TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian producer, director, screenwriter, and actress Livi Zheng made her living by making movies in Hollywood.
The woman who was born in East Java, April 3, 1989, started entering the film industry when she was studying for her bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of Washington. Livi Zheng always remembers her parents’ advice, “My parents told me that I can do whatever I wish, but I must not edge away from [the field] before I reach success,” said Livi on Saturday, November 11.
That advice has become a motivation for her to complete her bachelor’s degree in economics. “I will complete it well and move to another field,” she explained, “I think this is a good concept since it needs time to reach success. This applies to every field of work, the difference is how we reach it.”
Before deciding to enter the film industry, Livi Zheng was faced with a dilemma whether to focus on the economic world instead. Livi felt that she would not face too many challenges in economics since most of her relatives and friends work as an accountant or businessmen, unlike the film industry where she has no inside connection.
Fortunately, Livi Zheng was backed by the support of her parents to reach her dreams, but under the condition that she does not leave a field of work before reaching success. So, at the same time she studies economics, Livi Zheng chose not to abandon her obsession towards the film industry by working part-time as a film production assistant or intern.
She argues that many people do not spare enough time in a certain field of work before deciding to jump to another one. “Reaching success needs time. The important thing is to be confident and not give up,” said Livi Zheng.
ASTARI PINASTHIKA SAROSA
