Rebecca Wang Interviewed by Hollywood Weekly 2016

By Prather Jackson

HW: My goal to enhance society is achieved by identifying extraordinary individuals like you, Ms. Wang, and sharing your story. You have made significant contributions to society, in a variety of industries, most notably the Arts and Charity, and we are delighted to publish this exclusive interview. My hope is that your story will inspire others to follow your shining example.

HW: What would you consider to be your core values? How do these values drive your daily life and how do they drive your overall aspirations?

RW: Art has an incredible power to change people’s lives, and philanthropy is one way to foster such changes. It is my desire to inspire and give others the opportunity to pursue their passions. In that way, my own compassion for others helps me see their potential and want to give back, while my self-discipline keeps me focused on achieving those goals.

HW: You have become known as a strong supporter of the Arts. Why is it important for you to be an advocate?

RW: During my work as a psychotherapist with the University of California and other institutions, I experienced firsthand how the arts and creativity can be a powerful factor in the therapeutic healing process. I believe that learning to harness your own creativity and truly express yourself can be incredibly cathartic, helping us to express powerful emotions, especially negative ones, in a way that is not destructive. I advocate for organisations like BAFTA, the Serpentine Galleries, and the Royal Academy of Music because such organisations can make a positive impact on people, particularly young people and teach them how to become strong, passionate individuals. I believe that we as a society should continue supporting the arts in order to foster both psychological strength and creative and innovative thinking.

HW: Your academic studies, as you’ve mentioned, include formal training in Clinical Psychology where you discovered arts in therapy. Can you cite examples of how Charities have incorporated Art into their service to society?

RW: The Foundation for AIDS Research hosts a number of events which bring together artists, musicians, fashionistas, and others of world renown to benefit amfAR’s research programs. I supported amfAR Milano 2015 last September, where prominent fashionistas, musicians, and artists came together to advance amfAR’s AIDS research. amfAR Milano alone has risen over $7 million for AIDS research. I have also had the honor of supporting the Annual Academy Awards Viewing Parties hosted by the Elton John AIDS Foundation over the last several years.

Through such events, I have seen the great influence that the arts and entertainment fields can have on the world when we come together and fight for causes affecting people worldwide. These events are a testament to what can be achieved when global icons in the Arts come together for such a vital cause.

HW: With regards to the role that Charities play in uplifting humanity, I understand that you are also involved in The Royal Academy of Music, which is a world-renowned institution and Britain’s oldest conservatoire.

This past November, Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Gloucester, president of the Royal Academy of Music, hosted a private dinner and reception for its supporters, Rupert Murdoch, and Jerry Hall, and others. This event was hosted on the illustrious grounds of Buckingham Palace. You attended the event as one of its supporters. Please share what you believe the importance is of your continuing support for the Royal Academy of Music?

HW: The Royal Academy of Music is a world-renowned institution of music education, and they offer numerous programs and scholarship opportunities for children from underprivileged areas to receive one of the best possible educations in music. I think it is important for children to be exposed to the arts and music from an early age, as this can help develop their imaginations, their creativity, and give new perspectives of the world around them. The Academy’s focus on fostering a culture of music learning can help uplift communities and provides numerous opportunities for audiences to experience music in a classical setting.

HW: You are also a patron of Serpentine Galleries, which is currently chaired by former New York City mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and has become an internationally renowned gallery over the last fifteen years. The Serpentine Summer Party is a highly prestigious annual fundraiser for the galleries, and has recently been supported by such icons as the Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Keira Knightley, Lily Allen, Ben Goldsmith, and Pharrell Williams. Why is this organization important to support?

HW: The Serpentine Summer Party provides a fantastic setting for both established and up and coming artists to showcase their creativity in an open, natural area. The Serpentine Pavilion at the 2015 Summer Party, for instance, was designed by renowned Madrid-based architects José Selgas and Lucía Cano of the studio SelgasCano. Their design served as both a showcase for their vision and a wonderful opportunity for visitors to enjoy the atmosphere of an outdoor art exhibit that also served as a gathering place in the heart of London. By providing such prestigious showcases, the Serpentine Galleries can foster further development and interest in the creative arts. The Summer Party, too, is an opportunity for the Galleries to host a high-profile event in the midst of their public exhibits in the wonderful city of London.

HW: Each year, the Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), hosts an array of events, including the Inspiration Galas, to generate awareness and fundraising for their AIDS research programs.

You have acted as a sponsor for the 2012 Paris Inspiration Gala and chaired both the Los Angeles and New York Inspiration Galas in 2013 and 2014, along with amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole and others. You also supported amfAR Milano 2015, an annual event which benefits amfAR’s research and education programs. Those who have received awards at these events to honor their long term work and committed stance towards AIDS include Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, philanthropist Aileen Getty, fashion legend Valentino, singer Jennifer Lopez, and film director and designer Tom Ford.

HW: What role do you think people of high profile – actors, filmmakers, or athletes – can play in supporting humanitarian and healthcare causes? How have you personally evolved based upon what you have experienced as a philanthropist?

RW: I believe global, high-profile citizens such as entertainers, musicians, and athletes can always do more to support amfAR and other institutions working to eliminate AIDS. These events are primarily intended for fundraising, but they are also used as public platforms for global issues such as AIDS. Spreading awareness about these issues and organisations like amfAR is vital to their continued existence, because celebrities can become the public face of these issues, bringing a level of international attention and reach that may otherwise be difficult to attain.

Through my years of supporting different charitable organisations, I have the incredible opportunity to see first hand the impact that they can have on people’s lives. These charities grant the access to many opportunities that would not be possible otherwise, whether it is helping a person receive the best healthcare possible or helping a child find the creative fire within them. I proud to be a part of many organisations and programs which give so much to those who are less fortunate.

HW: When we last sat down with you, you gave us your candid and accurate predictions for the 2014 BAFTA Awards. Now with the Oscars right around the corner, many people are excited about Leonardo DiCaprio’s nomination for Best Actor for his role in The Revenant. What do you think it would mean for an actor with such a prestigious and critically acclaimed career as Mr. DiCaprio to potentially take home his first Oscar for Best Actor?

RW: Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the most highly respected actors of his generation, and has made many wonderful films throughout his career. I think his winning the Oscar for Best Actor for The Revenant would be fantastic recognition for his career. That’s the most amazing aspect about the Oscars. The actors and filmmakers being nominated for and given the awards understand the significance of being recognized by their peers.

HW: Some in the arts and entertainment industry have recently raised concerns over a lack of diversity at the Oscar’s. Why do can those in the Arts play in fostering a greater understanding of diversity in society as a whole?

RW: I think demonstrating diversity in Hollywood is important because it gives our audiences broader or differing perspectives from what they may be used to. Celebrities, actors, and filmmakers should be open to showcasing diversity in their work, because by accepting our diversity, we can better share in our mutual understanding and compassion. Beyond its renown for celebrating the very best in its fields, BAFTA (the British Academy of Film and Television Arts) is a charity organization offering year-round education extending the reach of the moving image arts. Its Scholarship Program enables British youngsters to continue postgraduate study and training in film, television, or video games. In 2013, BAFTA President, HRH Prince William launched the Give Something Back campaign, calling on BAFTA members and film studios to support his initiative. You are a member of the Academy Circle and a longstanding supporter of the Scholarship Program. Why is this important to you?

RW: I believe that the British Academy of Film and Television Arts can and should play an important role in fostering the development of young people striving to pursue their dreams of becoming filmmakers. Because of my experience as both a psychotherapist and an executive producer, I know that allowing your creativity and ideas to blossom can lead to a healthier mind and spirit. Endeavors like Give Something Back and the Scholarship Program not only help young artists see their dreams become reality; they can also nurture the next generation of artists and filmmakers, ensuring continued growth and innovation in these fields.

HW: Speaking of star-studded events, you recently attended the 67th annual BAFTA Film Awards with Steve McQueen and Judy Dench. Your sense of fashion blends seamlessly in Paris, London, New York, and many other cities where you have been photographed during couture fashion events. How does fashion impact your own creative thinking and aspirations?

RW: To me, fashion is the most outward expression of the individual’s creativity. As such, deciding upon my fashion choices is an exercise in knowing how to express myself and feel confident by doing so. In that way, I feel more driven to pursue my aspirations creatively, and in other ways. I think that can be rather fulfilling for any creative soul.

See the full article: https://issuu.com/hollywood/docs/hwm_march_digital/1

The Virtuoso Life of Rebecca Wang

In a six page interview given in the latest issue of Hollywood Weekly magazine, Rebecca Wang provides the most insightful account of herself to date, creating a kaleidoscopic portrait which covers the early formative influences and interests in her life, her passions, values and belief systems, sources of motivation and the broadest definitions of her aims, and by no means inconsiderable achievements.

Whether describing her work life route from academic success at a prestigious US university, through personal development and learning as a practicing psychotherapist, on to her first cinematic creation as an executive Hollywood producer working with a cast of A-list Oscar nominees and BAFTA winner, or sharing a modest insight for her inimitable star quality appearance and bearing, or in showing the dedication which she brings to her philanthropic work, Rebecca reveals herself to be a multifaceted very special person of many talents, who brings a highly intelligent and hands on approach along with an appreciative, compassionate and respectful attitude, to both mankind and  life, and all that they bring.

Her early years were spent in Asia, but later living in the US and Europe along with yearly family international travel when young provided “a whole new set of experiences”, which she found “not only exciting but very rewarding”, and which have left her with an enduring love of travel, and also a practice of behaving open-mindedly and compassionately to all people, no matter where they are from.

Her life has been and is a continuous journey, both personally and professionally. In the interview she acknowledges the different ingredients that have formed her: how the practice of sport, ballet and piano when young honed the qualities of focus, discipline and patience; how, always trusting her intuition to take her to the right path, she chose to study clinical psychology at the University of California at Berkeley,  practicing psychotherapy in leading institutions.

Her recognition of the healing role of the arts in therapy was the stepping stone to move towards the active role of creation in the film industry. She acknowledges that this move, which may seem for many to have been a seismic shift, was a huge challenge, describing it as:  ”an achievement and also a major learning curve”, chief personal mastery among which for her personally was to break through her own fears and limitations.

Her primary driving force and what motivates her the most remains the ability to create, “to see and to watch an idea grow and develop from nothing into a finished entity”, along with the privilege of being “able to experience and develop or learn from that complete process”.

Rebecca Wang interviewed for Hollywood weekly

Rebecca lives her life fully: a huge desire for and love of the arts translates into active support for the film and TV charity BAFTA, and world class museums and art galleries in London. Beyond the arts, her philanthropy, which she views as a universal human attribute -she feels that each and every one of us can make a difference, is directed towards the realm of health and humanitarian issues, most notably the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amFAR) where she has acted as sponsor and chair to some of their renowned Inspiration Galas held world-wide.

With a reputation of always appearing elegant, calm and composed when at special events, Rebecca credits her own regular practice of meditation or yoga before any such occasion as possibly contributing to the serene aura around her in any of the accompanying photos.


She shows no hint of complacency: when asked about her accomplishments she explains that she never feels as if she is atop a mountain of impressive achievements, since there is always a natural human urge to strive further. Asked to define the greatest obstacles she had to overcome when making the film, she is pragmatic in her response, saying that, much the same as in any other work, this centered on the ability to overcome each obstacle as it occurred on a daily basis.

Crucial in her approach to living are the values she judges as important: honesty, integrity, respect and loyalty. The choice of lotus flower as her company’s logo with its symbolism of growing through difficulties towards the light underlines the morality she incorporates into all that she does.

With this life position, it more than probable that whatever new possibilities are next likely to present, Rebecca will render them as brilliant as everything else she has touched to date through the working of her own unique alchemy.

View Rebecca Wang’s full Hollywood Weekly Interview here.

Rebecca Wang’s Hollywood Weekly Interview Aug 2013

The following is an exclusive interview between Hollywood Weekly and Ms. Wang:
by Jenny Werth.

Jenny writes


In this issue, we have the colourful sunrise in Rebecca Wang’s eyes as she sets her sights on movie producing and passion.

In Rebecca, we find a gorgeous example of what makes a dazzling woman a rare gem; one illuminating both integrity and inspiration. Within her pure heart, the world celebrates a woman who embraces an inward commitment toward the betterment of society through her selfless contributions and the staggering success of her production company, Rebecca Wang Entertainment.

Indeed, Rebecca personifies a rare type of jewel. One that shines multiple rays of success on the myriad of her accomplishments. It takes extreme dedication to live a life that includes such rich adherence to so many purposes. As a graduate from UC Berkley with a Masters in Psychology, Rebecca has helped advance a steadfast resolve for the compassion for humanity. While with her dedication to a romance with fashion, she has also created designs of extraordinary beauty. And most recently, we find her tackling the challenging world of producing movies. Yet another in a long list that makes up an impressive resumé.

Rebecca Wang blooms in the light. She flowers as seamlessly as the lotus flower that serves as her production company’s logo. She thrives in the daylight’s vigor, and by night, beams under the bright flashes from red-carpet photographers. For no matter which brand of light falls on Rebecca, she remains radiant underneath them all.

Hollywood Weekly: What would you say were formative influences and inspirations for you as a teenager and then a young adult?

Rebecca Wang: My formative influences and inspirations for me as a teenager were sport, ballet and piano. The discipline of all that physical exercise and practice inspired me and has given me inner strength and confidence, as well as a commitment to my own optimum well-being. However, of greater impact than this was the influence of film and fashion. “e #lm stories and the glamorous visions of fashion both made a big impression on me.

H W: Do any of these inspirations and influences still impact you today?

R W: Yes, they are both two vital and continuing passions of my life. I also learned the piano as a little girl. “is did not come easily, but it opened me to the world of music and, like ballet, forced me to develop the skills of being disciplined, focused and patient.

H W: Whereabouts did you live and travel during your formative years? How did this help shape/influence your current perception of people from different cultural, social and economic backgrounds?

R W: As a child I grew up in Asia, and have later lived and worked in the US and Europe, and am now based out of London. In addition to this, every summer when I was young I would travel with my family. Each year was a whole set of new experiences, and the new education I was given about different cultures was not only exciting but also very rewarding. I still love to travel, along with all the enrichment that it brings. I feel I have been fortunate to have had such a broad experience, as it has given me an ability to feel at ease in a wide range of global, social and cultural contexts. It has also taught me to be open-minded and compassionate towards people no matter what their background is

H W: Beyond your work in cinema and with your production company, what are your passions in life and why?

R W: My passions are wide-ranging, but for the most encompass the arts. I appreciate all art forms, most especially film, photography and fashion, and this passion has led to me becoming both a member of the Circle for BAFTA – the British Academy for Film and Television Awards, and of the Director Circle of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and in addition, patron to the Tate Modern, National Portrait and Serpentine galleries and Royal Academy of Music in London.

H W: Are there any belief or value systems which you hold dear in life?

R W: I hold the values of honesty and integrity very dear. Respect and loyalty are also qualities that are highly significant for me. For example, I have chosen a lotus flower as my company’s logo, since the values it embodies reflect my beliefs. The journey of a lotus flower growing towards the light is like that of a human on their life path: we meet obstacles that will make us strong and whole. To overcome them, we have to go beyond negativity in ourselves and practise persistence, patience and faith, and make the best and most fully conscious choices that we can.

H W: Having graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology, you then practised at various leading institutions, including the University of California, in addition to several elementary schools, specialising in family, children and counselling. What led you to this early career choice, and the areas of psychology you chose to practise in? What gave you the greatest satisfaction in this work, and what did you learn from it? How did your knowledge and experience in this #eld help and inform your passion for all art forms?

R W: I have always trusted my intuition. From a young age I found it never to be far o$ the mark. I decided to develop what was already innate and channel it into education. I gravitated towards clinical psychology because of the huge fascination I had and have for people and how our minds work, what trigger our reactions, and why we behave the way we do in certain situations. I was fortunate to be accepted at Berkeley, as its psychology major is known to be exceptional. During this process, I developed my own understanding both of myself and of others, and this also extended my ability to show empathy in my approach as a therapist. My fulfilment in the post-graduate work came from the privilege of being able to hear about other peoples’ life stories, which greatly increased my capacity for both experiencing compassion and awareness, and incorporating these qualities into my personal and professional worlds. “is gave me the opportunity to hopefully make a positive contribution to the lives of others. Seeing someone heal, grow and go beyond their previous limitations was what gave me the greatest satisfaction. The connection from that work to my passion for the arts came with the recognition that in therapy, arts have a healing role. They can create a sense or an experience of comfort and harmony for a person, which may enable them to release pain, and to connect with joy

H W: What drives and motivates you in your projects?

R W: When working on any of my projects, I am driven primarily by the ability to create, to see and to watch an idea grow and develop from nothing into a finished entity. For me it is a privilege to be able to experience and develop or learn from that complete process. “at is what drives and motivates me the most.

H W: Philanthropy is very important to you. At what point did you realise that you had the ability to make an impact on this world for the better, and what guides you when choosing projects to support?

R W: I believe I was practising philanthropy from a young age, always giving and sharing my clothes and toys with others, or passing them on to charity when I had no further use for them. The attitude and actions developed naturally from there. I feel that philanthropy is a universal human attribute we all have within ourselves; we can all make a difference if we choose. Outside of the arts world, when choosing which projects to support, the area of health and humanitarian issues is important to me. For example, my admiration and respect for the pioneering work and achievements of amFAR (the American Foundation for AIDS Research), has led me both to support them and become involved in their iconic charity Gala Series. Most recently I acted as sponsor to the 2012 Inspiration Gala held in Paris, and acted as one of the chairs for this year’s Inspiration Gala held in New York.

H W: We have seen photos of you appearing on major gala event red carpets, standing next to A-list celebrities. Frankly, in most instances, you look more comfortable than the celebrity. What is it about your concept of and sense for fashion and style that enables you to look so re#ned in front of the cameras?

R W: For me fashion and style are an extension of an individual’s personality, value systems and overall awareness. As a teenager, I was a tomboy who developed a love a$air with fashion, and would secretly register for fashion design courses in the summer. My mother also had a major influence: always impeccably dressed and groomed, she would take me along with her to fashion shows in Paris, and also to museums and major art exhibitions. I believe that early exposure to fashion
greatly helped cultivate my sense of style and taste. Beyond these factors, when attending a special event, I always make a habit of retreating to my own space away from the excitement and mania, and take some time to meditate or practise yoga. I believe that these both calm me and also cause me to feel mentally more prepared for all that is to follow, and that, perhaps, is why I might appear to look comfortable in front of the camera and in these settings

H W: Your accomplishments as an Executive Film Producer and as a CEO of your own Production Company are very impressive. How does that feel to you, and how does it feel be an inspiration for success?

R W: Like most people, I never feel myself to be standing on top of a completed mountain of impressive accomplishments. No matter what you achieve, you generally always want to strive further

H W: During your time in the entertainment industry, what do you consider to have been your greatest achievement, and what obstacles did you have to overcome to achieve this?

R W: To have gone into a whole new arena, and for the first time, and without any previous experience to have produced a full length feature Hollywood film – with two Oscar nominated actors Bill Murray and Mickey Rourke (also a BAFTA winner), and also the talents of Megan Fox and British actor Rhys Ifans, was an achievement and also a major learning curve for me. Being able to overcome each obstacle as it occurred on a daily basis, was the ongoing challenge I had to meet.
My greatest achievement in all this was the learning and personal growth I gained from the experience, most especially that of breaking through my own fears and limitations.

H W: It is clear that you are on a path of continuous development and connection, in which areas do you see your next direction as being, and why?

R W: Across all my fields of work and interests, things are constantly moving and fluid.I embrace new possibilities and take them as they come.