Jeff Chao
Jeff Chao is a seasoned media professional and Executive Producer who has dedicated his career to bridging cultures and social impact entertainment, including during his tenure as Senior Director, Finance at Participant Media. While there, he managed film investments for a $250 million film fund between Participant Media and Image Nation Abu Dhabi, producing hits such as Lincoln, The Help, Hundred Foot Journey, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel I & II, Contagion and Snitch.
Previously, as Vice President of Finance and Business Development for the world-renowned visual effects studio Digital Domain, Jeff connected content strategy, business affairs, and finance to identify new and innovative business opportunities that accelerated the growth of Digital Domain’s global studio. Emerging technologies such as virtual production, extended reality, virtual humans, and the evolving cooperation between China and Hollywood were all part of Jeff’s focus.
Jeff is also principal of Kirin Media, a media business advisory firm that facilitates financing of media projects between China and Hollywood. Films he has executive produced have premiered at SXSW and he has worked with the legendary Bruce Lee family.
In addition, Jeff serves as the Head of Finance of the Social Impact Entertainment Society (SIES), where he brings together all of his skill sets in order to accelerate the growth of the Society and its global community of members. He was also Treasurer and a board member of the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) which champions diversity by educating, connecting, and empowering Asian American and Pacific Islander artists and leaders in entertainment and media and the Director of Finance & VP of Operations for the Asian Professional Exchange (APEX) a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan community based organization that serves as a medium to bring increased awareness about and to Asian Americans through community service, fellowship, charitable fundraisers, cultural events, professional networking and educational seminars.
