Jennifer Liao will always remember her lighting bolt moment

The Firecracker Department with Naomi Snieckus

Jennifer Liao’s journey from actor to writer and director is fueled by her passion for storytelling. Growing up dreaming of being a sitcom writer, she credits her love of Shakespeare and poetry for teaching her how to dig into text and find its layers. She shares with Naomi how her experience as an actor shaped the way she approaches directing, helping her connect with performers and bring out the best in their work. She talks about directing her first short films with the help of friends who believed in her vision, showing how collaboration and community played a big part in her early success. Jennifer opens up about the challenges of the industry — balancing ambition with flexibility, learning to advocate for herself, and staying energized for the work she loves. While she still values producing her own projects, directing has become her main focus, giving her the chance to tell stories that matter and amplify new voices. Her journey is full of determination, creativity, and a commitment to always keep learning and growing.