Conversations with Murphy Li

Today we’d like to introduce you to Murphy Li.

Hi Murphy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey into sound began with music. I started learning piano as a child, and music became my first language of expression—it taught me how to feel deeply and listen closely. Later, while studying at the Beijing Film Academy, I discovered the magic of storytelling through film sound, where emotion, rhythm, and atmosphere come together in invisible but powerful ways.

After gaining years of experience on sets in China, I moved to Los Angeles to challenge myself in a new creative landscape. It hasn’t always been easy, but building a life and career from scratch here has shaped me in ways I’m deeply proud of. Today, I work as a sound mixer and run my own sound company, contributing to narrative films, commercials, experimental films and music-driven projects. Every project reminds me why I chose this path—to create feeling through sound, and to help stories resonate in people’s hearts.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Moving to a new country to pursue a creative career came with a steep learning curve—cultural differences, language barriers, and the emotional weight of starting from scratch. It took time to adapt, to build trust with new collaborators, and to find stability in a fast-paced, unpredictable industry.

Financial uncertainty was another major challenge. Freelancing in film sound, especially as an immigrant, means juggling multiple roles, building a network from the ground up, and constantly adjusting to new crews and workflows. But every challenge became a lesson in resilience. I’ve learned to trust the process, embrace the uncertainty, and keep moving forward—even when the path isn’t easy.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work as a production sound mixer and audio creative, specializing in on-set sound for film, television, and branded content. My focus is always on capturing clean, emotionally resonant audio that supports the story—whether it’s an intimate dialogue scene, a chaotic action sequence, or a live musical performance.

What sets me apart is my hybrid background in both music and film. My early training in classical piano shaped how I listen—attentively, emotionally, and with nuance. That musical instinct carries over into my work with actors and directors: I’m not just recording sound, I’m listening for rhythm, tone, and truth.

I take pride in being both technical and collaborative. I’m known for bringing calm, clarity, and adaptability to fast-paced sets, especially those with tight schedules and minimal resources. I’ve built my own company, which gives me the flexibility to work across different types of productions—from narrative films to music videos to commercial campaigns—while maintaining the highest standards of sound quality and professionalism.

Additionally, efficiency is a core feature of my approach. I’m constantly refining workflow processes and tools to get things done faster and smarter. I pay close attention to communication with my team—keeping everyone on the same page—so we can complete work more swiftly without compromising on quality.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about this city is its creative energy and diversity. Los Angeles is full of people chasing dreams, experimenting with ideas, and finding new ways to express themselves. As someone working in sound and storytelling, it’s inspiring to be surrounded by so many artists, filmmakers, musicians, and makers—it keeps me creatively alive.
One of my favorite songs that captures this spirit is Pink Pony Club—it really sings about LA’s embrace of difference and diversity, and the freedom to be whoever you want to be.
That said, the city definitely has its challenges. The cost of living makes it difficult for many creatives to sustain their work without burning out. I also wish the industry culture here allowed for a bit more balance and humanity. But despite those frustrations, LA still feels like the right place to grow, create, and connect.

Pricing:

• Production sound mixing（Rates vary depending on project scope and duration，flexible pricing for indie and passion-driven projects）
• Kit rental and post support available upon request

Contact Info:

• Website: https://harmonyflicks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murphy_li_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15651347/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Image Credits
Goshiggygo photography