We recently connected with Linda Joe and have shared our conversation below.
Linda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
I co-founded a global film, television, and entertainment production services company called Blended Road Entertainment. My co-producer, Beverley Gordon, and I were talking about the lack of diversity and opportunity within that production world and so we decided to bring together our combined experiences of over 40+ years and bring along our talented friends and colleagues in the business to form our company. The name Blended Road comes from the fact that all our diverse backgrounds as creators blend beautifully together to create a road of strong intersectional voices. Blended Road Entertainment represents diversity, equity, inclusion, and leading with empathy.
Linda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I always knew early on that I wanted to work and be a part of the entertainment landscape. Born and raised in Los Angeles, it was important that I made it in LA. I went to USC film school and upon graduating, I hustled and interned and worked multiple jobs and started doing projects on the side, and I did everything I could to learn and grow in the entertainment business by taking on a diverse array of opportunities and experiences to really figure out what I enjoyed and how I fit in the bigger picture.
I started as an assistant in film development, then quickly pivoted to focus on international film sales and distribution, traveling globally to major film festivals such as Sundance, Berlinale, Cannes, and Toronto. Further down the line, I moved into film and tv production, and entertainment marketing. Throughout the process, I also managed film premieres and screenings and parties as part of my job. During my time working for the studios, I was also laid off three times due to company mergers or division closures, an unfortunate casualty of corporate restructuring. I learned early on about the nature of freelance work in the entertainment industry, so I pivoted to expanding my knowledge and work experience in other related industries, such as sports, video games, and tech. I also desired to learn more about event producing, inspiring me to go on what I call my “education tour,” helping out on all kinds of events, soaking up and learning everything I possibly could on how to produce tradeshows, conventions, live sporting events, large-scale music concerts, theater stage productions and more. I am constantly learning, growing, and evolving as a producer, with limitless curiosity and energy. My diverse experiences have shaped me into the well-rounded and versatile producer that I am today and will continue to lead me into the future!
My career has grown and evolved in so many unique and interesting ways, but my goal has always been to be a versatile “do-it-all” producer. I have consulted with and produced for major brands and big-budget events both domestically and globally, including the Cannes Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, E3 and Comic-Con; also working with the NBA, as well as the producers of the Super Bowl; producing global Esports tournaments, video game launches, and producing film and tv premieres and Broadway musicals.
I am passionate about and take great pride and pleasure in the projects I produce, and love the variety. One day it is a Broadway show, the next day a film and tv project. I recently co-founded Blended Road Entertainment, a production services company that brings together and celebrates diverse backgrounds and voices to provide production services for the entertainment industry.
As a Korean-American woman in the entertainment business, diversity and representation is incredibly important to me and something I have fought for and strived to achieve. Having a seat at the table is not enough. Through inclusivity, unique talents and voices need to be heard and uplifted, otherwise diversity is lost. Whether it is producing for a company or producing my own projects, I want to make an impact and be a force for positive change in my industry and the world. My goal is to continue to create an environment that offers opportunities to minorities and under-represented groups, and I want to be a voice for the next generation to help pave the way.
As an entertainment producer and production executive, I am constantly finding creative ways to problem-solving, risk-taking, and continuing to be adaptable and pivot as necessary. My hunger, my drive, my passion, and my resiliency as a producer are what keeps me going in a constantly changing world, and I am always humbled to continue to learn, grow, and evolve.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
My reputation is built on my hard work, my hustle, and staying humble. In essence, this sums up my work ethic: hungry, driven, and not afraid of change or to perform at the highest level to strive for excellence.
There are many highs and lows in the entertainment business. And remembering to let go of pride and ego is what has helped me build my reputation as a leader and a team player.
Understanding my strengths as a leader, I have stepped up and led with empathy. Being aware of my limitations, I am always humbled to continue to learn and grow and evolve into a team player that can listen and be supportive.
Having open lines of communication, being genuine and keeping things real, and overall, just being a good person, all contribute towards my reputation in the business.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
As an entertainment producer, I enjoy building and sharing communal experiences that bring people together, whether it is an intimate gathering or a multi-million-dollar event or production.
I enjoy community and collaboration and I find fulfillment in building connections with fellow artists. There is a great sense of achievement when a project has been successfully completed.
When the audience gets to enjoy the hard work we put in to make something memorable, whether it is an event, a production, a film, or any other form of art, being able to share that with others is the most rewarding aspect of the creative journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LindaJoe.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelinda
- Other: https://www.BlendedRoadEntertainment.com/