Amy Shi: An Exclusive Conversation with a Visionary Actress, Producer and Founder of PixelArc.
In the evolving tapestry of Hollywood, Amy Shi stands out not just as an actress but as a visionary storyteller shaping the future of global entertainment. Her journey from southern China to Los Angeles has always been about more than performance. As the founder of PixelArc, she continues to build bridges between cultures, championing meaningful, internationally resonant narratives.
Now stepping deeper into the world of animation, Amy has taken on a powerful creative role with RedRover, one of Korea’s pioneering studios. Her recent work, including the next chapter of the beloved Nut Job franchise and the ambitious new sci-fi adventure Rainmakers, reflects her mission to craft stories that connect audiences across continents. With a focus on warmth, humour, universal values, and cross-cultural storytelling, her influence is helping Korean animation rise on the global stage.
In a world that often celebrates noise, Amy embodies the quiet power of stillness and intentionality. From navigating turbulent challenges to embracing creative evolution, the award-winning actress and producer opens up with profound vulnerability and grace in this exclusive OTS Magazine feature.
Since her last appearance in OTS Magazine, Amy’s journey has deepened, professionally and personally. She reflects on the lessons learnt through adversity, the quiet power of intuition, and the unspoken heroism of mothers everywhere.
Her story is one of resilience, self-trust, and the courage to keep creating light even when surrounded by uncertainty. In this heartfelt conversation, Amy reminds us that empowerment isn’t always loud; it’s often found in calm conviction, integrity, and the wisdom of experience.
Since our last interview, how has your journey evolved personally and professionally?
It has been a very full and transformative year. One marked by both challenges and growth. Professionally, I’ve been navigating multiple complex projects that pushed me to become more strategic, resilient, and clear about my priorities. Personally, I’ve learned to find strength in stillness to stay centered even when things around me are chaotic. I think the biggest evolution has been learning how to maintain inner peace while moving through external turbulence.
Can you share some highlights from your recent or upcoming projects that you're particularly excited about?
I’m really excited about the animation projects I’ve been involved in, including some well-known global franchises that have shaped a generation of family audiences. I am excited about my work with RedRover, the studio behind The Nut Job films. I’ve been helping guide the next chapter of the franchise, which has been such a meaningful experience because it blends everything I love: creativity, technology, and global collaboration.
Alongside that, I’ve also been working on Raimana, a Korean sci-fi adventure featuring vibrant characters, warm humor, and the kind of universal themes that connect across cultures. Projects like these represent the heart of what I’m passionate about: stories that carry warmth, imagination, and emotional truth.
What challenges have you faced in your career lately, and how have you overcome them?
One of the hardest challenges has been dealing with people who don’t operate with integrity. In business, you can plan for almost everything — except human character. I’ve learned that when a bad deal or unfair situation is already in motion, avoidance is no longer an option; you have to face it head-on and fight for what’s right. That process is exhausting, but it also reaffirms what kind of leader I want to be — one who stands firm, not fearful.
As a woman thriving in a competitive industry, what does empowerment mean to you today?
To me, empowerment means trusting yourself — your intuition, your judgement, and your sense of timing. Over the years, I’ve learned that intuition is a form of intelligence. When you’ve been through enough, that instinct becomes your compass. Empowerment is following it with confidence and calm.
What advice would you give to young women who dream of stepping into the entertainment or creative arts world?
The entertainment industry is vast — there’s room for every skill set, whether creative, technical, or business-orientated. Many of the most successful people I’ve met started humbly—as interns, assistants, or background actors—and built their careers from the ground up. The key is to stay curious, keep learning, and keep adapting.
What are some practical steps women can take to own their voice and space in male-dominated industries?
Whether it’s a male-dominated industry or a culture that still leans toward male superiority, the most powerful way to claim your space is to be excellent at what you do. Skill and substance speak louder than any bias. When you consistently deliver quality and results, people have no choice but to listen. Over time, that quiet confidence becomes your armor.
Who are the women who inspire you, and why?
Mothers — everywhere. They are the real superheroes. They hold up the sky for their children, often while balancing everything else. Their strength, endurance, and unconditional love remind me what true power looks like — it’s not loud, but it sustains everything.
What’s one mantra or philosophy that keeps you going, even on your hardest days?
I always remind myself: life is fair in its own mysterious way. No one wins at everything, and every hardship I encounter is preparing me for the next level.
What are your personal rituals or go-to practices when you need to find calm or recharge?
Travel is my reset button. Stepping into a new environment — or simply breaking the rhythm of routine — helps me see things from a fresh perspective. It is true that change of scenery, even briefly, can shift your entire mindset.
How do you maintain balance between your professional ambitions and personal well-being?
I’ve learned to admit that I can’t do it all — and that asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom. Delegation and trust are essential, both at work and at home. Balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly; it’s about knowing when to pause.
Where do you see yourself in the next few years, and what legacy do you hope to build?
I want to keep creating meaningful, family-centred entertainment that resonates globally, stories that connect people across generations and cultures. I hope my legacy will show in the works I bring to life.
If you could send a message to your younger self or any young girl watching you now, what would you say?
I’d tell my younger self: it’s okay to feel lost sometimes. Life always finds a way to move forward. Just breathe; you’ll be okay. Every turn, every pause, every stumble is quietly shaping you into the person you’re meant to become.
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