in NZ- La Musical (2005), and we had a brainstorm session for the following year. That's when the internet drama series came about. The inspiration came more or less from the realisation of how dependent we are (as a bunch of young, savvy, uni students) on the Internet, to gain information and knowledge, to connect, to socialise and to be entertained. And the thought of seeing all those drama series/films about overseas students made by people who probably has never studied overseas at the tender age like ours also disturbs us. The goal was to tell our stories ourselves, in our own way.

Why is it important to you to help bridge the gap between mainstream and Chinese communities?
There is the need for both cultures to understand each other better, create more traffic for information. To learn from each other. The better we know about others, the better we know about ourselves.

How do you use the creative industry to help bridge this gap?
Through many different ways, by providing a platform for young emerging artists and talent. We provide and create entertaining content that educates, informs and most importantly, inspires.

What kind of feedback do you get - and have you noticed any change ofattitude since you first began?
People are generally very interested in what we do, the idea of new media, and anything to do with the internet fascinates people. The most common questions from people are, one is the drama series still available to view? Which site? And two, what language is it in?

What are your plans and projects for the future?
Bilingual shows on the internet and bilingual musical.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the
creative industries?
Endurance and passion, also, look after your health.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
The current project - a music video for the New Zealand China Friendship Society that promotes friendship between people of New Zealand and China.

Who or what has inspired you recently?
People who I work with and Bob Marley.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
A doctor or an archaeologist.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
Home

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
Have to listen to it with people who share the same appreciation (for different genres of music) with you.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
A 5-minute short film packed with action, romance, comedy and horror.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
From my mom - sleep more, exercise more.

What's great about today?
It's here, it's brand new in history. It's the perfect time to make a difference and it's a gift.

What's your big idea for 2008?
Inspire and be inspired by people I meet. Make films and shows that create change.

To celebrate the Chinese New Year, Sylvia Yang will speak at the Creative Cool Chinese panel discussion on Saturday 9 February, 1-2pm, Soundings Theatre, Level 2, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington.

Read more TBI Tuesday Q&A interviews

05/02/08