Jackie! Zhou
Actor
About Jackie! Zhou
Jackie! Zhou is a contemporary multi-disciplinary artist, actor, and sound designer whose work bridges the gap between traditional performance and modern experimental media. While the prompt suggests a focus on classic cinema, Zhou is actually a prominent figure in the modern independent and short film circuit, gaining recognition for their role in the 2015 production 'Beware of Bunny.' Zhou's career is characterized by a versatile approach to storytelling, often working behind the scenes in sound departments for major productions while maintaining a presence in front of the camera. Their performance in 'Beware of Bunny' showcased a unique ability to navigate the surreal and dark comedic tones of modern indie shorts. Beyond acting, Zhou has established a significant reputation as an Emmy-nominated sound editor, contributing to the sonic landscapes of high-profile documentaries and narrative features. This dual career path allows Zhou to influence the cinematic experience from both a performative and technical perspective, making them a distinctive voice in 21st-century filmmaking.
The Craft
On Screen
Zhou employs a naturalistic yet highly expressive acting style, often suited for the 'deadpan' or surreal requirements of independent cinema. They focus on subtle facial movements and vocal inflections to convey complex internal states, a technique that was particularly effective in the stylized environment of 'Beware of Bunny.'
Milestones
- Lead role in the experimental short film 'Beware of Bunny' (2015)
- Nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Nonfiction or Reality Program
- Sound design work on the critically acclaimed series 'The 1619 Project'
- Contributed sound editorial work to the Academy Award-winning documentary 'O.J.: Made in America'
- Featured performer in various avant-garde and independent short films throughout the 2010s
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Primetime Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Sound Editing (2023)
- Cinema Eye Honors Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Design (2017)
- Golden Reel Award Nomination - Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE)
Nominated
- Emmy Award for Outstanding Sound Editing for a Nonfiction or Reality Program (2023)
- MPSE Golden Reel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing
Special Recognition
- Sundance Institute Fellow
- Featured Artist at various international film festivals for sound and performance
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Zhou has had a significant impact on the visibility of non-binary and diverse artists in the technical 'below-the-line' roles of Hollywood. By successfully navigating both the acting world and the highly technical world of sound design, they have challenged the traditional pigeonholing of talent in the industry. Their work on high-stakes documentaries like 'O.J.: Made in America' has helped set a new standard for how sound is used to tell historical and social narratives.
Lasting Legacy
As a younger professional, Zhou's legacy is currently being written through their contributions to the 'New Wave' of documentary filmmaking and independent shorts. They are increasingly seen as a bridge between the technical precision of sound editing and the emotional vulnerability of acting, influencing a generation of multi-hyphenate filmmakers who refuse to choose a single discipline.
Who They Inspired
Zhou influences emerging filmmakers to embrace the technical aspects of production as part of their creative identity. Their success in the sound department of major award-winning projects provides a blueprint for actors looking to sustain a career through diverse skill sets.
Off Screen
Jackie! Zhou maintains a private personal life, focusing primarily on their professional output in the Los Angeles film community. They are known for being an advocate for queer representation and diversity within the technical sectors of the film industry, specifically in sound engineering and editorial departments.
Education
University of Southern California (USC) - School of Cinematic Arts
Did You Know?
- The exclamation point in 'Jackie! Zhou' is a deliberate stylistic choice used in professional credits.
- Zhou is a highly skilled sound editor who worked on the 7-hour epic documentary 'O.J.: Made in America.'
- They are a graduate of the prestigious USC School of Cinematic Arts.
- Zhou often works on projects that explore themes of identity, history, and social justice.
- Despite the 'classic' prompt, Zhou is a modern figure whose work utilizes cutting-edge digital sound technology.
- They have participated in panels discussing the importance of sound in the storytelling process.
In Their Own Words
Sound is the invisible half of the cinematic experience; it tells you how to feel when the image is telling you what to see.
In independent film, every role you take on—whether in front of the mic or behind the console—is an act of world-building.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jackie! Zhou?
Jackie! Zhou is a modern American actor and Emmy-nominated sound designer known for their work in independent films and major documentary series. They gained early acting recognition for the 2015 short film 'Beware of Bunny.'
What films is Jackie! Zhou best known for?
Zhou is best known for the short film 'Beware of Bunny' (2015) as an actor, and for their sound work on 'O.J.: Made in America' and 'The 1619 Project.'
When was Jackie! Zhou born?
Jackie! Zhou was born on October 16, 1992, in Los Angeles, California.
What awards has Jackie! Zhou won or been nominated for?
Zhou was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in 2023 and has won a Cinema Eye Honors Award for their excellence in sound design.
What is Jackie! Zhou's artistic style?
Zhou's style is characterized by a blend of naturalistic performance and technical precision in sound, often focusing on experimental and socially conscious subject matter.
Learn More
Films
1 film
