Meet Peggy Tserwen Tseng

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Peggy Tserwen Tseng a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Peggy Tserwen, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose in 2023 when I embarked on my first feature film, ‘Miss Mermaid,’ which I wrote and directed. The story follows a law student in Taipei who, after receiving a life-changing call about her sister in New York, confronts her perceptions of family and identity. Through this project, I realized my passion for exploring themes of Asian mother-daughter relationships and the immigrant experience, drawing from my own upbringing in Taipei and move to New York.

Growing up immersed in American culture while rooted in my Asian heritage, I felt a deep need to tell stories about generational conflict, cultural assimilation, and identity. Creating ‘Miss Mermaid’ helped me understand that my purpose lies in using storytelling to bridge cultural divides and spark reflection. The support we received during crowdfunding reaffirmed my belief that these stories resonate with many, solidifying my commitment to telling meaningful stories that connect people.

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?

I’m a Taiwanese filmmaker based in New York City. I work as a professional show producer, and I also have a passion for writing and directing stories that speak to my heart. What excites me most is the opportunity to explore the immigrant experience and the female perspective, particularly within Taiwanese and Chinese communities. My films touch on themes of identity, family, and the pursuit of the American dream, drawing inspiration from my own life as an Asian woman navigating two cultures. These stories are personal to me, and I love using film as a way to bring those narratives to light.

My debut short film, ‘Jade,’ has been featured in over 15 film festivals, and I’m currently in post-production for two new projects—another short, Festival, and my first feature, Miss Mermaid. Our successful crowdfunding efforts raised $20K from supporters who connected with the themes of our films, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how these stories resonate with audiences. For me, storytelling is about creating connections and sparking conversations, whether through producing shows or directing films.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

As a content producer and a programmer at film festivals, I’ve found that certain skills and areas of knowledge have been instrumental in my growth. Here are the three qualities that have had the most impact, along with some advice for those just starting out:

Cultivating Taste and Industry Awareness:
As a producer, having a refined taste and deep knowledge of the industry is crucial. This involves staying informed about current trends, understanding audience preferences, and recognizing emerging talent. Whether producing content or curating films for a festival, the ability to identify quality and potential success is key. My advice is to continually immerse yourself in the world of film—watch widely, read industry news, and never stop learning. The more exposure you get, the sharper your judgment will become.

Building Relationships and Networking:
The film industry is built on strong relationships. Whether producing or working as a programmer, networking is essential. Developing meaningful connections with filmmakers, producers, and other industry professionals can lead to lasting collaborations and high-quality projects. For those starting out, focus on attending industry events, building your network, and always nurturing the relationships you form. Networking is about creating mutually beneficial partnerships, not just exchanging business cards.

Commitment to Lifelong Learning:
Continual learning has been a cornerstone of my journey. In content production, knowing the craft inside and out is vital for ensuring quality. My experience spans writing, directing, camera work, and editing—all of which have enriched my producing skills and helped me lead teams effectively. For beginners, I recommend gaining hands-on experience in different areas of filmmaking. Understanding all aspects of the process not only strengthens your own work but also deepens your collaboration with others. Never stop seeking new knowledge or honing your craft.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Collaboration is key in this industry, and I’m always on the lookout for talented filmmakers and crew members to partner with. Building long-term, sustainable relationships is essential to creating high-quality content.

New York is full of incredible talent, and in such a dynamic environment, collaboration becomes one of the most important traits we seek in a team member. We’re looking for people who are not only skilled but also adaptable, easy to work with, and able to thrive in different circumstances. The ability to be flexible and versatile, while maintaining a smart and resourceful approach to overcoming challenges, is what makes a team truly great.

If you’re passionate about creating the best possible content and have a collaborative spirit, I’d love to connect. Please feel free to reach out to me.

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