Amazing Asians in the Arts: Linda Joe

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Linda Joe is an Entertainment Producer and Executive based in Los Angeles. She attended University of Southern California and New York University studying Cinema-Television and Media and soon after began her entertainment industry career in development and acquisitions. From there, she moved on to international sales and distribution for film and TV, to producing big budget productions and events for renowned companies such as Paramount Pictures, NBC Entertainment, E! Entertainment, Fox International Productions and more. Linda also has worked with film and television award shows, major festivals - such as Cannes and Sundance - and produced for large-scale events including Comic-Con, SXSW and Global Esports World Championship. She recently was Head of Production for Infinity Grove Entertainment where she developed an original Broadway-bound musical called Accidental Joy, a dark comedy focused on one woman’s journey to find the guru within. The successful production featured a diverse cast and had multiple sold-out shows during its run. Read on to learn more about Linda and what makes her an Amazing Asian in the Arts!

 

Name:  Linda Joe

 

Heritage:  Korean American

 

Hometown:  Los Angeles, CA

 

Current City:  Los Angeles, CA

 

What are some of your favorite credits/projects?:

 

Most recently produced a Broadway-bound original dark comedy musical called Accidental Joy.

 

Any advice for young people getting into the arts?

 

Most people always want to be the artist. But, there are so many wider possibilities to facilitate a career in the arts. Your career is never linear. Take risks, consume everything, and try it all. Keep learning and growing. Enjoy the process and being in the moment.

 

How did you get your start?

 

I graduated from film school at the University of Southern California. I knew I always wanted to work in entertainment, but I didn’t really know what that meant career-wise. I started in development and acquisitions, then moved on to international sales and distribution for film and TV, to production and events. My career has done a complete 360 as I have worked in every facet of the entertainment business. That has made me the versatile and strong producer I am today.

 

Do you have any favorite moments in your career that you’d like to share?

 

I am grateful and blessed to have traveled all around the world producing for major productions and events throughout my career. Some versatile projects and events I’ve worked on include the Cannes Film Festival, Sundance, The Oscars, Comic-Con, Esports World Championships, Pro Cycling Tours, NBA All-Star, Broadways-bound Musicals, and more.

 

What have you found is the biggest challenge in your career?

 

The biggest challenge in my career has been getting a seat at the table. That means, being unafraid and speaking up even when things were seen as inconvenient or unpopular. I’ve always been an advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the workplace as well as outside passion projects I continue to seek and produce. I’ll always continue to be a champion for representation and to be a voice for issues that are important.

 

Do you have any organizations or non-profits you work with you’d like to highlight?

 

I volunteer often with animal shelters, women’s shelters and food banks. At the start of the pandemic, I started volunteering weekly with UPLA (Urban Partners Los Angeles), a local food bank in Los Angeles, CA, to help feed the community, as food insecurity has been especially high. In mid-March, we just celebrated our one-year anniversary of volunteering together, as UPLA is all volunteer-based.

 

Do you have any other “special skills?”

 

I can karaoke! I can also play pool!

 

What do you love most about what you do?

 

I love community. Whether it’s organizing a volunteer event or producing a multi-million-dollar project or production, it’s the idea of creating something to bring a group of people and ideas together to share in that communal experience. That’s what I love to do.

 

Do you have any self-care practices you do to stay focused and sane?

 

I like to stay creative and learn new things. I read and study new languages. I spend time with my family and doggies. I go to the park and go hiking. I meditate daily. I write in my gratitude journal each evening. I go to therapy. Sometimes I like to just sit in my car and listen to music.

I also make personal time for myself each day to do something I enjoy, whether it’s 30min to a couple hours. It’s important to me to have alone-time to shut off and recharge. During that time, I may sit solo at a cafe and enjoy a latte and read, or enjoy a great a meal at a new restaurant. I love going to the movies, or going to the theater to catch a new play or musical, or going karaoke, or playing pool. I like to explore the city. Sometimes I do home spa days and do skincare. It varies each day. Most importantly, I make sure that time set aside is for me and that it’s for something I enjoy doing.

 

What inspires you?

 

Taking risks which open new opportunities for growth. Embracing failure and understanding that it is a stepping stone to success. And always being open to learning, growing, and evolving. That is what continues to inspire me.

 

To find out more about Linda, please visit her at:

 

Website: www.LindaJoe.com