Chunyu Bao: Acclaimed Director of The Robb Company
Chunyu Bao is proving the American Dream…as a Chinese born filmmaker! Originally from Shanghai, his success in the film industry of his homeland and the US is an indicator that talent and hard work is appreciated AND respected regardless of geography or language. Just as significantly, Bao has used his insight as a person experiencing two vastly different cultures (that of China and America) to honestly and empathetically relate the stories of others of a similar situation. Of course, it takes not only knowledge but great skill to tell these stories in a way that both the subject and the audience connect with; an ability Chunyu overwhelmingly possesses. From modern day Rappers to Presidential honorees, the subjects of Bao’s films cast a wide net. The director’s work with LA based The Robb Company displays that there are many types of stories that this exciting young filmmaker is relating.
Hip-Hop fans and artists are fond of saying that it’s a lifestyle rather than simply a genre of music. Director Chunyu Bao recognized something very special in Rapper Yang Xiaochuan aka Andy Yang. Yes, there was the obvious fact that Yang is from China but there was much more. Bao understood that Yang was striving to return the upwardly positive message to the music genre rather than communicating a gang ethos or bragging about misogyny. The challenge for a filmmaker is to first perceive the story and then relate it empathetically to an audience. Through Bao’s acclaimed productions Fish Out of Water and Andy Yang’s 1.5 Generation, both critics and the public overwhelmingly embraced Yang’s story. With a new film soon to follow, more about this innovative artist will soon be presented to the world through Chunyu’s remarkable intuition and talent. The response to Andy Yang’s 1.5 Generation has proven every bit as intense as its creator could have imagined. In addition to its awards at the Global Film Festival Award and Best Shorts Competition, the film has received accolades from the Australian Inspirational Film Festival, Australia Independent Film Festival, Hollywood Forever Film Festival, and Olympus Film Festival Awards. Chunyu continues to spotlight the intriguing life and journey of Yang in the upcoming 1.5 Generation II which follows the rapper in the ascension of fame, birth of his son, and being targeted for his influence in the Hip Hop community.
Chunyu is particularly proud of his current association with The Robb Company. Founded and headed by Sherry Robb, The Robb Company is known for investing in exceptional talent within the television and film industry. Their roster includes talent from Primetime Emmy Award winning shows such The Americans and The People vs OJ Simpson (also a Golden Globe award winner), People’s Choice Award winner It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and feature films such as the Oscar winning Get Out. As a part of The Robb Company, Bao has lent his abilities and expertise to directing a documentary of the first Asian born-US citizen to become mayor of a town in America. Lily Lee Chen, former mayor of Monterey Park (CA) was born in China and educated in both Taiwan and the United States. Her lifelong passion has evolved from social worker to public service that has been recognized by the President of the United States. From Presidents Carter, Ford, and Clinton have publicly praised Chen for her pursuit of justice and aid to those in need. Impressed by Chunyu’s prior work (such as the award-winning Fish Out of Water) and talent, she requested that he direct the documentary film of her life and work.
Bao sees his work with The Robb Company as being part of the lineage of Hollywood’s great industry. Known for its eclectic and wide breadth of Hollywood connections ranging from the legendary actress Betty White to Ronald E. Moore, the creative mind behind the recent Star Trek adaptations and the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica television series, enduring and eclectic talent is in the company’s DNA. He relates, “I feel blessed working for the Robb Company and grateful that Sherry selected me to work as a director. It is not simply a ‘perfect fit’ but also a means to show my gratitude and appreciation for the Robb Company’s belief in me as a filmmaker. Sherry is more than just an employer to me; she’s a good friend and mentor. There are a lot of differences between the Chinese film industry and the film industry in the United States; she been a patient and supportive ally in my growth as a director.” Bao is also scheduled to direct a yet untitled thriller about a man’s odd connection to his deceased father’s mistress. Being chosen as a primary director for The Robb Company is yet another indicator of the immense talent behind this gifted director.
