I’m Jingyuan Wu (Candice), a creative technologist and filmmaker with a background in architecture and immersive digital art. My work bridges the technical and conceptual, using real-time rendering tools, AI, and interactive design to explore speculative futures.

With a passion for storytelling, I create immersive experiences that engage with themes of human interaction, augmented realities, and the role of technology in shaping our environment.

I’ve always been fascinated by the potential of storytelling to transport people to new worlds and explore complex ideas. My background in architecture gave me a unique perspective on space and environment, and as I transitioned into digital media, I saw an opportunity to merge those concepts with technology.

The ability to use emerging tools like AI and real-time rendering to build speculative narratives felt like the perfect path to channel my interests in both art and innovation.

I work as a creative technologist and filmmaker, focusing on creating immersive and speculative narratives through a variety of digital mediums. My work spans everything from interactive installations to experimental films, where I explore new technical possibilities while telling stories about the future.

My process typically starts with a core idea or question, often related to technology’s impact on the future. From there, I develop the narrative, considering the emotional experience I want to create.

I work closely with technical tools like Unreal Engine, generative AI, and 3D software to bring these ideas to life, constantly iterating and experimenting with new techniques. Collaboration is also key—I work with a diverse range of people to ensure that the technical and creative aspects align seamlessly.

The experimental phase of the creative process is by far my favorite, as it allows for open-ended exploration where technology and creativity intersect. At this stage, I can test new tools and techniques, pushing them beyond their intended uses to discover unexpected results. It’s where I can be most playful and innovative, rethinking how technology can serve the narrative rather than the other way around.

Experimentation opens up a world of possibilities, whether it's using AI to generate visuals or integrating real-time rendering to create interactive environments. This phase allows me to bridge the gap between storytelling and technology in a way that feels organic and exciting, where the boundaries of what’s possible continuously expand.

My creative style is rooted in speculative, concept-driven narratives that explore the intersection of technology, storytelling, and future environments. I often draw upon real-time rendering tools like Unreal Engine and AI technologies to craft immersive experiences that challenge our perception of human and machine coexistence.

At the core of my work is an exploration of how technology shapes our world, not just physically but emotionally and intellectually. I enjoy using abstract concepts to drive the narrative, often presenting future worlds where technological advances have integrated seamlessly with everyday life, while also reflecting on the potential consequences of those advances.

This approach allows me to push beyond conventional boundaries and create a space where the technical and the conceptual meet, resulting in works that provoke thought and immerse the audience in speculative futures.

I entered Erasure, a speculative short film that explores a future city built from recycled materials and overlaid with augmented reality. The film questions what we lose when technology erases our connection to the past, and it culminates in a moment of collective reflection during a fireworks show.

I chose to enter Erasure because it represents my ongoing exploration of the balance between the physical and digital worlds, and I believe it reflects both the technical and conceptual aspects of my work.

What excites me most about the creative industry is the constant innovation, where there’s always something new to explore and learn, keeping the creative process dynamic and evolving.

Collaboration is another key aspect I love, as it’s a field that brings together people with a wide variety of skills, from artists to technologists, all working toward a common vision.

Finally, the industry’s ability to harness technology to create immersive, interactive storytelling experiences is particularly rewarding, as it opens up new dimensions for how stories can be told and experienced.

China is a surreal place where cutting-edge technology and traditional manual labor coexist in a fascinating juxtaposition. It’s not only a center for rapid technological advancement but also one of the largest production hubs in the world, where high-tech developments meet craftsmanship on a massive scale.

This unique blend creates a landscape where creativity is fueled by both innovation and a deep-rooted cultural history. The contrast between the ancient and the modern, between labor and technology, offers fertile ground for creative exploration and makes China a truly unique environment for the creative ideas.