Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Xinqi Huang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Xinqi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
As a creative producer, I currently earn the majority of my income through independent work-producing commercials, mini
vertical TV series, branded digital content, and independent theatre. This includes stream ad campaigns, ticketed live
performances, and occasional grants or fellowships.
Early in my career, I dreamed of being an executive office professional-wearing polished workwear and thriving in a
structured, corporate creative environment. After graduating from the UCLA Producers Program, I landed a full-time
development assistant position that offered stability in expensive Los Angeles. But over time, I realized that while the job was
secure, it didn’t give me the creative freedom I craved. Ironically, I never even sat in the fancy office I once imagined, due to
the COVID WFH protocols.
Eventually, my entrepreneurial spirit won out. I wanted to lead my own projects-not just contribute to someone else’s vision.
So I left my full-time role and began freelancing, building a path where I could initiate and shape original work from the
ground up.
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.
After UCLA, I joined COL Media under producer Fiona Li, where I worked on IP adaptation projects that bridged East and
West. It was my first true step into the industry, and a place where I could apply everything I had learned-managing
development, overseeing teams, and helping bring scripted ideas to life.
As an independent producer today, I offer creative development services, production management, and team building for
film, TV, and digital projects. I specialize in bridging creative vision with business practicality-helping artists realize their ideas without compromising narrative integrity or production viability. Wether it’s a vertical digital series, a theatrical production, or an international adaptation, I bring a versatile approach that spans cultures and formats.
What sets me apart is my balance between artistic empathy and strategic thinking. I consider myself a realistic producer.
someone who supports creative voices with both structure and care. I don’t just manage logistics; I nurture vision. I’m most
proud of the collaborative relationships I’ve built with directors, writers, and creatives, and the trust they place in me to guide
their projects from idea to execution.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of working in the creative industry isn’t about being seen as an artist myself-it’s about
being a supporter and enabler of creative people. As a producer, I thrive behind the scenes, helping bring a shared vision to
life. I find deep fulfillment in building something from the ground up-taking a project from zero to one-with a team I trust,
respect, and genuinely enjoy working with.
There’s something incredibly special about gathering a group of people who share the same values and passion, and
watching an idea take shape through collaboration. Whether it’s a mini-series, a stage production, or a branded campaign, it’s the process — brainstorming, problem-solving, celebrating wins and learning from setbacks — that brings me most joy. Making motion pictures or any creative work alongside people who inspire me, challenge me , and believe in the project as much as I do — that’s what makes it meaningful.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Yes-there is a mission driving my creative journey: to tell bold, socially resonant stories that connect with global audiences. I was deeply inspired by Ang Lee’s The Wedding Banquet. At the time it was released, telling a gay story-especially one rooted in Asian culture-was a brave and groundbreaking act, even in the U.S. That film didn’t just entertain me; it showed me how storytelling can challenge societal norms, give voice to the marginalized, and spark cross-cultural dialogue.
This mission continues to guide the kinds of projects I take on. Most recently, I initiated and produced Her Rage, a theater olece that fuses realism with expressionism to explore remale rage, trauma, and agency across cultural and generational lines. The story intertwines a contemporary Chinese woman’s personal narrative with the myth of Medea, bringing ancient anc modern voices together in a bold, emotionally charged performance. Projects like this embody the kind of work I want to champion -creative expressions that confront urgent social issues with nuance, courage, and global relevance.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alinhuang7/
