Business Spotlight: Interview with iStage Entertainment
- LA Today
- Sep 13
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
iStage Entertainment, founded by CEO and Artistic Director Todd Lien in 2020, serves as a bridge between Hollywood and the AAPI community by providing professional coaching and career opportunities for young Asian-American artists. The company offers comprehensive services from screenwriting to performance, creating pathways for AAPI youth to break into the entertainment industry while building confidence and authentic artistic voices.
7 QUESTIONS
WITH TODD LIEN
(iStage Entertainment)
1. Your origin story is inspiring, what motivated you to start iStage Entertainment and focus on AAPI and immigrant voices in particular?
The inspiration for founding iStage Entertainment came directly from my own community. While teaching acting at a studio that primarily served AAPI immigrant families, I saw a real need: parents deeply wanted to support their children’s creative passions but often faced language and cultural barriers. I felt a calling to become that bridge. With my bilingual skills, industry knowledge, and personal experience as part of this community, I recognized the unique position I was in to create access and opportunity.
That’s how iStage Entertainment was born: as a platform dedicated to uplifting AAPI youth, particularly those from immigrant families. Too often, their voices have been overlooked or confined to stereotypes in Hollywood. I wanted to change that narrative by creating a space where young actors could be coached, mentored, and championed to tell authentic stories that matter.
At its core, iStage is about breaking barriers and building community. It’s about ensuring that the next generation of AAPI talent not only knows they belong in this industry, but also has the tools and opportunities to thrive.
2. For immigrant families navigating the entertainment industry for the first time, what unique challenges do you see?
For immigrant families entering the entertainment industry for the first time, the challenges are significant. Limited English can make even basic communication difficult, and the industry itself has its own jargon and unwritten rules. Many parents simply don’t know where to begin—how to get their child seen by agents, where to find a trustworthy headshot photographer, or how to recognize legitimate opportunities.
Unfortunately, there are also countless scams that target families’ hopes, making it hard to know who truly has their child’s best interests at heart. Beyond that, families need the right support system—coaches and managers who not only understand the business but also take the time to know their child and respect their cultural concerns.
That’s why I started iStage Entertainment: to be that bridge. My goal is to guide immigrant families through the process, help them avoid pitfalls, and create real opportunities for their kids to shine.
3. iStage has celebrated some incredible milestones, from Jimmy Kimmel Live! to Disney+ projects over the past five years, what achievement are you most proud of?
I’m proud of every success we’ve had at iStage Entertainment—whether it’s a talent booking their first short film, a commercial, or moving on to projects with Disney+ and Netflix. Every step matters. But if I had to choose one achievement I’m most proud of this year, it would be the growth I’ve seen in Allen Deng.
When Allen first joined iStage, he struggled with something as simple as laughing naturally in front of a camera. Over the years, I’ve watched him transform into a confident, award-winning young actor. He has starred in short films that earned him several Best Child Actor awards, and most recently, he voiced a major character in Marvel’s What If…?—an episode that went on to receive two Emmy nominations this year.
Seeing him walk the red carpet alongside Hollywood’s biggest names, giving interviews with NBC’s Today and the Associated Press, and carrying himself with such poise and professionalism was an unforgettable moment. Allen’s journey—from shy beginnings to becoming a Marvel voice actor recognized on the Emmy stage—embodies everything iStage stands for: nurturing AAPI youth, elevating their voices, and proving they belong at the very highest levels of this industry.
4. When you're developing these young performers, what do you look for that goes beyond just raw talent?
When I’m developing young performers, I look for qualities that go far beyond raw talent. Talent alone can only take you so far—what truly makes the difference is drive and passion. The drive to work hard, keep learning, and push through challenges, paired with the passion to celebrate successes and embrace the journey. Acting is about growth, training, and resilience, and without that inner fire, progress is limited.
That passion is also what makes the work so rewarding for the kids. When they bring it to their craft, the results speak for themselves—audiences can feel it, and so can casting directors and filmmakers.
That’s why I personally interview every performer I sign at the very first meeting, and I continue to monitor that drive and passion throughout our time together to ensure iStage is the right fit for them. Another key part of the equation is the parents. When you work with young performers, you’re also working with their families, since parents are the ones making decisions and providing support. Their cooperation and values have to align with iStage, so together we can create an environment where the child can truly thrive.
5. You mention providing a "safe, inclusive environment" for youth, how do you balance maintaining that supportive environment while also preparing these young performers for what can be a tough, competitive industry?
I don’t see maintaining a safe, inclusive environment and preparing kids for a tough, competitive industry as contradictory—in fact, they go hand in hand. Young performers need a strong support system to thrive in such a demanding space. At iStage, we make sure they know they have a team that believes in their drive, passion, and talent, and that they are capable of achieving great things as AAPI young performers.
A safe and inclusive environment is especially important as these kids grow and begin to discover who they are—whether that’s in terms of identity, culture, or orientation. They need to feel this is a place where they are fully supported, seen, and celebrated. That’s why we bring in role models and special guests to our events—industry professionals who can inspire them and show them what’s possible.
In short, the support and inclusivity we provide at iStage aren’t separate from preparing them for the industry—they are what make it possible for these young performers to navigate challenges with confidence and resilience.
6. What’s your long-term vision for iStage Entertainment, and how do you hope it will continue to shape the next generation of performers?
My long-term vision for iStage Entertainment is to create a truly inclusive platform for AAPI youth from all immigrant communities—not just Chinese, who currently make up the majority of our talents, but also Filipino, Korean, Japanese, and many more. I want these young performers to build their own support networks and communities, cheering each other on and celebrating each other’s successes along the way.
I see iStage expanding beyond Los Angeles, scouting talent from across the United States and even bringing international kid performers to the U.S. to collaborate, learn from one another, and exchange cultural perspectives. Ultimately, I want iStage to be more than just a company—it’s a movement that empowers the next generation of AAPI performers, giving them the tools, opportunities, and community they need to thrive in the industry and beyond, while contributing to the larger movement in Hollywood that is finally creating greater visibility, representation, and opportunities for AAPI talent.
7. Finally, what is your favorite place to go in Los Angeles?
I don’t have a single favorite spot in Los Angeles, but I love escaping the city to places like Joshua Tree or the mountains around Griffith Park. Being in nature, away from the hustle and bustle, gives me a chance to reflect, recharge, and gain perspective. Those quiet moments help me reset and stay grounded, which is essential for supporting and guiding the young performers I work with.
Connect with iStage Entertainment
WEBSITE
IMDB
