Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Joe.
Linda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I always knew growing up that I wanted to work and be a part of the entertainment landscape, and that I wanted to make an impact and be a voice and a force of positive change within the industry, the business, for myself and for others. Born and raised in LA, it was important that I made it in LA. I went to USC film school and upon graduating I hustled and interned and worked multiple jobs and started doing projects on the side, and I did everything I could to learn and grow in the entertainment business by trying everything to really figure out what I enjoyed and how I fit in the bigger picture.
I started as an assistant in film development, then worked in international film sales and distribution, worked in film and tv production, worked in entertainment marketing, produced big-budget events, produced live sports events, produced esports tournaments, and more. My career has grown and evolved in so many ways, but my goal then and my goal now has always been to be a versatile do-it-all producer. I’ve produced for and have worked with everything from Comic-Con to the Cannes Film Festival, to the NBA and the Amgen Tour of California and so much more. I enjoy producing a variety of things that I am passionate about.
One day it can be a film project. The next day it can be a Broadway show. I recently co-produced an original dark comedy musical called Accidental Joy. I don’t have Broadway experience or a background in theater, but my hunger, my drive, my passion, and my vision as a producer allowed me to build something from the ground up to showcase to an audience of multiple sold-out shows. From co-producing an original musical, my co-producer, Marcus Terrell Smith, and I, founded our production company, Infinity Grove Entertainment, and we are currently working on developing and producing our next major diverse tv comedy project called Awk’d Subject. What has always been important to me within my career is to have a voice and to use it properly.
As a Korean-American woman in this business, what matters most to me is diversity and representation. I want to create and produce projects that offer opportunities to minorities and under-represented groups and be a voice for the next generation to help pave the way. That is a goal through Infinity Grove Entertainment. The collective experience and knowledge that Marcus and I have in this business is massive.
And we want to provide a platform for other minorities as well. We want to create things we are passionate about, from tv to film to musicals to events and everything in between. The people in my life know that I live my life to the fullest every day. I work hard and pour everything I have into what I do. I don’t take anything for granted. I am so grateful and humbled by what I have accomplished so far, and I appreciate everyone who has helped me along the way. But my journey is just starting and I still have a long ways to go. I’m still focused, still driven, still hungry. And I am so excited to see how the next decade unfolds.
Creating a platform that expands diversity and representation is near and dear to our hearts and we commend you on the important work you are doing. We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road to here has not been easy. It’s been many ups and downs. And many disappointing heartaches. I took the longer way by doing it my way. I stayed strong and tough but fair and true to myself even when it was not popular. There were many lonely and difficult times standing my ground and trying to push for change wherever I could.
But these challenges have made me a stronger leader. You learn and you grow. Every single sweat and hard work I put into what I do has earned me the respect from my colleagues and peers. And I wouldn’t change a single thing.
Yeah, makes sense, basically what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. It’s a great way to look at the challenges we all face. So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Infinity Grove Entertainment story. What else should we know?
Infinity Grove Entertainment, founded by Linda Joe and Marcus Terrell Smith, is a versatile production company that breaks the mold in all areas of entertainment by bringing more diverse stories to the stage and screen.
IGE specializes in creating and producing everything from film and television, to plays and musicals, to sports and events, and more. If there is passion, there is a way. And through bringing more diverse stories, the goal is to offer more opportunities to minorities and under-represented groups and be a voice for the next generation to help pave the way.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
There is a quote that says, “Luck is where opportunity meets preparation.” And I believe in doing the work. You have to do the work. That way you’re ready and prepared so that when you receive an opportunity, you’re lucky you got it. My hard work, hustle, and heart is what brings meaning to my life and business. The struggles I’ve been through built my tough skin. Everything I have done and learned through life and working in this industry has taught me and prepared me to shine and realize that I am more than ready and capable of being the leader I was meant to be. The amazing team of people I built and work with bring me joy. When you provide guidance and a platform for your team to grow by allowing them to utilize their strengths, you allow them to equally shine, and in turn, your business grows.
I believe in keeping it real and being a good person. The more good you put out in the universe, the more good you will get back. That’s not luck. That’s doing the work. And as much good as I have received through family and friends and colleagues and strangers and through the blessings of the universe, I believe in giving it right back. That’s what is important.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.InfinityGroveEntertainment.com
- Email: ContactLindaJoe@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Lionel Garcia
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