After ten years of hard work and struggle, Bao Wei (R,2) finally managed to set up his own independent film studio. [file photo]

Finishing up his two-year studies in Germany, Bao flew back to Beijing and headed for the city's Film Academy, China's best film institute, which has raised generation after generation of high-quality movie talent-- including Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige and Jia Zhangke.

"I still harbor that aspiration for filmmaking," Bao said, "but it was just so expensive to study there for me, that I just took up one-year course."

However, during his time at the Beijing Film Academy, he met several friends that would eventually become the most important ones he would meet in his career.

"Those friends recommended me for jobs in the field. I accepted every case I get, photographic or cinematographic, and valued these opportunities very much. But, fresh out of school, the projects I could get were still very limited. I even had trouble putting food on the table. In such a big city like Beijing, rent is high and I also had to purchase some work equipment. At the most difficult, strenuous point, I even sold my camera. My gratitude goes out to those old friends who helped me out," Bao said and his eyes were glistening when he recalled hitting a particularly bad patch at the beginning of his career.

As he became more experienced, job opportunities increased as well. "It's actually a really small circle and word-of-mouth publicity is very important. I have established a fine name for myself and am considered a trustworthy partner," Bao said as pride sparked from his eyes.

Bao has shot more than 100 commercials for companies such as Audi, Canon, Samsung, and Chrysler as well as eight films and TV plays since 2002. He also managed to establish a long-term relationship with the China Central Television, Beijing Television, Ogilvy Beijing and Ogilvy Shanghai.

"I am a very hard worker and hardly ever rest. Gradually, I want to turn down the volume of my busy life. I want to live, not just exist. I believe now is a good time to manage my own studio and choose the projects I really want to do," Bao said firmly.

In 2011, Bao spent all his savings – over 500,000 yuan (US$79,300)- to buy the equipment he would need to operate a film studio.

In 2012, he married the girl he loved.

"Because our race to marriage was a firebolt one, perhaps the pace of our daily life should slow down," he said with mischievous smile, "After I finish a project and come home, I will take a break, cook, drive my wife to and from work and develop my photographs in my own darkroom. I'm starting to learn the meaning of the word 'weekend.' After all these years, I am beginning to really enjoy life and the process of creativity."