Meet Maggie Mingqi Tao

We were lucky to catch up with Maggie Mingqi Tao recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Maggie Mingqi with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I believe that my work ethic is intrinsically linked to my personality. In my daily life, I am considerate of others’ feelings and strive to avoid unnecessarily troubling or wasting others’ time. This mindset seamlessly transitions into my professional life as well. Whether working on a project or a film, I consistently endeavor to understand the desires of clients and audiences, rather than imposing my preconceived notions onto the market. I consider such an approach to be highly irresponsible.

My role inherently requires close collaboration with a team, and as a producer, I recognize that the process can be quite demanding. I am dedicated to fostering a team environment characterized by mutual respect, equality, and overall positivity. I believe that cultivating such an atmosphere not only enhances team morale but also significantly increases our potential to produce exceptional work. As a producer, I am committed to ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered, acknowledging that our collective efforts are paramount to our success.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

As a film producer, I am the person who brings the script from paper to the screen. Throughout this process, the producer is involved in every aspect, being the first to initiate the project and the last to leave it. My work is filled with many exciting and gratifying moments, three of which are particularly memorable to me personally.

Firstly, during the casting process, I often find myself moved to tears watching some actors audition. They are the first sparks of brilliance in the entire project, injecting life into the characters and bringing them to life.

Secondly, I am always filled with excitement every time I watch a rough cut. It’s the moment when the project starts taking shape, and every frame carries the hard work of the team, leaving me feeling fulfilled and proud.

Lastly, the moment when the audience applauds at film festivals is incredibly rewarding. It makes all the hard work worthwhile, as seeing the audience affirm and enjoy our work brings an indescribable sense of satisfaction and achievement.

These moments deeply reinforce my sense of responsibility and mission as a producer, driving me to continually strive for higher artistic achievements and professional standards.

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?

As a film producer, I believe the most important quality is professionalism. This entails being familiar with the entire process, always thinking ahead, and being prepared to handle unforeseen circumstances, while also providing emotional support to team members and serving as the anchor for the entire production crew. These qualities are fundamental.

Additionally, having a strong inner resilience is crucial. It means being able to bounce back from failures, calmly continuing forward. It’s essential to maintain a passion for the industry and a sensitivity to market trends.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, is authenticity. As producers and storytellers, beyond simply negotiating deals and pitching ideas, we must immerse ourselves in the world, explore the complexities of life, and cultivate curiosity. This genuine engagement with the world around us is what fuels our creativity and enables us to connect with audiences on a deeper level.

My advice would be not to give up easily. In this industry, opportunities are scarce, and the probability of success is relatively low. Indeed, talent, perseverance, timing, and luck are all indispensable. I hope everyone can avoid feeling too anxious and instead focus on enjoying the process.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

Firstly, they have given me a lot of freedom, supporting every major decision in my life. They always listen to me, respect me, and trust me. Secondly, I have received a lot of love from my family. I am well aware that even if one day I have nothing, I will still return home to warm embraces, which gives me great confidence. I am truly fortunate; the people around me are very supportive, including my husband Mike, who is an excellent Sound Designer, as well as other family members and uncles who have witnessed my growth since childhood. Their presence has always influenced me to become a better version of myself. Love is powerful, and I am deeply grateful.