Digest

This podcast episode features an interview with John M. Chu, director of "Crazy Rich Asians" and "In the Heights," by Adam Grant. The conversation explores Chu's journey to Hollywood, his book "Viewfinder," and his philosophy on creativity and leadership. Chu shares his early experiences with filmmaking, including his discovery by Steven Spielberg and the challenges he faced in breaking into Hollywood. He discusses his upbringing in a Chinese restaurant and how it instilled in him a sense of resilience and determination, which he has carried throughout his career. Chu also talks about his journey to directing "Crazy Rich Asians," including his initial hesitation to take on the project and the impact it had on his own identity as an Asian American. The conversation delves into the importance of challenging assumptions and precedents in a rapidly evolving world, particularly in the film industry. Chu shares his perspective on the importance of resilience and the ability to "eat shit" in leadership roles, particularly in the high-pressure environment of filmmaking. He discusses his decision to direct the film adaptations of "Wicked" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," highlighting the challenges and opportunities these projects present. Finally, Chu shares his advice for aspiring filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, storytelling, and a deep understanding of the craft.

Outlines

00:00:00

John M. Chu: The Underdog's Journey to Hollywood

Adam Grant interviews John M. Chu, director of "Crazy Rich Asians" and "In the Heights," about his journey to Hollywood, his book "Viewfinder," and his philosophy on creativity and leadership.

00:00:39

Why John M. Chu Wrote a Book

John M. Chu explains his motivation for writing "Viewfinder," a memoir about his experiences as a filmmaker, including the challenges and triumphs of his career.

00:03:39

John M. Chu's Origin Story and Embracing the Underdog Mentality

John M. Chu shares his early experiences with filmmaking, including his discovery by Steven Spielberg and the subsequent challenges he faced in breaking into Hollywood. He also discusses his upbringing in a Chinese restaurant and how it instilled in him a sense of resilience and determination, which he has carried throughout his career.

00:16:32

Directing "Crazy Rich Asians" and Questioning Precedent

John M. Chu talks about his journey to directing "Crazy Rich Asians," including his initial hesitation to take on the project and the impact it had on his own identity as an Asian American. He and Adam Grant discuss the importance of challenging assumptions and precedents in a rapidly evolving world, particularly in the film industry.

00:29:07

Leadership, "Eating Shit," and Future Projects

John M. Chu shares his perspective on the importance of resilience and the ability to "eat shit" in leadership roles, particularly in the high-pressure environment of filmmaking. He discusses his decision to direct the film adaptations of "Wicked" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," highlighting the challenges and opportunities these projects present. He also shares his advice for aspiring filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, storytelling, and a deep understanding of the craft.

Keywords

Q&A

• What motivated John M. Chu to write "Viewfinder"?

  John M. Chu felt compelled to share his story, particularly for aspiring creators, to demonstrate that the journey to success is long, challenging, and not always linear.

• How did John M. Chu's upbringing in a Chinese restaurant influence his career?

  His parents' experiences with prejudice and discrimination instilled in him a sense of resilience and determination, which he has carried throughout his career, embracing the underdog mentality.

• What was John M. Chu's biggest challenge in directing "Crazy Rich Asians"?

  He initially doubted the project's potential success due to the lack of precedent for an all-Asian cast in a major Hollywood film, but ultimately embraced the opportunity to challenge assumptions and tell a unique story.

• What is John M. Chu's advice for young filmmakers?

  He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, a deep understanding of storytelling grammar, and the ability to work effectively with teams, while also acknowledging the importance of personal history and the human connection.

Show Notes