Meet Desmond (Qi Hong) Loh | Filmmaker & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Desmond (Qi Hong) Loh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Desmond (Qi Hong), what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I enjoy creating content to entertain people, which is why I pursued a career in film production and content creation. I was always known as “the jester” ever since middle school — the one finding a funny punchline in everything, finding creative ways to make simple things interesting. That natural interest in entertainment led me to explore storytelling on a larger scale, from film production to content creation.
Throughout my journey, I’ve produced multiple short films, including ‘Your Promise’ and ‘Glodok 98,’ both of which reflect my passion for compelling storytelling and bringing unique perspectives to life on screen. Beyond filmmaking, I’ve actively engaged with the entertainment industry in various ways—participating in streaming competitions like OTK Top Streamer, attending major conventions such as Anime Expo, Animé Los Angeles, and Los Angeles Comic Con, and even conducting interviews at film festivals to connect with industry professionals. These experiences have strengthened my passion for both the creative and production sides of the industry.
My goal is to bridge these worlds—leveraging my production expertise to create high-quality content while continuing to engage with audiences in an authentic and meaningful way. Ultimately, my dream is to produce video game adaptations as films, bringing some of the most beloved video games that I’ve grown up playing to the big screen. I believe my background in both film production and digital content creation, along with my passion for gaming culture, positions me uniquely to contribute to this evolving space in entertainment.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
There’s no way this road has been easy. The road has been tough, and there’s no sugarcoating it. Honestly, there have been countless nights when I felt lost, uncertain, and alone, questioning what the future held. Many of my friends are still unemployed, and I’ve cried in moments when it felt like nothing was going right. I don’t know if I’ve truly “overcome” those struggles. What I’ve learned, however, is how to live with them. They’ve become a part of my journey.
What drives me forward is the understanding that my time here is limited. I don’t have the luxury of waiting around; I need to do something extraordinary. That urgency—knowing that life is fleeting and time is precious—is what pushes me. It’s not a shade against anyone, but the reality is that sometimes you need to hit rock bottom, face isolation, and deal with limited resources before you realize what you’re truly capable of. When I first came into this industry, I wasn’t a “nepo baby”—I’m the child of a factory worker and a bank accountant. I had zero connections, no network, and of course, nothing to lose. I came here with just a deep desire to create, and that’s been my fuel ever since.
What sets me apart is how I bridge the gap between gaming, anime, and film. I don’t think I’ve met anyone who brings these worlds together in a way that is as fluid and natural as I intend to. I’ve always felt like there’s been a missing link, and I’m working hard to be that bridge—connecting the cultural dynamism of gaming and anime with the emotional storytelling of film. This is my brand, and it’s something that I believe is unique to my journey.
Every person has a story.
Everyone has a story, and mine isn’t any bigger or more unique than the person next to me. What I want people to know is that no matter where you start or the challenges you face, your journey can still make an impact. I’m not looking for sympathy, but if my path can inspire just one person to keep pushing forward, to keep chasing their dreams despite the odds (I like playing against the odds), then I’ll feel like I’ve done my job. It’s not about where I came from—it’s about where I’m going and who I can inspire along the way. Thanks!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles, I’d definitely show them the perfect mix of things that capture the city’s essence. We’d start by catching a live sports game, whether it’s NBA or MLB —it’s a must for the LA experience. I’d also take them to The Broad, a museum with mind-blowing art, and of course, we’d make sure to catch a sunset at one of LA’s beautiful beaches, which I think are some of the best in the world. I’d also take them to Frank & Sons to check out collectibles, especially since I’m into Pokémon cards. If they’re into theme parks, I’d definitely hit up Universal Studios for a fun-filled day of rides and attractions, hopefully it coincides with Horror Nights so it’s more action-packed! For food, we’d have to try Qianlixiang Dry Hot Pot—it’s my comfort food, and I’m sure they’d love it too. I’d also take them to Ipoh Kopitiam in Alhambra for a taste of my hometown’s Malaysian cuisine. If we’re in the mood for something a bit more touristy, we’d cruise along Hollywood Sunset Blvd and check out all the iconic spots. Finally, I’d show them a bit of my creative side by introducing them to the gaming and anime communities through events like Anime Expo, Anime Los Angeles, and Los Angeles Comic Con, which have always inspired me. These spots represent everything I love about LA: the excitement, creativity, culture, and, of course, the food!

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 wouldn’t be where I am today without the support and inspiration of so many people along the way. First and foremost, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family. My parents are the definition of tough-love Asian parents, but despite that, my mom has been my rock. Many people don’t believe me, but I still rely on her a lot—even from 9,000 miles away. I’ve called her almost every single day since moving to the U.S., and she’s always been there for me. Even when my path was uncertain, she encouraged me and gave me the confidence to pursue what I love, no matter how far apart we are.
I also want to give a huge shoutout to some of my best friends—Nicholas Tjen, Jake Hurst, Charles Lai, and many more. Not only have they been my closest collaborators on projects like Your Promise and Glodok 98, but every single piece of content, video, or stream I create wouldn’t be possible without them. They stepped in as cameramen when I couldn’t find someone, reinforced my creative ideas, and gave me valuable feedback that helped me reach the Top 10 in OTK Top Streamer. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in my growth.
I also want to recognize my mentors and organizations that have guided me—whether through advice, collaboration or simply pushing me to grow. Attending film festivals like the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and interviewing industry professionals have been eye-opening experiences that continue to inspire me. I’m especially grateful to the Group Effort Initiative (GEI) for connecting me with incredible mentors like Anna Luna (Production Manager at Netflix) and Marissa Brooks (Vice President in Drama Development at CBS Studios), who have helped me navigate the film industry. A special thank you to streamer NMPlol, who gave me constructive feedback on how to improve my streams.
Another mentor I deeply appreciate is Chenhui Mao. She’s not only my current employer but also like family to me while I’m here in the U.S. pursuing my dreams. Her guidance and support have meant the world to me.
Lastly, I want to thank all the friends, supporters, and even the audiences who have engaged with my content. Every bit of encouragement, feedback, and shared passion keeps me motivated to keep creating. I’m grateful for every person, challenge, and experience that has brought me here, and I’m grateful for where I’ll be.

Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15343526/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desmondljt91/

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

Image Credits
1) Nicholas Tjen, Desmond Loh
2) Desmond Loh, Shibuya Kaho
3) Glodok ’98 Crew
4) Austin Butler
5) Jake Hurst, Desmond Loh
6) Glodok ’98 Crew
7) NMPlol, ExtraEmily, WillNeff
8) Charles Lai, Brandon Modelo, Desmond Loh