Bobby Yan is an Emmy-winning filmmaker whose work blends bold cinematic style with emotional authenticity and a proven track record of delivering premium, visually elevated storytelling across film and television. Born and raised in NYC from Hollis, Queens, he began his career in music videos, building a reputation for creating work of exceptional quality and prestige—consistently elevating every project through precision, detail, and artistic excellence.

Yan’s debut short film Marz premiered at major festivals and earned him a spot in one of the industry’s most competitive directing programs. Since then, he has helmed films for Lifetime, BET+, TV One, and Tubi, and directed an acclaimed international drama series in Asia that was a major hit. A director deeply attuned to performance, Yan approaches each project as a collaboration with his actors—building trust and creative freedom that lead to authentic, layered portrayals. 

A graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans, Yan earned his Master’s from NYU in Visual Effects, a foundation that deepened his understanding of visual language and cinematic design. Over his career, he has received eight Emmy Awards in sports television and was recently honored by Tulane with an annual lecture series in his name.

Currently, Yan is attached to direct several upcoming projects, including I Am Sylvester, a feature biopic on the revolutionary disco icon whose fearless artistry and unapologetic identity redefined music, fashion, and freedom of expression. He is also developing Time King, a large-scale epic Scifi ground breaking television series, and Soulful Sam, an Asian American, intimate and personal music-driven comedy drama exploring community, identity, and transformation.

Beyond his work behind the camera, Yan serves on the board of several film festivals and teaches directing classes in his spare time—reflecting his passion for mentorship and helping emerging filmmakers find their voice. He also works closely with master acting coaches as a guest director, deepening his understanding of performance and refining his approach to guiding actors toward their most truthful, resonant work.

What drives Yan is a belief that storytelling can bridge divides and remind us of our shared humanity. He’s drawn to character-driven stories that reveal quiet strength, vulnerability, and connection—stories that move with purpose and heart. His goal, always, is to craft work that reflects truth and endures long after the screen fades.