How Identity Has Influenced a Senior Manager Production Finance Career at The Walt Disney Company
The rising representation of Asian Americans in entertainment, "a hot thing right now," is encouraging to the Senior Manager, motivating a desire to contribute to this positive shift, perhaps even by working on "an Asian American film." This contrasts sharply with past experiences, where the lack of visible representation in high-level roles fostered a different expectation; witnessing the current progress is a significant and positive change.
Asian American Representation, Media and Entertainment Industry, Production Finance, Career Development, Leadership Roles
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Chris Kang
Senior Manager, Production Finance
The Walt Disney Company
University of Arizona, 2013
N/A
Accounting
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Finance
Former Foster Youth, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Chris's career journey reflects the increasing representation of Asian Americans in entertainment and media.
2. His desire to contribute to this positive change is evident in his aspirations to work on projects featuring Asian American themes and talent.
3. Chris's experience highlights the importance of representation in leadership positions, inspiring him to strive for greater impact within the industry.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as Asian American, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
With the continuing rise of Asian representation, it's really cool to see a lot of Asian American representation in film and music. Growing up, my non-Korean friends didn't talk about Korean pop stars or Korean dramas, but that seems to be a hot thing right now.
It's cool, but I'm still processing how to understand it. Regardless, it's been encouraging for me to work hard in my industry too because I want to be a part of that. I want to help support that representation.
Whether that's being in the back office or going to the theaters, it's helped me navigate where I am. Who knows where this experience will take me? Will I work on an Asian American film?
I think that would be really cool, whether it's a film or TV show. It would be a really cool experience. I guess that's a bucket list item, to be part of that representation.
Growing up, I wouldn't have thought to see a lot of people that look like me in high-up roles. It's really cool and encouraging to see that, compared to what I was accustomed to seeing or expecting. It's been really cool to see different higher-ups in our industry making strides.
It's been really cool to kind of shift that mentality and make that a normal expectation. It's been really cool to see that.
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