BY Scarlett Walsh
An insider’s exploration of cultural identity and the discrepancy between Eastern and Western worldviews, which has become one of the most talked-about shorts on the festival circuit. Chicken and Duck Talk, a philosophical drama produced and directed by Megan Qiao, made its world premiere at the LA Shorts International Film Festival — one of the world’s top Oscar, BAFTA-, and Goya-qualifying festivals that has previously showcased filmmakers like Sofia Coppola, Tim Burton, and Jason Reitman.
For the director Megan, the project carries personal meaning and for producer Megan, it carries real professional challenges. So, balancing the day-to-day realities of production meant navigating a few unexpected hurdles along the way. The experience ultimately became something that felt honest, steady, and universal.
Keeping the Production Alive
She said that a week before her film began, the lead actor stranded in Italy due to COVID-19 restrictions — an unthinkable blow for her that had spent months searching for the perfect fit for this role.
“There were no easy options,” Megan recalls. “We could delay the shoot indefinitely or find someone new in less than a week.”
Instead of being frustrated, Megan rechecks every crew and cast’s schedules, location schedule, insurance schedule, etc. consulted with the 1st AD and casting team. Then started an urgent search for a new lead. Within days, a talented NYU Tisch graduate with strong dramatic training, was brought in and prepared on short notice, which allowed the production to stay on track and ended up enhancing the scene.”
“Even when things were uncertain, Megan made everyone feel confident that the film would find its way.” says actress J.
Creative Solutions
Beyond logistical operation, Megan infused the production with creative problem-solving that stretched every dollar on screen. A scripted parrot that was meant to appear throughout the story. But real animal handling posed major cost and control challenges. Megan said how about simulating the parrot using green screen and post-production VFX and the extra budget could enhance the film’s sound design and color grading — details that helped Chicken and Duck Talk achieve its refined, cinematic look.
“It was such a simple but smart fix,” says the film’s cinematographer.
Empathy is the Key
On set, Megan was known for her calm focus and empathy. Crew members describe her as a producer who listens first and commands through respect, not hierarchy.
“I’d love to make everyone feel valued,” she says. “That care builds trust, and you can feel it in the work.”
Whether handling crew dietary requirements, coaching junior team members, or just making the shooting days feel like a calmest time, Megan kept the spirits of crew high and the production moving.
While Chicken and Duck Talk remains on its festival course, Qiao’s work continues to quietly remind us of what real leadership looks like — not rambunctious, flashy but steady, creative and very human. Her balance between emotional intelligence and logistical prowess has earned her the prestige of one of the world’s most revered rising up-and-coming producers in the global film scene.
