A Film Producer Bringing Our Stories to the Big Screen | Hillary Soriano on How to Execute Big Visions on a Budget & Filipina Care as Power

This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Optinizers — helping entrepreneurs scale smarter with world-class virtual support.

Hillary Soriano is a Filipina-American actress and executive producer creating independent films centered on Filipino and immigrant stories. From co-producing their very first film with Manny Pacquiao to releasing their latest project theatrically through Regal Cinemas, Hillary and her husband Chris have built a filmmaking career outside the traditional studio system — on their own terms.

What if our cultural traits — our care, service, and resourcefulness — are actually our greatest advantage?

Hillary shares what it was like feeling replaceable in LA and the moment she and Chris stopped waiting for permission and built their own projects. We talk about her new film, Red Light Teachers, following a Filipina immigrant forced to make difficult choices to survive — and unpack a familiar tension: being pushed toward “safe” careers, yet discovering that the same caregiving instinct can become real leadership power.

⏱ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome + Why Filipina Care Is Power
03:16 – Feeding a 15-Hour Film Set & Leadership Through Care
06:58 – Co-Producing Their First Film with Manny Pacquiao
10:32 – Feeling Replaceable in LA & Creating Their Own Opportunities
15:19 – How to Start Producing a Film: Script, Team, Budget
22:16 – The Story Behind Red Light Teachers
26:07 – Immigrant Survival & The Choices We Don’t Talk About
42:17 – Relationships, Business & Why Being Nice Wins
49:54 – “Your Time Will Come”

This podcast episode is brought to you by OptiNizers, a remote talent agency that connects businesses with highly skilled Filipino remote professionals who help entrepreneurs delegate smarter, reclaim time, and stay focused on what truly drives growth.

As a business owner, podcaster, and multi-business owner, I’ve learned that real progress doesn’t come from doing more — it comes from building the right partnerships. OptiNizers matches you with carefully vetted, continuously trained remote talent aligned with your goals, so you can scale with confidence.

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