Samantha Tan (Credit: Temple University) Ryan S. Brandenberg
Award-winning producer and storyteller is building a powerful legacy in Hollywood
Samantha K. Tan, a Towamencin Township native and 2020 graduate of Temple University’s School of Theater, Film and Media Arts and Fox School of Business, has been named one of Temple’s prestigious 2025 “30 Under 30” honorees.
The annual recognition celebrates young alumni who demonstrate exceptional leadership, creativity, and a commitment to shaping a better world — and Tan is doing just that from the heart of the entertainment industry.
Now based in Los Angeles, Tan has carved out an impressive résumé just four years out of college. As a Vietnamese-Chinese-American storyteller, she is devoted to producing and writing content that reflects and empowers underrepresented communities. Her work is already being felt across Hollywood, with a growing list of acclaimed projects that showcase her artistic range and cultural perspective.
From Lansdale Area to the LA Spotlight
Since graduating in 2020, Tan has quickly become a name to watch. Her credits include the award-winning short films “En Pointe” (directed by Megan Lee and featured at the LA Shorts International Film Festival — a qualifier for both the Academy Awards and BAFTAs) and “My Monster and I” (directed by AJ Starzak), which earned accolades at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival and the San Francisco Arthouse Short Festival in 2023.
Tan also made waves with her web series “Ambitious,” which she co-created and executive produced. The series was recognized by both the 2022 Sundance program and The Asian American Foundation Fellowship and Scholarship program, marking her as a standout emerging voice in Asian American storytelling.
Her creative portfolio includes co-producing “Tree’s Blood,” a short film starring Ayo Edebiri (FX’s “The Bear”) and Rose Byrne (“Neighbors,” “Bridesmaids,” “Insidious”), produced in partnership with Nickelodeon and Paramount. The project went on to win gold at the 2024 Anthem Awards, honoring social impact in media.
Giving Voice, Giving Back
Currently, Tan is on staff at Reel Start, an L.A.-based nonprofit founded by filmmaker Evan Goldberg. The organization, which helps introduce young people from underrepresented backgrounds to careers in the entertainment industry, aligns with Tan’s mission. There, she has supported youth-driven storytelling while collaborating with Goldberg and his longtime creative partner Seth Rogen, earning professional credits that continue to build her industry momentum.
(Credit: Ryan S. Brandenberg/Temple University) From Temple to the Big Time
Tan's journey was shaped by Temple University’s Los Angeles Study Away program, which places students in the heart of the film industry for hands-on learning. Although her semester in L.A. was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, the experience proved transformative. She secured her first apartment and job contacts during that time — then took the leap to stay in Los Angeles after graduation and pursue her dream full-time.
Mentorship and community played a vital role. Tan credits Temple professors like Rea Tajiri, a fellow Asian American filmmaker, for inspiring her and making industry connections. Tajiri introduced her to a production manager who hired her during the L.A. program.
Meanwhile, internship coordinator Amy Olk connected Tan with a Temple alum and associate of Goldberg, paving the way to her current job at Reel Start. Professors Doug Claybourne and LeAnn Erickson also influenced her journey, helping shape her producing path and artistic voice.
The Road Ahead
Tan’s career continues to climb as she develops her vision of becoming a showrunner — someone who not only crafts compelling stories but leads entire productions. Whether it’s through film, television, or nonprofit work, she remains dedicated to empowering marginalized voices and redefining what Hollywood storytelling can be.
With a growing list of achievements and a clear sense of purpose, Tan is not just a rising star — she is a force for change in an industry that is still learning how to listen.
For Temple University and the community of Towamencin, Lansdale and beyond, Tan is a source of pride and a reminder that bold dreams, when paired with talent and tenacity, can absolutely come true.
