DANIEL GAO
FUSE commercial
DIRTY WAR
2015 UCIrvine Zot Fest Nominated Film
2015 Asian On Film Best Documentary Honorable Mention
DIRTY WAR(混战) is a 2015 film directed by Daniel Gao about the untold dark history of a survivor of the horrible Cultural Revolution in China. The dramatic story is 100% authentic with no alternation.
Behind the Scene
Following the trailer, my first serious short Film ever made is now premiering. How exciting!
With CBS Drama style of editing, this film also includes scenes of China, San Francisco, and even UC Irvine! Zot zot!
OUR CHURCH
Directed, filmed, and edited by: Daniel Linpu Gao
SVCA Honorable Award
The Stody Behind This Documentary:
Growing up watching the online sermon videos of Silicon Valley Christian Assembly in China, I never imagined I would go to America and shoot these videos one day. But after all those years of watching it through a small laptop screen, our family finally came to SVCA, and I was elected to share my talents. Assigned to create a church documentary, I thought, here is my chance to create a serious "real film" unlike the cheesy ones more similar to a PowerPoint.
I ran through any church event I could find in every church department and drowned myself with interviews at members’ homes. I filmed in the Redwood forest during a retreat, the senior center when our youth group was caroling, and in front of Ranch 99 market when brothers and sisters were spreading the gospel to shoppers. I tried to be “invisible” when filming so I could catch people naturally worshiping, praying and studying the bible. Kneeling and tiptoeing, I tried every position to find the best camera angles. Although sweating and tired, I was passionate.
Mother's Day Ad
Director/Editor/Producer: Daniel Gao
Assistant producer: Zitao Jin
KEEP CALM
A plant's story with a suprising ending.
USA, HERE I COME
Flash Animation 2014
I immigrated to the USA with my parents in 2009.
Everything was new. It was a unforgettable experience.
WHY & How
I AM PASSIONATED ABOUT
FILMMAKING
The first video camera I had was my mom’s Nokia cell phone. The simple editing tools fascinated me. Trying many angles and effects, I used that cell phone to film advertisements about the milk I like to drink and short Superman stories. But I encountered a huge disappointment while filming. I found out that Superman’s powers were fake - all it took was special effects, make up, editing and lighting for him to do what he did. I slowly realized that real life, reflected through the camera in the present, was far more meaningful to me.
Although I aim to perfect my technique, my prize comes through the emotional content I capture. When I peer through the lens, everyday things like a stranger’s smile or a brief prayer to God transform into magical moments not visible to the naked eye. As a good videographer, if I can carry on the real feeling to the audience, I am proud.
