Part Three: Returning to My Roots: The Entertainment Industry Beckons

Sometimes, life has a way of bringing you full circle. Years after I first stepped into the entertainment industry, I found myself back in it—but this time, from an entirely new perspective. In my early career, I had learned how to make films, but I never truly understood what came next: how to get those films into the hands of audiences. This new role in content distribution gave me that missing piece of the puzzle, and it opened my eyes to a world I hadn’t yet explored.

This chapter of my life marked a return to my roots in film, with a twist. Rather than focusing on production, I was acquiring and distributing content—specifically Asian content—for North American audiences. The timing couldn’t have been better, as this was during the early days of streaming, when platforms like Netflix were still mailing DVDs and experimenting with their now-dominant streaming technology.

Finding My Place in the Content Pipeline

When I studied film, my focus was on the creative process: writing, directing, and producing. I had a solid grasp of how to bring a story to life on screen, but I had never learned the business of getting that story in front of an audience. This role in content distribution filled that gap in my knowledge.

It was an exciting and transformative experience. My job was to identify compelling content from Asia—films and TV shows that resonated with their original audiences—and figure out how to bring them to North America. This wasn’t just about importing content; it was about translating, contextualizing, and adapting stories so they could bridge cultural gaps and find a new home with audiences thousands of miles away.

The Early Days of Streaming

To truly appreciate the significance of this role, you have to understand the landscape at the time. Streaming was still in its infancy. Netflix, now a giant in the entertainment world, was primarily known for mailing DVDs to subscribers’ homes. They were just beginning to experiment with streaming, testing what would eventually become the cornerstone of their business model.

It was an incredibly dynamic time, full of experimentation and innovation. My team and I were at the forefront of bringing Asian content to these platforms. We didn’t just acquire the rights to distribute these films and shows; we ensured they were accessible to a North American audience by facilitating high-quality translations and subtitles. This was no small task—translating content isn’t just about converting words from one language to another. It’s about preserving the story, the tone, and the cultural nuances that make that content special.

Trailblazing in Cross-Cultural Storytelling

Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished during that time. We were trailblazers in bringing cross-cultural storytelling to a broader audience. At a time when Asian content was largely overlooked by mainstream distributors, we carved out a space for these stories to be seen and appreciated.

One of our key contributions was ensuring that the content we distributed met the highest standards of quality. We worked with talented translators and cultural consultants to make sure every piece of dialogue, every subtitle, and every cultural reference resonated with its new audience. We weren’t just delivering entertainment; we were fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures.

One of my proudest achievements during my time at the distribution company was facilitating the U.S. release of Old Partner, a record-breaking Korean documentary and a standout hit in 2009. We managed every aspect of its distribution, from its theatrical release to DVD sales and streaming availability, ensuring this powerful film reached a wide and appreciative audience. Bringing such a culturally rich story to North America was a deeply rewarding experience and a highlight of my career in content distribution.

The success of our efforts was evident in the reception we received. North American audiences were hungry for fresh, authentic stories, and the content we brought over found its place in their hearts. Today, with the global success of films like Parasite and TV shows like Squid Game, it’s clear how much demand there is for content from Asia. While I can’t claim direct credit for these later successes, I like to think our work helped lay the groundwork for the recognition and respect Asian creators now enjoy on a global scale.

Lessons from the Distribution World

My time in content distribution taught me valuable lessons that extended far beyond the entertainment industry. It reinforced the importance of adaptation—of taking something that works in one context and reshaping it so it can thrive in another. It also deepened my understanding of the intersection between creativity and business, showing me that storytelling doesn’t end when the film is finished; it continues through the audience’s experience.

This role also gave me a firsthand look at the power of collaboration. Distributing content across cultures required teamwork at every level, from the creators of the original content to the translators, marketers, and platform partners who helped us bring it to life. It was a constant reminder that no one succeeds in isolation.

A New Direction

While the parent company I worked for has since shifted its focus from entertainment but is still thriving today. I look back on that chapter with immense pride. We were pioneers, riding the Hallyu, navigating uncharted territory and proving that stories from one corner of the world could resonate just as deeply in another.

This experience continues to influence my approach to business today. Whether I’m working on a digital marketing strategy or consulting with clients on content creation, I draw on the lessons I learned during those years in distribution. The importance of understanding your audience, bridging gaps, and fostering connection remains at the heart of everything I do.

A Personal Note

Hi, I’m Alyx—a mom, wife, and the proud owner of Chabot Business Solutions. My journey has taken me from filmmaking to content distribution to digital marketing, but the common thread has always been a passion for storytelling and connection. If you’d like to chat—about business, creativity, or life—send me a message. Let’s grab a coffee or tea and see where the conversation takes us!