Tianyi zhai productions

Swallows Under Eave (2025)

Drama | 25 mins 

Writer/Director/Producer

In 1923, Wu Yi-Fang, a brilliant female Chinese PhD student at the University of Michigan, is on the verge of achieving her dream professorship when an unexpected tragedy forces her to confront her family’s tragic history. Torn between redemption and duty, she must decide whether to stay in the U.S. or return to a war-torn China to help rebuild her country and let go of her past.

Saved (2024)

Drama | Mystery | 11 mins 

Writer/Director/Producer

Evelyn, a middle-aged single mom facing financial strain and a recent cancer diagnosis, contemplates suicide on a bridge. On the verge of leaping into the river, she encounters Grace, a rough old lady with similar intentions, who is cussing out to the sky. Through shared stories, a competition unfolds to determine whose life is more unbearable, leading to a flood of memories and a revelation that Evelyn cannot ignore.

Liana (2023)

Drama | Experimental | 9 mins

Writer/Director/Producer/Editor

Lydia, a 21-year-old college student, finds herself caught in a whirlwind of anxiety and uncertainty when she confronts the possibility of being pregnant. One day, while wrestling with her fears, she encounters Alyssa—a young mother her own age—studying in the campus atrium with her baby, Liana. Drawn to Alyssa’s quiet strength and determination, Lydia is compelled to approach her. Their brief encounter leaves a lasting impact, prompting Lydia to reflect on the possibilities and challenges that lie ahead.

WOLV-TV Spotlight with Hillary Seitz

Producer/Director

Featuring Screenwriter Hillary Seitz

“WOLV-TV Spotlight” is the flagship interview program of the University of Michigan’s WOLV-TV. Featuring professionals from the film, television, and entertainment industries, the show uncovers the creative journeys and challenges behind their work, offering insights and inspiration to the next generation of media professionals.

On March 13, WOLV-TV’s News Director Sean Henderson interviewed screenwriter Hillary Seitz, known for Insomnia and The Unforgivable. Seitz, who has collaborated with major industry figures like Christopher Nolan, discussed her career beginnings, the themes shaping her work, and upcoming projects.

WOLV-TV Spotlight with Maegan Houang

Producer/Director

Featuring Screenwriter/Indie Filmmaker Maegan Houang

On April 7, WOLV TV’s News Director, Sean Henderson, had the opportunity to sit down with writer and director, Maegan Houang. With Houang being well-versed in all areas of filmmaking, from short films to television to music videos, Henderson and Houang discussed a range of subjects, including her work on the Emmy Award-winning show Shōgun, her music videos for artists like Mitski, and the growing popularity of Asian stories as well as non-English television and film. Thank you, Maegan Houang, for joining us for this great conversation!

WOLV-TV Spotlight with Kemp Powers

Producer/Director

Featuring Screenwriter/Director Kemp Powers

On November 11, WOLV TV News Director Sean Henderson was fortunate to sit down with Academy Award-Nominated Filmmaker and Screenwriter, Kemp Powers. Powers is currently the John H. Mitchell Visiting Professor in Media Entertainment at the University of Michigan this semester, teaching FTVM 427. Powers’ work includes co-directing Pixar’s Soul and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and writing One Night in Miami. In their discussion, Henderson and Powers discussed topics including his various projects as well as his career switch from journalism to fiction film.

Beyond the GaMe (Ep 8)

Producer/Director for Episode 1 – 10

Interviewed by Grace Harbaugh

Featuring 2024 College Football National Champion Players Rod Moore and Eamonn Dennis

“Beyond the GaMe” is a University of Michigan WOLV-TV sports interview program created by Tianyi Zhai that highlights the very human narratives behind athletic glories of U-M student-athletes. The show’s focus extends beyond the game statistics to unearth the inspiring stories, personal experiences, and the essence of sportsmanship in U-M’s spectacular athletes.

Glacier FM (pilot)

Sitcom | 12 mins

Producer

Logline: When Lower Peninsula University (Go Glaciers!) plans to turn its struggling campus radio station into a parking garage, a house full of half-witted DJs make illicit schemes to keep their music on air.