Meet Runyu (Martin) Li | Trinity University – Tiger TV – Executive Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Runyu (Martin) Li and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Runyu, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Taking risks has played a pivotal role in shaping both my life and career. I’ve often made decisions that might seem risky to others, but they’ve been crucial in pushing me toward my goals.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, while many international students either chose to return home or take a gap year, I made the firm decision to stay in the United States. This allowed me to observe and experience the unique challenges faced by international students, particularly Asian students, who were not only grappling with the pandemic but also with heightened discrimination. Feeling compelled to address these issues, I decided to create a documentary capturing the experiences of international students during the pandemic.
I pitched my idea to my undergraduate mentor, gathered media resources from classmates and Trinity University’s International Student and Scholar Services, and directed and edited the documentary How Has COVID Influenced Trinity University’s International Students from Asian Countries. The film was showcased during Trinity University’s AAPI Month as an educational resource and aired on the university’s TV channel, Tiger TV. This experience solidified my passion for storytelling through media and film, motivating me to pursue a career where I could amplify voices that need to be heard.
This drive led me to make another significant decision: joining ReelShort as a post producer. ReelShort is a pioneer in the vertical short drama space, a relatively new and unconventional genre in the film industry. While some might view this path as risky due to its nascent stage, I recognized its potential and the level of expertise required to excel in this innovative format. I was drawn to the challenge of mastering this storytelling medium and working alongside like-minded, talented professionals to create high-quality content.
These so-called “risks” have ultimately been opportunities for growth, allowing me to refine my skills as a storyteller and pursue my vision of creating impactful media. I am committed to continuing this journey, embracing challenges, and contributing meaningfully to the evolution of the film industry.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career as a post producer has been a journey of growth, determination, and innovation. Despite joining ReelShort with no formal training in filmmaking, my background in journalism, communication, and public relations has given me a unique edge in understanding audience preferences and identifying the core storytelling elements that resonate with viewers. This perspective has allowed me to contribute fresh insights to our projects and the overall operation of our department, many of which have been recognized and implemented.

Early on at ReelShort, my organizational and management abilities were quickly noticed, and I was entrusted with handling four projects simultaneously as a post producer. This was both an incredible opportunity and a significant challenge. To succeed, I immersed myself in understanding the company’s product requirements and the short-form drama industry, which is a relatively new field. I frequently sought guidance from colleagues, collaborated with other departments to understand their workflows, and even took the initiative to research and consolidate industry knowledge on my own. Thanks to the relentless efforts of the team I led, one of the projects under my supervision, Recipe for Faking a Marriage, achieved an impressive total view count of nearly 30 million.

To streamline our processes, I developed a comprehensive guideline that clarified steps and explained the underlying logic behind our workflows. This guide was later adopted by my department head as part of our official training materials for onboarding new team members, which remains one of my proudest contributions.

What sets me apart is my adaptability and willingness to learn. My unconventional background has allowed me to bring a different perspective to my work, combining analytical thinking with creative problem-solving. This, along with my proactive attitude, has not only helped me grow from a newcomer to an indispensable post producer but has also ensured that my voice is heard within the organization.

Through this journey, I’ve learned that hard work and dedication don’t go unnoticed, especially in environments like ReelShort that value innovation and collaboration. I want the world to know that storytelling is my passion, and I am committed to pushing boundaries, refining my craft, and contributing to the evolution of this dynamic industry.

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.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d definitely take them to my graduate school, the University of Southern California (USC). The campus is not only beautiful but also rich in history and culture, making it a perfect place to explore. My time at USC remains one of the happiest periods of my life in Los Angeles.

USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, in particular, is a must-see. They host weekly free screenings that are open to students and sometimes even the public, offering opportunities to watch incredible films and engage in discussions with directors, producers, and actors. It’s an inspiring environment that celebrates storytelling and creativity. USC also organizes large-scale art and cultural events that highlight the diversity of Los Angeles, making it a vibrant hub for networking and cultural exchange.

For me, USC represents more than just a school—it’s where I deepened my passion for the film and media industry and found the motivation to pursue my current career. Being in such a dynamic and diverse city like Los Angeles, and especially being a part of USC’s creative community, has been instrumental in shaping my journey. I’d love to share this part of my life with my best friend and show them how it continues to fuel my dreams in the heart of La La Land.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to the incredible post-production team at ReelShort and the invaluable mentorship I’ve received along the way. Joining ReelShort meant stepping into a completely new space—short vertical dramas—which required me to constantly learn about this emerging industry and its unique demands.
My teammates have been incredibly supportive, patiently walking me through the workflows, product nuances, and key responsibilities of the role. My supervisor and head of department have also been instrumental, recognizing my hard work and encouraging my growth. Their mentorship provided me with the confidence and guidance I needed to thrive in a high-pressure environment.
Thanks to this support system, I’ve been able to grow quickly, transitioning from a Post Assistant to Post Coordinator, and now into an indispensable role as a Post Producer. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented team, who have not only helped me excel but also fostered an environment where I could truly grow and thrive.

Website: https://malegeding.com/

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

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