Producer Rain Zheng

Rain Zheng’s forte is not in an area that most would choose. Curt timelines with problematic scenarios don’t facilitate low blood pressure but handling them with skill and confidence certainly has made Rain popular and coveted within the industry. Producer is a wide sweeping title for a role that can have numerous applications; those who have utilized Rain’s skillset perceive that there is far more to being successful than her technical abilities. As they often say in boxing, success is about who wants it the most. Many are skilled in the production industry but those who possess vision and heart are the ones who endure to create memorable works. Rain herself communicates such a concept stating, “Hollywood isn’t the easiest industry nor the most well paid, but the way I see it is that we all had a reason to choose this path and my job as a producer is not only to deliver a quality production in budget but also to create a nurturing environment that will remind everyone of the reason why they initially joined this industry. It’s crucial to bring this to my work because everyone involved gives so much to be a part of this community which we are passionate about. I brought people together based on their skill set and their passion; people who give a great deal to be part of a team that grasps at greatness every single time.”

Producer Rain Zheng (lower right) on set
Producer Rain Zheng (lower right) on set

 While most of us were relaxing for the holidays at the end of 2023, Rain spent the last ten days of the year on the Golden Globe Announcement campaign which would present standup/actor Jo Koy as the host for the upcoming award ceremony on CBS. From working with the creative team at CBS to bring the viral sketches they wrote for Jo into reality from budgeting to booking crews, creating schedules, facilitating communication of notes and directions between the brand and the key creatives, and generally making sure the flow of the shoot day would be on track schedule/financial wise, Ms. Zheng oversaw this expedited quest to a successful landing. At this time of the year it’s not only difficult to acquire the most skilled crew, it’s a challenge to keep them in high spirits. Rain agrees that this production was particularly positive for all involved in spite of these factors and notes, “At the Golden Globes shoot, every single one of the team members were laughing with joy, thanks to Jo Koy’s jokes and a calm and collected environment where they could practice the craft that brings them joy. I’ll give a lot of credit to Jo Koy; he’s a really hard worker and went the ‘extra mile’ to get good and funny takes. He also was really kind and considerate to everyone on the crew.”

A very different type of energy but equally positive and exciting was possessed by the campaign for RuPaul’s Drag Race season sixteen. Rain led key aspects of this production which was shot all during the same time that Hurricane Hillary made its way into California. Though Hillary’s presence wasn’t felt on set, the logistics were effected and required some creative and improvisational tactics. The spectacle on the soundstage rivalled anything Mother Nature was exhibiting that day. The process required talent to move through multiple sets known in the industry as a “car wash.” Because there are so many different sets and crews, the potential for a domino effect is vastly increased as comparted to a typical production. Rain informs, “It’s kind of like the Rubik’s cube puzzle and I have to boast a little that my team and I really know how to do a Rubik’s cube puzzle. What it really entails are two simple elements: thorough planning and a good team who can support you in those endeavors. Drag Race actually might the most thrilling example that I’ve done in this regard I have to say.” One of the most stunning images from this campaign is that of a beauty shot with the queens, with footage on a big LED screen while the main two cams shoot them “working it” and the beauty shot footage plays along with the fabulous graphics from the MTV team. The added layer of excitement not visible on camera is that Rain had a meteorologist in constant communication and a backup generator on set in case of a major power outage. Rain states, “My job is to bring the best people together to create for our clients. If I give them what they need to do what they do best and create the kind of environment where they feel supported and heard, we all win in the end.”

Writer : Basil Thomson