Who is Hu?
I’ve worked professionally in video production since 2012, when I switched from a career in science to embrace my artistic side. I fell in love with storytelling, and since then, I’ve been honing my filmmaking skills. With my unique background in chemistry and film studies, my perspective can be both highly technical and wildly creative. Whatever the subject matter, I strive to create engaging and beautiful narratives.
I’ve called a number of locations “home,” from Minnesota to Connecticut, Atlanta, California, DC, and now Austin I hold a B.S. from Emory University in Film Studies and Chemistry and an M.S. in Chemistry from Stanford University.
Creative Producer
How did I go from doing biophysical chemistry research to filmmaking? You’d have to go back to 2012 when you could find me researching as a graduate student at Stanford University. As I languished in a beige cubicle feeling alone and unmotivated, I daydreamed of making movies. Science certainly doesn’t lack creativity, but the day-to-day of research sparked no inspiration in me. So when the opportunity arose to re-embrace my second major, film studies, I pounced.
From there, I started as a video editor at Udacity. Quickly learning and blazing a path for myself at the young startup, I became a producer and eventually joined the brand marketing team. Of all the many projects at Udacity, I feel most proud of the student story about Kelly. In addition to videos, I also helped produce a podcast and championed our brand internally.
Meanwhile I dabbled in independent film on the side. At the end of 2018 I decided to take the leap into being a full-time freelancer and explore the multitude of projects possible to me.
Beyond filmmaking
When I’m not on set or at the editing station, I’m usually found balanced on two wheels speeding down or crawling up hills. Having just moved to DC, I’m still exploring the beautiful cycling at my doorstep; if you have any tips let me know!
I work up quite the appetite cycling, which means I get to do more things I love: cooking and eating. Culinary adventures marry my love of science with the art of taste. I’ve undertaken projects like smoking a whole pig and a turgoosucken (a turducken with a goose added!).
And if you aren’t finding me on a bike or at the stove, I might be playing board games, hiking, camping, or just hanging out with my fiancée and friends.