Jean Liu Christen is a producer and literary agent who works with book IPs and screenplays. She works with studios and production companies to package, distribute and bring projects to life in film and television.

However, Christen only got into the film and television world recently. Around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, a pivotal moment encouraged her to take the plunge into producing.

“It was after I found out that one of my daughter’s close friends attempted suicide,” Christen says. “She was only 12 years old and she was already in a delicate state, and then she started binge watching a particular show that caused some ideation. When I found out about it, I was quite enraged.”

After witnessing the power film and television could have over people — especially young people and children — in her own life, Christen decided she wanted to get involved in making the decisions behind these films and television shows.

With Bobby Downes, Andy Erwin of Kingdom Story

Though Christen did not have prior experience in film and TV, she had 14 years of publishing experience under her belt. This experience provided her with key skills for producing, like having a sense of what good storytelling looks like and what projects people would want to see developed.

With producer-director "Doc" Abbott, producer, Joan Tankersley

As a producer, Christen values that she can contribute positive, inspiring stories to the film and television space, especially for women. She is currently working on a project called “The Healing of Natalie Curtis,” a book written by Jane Kirkpatrick. Christen co-wrote the screenplay, hoping to share the true story of Natalie Curtis, a musical prodigy in the early 1900s who learns about Native American music and culture — and about how U.S. laws, the Code of Indian Offenses, prevent them from practicing their culture.

“I never learned about the Code of Indian Offenses,” Christen says. “In addition to who the person of Natalie Curtis was, the fact that I never learned about this [drew me to the project]. Natalie Curtis did not overturn any codes. However, she was instrumental in influencing President Teddy Roosevelt to reconsider and overturn a few of them as president. Most notably, the men no longer were required to cut their hair.”

Ultimately, Curtis publishes a book about the music and culture of 18 tribes. Christen was drawn to the character of Curtis because it reflects a lot of the persistence Christen exhibits in her own life, especially as she balances her career and being a mother to six daughters.

“It was a huge blessing where my kids got to see their mother work and be a mom,” Christen says. “It’s been very important to me in the stories that I acquire to portray women in a [positive] way. The story of Natalie Curtis, for example — although she was overlooked, although she was dismissed, she couldn’t vote, she was not a man, she was persistent, she knew her values, she knew what she brought to the table, and she still fought for what was right. So most of the projects that I have portray a strong female protagonist that has to overcome something.”

Christen says that with both publishing and producing, she started out with no experience, just the eagerness to try something new that she believed in.

“That’s my approach to everything: I can learn this. I just need to know that I have the right mindset,” she says. “And it doesn’t necessarily require the experience or talent there. It’s the persistence, showing up, being prepared — those types of character traits.

She has applied this approach in her personal life, as well. For a period of time, she stepped away from work and ended up becoming the president of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School during COVID. At the time, it was completely new to her and she had the responsibility of communicating valuable information to the community and providing support for parents throughout the pandemic. Now, she is the president of the council board for all 15 PTAs in the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District.

She has also served the community in other ways. For example, she is involved in the Palos Verdes chapter of the National Charity League, a mother-daughter organization that emphasizes leadership and philanthropy, and the Palos Verdes Assembly, which teaches young people etiquette. In addition, she serves on the board of national organization Influence Women, and she brought a camp associated with nonprofit Heaven to the Yeah, which aims to bring a positive message from Olympic athletes to young people, to Palos Verdes.

However, Christen has experienced dismissal throughout her career because of both her race and gender. As an Asian woman, she has had to navigate difficulties with being heard, especially during times when she worked overseas in more male-dominated societies. Even her personality has led to some people writing her off.

“I’m a pretty happy person, and sometimes when people think you’re positive and happy, they think there’s no depth,” she says. “So for those reasons, I’ve been dismissed.”

But that has not deterred Christen from pursuing projects that she cares about. She plans to continue to work on the projects she has in production now, and she also hopes to spend more time with her family and to keep serving the community.

“Be bold. Take the risk. Don’t be afraid,” Christen says. “Try something new, and don’t be afraid to pursue your passion. Just follow through. The worst that can happen is someone tells you no or you fail, but that doesn’t define who you are. Focus on your characters, and show up and follow through.”

With Nina Yang Bongiovi, Forest Whitaker's producing partner

JEAN LIU CHRISTEN, founder of 8C Entertainment, is a L.A.-based writer-producer, trusted for championing artists and respected for keeping an eye on the bottom line. She is exclusively attached to valuable IPs by New York Times Bestselling authors and screenplays by Emmy winners and represents a diverse slate of family and faith friendly projects. Jean honed her creative development chops with companies like Mandeville Films, The Gotham Group, and Entertainment Lab and continues to win awards for her independent projects. Her commitment to collaboration and balancing the importance of the creative process with the practicality of commercial success, makes Jean a sought-after producer.

Prior to screenwriting and producing, Jean was a book publishing executive responsible for developing over 1,000 titles and selling over 5 Million copies through independent retailers and major ones like Walmart, Costco, Target, QVC, Barnes & Noble, Cracker Barrel, and Scholastic.

A passionate advocate for children, Jean serves on the executive boards of several youth-centered nonprofits where she leads award-winning DEI and Mental Health initiatives in her community.

Jean, her husband, and their six daughters live in a small coastal community in Southern California.

SUBSCRIBE FREE TO PALOS VERDES PULSE

Emily McGinn: A Dedicated Journalist

Fueled by passion and curiosity, Emily McGinn is a fervent journalist whose heart beats for truth and creativity. As a graduate of California Baptist University, Emily’s academic voyage is adorned with rich interests in environmental science, political science, and graphic design. Her portfolio is a mosaic of hard work and dedication, evidenced by a repertoire of content that stands as a testament to her journalistic commitment and academic pursuits.

Emily doesn’t just chase stories; she seeks the truth with a thoughtful blend of accuracy, respect, and diligence. Her journalism transcends mere reporting, reflecting a meticulous effort to maintain integrity and excellence in every piece. Inspired by a profound respect for her craft, Emily is unafraid to push boundaries, perpetually aiming to enhance the quality of her work.

Experimentation and innovation light up Emily’s journey, especially in the realm of design. With an artistic flair, she loves exploring the vibrant intersections of journalism and graphic design, continuously experimenting to breathe visual life into stories and publications.

In Emily's world, journalism is not merely a career choice, but a calling—a space where passion meets purpose, and stories are crafted with care and conscience. In the garden of journalism, she continues to cultivate a bouquet of skills and experiences that resonate with her dedication to truth, creativity, and excellence.