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Ziyu Gao
Director / PRODUCER / CREATOR
Based in New York City, I am a versatile woman in many aspects.
I am a filmmaker, actress, and advocate.
As a director, I've created impactful short films to empower those who feel alone, with a focus on representing women of color. My work has gained recognition from local and international film festivals, including the Los Angeles Film Awards and Independent Shorts Award.
I currently have 2 films in post-production and one in pre-production. I had the pleasure of making five films during a six-week summer program at USC. Equally in front of the camera, I have graced the silver screen in two distinct films, winning the Roger Reese Award for excellence in acting.
I founded my own production company, Creative Picture Productions this year, to further amplify voices and stories that matter.
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Press
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Films
Ways of Talking
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USC School of Cinematic Arts
Writer, Director Producer: Ziyu Gao
An independent 5-minute short film about a police interrogation of a young girl about the death of her brother, ultimately revealing unsettling details about the brother's final days.
International Awards:
Los Angeles Film Awards, Semi- Finalist 2024.09
• Alex Bahk Awards, Winner, 2024.11
• New York International Films Infest Festival (US) (NYCIFF)- Winner 2024.10
• Independent Shorts Awards- Finalist 2024.10
• NEW YORK INDIE SHORTS AWARDS- Official Selection 2024.10
• Indie Short Fest, Official Selection 2024.09
Everything But
New York Film Acadamy (NYFA)
Eve (Lead): Marilyn Rescate
In a New York apartment, Eve, 18, struggles with her emotions as she tries to find an escape from her grief. Faced with a difficult decision, she retreats within herself as she attempts to break free from loneliness and the past, embracing another version of her identity.
Awards:
• Toronto Indie Filmmakers Festival- Official Selection 2024.10
• New York Lift-Off Film Festival, Official Selection 2024.07
• New York Tri-State International Film Festival, Official Selection 2024. 09
• Oniros Film Awards® New York, Finalist-Best Director in a Short Film 2024.0
• RED Movie Awards, Reims, France – Selection (June 8, 2024)
• Bestlov Film Festival, New York – Finalist (Aug. 31, 2024)
• 4Theatre Selection – Best Low Budget, First-Time Short (June 1, 2024)
The Ascent
USC School of Cinematic Arts
Writer, Director Producer: Ziyu Gao
Pizza Delivery: Jonah Pinsent
A short film about Sam, a cheerful Blaze Pizza delivery driver makes a delivery and encounters a strange elevator terrifying him
Awards:
• New York International Films Infest Festival (US) (NYCIFF)- Winner 2024.10
• YoFiFest, The Yonkers Film Festival- Official Selection 2024.10
• Cut International Short Film Festival, Official Selection 2024. 09
Intruders
Creative Picture Productions
Writer, Director Producer: Ziyu Gao
An independent 5-minute short film about a skilled thief who breaks into a mansion, only to find herself trapped in a deadly game set by a sinister neighbor. As the truth behind the house and its past robberies unfolds, her heist turns into a fight for survival.
Lost Angeles
NYU Tisch School of Arts; Film Director: Yuyang Fang
Lynn (Lead): Ziyu Gao
Stepping onto this new land of New York City, all-time comes around in her head – the past in her hometown and the future she will experience, but she sees as if everything were in Los Angeles, where her old lover has gone.
Awards:
New York Shorts International Film Festival
10/2024
Best Actress 2024.10
Joyrider
SUNY Purchase Film Conservatory
Director: Astrid Dong Rachel (Lead): Ziyu Gao
When an estranged mother and daughter lose their home and must move into their Chinese restaurant, a young girl learns about her mother’s love, sacrifice, and labor. "Joyrider" is a short film that explores the psychological effects of separation on immigrant families– a separation caused by precarious work and living situations, migration, and globalization.
A bold, self-reliant, simmering young girl who rides a beat-up bike and thinks she’s a cowboy. She is pulled between wanting attention from her hard-working mother and wanting to escape from the life of the restaurant. She is trying to understand what love means on her own terms. She is an outside observer of the effects of precarious work and living situations on her immigrant mother. She is imaginative and enduring and mentally older than she appears.
Through the Modern Looking Glass
Digital Art Video
Directors: Tanya Chuturkova Kim E. Wang
Production Assistant: Ziyu Gao
The characters interact primarily through social media, which makes their depression worse as they compare their real lives to the posts of those they follow. Online those characters look like they have it all, but they are also struggling with their own issues.
Released spring of 2025
Elitelink Commercial
Ziyu Gao Productions
Director: Ziyu Gao
Elitelink Education
Interview-style commercial to promote the community, increasing visibility and engagement among a network of over 200 female entrepreneurs. Ziyu Interviewed multiple teachers at Elitelink about their experience.
Creative Picture Productions
Founder of Creative Picture Productions
MISSION
Creative Picture Productions is dedicated to crafting authentic, impactful films that amplify underrepresented voices and explore diverse perspectives. We strive to create visually compelling and emotionally resonant stories that spark conversation, inspire empathy, and reflect the complexities of the human experience. Our mission is to harness the power of storytelling to drive cultural change, promote inclusivity, and bring fresh narratives to the forefront of the cinematic world.
Theater & Dance
My journey with theater began in elementary school when I was cast as Alice in a production of Alice in Wonderland, and it has flourished ever since. With an impressive track record of over 12 productions during my high school years, my passion for the stage is undeniable. I have not only embraced acting but have also taken on influential leadership roles behind the scenes. I even took on the role of assistant director for a full play, where my leadership brought together a diverse group of actors to create a memorable performance. This experience not only showcased my versatility but also deepened my appreciation for the collaborative art of theater. My remarkable ability to balance both on-stage and production duties has made me an indispensable asset to my theater community. Awards:
• Nominee Selection for Performance In Musical, The Roger Rees Awards Outstanding Performer Award 2024.04
I have also traversed the world of dance for numerous years. With a rich history in the art form, my leadership shines through as I not only hone my own skills but also guide others on their dance journeys. An example of this is when I took charge of leading a group of my classmates through a concert performance, where I meticulously choreographed a captivating 2-minute hip-hop routine. Outside of the classroom, I have graced the stage in two dance concerts and participated in over twenty professional dance productions, a testament to my dedication.
Having trained at the renowned Steps on Broadway in New York, my expertise is undeniable. Within my school's dance club, I not only occasionally teach classes but also lend my expertise to the club's instructors. Furthermore, my meticulous coordination of concert events underscores my commitment to ensuring flawless and enchanting performances. My dance journey is an embodiment of passion, skill, and leadership.
Content Creation
Model & Content Creator
Besides directing and acting, I am also a model and content creator. From the runways of New York Fashion Week to the red carpets of international film festivals, I’ve showcased my versatility and passion for storytelling across various creative platforms. My work spans fashion, film, and digital media, highlighting my ability to connect with audiences through diverse forms of expression.
Social Media Manager- Barbizon
Additionally, I have been the social media manager for Barbizon School of Modeling and Acting for the past four years. Growing over 150K followers. This role has allowed me to combine my creative skills with strategic digital marketing, further expanding my story telling abilities.
