Meet Abbie Oh Arroyo | Emerging Producer and Incoming MFA Student at UCLA’s Producers Program

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abbie Oh Arroyo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abbie Oh, what inspires you?
I’m inspired by the power of film to shape perception — and by the urgent need to challenge who gets to tell which stories, and why. My ultimate goal is to use film as a medium of advocacy to amplify marginalized perspectives and support underrepresented creators, fostering equity. This passion is rooted in my identity as both Korean and Mexican, and in my belief that media representation shapes politics. The ways individuals and communities are portrayed on screen influence public perception, which in turn informs social attitudes, implicit biases, and ultimately the policies and legislation that govern their lives.

That understanding is deeply personal. I grew up navigating multiple cultural identities in environments where media and educational systems often failed to represent people like me — or flattened our stories into stereotypes. I initially set out to be a writer and director — and that passion still remains — but through my work and experiences, especially programs like UCLA’s Creative Producing Program, I’ve come to recognize producing as equally essential to the storytelling process. Producers play a pivotal role in determining which voices are amplified and which stories are brought to life — yet too often, white producers overlook or fail to fully grasp the visions that marginalized creators bring to the table.

That’s why I’m committed to being the kind of producer who not only believes in underrepresented voices, but actively builds the infrastructure to support them. I want to be in the room not just to make my own films, but to advocate for others whose stories deserve to be told with depth, care, and agency. Film is emotional, political, and cultural — and I’m inspired by the chance to be part of reshaping it into something more just.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is rooted in storytelling as a form of advocacy — using film to amplify marginalized voices and explore identities, relationships, and environments that often go unseen. As a mixed woman of color — Korean and Mexican — working in a space that’s still predominantly white and male, the path hasn’t always felt intuitive or easy. It can be jarring at times, especially when people don’t immediately see the value in diverse perspectives or stories that fall outside the industry’s “norm.” But that disconnect only deepens my commitment to telling stories that resonate across cultures and uplift the voices of those who’ve historically been left out.

What sets my work apart is that it’s deeply observational — how I got to where I am today comes from watching and listening closely: to people, places, interpersonal dynamics, and global events. I’ve always found inspiration in everyday moments, in the tension and tenderness that exist within communities, particularly those that are navigating complex identities. My work is often shaped by these layered realities — by the things people carry quietly and the systems that shape those experiences.

Being mixed in Los Angeles has actually been a gift. It’s one of the few places where both sides of my heritage — Korean and Mexican — feel visible, celebrated, and culturally present. That’s been grounding for me, and it’s shown up in my stories, which are often infused with elements of both cultures. I’m inspired by the communities that surround me — their resilience, humor, and heart — and I carry that inspiration into every project I take on.

Imposter syndrome is something I still wrestle with, especially in an industry where there’s pressure to prove yourself constantly. But seeking out affinity spaces and building community has helped me push through that self-doubt. The people in my life — collaborators, mentors, chosen family — are the ones who remind me that the work I’m doing is real and important. And that matters more than anything else.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about my brand and story, it’s that I don’t create in isolation. My work is always in conversation with the people, places, and histories that have shaped me — and I’m committed to using my platform as a producer to uplift the stories that deserve to be told, especially when others don’t yet recognize their value.

Ultimately, I hope to be a producer who gives back to the communities that have uplifted me. I deeply value working with communities, not for them — co-conspiring alongside them to help produce resources and opportunities for creatives who need them most. This approach has been transformative in my own journey, and I want to ensure that others have the support and access that can make all the difference in bringing their stories to life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area for a week and I wanted to show them the best time ever, I’d take them on a mix of cultural, culinary, and iconic LA adventures that mean a lot to me personally.

First off, we’d have to start with some comfort food at Han Bat Sul Lung Tang in Koreatown. This place is special because the owners know me and my family — they’ve seen me growing up! It was practically the first restaurant I ever went to, and I absolutely love their hearty, soothing soup. It’s my go-to spot whenever I need that warm, comforting feeling, and it’s a perfect introduction to the neighborhood.

For something with a different but equally rich flavor, we’d hit up Guelaguetza Restaurant for some amazing mole — one of my favorite dishes. The vibrant Oaxacan flavors there are unforgettable, and it’s a great way to celebrate my Mexican heritage.

We’d definitely visit the Walt Disney Concert Hall, too. Growing up playing in orchestra, this place has always felt like a second home to me. They put on phenomenal shows — the last one I saw there was Japanese Breakfast with Ichiko Aoba, and I actually cried through the whole thing, sharing that moment with my mom. It’s truly a space where music feels alive in a way you can’t find anywhere else.

No LA visit is complete without the Griffith Observatory — it’s such a beautiful and iconic spot. I love seeing it even from a distance; there’s something magical about that hilltop view of the city and stars.

I love visiting any art museum in LA — whether it’s The Getty, The Broad, or LACMA — all of them are great places to soak in creativity and inspiration. As a kid, I especially loved imagining myself living in those beautifully decorated rooms at The Getty.

For a behind-the-scenes peek into Hollywood, the Warner Brothers Studio Tour is hands-down my favorite. It feels so authentic and gives you a real taste of the magic behind the movies and shows we all love.

And since I’m a huge fan of thrills (but ironically can’t watch horror films despite doing a politics thesis on their politicization!), I’d take my friend to Universal Studios for Horror Nights. It’s such a fun, adrenaline-pumping experience that always keeps me on the edge of my seat.

I’d also make sure to take them to Little Tokyo — a lively neighborhood full of great Japanese food, unique shops, community events, and a rich cultural vibe that’s a must-see in LA.

Silverlake would be another stop — it’s perfect for wandering through trendy cafes, local boutiques, and just soaking up that creative, laid-back energy.

For shopping and thrifting, Fairfax and Melrose are absolute musts. You can find the coolest vintage shops, streetwear stores, and one-of-a-kind spots that really capture LA’s style and vibe.

The Arcadia area is another favorite — especially Westfield (The Shops at Santa Anita), which is a big spot for my friends and me. We love eating at Meizhou Dongpo for Sichuan flavors, Hai Di Lao for the amazing hot pot experience, and finishing off with Meet Fresh for delicious Taiwanese desserts. Nearby, the Santa Anita Race Track is a fun place to visit — I had a great time there once, even though I was too afraid to bet on horses. Watching the races and the energy around the track is unforgettable. Also, the 626 Night Market is a must if it’s happening while you’re visiting — it’s a vibrant celebration of Asian food, art, and culture with tons of amazing vendors, live performances, and that lively community spirit that makes the area so special.

If we’re craving more Asian cuisine, the Diamond Plaza in Rowland Heights is a great food destination. It’s especially popular with Claremont College students, since my favorite malatang chain, Zhangliang Malatang, is there — perfect for warming up with spicy, customizable noodle bowls.

And no visit would be complete without Olvera Street — the historic Mexican marketplace in downtown LA, full of vibrant colors, traditional foods, and the heart of LA’s Mexican heritage.

Last but definitely not least, I’d bring them to Claremont Village, my longtime go-to spot since living in Claremont. It’s got a cozy, small-town vibe with great shops, cafes, and an amazing community feel — the perfect place to relax, explore, and enjoy good company.

This itinerary combines comfort, culture, creativity, and excitement — all the things that make this place feel like home to me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I want to shout out my parents, who have always believed in me and truly seen me — which means so much, especially considering the stereotype that immigrant parents only want their kids to become doctors or engineers (which, let’s be real, I could never pull off). They never discouraged me from pursuing film; instead, they just reminded me to have a goal, work hard, and stay focused. Their constant encouragement and trust in my vision have been a grounding force in my journey.

I’m also incredibly grateful for the educational communities that shaped me: Foothill Country Day School, The Webb Schools, and Scripps College. These spaces nurtured my love for the arts and gave me the confidence to pursue storytelling as more than just a passion — but as a career and a tool for advocacy. I’m especially thankful for the community at Scripps and across the Claremont Colleges, where I found fellow creatives, friends, and collaborators who encouraged me to lead with purpose and heart.

I owe a huge thank you to UCLA Professors Alex Franklin and Bobbie Lucas — their mentorship during the Summer Creative Producing Program was pivotal in shaping the trajectory of my career, and I’m incredibly excited to continue learning from them in the MFA program. I also want to recognize Director and Professor Johnson Cheng, who was one of the first people to truly inspire me to lock into film. His work showed me that it’s possible to create stories that resonate deeply on a cultural level, and his teaching continues to shape how I approach storytelling with both emotional precision and cultural depth.

A very special shoutout goes to the cast and crew of Be The Cowboy, my senior thesis film. It was the first project I ever wrote, directed, and produced — and every single person involved helped bring that vision to life with so much care.

And of course, I have to shout out Michael Yu and all the creatives behind Berkmont, a collective creative hub we co-founded between the Claremont Colleges and UC Berkeley. That community has been one of the most exciting and energizing parts of my journey. We’ve made award-winning films together, and I’m hoping we’ll shoot something again this summer — maybe even take on the LA 48 Hour Film Challenge again…

Lastly, to all my friends — most of whom are STEM majors — thank you for being my unofficial therapists, creative consultants, and hype team. Thank you for sitting through my endless rambles about plot twists, character arcs, and lighting setups you probably didn’t sign up for. Y’all might be saving lives and solving equations, but you’ve also saved me more times than I can count with your love, late-night snacks, and nonstop support.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbieoh72/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbie-oh-arroyo-5893a6267/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@abbieoharroyo

Other: Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user185241986