We recently connected with Runyu Li and have shared our conversation below.

Runyu, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is Runaway Princess Bride. It holds a special place in my career because it was the first project where I took charge of all the post-production coordination, overseeing the project flow from start to finish. This opportunity allowed me to learn and grow immensely—not just in technical skills but also in leadership. I had to coordinate between teams, ensure deadlines were met, and maintain the quality of the final product, all while navigating the unique challenges of a vertical TV show format.

Beyond the hands-on experience, working on this project gave me a front-row seat to the rapid evolution of the vertical TV show industry. It was thrilling to see how much impact these short, mobile-first stories could have on audiences, as Runaway Princess Bride reached over 20 million views. Being part of a project with such a massive reach and cultural impact solidified my passion for storytelling and my commitment to creating high-quality content in this exciting new medium.

It was also the first show I led at ReelShort, Crazy Maple Studio, marking a significant milestone in both my personal and career growth. Taking on this responsibility challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, refine my leadership abilities, and develop a deeper understanding of the intricacies of post-production. The experience not only shaped me professionally but also allowed me to build meaningful connections with incredibly talented individuals across various departments. These relationships have become a valuable part of my journey, fostering collaboration and inspiration that continue to influence my work today.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I come from a background in media, journalism, and public relations, which I studied extensively during my time in school. My career has allowed me to explore various industries, including VR gaming, construction, and healthcare, where I focused on media strategy, marketing, and public relations. Over time, I discovered that my passion for media stems from its ability to keep me at the forefront of cultural and technological trends and provide opportunities to shape conversations as an opinion leader. This realization eventually led me to the world of vertical TV shows—a burgeoning industry with immense potential.

Vertical TV shows, pioneered in Asia, are a revolutionary format in the entertainment world, designed specifically for mobile consumption. Unlike traditional film and TV formats, vertical TV caters to the viewing habits of young audiences who prefer engaging content on their smartphones. It’s a fresh and dynamic medium that combines storytelling with the immediacy and accessibility of social media. ReelShort, the platform where I work, has been at the forefront of this movement, producing short-form vertical shows that resonate with global audiences. Our platform provides a unique space for creators to explore storytelling in a new dimension, breaking away from traditional conventions and catering to evolving viewer preferences.

At ReelShort, I contribute to this innovative space by overseeing the post-production process for some of our most successful shows. My role allows me to blend creative problem-solving with technical execution, ensuring that every project meets the highest standards of quality and creativity. What sets me apart is my ability to bridge strategy and execution, drawing from my diverse background to manage workflows, foster collaboration, and navigate the challenges of this rapidly evolving industry.

I’m most proud of being part of a trailblazing industry that’s reshaping how stories are told and consumed. Vertical TV shows aren’t just a trend—they represent a shift in the entertainment landscape, offering fresh opportunities for both creators and audiences. For potential clients, collaborators, or fans, I want them to know that my work is driven by a commitment to innovation, quality, and audience connection. I’m passionate about helping bring compelling stories to life and contributing to a format that’s redefining the way we experience media.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The driving mission behind my creative journey is to develop a broader vision for media as a whole, going beyond just vertical TV shows. While this innovative format has been a significant focus, my ultimate goal is to understand and shape media strategies that resonate deeply with audiences across different platforms and formats. I aspire to be a well-rounded media and film professional, someone who not only identifies and adapts to emerging trends but also consistently creates content that captivates and connects with viewers.

What drives me is the pursuit of meaningful storytelling—content that speaks to both my creative values and the audience’s needs. Whether it’s through compelling narratives, innovative formats, or insightful strategies, I aim to keep evolving, staying ahead of trends, and, most importantly, winning the hearts of audiences by delivering stories that matter. This mission fuels my work and motivates me to push boundaries, ensuring that every project contributes to a media landscape that is both impactful and transformative.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

If you’re in an industry connected to social media, one resource I wish I had understood earlier is the importance of not just mastering hard skills through learning and training but also developing a mindset that allows you to deeply understand trends—their origins, their significance, and their audience. It’s crucial to identify your target audience and determine what kind of voice will effectively reach and resonate with them.

To achieve this, I recommend not only browsing social media discussions related to your industry or the topics you’re producing content about but also actively analyzing trends to understand the evolving tastes of your audience. Equally important is maintaining a clear moral and strategic compass. Instead of chasing every viral trend, focus on those that align with your brand’s values, contribute meaningful impact to society, and have long-term relevance. By balancing trend adaptation with purpose-driven content, you can create a stronger, more sustainable personal brand and mission.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://malegeding.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malegeding/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/runyuli/
• Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16773577/