Another time related consideration actually starts to bridge our cultural differences. The Chinese way is an expeditious one. The pace is brisk in China, questions are rapid fire, and answers/resolutions are expected immediately. I have to reply promptly and at the same time help them to understand our company culture is a detailed one and our answers are well considered prior to responding. So I’m not just delivering proposals and presentations, but I’m conveying our company culture, explaining how important details are to the final result. IGV helps to consider not only the big picture but every pixel that creates that picture as well.
On the administration side there are also bridges to cross. For instance, paperwork in China has to have government issued stamps to authenticate documents. In the U.S., a simple receipt is considered proof of payment. In China, there is a form of receipt called a “fapiao” for accounting offices to approve payments.
Much of the work and the way of working is the same for me now, as it was when I was in L.A. — receiving and disseminating information. I pay attention to and track all the details, providing clients, production partners, and designers with updates as they occur. I make certain that everybody knows what everybody else is doing. There’s nothing more knowledge quenching than immersing oneself in the details. It’s a little project management and a little bit gatekeeper.
to be continued... ~ Ningning Lu
