Meet Huiqi Kuang | Film & Television Producer & Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Huiqi Kuang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Huiqi, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
Joining the effort to advance the industrialization of Chinese film is my ultimate goal. I have always firmly believed that my mission in coming to the United States to study film is to become a small but essential part of the bridge for cultural exchange between Chinese and American film. Through my efforts, along with like-minded friends, we can form a significant force to promote the mutual development of both industries.

After recently joining a film crew in China, I have clearly observed many deficiencies in the system compared to the highly developed American film industry. The industrialization of Chinese film is still in its early stages. However, there are encouraging signs, such as the efforts of many young filmmakers who have returned from studying abroad and are beginning to implement industrial practices on a smaller scale. Perhaps, throughout my career, our collective efforts can help advance the industrialization of Chinese film to a considerable extent.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My deep passion for this job enables me to endure the pressure and hardships it brings. I worked as an actress for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, when actor salaries were very low and many projects were forced to halt. My actor friends and I could barely cover our basic living expenses. Out of pride and stubborn independence, I refused to ask my parents for money. When I couldn’t afford shampoo, I diluted the remaining shampoo with water to make it last for half a month. The harsh realities gradually wore down our enthusiasm, and eventually, almost all my actor friends left their acting careers. Some returned to their hometowns to follow their parents’ plans, while others switched to completely unrelated jobs. I chose to become a producer, finding another path to pursue my dreams.

Upon arriving in the United States, I faced many challenges: cultural barriers, unfamiliarity with the field, and language obstacles. As a producer, communication is unavoidable. To quickly adapt to the job, I forced myself to communicate in imperfect English, despite my fears. In my previous project, our team encountered uncontrollable changes. At that moment, I felt at a loss, but I understood deeply that, as the producer, I was the backbone of the crew. I had to remain calm and lead the team to regroup. Through our collective efforts, we got the project back on track and successfully completed it. Afterwards, the director told me that it was my sincerity and proactive attitude that convinced her to continue with the challenging project. I believe that it is my passion for this job that allows me to calmly and steadily face and resolve problems.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am an avid Disney fan, so if a friend were visiting me in Orange, our first stop would have to be Disneyland California. I’ve drawn so much strength from many Disney movies, and I hope my friend can also be inspired by the Disney spirit. Additionally, I would definitely take my friends to Balboa Beach. This beautiful beach holds special significance for me as it was the first location for my first project as a producer. It is the place where my dreams set sail again.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am incredibly grateful to my mother. She was once a woman with dreams of her own, but under the influence of traditional Chinese values, she became a conventional woman who prioritized her husband. However, life did not extinguish the light of her dreams, instead, it transferred to me. At every crucial stage of my life, she has been my sole supporter.

When I was 16, I wanted to study acting, but my father was vehemently opposed, believing it was not something a girl should do. Our relationship deteriorated because of this. It was my mother who secretly took out her savings to send me to Beijing to study acting, which ultimately led to my acceptance into the acting program. Later, when I transitioned from being an actress to a producer, it was my mother who gave me the courage and encouragement to make the change. At that time, I was working as an actress in Shanghai. A deeper understanding of the work of an actor made me consider switching careers. By chance, I was introduced to producer work. My mother then suggested I go to the United States to further develop my producer skills.

The application process was not as smooth as I had hoped. Switching majors and having limited producer experience meant that I didn’t receive much interest from schools. My mental state deteriorated while waiting for offers, but my mother always maintained 100% confidence in me. She believed I would receive the ideal offer, and she was right—I got accepted into Chapman University. I truly admire my mother; her trust in me has never been blind, and she has given me endless strength and support to explore the world of my dreams.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neeko_kuang?igsh=dW5oZ3I3eTJjMHFi&utm_source=qr