We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lina Hagstrom. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lina below.
Lina, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I see creativity like a coin: one side is problem-solving and the other one is creation with an outcome, whether it’s text, visuals, films, music, paintings, code, a business plan etc.
I see problem-solving as an essential skill that lays the foundation for everything else. I always try to approach problem-solving with an optimistic and a little stubborn approach, there has to be a solution and then it’s a matter of figuring out all the possible avenues to get to a solution that moves you forward.
I start by researching how others have solved similar problems and try to learn from their successes and mistakes (you can find great stories from the people you know or follow on social media as well as articles). I’m also a voracious reader and love diving into books, publications, and ideas from industries far removed from my own. Often, the best insights come from unexpected places – I think the secret is to keep an open mind and not be too stuck on the idea that there’s only one way to do things. Building and growing my production company is constant problem-solving and I like to think of new opportunities rather than what the status quo has been for my industry.
In many ways, we’re at a transition point in society and many industries, and thus, the lines between fields is becoming blurrier, which opens a plethora of new ways to build, grow, operate and monetize a business.
As for creating something with an outcome, the key is to keep your eyes and ears open. Creativity thrives on curiosity, no matter the field. To keep my creativity alive for my writing and creating films, I like to consume a lot of art across genres – music, films, documentaries, tv shows, books, photos, museums and stories about people. I always get new ideas from the feeling and emotional state I get into from consuming art. The other key component is listening, and truly let yourself be consumed by what you hear. Listening to people and trying to understand their experiences, emotions, approach to life or way of thinking truly puts your mind to work – it’s like walking a road you’ve never taken before and taking in all the new impressions.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a filmmaker and the founder of Sunday Child Entertainment, an independent production company based in New York City.
Originally from Finland, I moved to New York in 2015 to pursue a Master’s degree in film and media. After graduating, I spent nearly a decade in the tech industry, working as a brand and marketing executive at a leading AI adtech company. Working in tech taught me so much about storytelling, strategy, innovation, and leadership – skills I now channel into building my own company.
At Sunday Child Entertainment, we create TV series and indie films that resonate deeply with global audiences, taking them on unforgettable emotional journeys. Our focus is on telling authentic, thought-provoking stories that connect with people across cultures.
Being far from home, I’ve developed a profound understanding and appreciation for the fleeting nature of time and the importance of preserving memories with your loved ones. This inspired me to create Sunday Child Biopics, a unique offering where individuals can see their lives brought to the big screen. These personalized, cinema-quality films celebrate life’s defining moments, relationships, and milestones – giving everyone the chance to step into the story of their own life.
Our mission is simple: to tell stories that matter, whether they’re fictional narratives or the real-life tales that define us. It’s a joy to combine my love for filmmaking with the opportunity to create something deeply personal for our clients while continuing to push creative boundaries in TV and film.
We’re already working on our first film and biopic productions, but I’m launching the company in early 2025 for the wider public.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are curiosity, perseverance, and optimism. Each of these has shaped not only how I approach challenges but also how I embrace opportunities.
Curiosity is the spark that fuels learning and growth. It’s about asking questions, exploring new ideas, and constantly seeking to understand the world and people around you. For me, curiosity has meant living in different countries, learning new languages, and worked in different industries, from tech to film, and discovering new ideas and insights that have helped me evolve. To cultivate curiosity, I’d advise embracing the unknown – never assume you know everything, and always stay open to new perspectives. Read widely, listen actively, and find inspiration in places that might surprise you.
Perseverance is what gets you through the inevitable roadblocks. Everyone will face moments of doubt, rejection, or failure (that’s life), but persistence is what helps you push forward. Building a business, especially in a competitive industry like filmmaking, requires resilience. My advice for developing perseverance is to focus on your “why.” When you’re deeply connected to your purpose, it becomes easier to navigate obstacles. Break big challenges into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate progress along the way. When I face a challenging moment, I remind myself that consistency and time is key to success, so I just try to keep moving.
Optimism, for me, is the belief that there’s always a way forward, even when things seem uncertain. It’s not about ignoring difficulties but about choosing to focus on possibilities and opportunities rather than limitations. Optimism has allowed me to view setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow (even when it’s hard in the moment). To nurture optimism, surround yourself with positive influences that give you energy – whether it’s people, art, or hobbies – and practice gratitude regularly. My mom used to tell me that I am my only limit, and it’s something I carry with me everywhere I go.
How would you describe your ideal client?
Our ideal client is anyone who wants to immortalize their memories and experience the joy of seeing their life captured in a personalized, cinema-quality film. You don’t need to be a professional actor, speaker, or have any prior experience in front of a camera – our team specializes in making you feel comfortable and we guide you through the process to tell your story in the most authentic way.
We offer a range of options tailored to different needs:
Personalized Biopics: Perfect for documenting your unique experiences, memories, and lessons learned, creating a legacy that can be cherished for generations to come. In these films, you are the star, and the story centers entirely on your journey.
Family Films: Designed for capturing meaningful family moments, milestones, or anniversaries. These films weave together individual and group interviews to tell the story of a family as a whole.
Lifetime Legacy Films: For those who want to see the evolution of their personal (or their child’s) or professional lives over time, this option allows us to film yearly updates, culminating in a comprehensive film that captures the full arc of your journey.
The Gift of Memories: A wonderful way to honor loved ones, such as parents or grandparents, by preserving their stories for future generations. It’s an unforgettable experience that turns their lives into a cinematic treasure.
Our ideal clients share a desire to preserve their stories in a meaningful and artistic way. Whether you’re capturing a personal milestone, honoring family bonds, or documenting a lifetime of achievements, we’re here to help you create something extraordinary.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sundaychildfilm.com (coming soon!)
- Instagram: @sundaychildfilm and @linamariaisabella
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linamariahagstr%C3%B6m/
