Sining Xiang and Patrick Boyd wrote the Gauntlet Endorsed script THE GHOST WEDDING, a true standout in the Horror genre that is so profound it transcends its genre. Sining, himself, stands out above the crowd with an enthusiasm to direct, as well as write. His passion for the craft is inspiring and infectious.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I was born and raised in China. I was a model Chinese kid growing up. I received good
grades and got into good schools. I first came to America 16 years ago to get my master's in
electrical engineering. And then I worked in Silicon Valley for 5 years as an integrated circuit
designer, which couldn't be further away from film and TV . Soon after I started working, I
realized corporate life was sucking the soul out of me. Working in film was always my dream,
which felt more possible in America than in China. I applied to film school and went to
UCLA for the MFA program in film directing. I haven't looked back ever since.
I met my partner Patrick Boyd at UCLA where we worked on a few projects together.
He was the lead actor and one of my producers in my thesis short film Foreign Uncle (which
you can watch on The New Yorker) and I produced his thesis film Savior. The Ghost Wedding
is the first polished script we've worked on together.
What made you want to become a screenwriter?
I think as creatives —be it writer, director or playwright —I guess we all believe we have something to say. Or at the very least we have the desire to express something. I love filmmakers that are able to convey an idea or change people with their work. That's what got me into filmmaking and screenwriting.
Favorite film or TV show?
My favorite movie(s) are the >Three Colours trilogy by Kieślowski. Although I probably have seen Legally Blonde more times than I can count.
Who is your favorite screenwriter or filmmaker?
In recent years I really love Hirokazu Koreeda's work.
Favorite movie snack?
Fries. But it's because I just love fries, in or out of movie theaters.
Do you have a favorite movie theater experience?
Most were at the Aero, which is my favourite theater in LA. 2001: A Space Odyssey in 70mm or watching Cries and Whispers during the Bleak Week (which is my favorite week of the year, lol)
What do you have for a screenwriting hot take?
Don't take yourself too seriously. After all, it's just a movie.
Before submitting to the Gauntlet, what was your strategy for breaking into the industry?
I went to UCLA's film school, so I moved to LA back in 2016. Prior to the Gauntlet, our script The Ghost Wedding received high scores on The Black List and was a featured script. My short film Foreign Uncle had a successful festival run and was eventually distributed by The New Yorker. We were able to network with some amazing filmmakers through the festival circuit. We did feel a little stuck as to where to go from there. That's when we heard about the Gauntlet and decided to give it a try. We got some of the best notes from it and the script is in the best shape ever because of their support and incredible feedback.
What are you're overall screenwriter goals?
I would love to write films that combine the eastern aesthetics and sensibility with Hollywood structure and styles. I love Hollywood classics such as The Truman Show and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest which both tackle grand and timeless themes. I also admire Eastern storytelling techniques as seen in Yasujiro Ozu's films that rely on subtlety and the emotions happening under the surface. My goal is to always combine these two sensibilities.
Up until now, what have been your screenwriting "wins?"
When Foreign Uncle was released on The New Yorker it was really affirming. And with The Ghost Wedding, we got really wonderful feedback from the places we sent it too. Through the process of writing and rewriting it, we grew a lot as screenwriters which was a big win.
How many screenplays have you written?
I wrote another feature script The Floating Weed about a young Chinese factory worker drifting through society, and The Ghost Wedding is technically my second feature screenplay.
Have you always written features?
Yes, mostly features. And also short films.
What is your favorite genre to write?
I love writing horror and comedy, which are basically the same genre other than differences in music, according to Jordan Peele.
Is there a genre you'd like to try in the future?
I would love to try writing gay erotic thrillers.
What is your process?
I wish I had a good process to increase my productivity. I usually sit down to write and
quickly find myself cleaning my apartment.
I love to start with an outline. I usually have the climax and ending figured out so I can work
towards them. I love to wear noise cancelling headphones and listen to music while I write.
Do you have any tips on starting a new screenplay? What about finishing one?
Starting a new screenplay I would say write quickly. You are going to rewrite countless
times, so just get to the end and don't over think too much. New ideas will arise in the
rewriting process.
Something I learned from the Gauntlet experience is that to finish a screenplay, every word
and sentence has to count. Keep it lean. Delete everything that isn't necessary.
What is the first thing you do after finishing a screenplay?
Leave it alone for at least two weeks.
As the Hollywood landscape shifts, how has that changed your approach to the industry? Any tips for other up-and-coming screenwriters?
I am as confused as everyone else is as we navigate through the changes. Pay attention to what the market wants, and hopefully find something the market wants that you also want to write about. At the end of the day, there are so many talented people out there, all we can do is to write something people can't resist and write what's important to you.