TV and Filmmaker Jean Zhou: From Small-Town Dreams to Blockbuster Stories

In this episode, we meet Jean Zhou, a filmmaker from China whose life is a testament to the power of pursuing a dream.

From her humble beginnings as a small-town girl to earning an MBA from Chicago Booth, Jean’s journey spans multiple industries—from sociology and accounting to venture capital and, ultimately, the entertainment world. Now an accomplished writer and producer of TV shows and movies, Jean shares how a simple love for TV series as a child ignited her passion for storytelling, leading her to craft narratives that captivate audiences.

Join us as we explore the story behind the storyteller.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

Creating Stories: Founding Wind Entertainment

“In 2019, I founded Wind Entertainment. Initially, we incubated writers and even won several Best Novel Awards. By 2020, we ventured into drama series, writing our first script, The Starry Love. It aired on four TV stations in China and was distributed to over 30 countries.”

Sociology: A Bridge Between Business and Humanity

“Sociology opened my worldview and helped me understand people better. Ultimately, the business world is about relationships—between people and people. Sociology gave me insights into the social mind and thoughts, which help decode the essence of business.”

The Seeds of a Producer’s Journey

“As a child, I had to go to bed at 9 p.m., even though TV programming continued until 10. That early frustration planted the idea in my mind—one day, I’d take control of storytelling. Fast forward to 2018, when I watched the TV series Ashes of Love and realized it was the most incredible thing to create a project like that. I decided it was something I had to try, at least once in my life.”

The Limitations of AI in Screenwriting

“While AI brings efficiency, its impact on screenwriting remains minimal. Scripts are tailored works of art, built to surpass expectations. AI, by contrast, is a summary of past material, often resembling a Wikipedia outline. Such drafts lack the depth and creativity necessary for a fully developed script that would appeal to buyers.”

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Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Jean Zhou

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Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously.

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