Yuan is a Franco-Chinese filmmaker born in London represented by United Agents
He started as an intern to Spike Lee at the legendary director’s 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks in New York in 2014
In 2015 he joined British photographer Rankin’s studio as a steadicam op, editor and director working across 100s of fashion films, documentaries, music videos and commercials
In 2018 he returned to work for 40 Acres on the Netflix produced She’s Gotta Have It (S2), and was then Director’s Assistant to Spike Lee on Da Five Bloods, filmed across Thailand and Vietnam
He’s since directed work for artists such as Loyle Carner, Little Simz and Muse
His narrative debut short Sticks of Fury premiered at the BFI London Film Festival ‘22 and quickly received a Vimeo Staff Pick, Short of the Week, Directors Notes and Berlin Commercial Awards selections
Yuan's extensive experience across narrative and commercials puts him at an exciting and unique cross-section
Heavily influenced by animation, surrealism and dark comedy, he embraces what he lovingly refers to as “elevated lo-fi” — films that feel handmade and toy with the medium but maintain a high concept and considered execution. His background as an accomplished musician and editor also fuel his obsession with music and sound, elastic editing and atmospheric mise-en-scène
He is currently writing his debut feature film with Film4 and Agile Films
