Meet Regina Lingling Zhang | Development Executive & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Regina Lingling Zhang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Regina, how do you define success?
Success can be deeply personal and unique to each individual. For me, success is defined as staying true to oneself and not forgetting one’s original aspirations as we achieve our goals and dreams, regardless of whether the goal or dream involves personal achievement, financial success, or impact and contribution to society.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m currently a creative executive at an international production and financing company. My role involves curating the development slate, managing first-looks deals with notable directors and producers, scouting new ideas and projects, and overseeing the day-to-day development.

My journey into film was ignited by a lifelong passion nurtured through diverse cinematic experiences shared with my family. My dad is an avid cinephile and we spent many father-daughter time in movie theaters since I was a kid. My mom is a big fan for drama and romance and we would engage in long conversations about the shows, which also helped me to understand my mom better. My little brother is into sci-fi & action and we developed our love for Marvel. These varied experiences with my family not only deepened my appreciation for film but also shaped my understanding of storytelling’s power to foster bond.

This foundation in storytelling was further developed during my time in college, where I led a student organization responsible for producing live events for the university. I found out that I was good at producing so I decided to combine what I’m good at with what I love, and pursue it as a career.

I applied for a master’s in Producing and Entertainment Management at Boston University, and after earning my degree, I began my career at Nina Tassler’s PatMa Productions and RDJ’s Team Downey. It was a full-circle moment for me, especially working at Team Downey, since Iron Man is my favorite Marvel hero, and it was Iron Man 2 that first introduced Hollywood to me.

Transitioning to my current position, I’ve applied my international and cultural perspective to enhance our development slate and dedicate efforts to enhance storytelling through authentic representation on-and-off camera.

Navigating the complexities of the film industry, especially as an international student and later as a professional in Hollywood, the most difficult challenge I’ve faced has been dealing with the limitations and restrictions imposed by visa regulations. I’ve witnessed many talented fellow international students struggle and eventually return home because they could not secure sponsorship. For us in similar situations, it can take years just to reach the starting point.

A takeaway and a strategy I developed through this precarious journey is to always focus on the goal of the current moment. It’s crucial to identify tasks with varying levels of importance and urgency and to be willing to let go of those that are not critical to the primary goal at hand. And then reverse engineering to break down the goal into smaller, actionable steps. By understanding the necessary actions to achieve the goal, one can stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed by trying to achieve too much or getting confused by tasks that may be important but not crucial to achieving the current goal.

I want the world to know that my personal brand revolve around bridging diverse cultures through authentic storytelling in the universal language of film. I’m passionate about filmmaking and am capable and dedicated to bringing stories to life that spark empathy and resonate across borders. Additionally, I want to emphasize to those in positions of influence: please consider giving international candidates an opportunity, regardless of their visa status. You may be rewarded with a highly capable employee or partner who can bring fresh perspectives and enrich your team or project in invaluable ways.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a proud resident of Ktown and a food enthusiast, I have a plethora of must-visit spots right in my backyard. When it comes to coffee, DAMO on the 8th is an absolute gem, with their einspanners being a must-try. For those with a sweet tooth, Brown Bag Cookies serves up the most delectable canele that you simply can’t miss. And for dinner, Yangmani is always one of my top picks for mouthwatering KBBQ. If we’re venturing beyond the confines of Ktown, The Thai Thing and Tonchin LA are both fail-proof options.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my parents. Their unwavering affection has taught me to value myself and instilled in me the confidence to stay true to who I am. This mindset is crucial as I navigate the unique challenges of being an international student in Hollywood, from visa complexities to competing in an intensely tough industry where I start at a disadvantage. While they may not fully grasp my dream, their support and belief continually fortify my resolve, reminding me of my worth and fueling my drive to pursue my passions.

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

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