How to pronounce "cowriter"

hi John hey everybody hey Whitney how

hi John hey everybody hey Whitney how

hi John hey everybody hey Whitney how you doing good how are you very good

you doing good how are you very good

you doing good how are you very good it's amazing to see people from all

it's amazing to see people from all

it's amazing to see people from all around the world yeah it's very fun keep

around the world yeah it's very fun keep

around the world yeah it's very fun keep those coming guys I think it's always

those coming guys I think it's always

those coming guys I think it's always exciting to sort of check out how people

exciting to sort of check out how people

exciting to sort of check out how people are coming here in the middle of the

are coming here in the middle of the

are coming here in the middle of the night to be part of these conversations

night to be part of these conversations

night to be part of these conversations which is really cool um I just dropped

which is really cool um I just dropped

which is really cool um I just dropped off my kids I have four kids 7 five

off my kids I have four kids 7 five

off my kids I have four kids 7 five three and one I have another one on the

three and one I have another one on the

three and one I have another one on the way so dropping them off at school then

way so dropping them off at school then

way so dropping them off at school then coming here to talk to the world is

coming here to talk to the world is

coming here to talk to the world is pretty pretty mindblowing oh my goodness

pretty pretty mindblowing oh my goodness

pretty pretty mindblowing oh my goodness well congratulations um on on that and

well congratulations um on on that and

well congratulations um on on that and and also on on all the other things so

and also on on all the other things so

and also on on all the other things so beyond just so tired all the time tired

beyond just so tired all the time tired

beyond just so tired all the time tired from family life it sounds like and then

from family life it sounds like and then

from family life it sounds like and then also from what we hear you have lots of

also from what we hear you have lots of

also from what we hear you have lots of other things happening professionally

other things happening professionally

other things happening professionally that will are probably also making you

that will are probably also making you

that will are probably also making you very tired it seems like it's been a

very tired it seems like it's been a

very tired it seems like it's been a very exciting Year from you for you from

very exciting Year from you for you from

very exciting Year from you for you from your Memoir coming out um and the first

your Memoir coming out um and the first

your Memoir coming out um and the first installment of wicked so so far how

installment of wicked so so far how

installment of wicked so so far how would you say 202 before has stacked up

would you say 202 before has stacked up

would you say 202 before has stacked up and how are you feeling as you round the

and how are you feeling as you round the

and how are you feeling as you round the corner on the end of the

corner on the end of the

corner on the end of the year um I feel very focused um with a

year um I feel very focused um with a

year um I feel very focused um with a new baby coming uh and and working on

new baby coming uh and and working on

new baby coming uh and and working on Wicked and feeling the pressure feeling

Wicked and feeling the pressure feeling

Wicked and feeling the pressure feeling all the fans wanting certain things and

all the fans wanting certain things and

all the fans wanting certain things and what we need from a movie you know this

what we need from a movie you know this

what we need from a movie you know this Cinema as just a um as just the business

Cinema as just a um as just the business

Cinema as just a um as just the business itself and uh the election and there's

itself and uh the election and there's

itself and uh the election and there's just so much but I um but I feel very

just so much but I um but I feel very

just so much but I um but I feel very focused I feel like I know what I need

focused I feel like I know what I need

focused I feel like I know what I need to do I'm trying not to get distracted

to do I'm trying not to get distracted

to do I'm trying not to get distracted and just focus on getting the work done

and just focus on getting the work done

and just focus on getting the work done so I can deliver uh a movie that says

so I can deliver uh a movie that says

so I can deliver uh a movie that says something relevant but is entertaining

something relevant but is entertaining

something relevant but is entertaining and fun and crazy and has big musical

and fun and crazy and has big musical

and fun and crazy and has big musical numbers um and people can take something

numbers um and people can take something

numbers um and people can take something for the end of the year um and celebrate

for the end of the year um and celebrate

for the end of the year um and celebrate with and share and all those things well

with and share and all those things well

with and share and all those things well um I'm excited for that and I'm excited

um I'm excited for that and I'm excited

um I'm excited for that and I'm excited for us to get into all of that uh during

for us to get into all of that uh during

for us to get into all of that uh during this conversation and I thought maybe we

this conversation and I thought maybe we

this conversation and I thought maybe we could start actually with your book

could start actually with your book

could start actually with your book which in a lot of ways feels like a nice

which in a lot of ways feels like a nice

which in a lot of ways feels like a nice sort of prequel to to the the film um

sort of prequel to to the the film um

sort of prequel to to the the film um you you've obviously accomplished so

you you've obviously accomplished so

you you've obviously accomplished so much already in your career um but it's

much already in your career um but it's

much already in your career um but it's really clear that you're you're just

really clear that you're you're just

really clear that you're you're just getting started so why did you why did

getting started so why did you why did

getting started so why did you why did you decide to write this book right

you decide to write this book right

you decide to write this book right now well I felt like especially during

now well I felt like especially during

now well I felt like especially during the pandemic there was sort of a a shift

the pandemic there was sort of a a shift

the pandemic there was sort of a a shift in me um as alab would say and wicked uh

in me um as alab would say and wicked uh

in me um as alab would say and wicked uh something has changed within me

something has changed within me

something has changed within me something's not the same and I realized

something's not the same and I realized

something's not the same and I realized that it wasn't just me it was I I felt

that it wasn't just me it was I I felt

that it wasn't just me it was I I felt like the whole world was feeling this

like the whole world was feeling this

like the whole world was feeling this sort of discomfort with who they are or

sort of discomfort with who they are or

sort of discomfort with who they are or what what what they got comfortable with

what what what they got comfortable with

what what what they got comfortable with and

and

and um and so we I started working with

um and so we I started working with

um and so we I started working with Jerry M mcarter my um co-writer on this

Jerry M mcarter my um co-writer on this

Jerry M mcarter my um co-writer on this and talking about uh because there was a

and talking about uh because there was a

and talking about uh because there was a lot of things converging technology and

lot of things converging technology and

lot of things converging technology and culture and identity and entertainment

culture and identity and entertainment

culture and identity and entertainment and data it was all colliding and so I

and data it was all colliding and so I

and data it was all colliding and so I felt like oh wait I I grew up in the

felt like oh wait I I grew up in the

felt like oh wait I I grew up in the Silicon Valley in pal and came to LA to

Silicon Valley in pal and came to LA to

Silicon Valley in pal and came to LA to escape it to do entertainment and I was

escape it to do entertainment and I was

escape it to do entertainment and I was finding my cultureal identity crisis and

finding my cultureal identity crisis and

finding my cultureal identity crisis and and all this stuff was all colliding and

and all this stuff was all colliding and

and all this stuff was all colliding and I was in a very unique position to tell

I was in a very unique position to tell

I was in a very unique position to tell what it felt like to be on the front

what it felt like to be on the front

what it felt like to be on the front lines during this change and there's a

lines during this change and there's a

lines during this change and there's a lot more younger generation and people

lot more younger generation and people

lot more younger generation and people who are older who are going through this

who are older who are going through this

who are older who are going through this similar thing right now so I wanted a

similar thing right now so I wanted a

similar thing right now so I wanted a manual that I wish I had going through

manual that I wish I had going through

manual that I wish I had going through uh when I was chasing my biggest most

uh when I was chasing my biggest most

uh when I was chasing my biggest most ambitious dreams and what the ups and

ambitious dreams and what the ups and

ambitious dreams and what the ups and downs would come with that um so

downs would come with that um so

downs would come with that um so hopefully this guides a little bit or

hopefully this guides a little bit or

hopefully this guides a little bit or gives you a little comfort in your

gives you a little comfort in your

gives you a little comfort in your journey um from whatever you're chasing

journey um from whatever you're chasing

journey um from whatever you're chasing or if you're in the middle of your Chase

or if you're in the middle of your Chase

or if you're in the middle of your Chase to just keep

to just keep

to just keep going well I mean I was surprised in

going well I mean I was surprised in

going well I mean I was surprised in reading the book to see that it is it's

reading the book to see that it is it's

reading the book to see that it is it's so much more than just like a telling of

so much more than just like a telling of

so much more than just like a telling of your life story and and even Beyond just

your life story and and even Beyond just

your life story and and even Beyond just this how to guide for nurturing

this how to guide for nurturing

this how to guide for nurturing creativity and navigating Hollywood I

creativity and navigating Hollywood I

creativity and navigating Hollywood I was um surprised to find that it's also

was um surprised to find that it's also

was um surprised to find that it's also in many ways a leadership book um and I

in many ways a leadership book um and I

in many ways a leadership book um and I think above all else it feels like a

think above all else it feels like a

think above all else it feels like a love letter to so many people and and

love letter to so many people and and

love letter to so many people and and places um and I want to sort of I guess

places um and I want to sort of I guess

places um and I want to sort of I guess break down each each part of that so um

break down each each part of that so um

break down each each part of that so um if if we could talk I guess about the

if if we could talk I guess about the

if if we could talk I guess about the leadership book part of it um throughout

leadership book part of it um throughout

leadership book part of it um throughout you have sort of these little uh

you have sort of these little uh

you have sort of these little uh sidebars where you offer insights into

sidebars where you offer insights into

sidebars where you offer insights into how you think about life and creativity

how you think about life and creativity

how you think about life and creativity um and I'm not a Hollywood director and

um and I'm not a Hollywood director and

um and I'm not a Hollywood director and I I found myself writing down a lot of

I I found myself writing down a lot of

I I found myself writing down a lot of little nuggets for for myself to to come

little nuggets for for myself to to come

little nuggets for for myself to to come to later that things like creativity

to later that things like creativity

to later that things like creativity thrives on obstacles and um I'm just

thrives on obstacles and um I'm just

thrives on obstacles and um I'm just curious if your intention was for people

curious if your intention was for people

curious if your intention was for people to gain sort of these like actionable

to gain sort of these like actionable

to gain sort of these like actionable tips from your own experience you

tips from your own experience you

tips from your own experience you mentioned sort of a guide but very

mentioned sort of a guide but very

mentioned sort of a guide but very specific things that they could write

specific things that they could write

specific things that they could write down and turn to later yeah I think some

down and turn to later yeah I think some

down and turn to later yeah I think some of my the biggest lessons of my life

of my the biggest lessons of my life

of my the biggest lessons of my life have been from actually making movies or

have been from actually making movies or

have been from actually making movies or trying to get an idea from nothing into

trying to get an idea from nothing into

trying to get an idea from nothing into a reality of something and not just on

a reality of something and not just on

a reality of something and not just on my own because making movies isn't a a

my own because making movies isn't a a

my own because making movies isn't a a singular person's Journey uh it is I

singular person's Journey uh it is I

singular person's Journey uh it is I have hundreds of people that I have to

have hundreds of people that I have to

have hundreds of people that I have to um communicate with and be comfortable

um communicate with and be comfortable

um communicate with and be comfortable communicating with and be comfortable uh

communicating with and be comfortable uh

communicating with and be comfortable uh leading in certain ways and and finding

leading in certain ways and and finding

leading in certain ways and and finding how to use their creativity and their

how to use their creativity and their

how to use their creativity and their storytelling skills to build because I

storytelling skills to build because I

storytelling skills to build because I think the magic of movies is when we

think the magic of movies is when we

think the magic of movies is when we create something that neither of us

create something that neither of us

create something that neither of us could um create separately that we had

could um create separately that we had

could um create separately that we had to find each other to build together so

to find each other to build together so

to find each other to build together so it sort of came naturally in the

it sort of came naturally in the

it sort of came naturally in the storytelling of it I grew up in a big

storytelling of it I grew up in a big

storytelling of it I grew up in a big family I'm the youngest of five and my

family I'm the youngest of five and my

family I'm the youngest of five and my parents have a Chinese restaurant in the

parents have a Chinese restaurant in the

parents have a Chinese restaurant in the Bay Area called Shep Chu and um it's

Bay Area called Shep Chu and um it's

Bay Area called Shep Chu and um it's still there 53 years later and um I

still there 53 years later and um I

still there 53 years later and um I watched their leadership I watched them

watched their leadership I watched them

watched their leadership I watched them not just lead it wasn't just running a

not just lead it wasn't just running a

not just lead it wasn't just running a business my dad and my mom uh and not

business my dad and my mom uh and not

business my dad and my mom uh and not just running our family which was a

just running our family which was a

just running our family which was a whole thing in itself but it was uh also

whole thing in itself but it was uh also

whole thing in itself but it was uh also leading a community in the 80s um and

leading a community in the 80s um and

leading a community in the 80s um and for them in the 70s um when they started

for them in the 70s um when they started

for them in the 70s um when they started this restaurant as one of the first

this restaurant as one of the first

this restaurant as one of the first Chinese families in this community maybe

Chinese families in this community maybe

Chinese families in this community maybe the first Chinese family that a lot of

the first Chinese family that a lot of

the first Chinese family that a lot of people in the community would meet um

people in the community would meet um

people in the community would meet um and eat food at and um and host and so I

and eat food at and um and host and so I

and eat food at and um and host and so I just think I just watched them a lot and

just think I just watched them a lot and

just think I just watched them a lot and I think those are the skill sets that I

I think those are the skill sets that I

I think those are the skill sets that I found that were the most compelling to

found that were the most compelling to

found that were the most compelling to to keep me going um I guess through my

to keep me going um I guess through my

to keep me going um I guess through my through my journey and I I feel like as

through my journey and I I feel like as

through my journey and I I feel like as I mentioned for for me definitely and I

I mentioned for for me definitely and I

I mentioned for for me definitely and I think there's so many things that are

think there's so many things that are

think there's so many things that are will be relatable for people no matter

will be relatable for people no matter

will be relatable for people no matter where they are um in their in their

where they are um in their in their

where they are um in their in their Journey or what sort of work they do

Journey or what sort of work they do

Journey or what sort of work they do which is uh really cool and I think one

which is uh really cool and I think one

which is uh really cool and I think one of the hardest ones of that is like you

of the hardest ones of that is like you

of the hardest ones of that is like you know leading is not glamorous we're not

know leading is not glamorous we're not

know leading is not glamorous we're not on the red carpet most of the time I'm

on the red carpet most of the time I'm

on the red carpet most of the time I'm not doing uh you know interviews most of

not doing uh you know interviews most of

not doing uh you know interviews most of the time I'm usually alone in the dark

the time I'm usually alone in the dark

the time I'm usually alone in the dark in my room or in this um edit Suite with

in my room or in this um edit Suite with

in my room or in this um edit Suite with my editor or on set and everyone's

my editor or on set and everyone's

my editor or on set and everyone's Whispering behind your back about oh

Whispering behind your back about oh

Whispering behind your back about oh what decision you just made or an actor

what decision you just made or an actor

what decision you just made or an actor doesn't agree with the thing or they're

doesn't agree with the thing or they're

doesn't agree with the thing or they're saying something that you can't seems

saying something that you can't seems

saying something that you can't seems like good idea but that's not the way

like good idea but that's not the way

like good idea but that's not the way you planned it it's like all those

you planned it it's like all those

you planned it it's like all those little struggles um also wanted to put

little struggles um also wanted to put

little struggles um also wanted to put in the book just to make sure that you

in the book just to make sure that you

in the book just to make sure that you knew that when you're going through your

knew that when you're going through your

knew that when you're going through your day it doesn't feel glamorous it doesn't

day it doesn't feel glamorous it doesn't

day it doesn't feel glamorous it doesn't but that's actually the job that the the

but that's actually the job that the the

but that's actually the job that the the secret is that it's like not actually

secret is that it's like not actually

secret is that it's like not actually magic it's grit and survival and moving

magic it's grit and survival and moving

magic it's grit and survival and moving forward um and getting through so um I

forward um and getting through so um I

forward um and getting through so um I hopefully those little stories also help

hopefully those little stories also help

hopefully those little stories also help get people through those things it's

get people through those things it's

get people through those things it's really a treasure Trove of dos and

really a treasure Trove of dos and

really a treasure Trove of dos and don'ts um and I feel like also

don'ts um and I feel like also

don'ts um and I feel like also acknowledged how in many ways your story

acknowledged how in many ways your story

acknowledged how in many ways your story is is very much just your own and

is is very much just your own and

is is very much just your own and singular and and and unique um so I'm

singular and and and unique um so I'm

singular and and and unique um so I'm curious what you hope young creatives

curious what you hope young creatives

curious what you hope young creatives get from reading the book well when I

get from reading the book well when I

get from reading the book well when I got first got into the business I had

got first got into the business I had

got first got into the business I had just come out of college so I was really

just come out of college so I was really

just come out of college so I was really um I felt very lucky you know Steph

um I felt very lucky you know Steph

um I felt very lucky you know Steph Spielberg saw my short film and I got

Spielberg saw my short film and I got

Spielberg saw my short film and I got all these like Hollywood deals um but I

all these like Hollywood deals um but I

all these like Hollywood deals um but I actually hadn't I didn't make a movie

actually hadn't I didn't make a movie

actually hadn't I didn't make a movie for five years or six years until I got

for five years or six years until I got

for five years or six years until I got my first movie but and I think those

my first movie but and I think those

my first movie but and I think those years are very um uh I think those are

years are very um uh I think those are

years are very um uh I think those are hard and when you get through that you

hard and when you get through that you

hard and when you get through that you know when you won the lottery when

know when you won the lottery when

know when you won the lottery when you're like got get lucky and are

you're like got get lucky and are

you're like got get lucky and are starting in your business most of the

starting in your business most of the

starting in your business most of the time I I think a lot of people feel the

time I I think a lot of people feel the

time I I think a lot of people feel the impostor syndrome I felt even more so

impostor syndrome I felt even more so

impostor syndrome I felt even more so like oh I just I got really really lucky

like oh I just I got really really lucky

like oh I just I got really really lucky and so you try to keep buying more

and so you try to keep buying more

and so you try to keep buying more lottery tickets but but actually you

lottery tickets but but actually you

lottery tickets but but actually you need to spend that time learning the

need to spend that time learning the

need to spend that time learning the craft that you are that you that that

craft that you are that you that that

craft that you are that you that that you've been rewarded for the potential

you've been rewarded for the potential

you've been rewarded for the potential of having and um that took some time to

of having and um that took some time to

of having and um that took some time to realize for myself of like oh no I need

realize for myself of like oh no I need

realize for myself of like oh no I need to uh I need to learn this craft and and

to uh I need to learn this craft and and

to uh I need to learn this craft and and and actually there's there's a good and

and actually there's there's a good and

and actually there's there's a good and bad part of it I felt like I needed to

bad part of it I felt like I needed to

bad part of it I felt like I needed to prove myself and proving yourself can be

prove myself and proving yourself can be

prove myself and proving yourself can be a motivating factor and I still feel

a motivating factor and I still feel

a motivating factor and I still feel like that on on days but there was a

like that on on days but there was a

like that on on days but there was a certain point after 10 years of doing

certain point after 10 years of doing

certain point after 10 years of doing that after doing seven movies doing many

that after doing seven movies doing many

that after doing seven movies doing many red carpets doing many interviews um

red carpets doing many interviews um

red carpets doing many interviews um that I still didn't feel good enough um

that I still didn't feel good enough um

that I still didn't feel good enough um but I remember making now you see me too

but I remember making now you see me too

but I remember making now you see me too and I was on set with all these great

and I was on set with all these great

and I was on set with all these great actors Woody harelson and Michael Kane

actors Woody harelson and Michael Kane

actors Woody harelson and Michael Kane and Morgan Freeman and Mark Ruffalo and

and Morgan Freeman and Mark Ruffalo and

and Morgan Freeman and Mark Ruffalo and and I could almost feel hitting those

and I could almost feel hitting those

and I could almost feel hitting those 10,000 hours like it there was just like

10,000 hours like it there was just like

10,000 hours like it there was just like a surrender like I did I was work these

a surrender like I did I was work these

a surrender like I did I was work these great people were amazing and I felt

great people were amazing and I felt

great people were amazing and I felt like oh I can hang with them

like oh I can hang with them

like oh I can hang with them and I remember that that switch that

and I remember that that switch that

and I remember that that switch that light bulb switch in my head of being

light bulb switch in my head of being

light bulb switch in my head of being like then why am I here right now like

like then why am I here right now like

like then why am I here right now like what am what am I contributing to this

what am what am I contributing to this

what am what am I contributing to this movie that only I can do and what do I

movie that only I can do and what do I

movie that only I can do and what do I actually want to say with this and it

actually want to say with this and it

actually want to say with this and it and I didn't have a full answer and I

and I didn't have a full answer and I

and I didn't have a full answer and I think that that completely shifted of

think that that completely shifted of

think that that completely shifted of okay what am I what do I want to say if

okay what am I what do I want to say if

okay what am I what do I want to say if I actually do belong here if I am a

I actually do belong here if I am a

I actually do belong here if I am a filmmaker like I finally can call myself

filmmaker like I finally can call myself

filmmaker like I finally can call myself an artist and not wait for someone else

an artist and not wait for someone else

an artist and not wait for someone else to call me that I can call myself a

to call me that I can call myself a

to call me that I can call myself a Storyteller I can call myself a director

Storyteller I can call myself a director

Storyteller I can call myself a director then what is it that you really want to

then what is it that you really want to

then what is it that you really want to say and do and that was that that woke

say and do and that was that that woke

say and do and that was that that woke me up and that was one of the hardest

me up and that was one of the hardest

me up and that was one of the hardest things to do because it's not just about

things to do because it's not just about

things to do because it's not just about like oh I'm proud of myself I know who I

like oh I'm proud of myself I know who I

like oh I'm proud of myself I know who I am of course you know who you are and

am of course you know who you are and

am of course you know who you are and you can go do your thing but like to to

you can go do your thing but like to to

you can go do your thing but like to to Really find who you are you have to put

Really find who you are you have to put

Really find who you are you have to put yourself through the fire you have to

yourself through the fire you have to

yourself through the fire you have to actually like go to your wounds and go

actually like go to your wounds and go

actually like go to your wounds and go to the thing that scares you most and

to the thing that scares you most and

to the thing that scares you most and confront that first and if you're an

confront that first and if you're an

confront that first and if you're an artist that means maybe doing it

artist that means maybe doing it

artist that means maybe doing it publicly as well and that that that is

publicly as well and that that that is

publicly as well and that that that is terrifying um so that's almost where the

terrifying um so that's almost where the

terrifying um so that's almost where the Journey Begins um not where it ends

Journey Begins um not where it ends

Journey Begins um not where it ends interesting at the at that 10,000 hour

interesting at the at that 10,000 hour

interesting at the at that 10,000 hour moment is when you feel like it starts

moment is when you feel like it starts

moment is when you feel like it starts to get it gets exciting um yeah yeah and

to get it gets exciting um yeah yeah and

to get it gets exciting um yeah yeah and and you you suggested this just a moment

and you you suggested this just a moment

and you you suggested this just a moment ago that um the book is really uh

ago that um the book is really uh

ago that um the book is really uh talking so deeply about failure and sort

talking so deeply about failure and sort

talking so deeply about failure and sort of thinking about survival and and you

of thinking about survival and and you

of thinking about survival and and you see in the in the book sort of how your

see in the in the book sort of how your

see in the in the book sort of how your thoughts about this evolve um and I'm

thoughts about this evolve um and I'm

thoughts about this evolve um and I'm curious how how your thinking of this

curious how how your thinking of this

curious how how your thinking of this has changed and how you Embrace faure

has changed and how you Embrace faure

has changed and how you Embrace faure now that you have been through the fire

now that you have been through the fire

now that you have been through the fire as you

as you

as you say yeah I mean I look back at like my

say yeah I mean I look back at like my

say yeah I mean I look back at like my young younger self starting in the

young younger self starting in the

young younger self starting in the business I look at myself even just like

business I look at myself even just like

business I look at myself even just like seven years ago and I have empathy for

seven years ago and I have empathy for

seven years ago and I have empathy for that person still because I've changed a

that person still because I've changed a

that person still because I've changed a lot in those seven years I mean kids

lot in those seven years I mean kids

lot in those seven years I mean kids will change you immediately

will change you immediately

will change you immediately but I have empathy for that person

but I have empathy for that person

but I have empathy for that person because I felt a long time I felt guilty

because I felt a long time I felt guilty

because I felt a long time I felt guilty for not complaining you know I was

for not complaining you know I was

for not complaining you know I was taught in my family never complain never

taught in my family never complain never

taught in my family never complain never complain you just do your work that's

complain you just do your work that's

complain you just do your work that's what my parents as immigrants who came

what my parents as immigrants who came

what my parents as immigrants who came to this country they're like America's

to this country they're like America's

to this country they're like America's the greatest place but you got to just

the greatest place but you got to just

the greatest place but you got to just like fit in and and and and do hard work

like fit in and and and and do hard work

like fit in and and and and do hard work and you will accomplish anything you

and you will accomplish anything you

and you will accomplish anything you want and I believe that fully and I'm so

want and I believe that fully and I'm so

want and I believe that fully and I'm so glad I got taught that because I that's

glad I got taught that because I that's

glad I got taught that because I that's what I

what I

what I did never complain and I think that gave

did never complain and I think that gave

did never complain and I think that gave me a lot of advantages that I didn't

me a lot of advantages that I didn't

me a lot of advantages that I didn't have to be um I wasn't chained down by

have to be um I wasn't chained down by

have to be um I wasn't chained down by uh resentment or anger I just I actually

uh resentment or anger I just I actually

uh resentment or anger I just I actually believe that I could just keep doing

believe that I could just keep doing

believe that I could just keep doing this and I but I don't blame that kid

this and I but I don't blame that kid

this and I but I don't blame that kid for feeling that because when you're not

for feeling that because when you're not

for feeling that because when you're not in a position of power it is hard to

in a position of power it is hard to

in a position of power it is hard to complain because you have no power to

complain because you have no power to

complain because you have no power to complain no one listens to you anyway

complain no one listens to you anyway

complain no one listens to you anyway and so I have empathy for that that and

and so I have empathy for that that and

and so I have empathy for that that and I'm glad that I kept going as that

I'm glad that I kept going as that

I'm glad that I kept going as that person now as a um a little further down

person now as a um a little further down

person now as a um a little further down that Journey um when you have power I

that Journey um when you have power I

that Journey um when you have power I think that's also the other switch that

think that's also the other switch that

think that's also the other switch that changes is like

changes is like

changes is like wait I couldn't complain then but I need

wait I couldn't complain then but I need

wait I couldn't complain then but I need to complain now and not just complain

to complain now and not just complain

to complain now and not just complain but do stuff to change it um I'm in a

but do stuff to change it um I'm in a

but do stuff to change it um I'm in a position where um

position where um

position where um you're you have a privilege to to to

you're you have a privilege to to to

you're you have a privilege to to to speak out and and make action and so

speak out and and make action and so

speak out and and make action and so that that's where and that's a hard

that that's where and that's a hard

that that's where and that's a hard thing to take on because it's scary and

thing to take on because it's scary and

thing to take on because it's scary and it's a lot of responsibility and you

it's a lot of responsibility and you

it's a lot of responsibility and you know you're going on the front lines and

know you're going on the front lines and

know you're going on the front lines and are going to get attacked but you're

are going to get attacked but you're

are going to get attacked but you're just going to go do it and so when I

just going to go do it and so when I

just going to go do it and so when I think of my journey in those sort sort

think of my journey in those sort sort

think of my journey in those sort sort of chapters I find a great privilege to

of chapters I find a great privilege to

of chapters I find a great privilege to be on the front lines I find great

be on the front lines I find great

be on the front lines I find great gratitude to be trying to make change at

gratitude to be trying to make change at

gratitude to be trying to make change at this moment in our culture and history

this moment in our culture and history

this moment in our culture and history when we're all trying to find our story

when we're all trying to find our story

when we're all trying to find our story I feel like we've taken down the mystery

I feel like we've taken down the mystery

I feel like we've taken down the mystery of the author everyone's a Creator so

of the author everyone's a Creator so

of the author everyone's a Creator so who are we as a people as as America as

who are we as a people as as America as

who are we as a people as as America as the world what do we stand for what have

the world what do we stand for what have

the world what do we stand for what have we what mistakes have we made and and

we what mistakes have we made and and

we what mistakes have we made and and what is the new story and so and I'm a

what is the new story and so and I'm a

what is the new story and so and I'm a Storyteller at this moment and so I I

Storyteller at this moment and so I I

Storyteller at this moment and so I I and I've gone through some and so I

and I've gone through some and so I

and I've gone through some and so I feel very privileged to be here and to

feel very privileged to be here and to

feel very privileged to be here and to do that stuff and um it's not easy but I

do that stuff and um it's not easy but I

do that stuff and um it's not easy but I but I so I guess when you're asking

but I so I guess when you're asking

but I so I guess when you're asking about failures and stuff I I I feel like

about failures and stuff I I I feel like

about failures and stuff I I I feel like this is the line of work we're in this

this is the line of work we're in this

this is the line of work we're in this is this is the service we've decided to

is this is the service we've decided to

is this is the service we've decided to take and um and we're all going to learn

take and um and we're all going to learn

take and um and we're all going to learn together and so let's like link arms and

together and so let's like link arms and

together and so let's like link arms and and

and

and go that's the only way I can think to

go that's the only way I can think to

go that's the only way I can think to honesty to think to you know I don't

honesty to think to you know I don't

honesty to think to you know I don't write about this stuff I don't it's just

write about this stuff I don't it's just

write about this stuff I don't it's just we are creators so the only thing we can

we are creators so the only thing we can

we are creators so the only thing we can do is just keep creating and hopefully

do is just keep creating and hopefully

do is just keep creating and hopefully there's other people in this community

there's other people in this community

there's other people in this community that can change certain laws or make

that can change certain laws or make

that can change certain laws or make certain other things changes and and or

certain other things changes and and or

certain other things changes and and or journalists that write about and do and

journalists that write about and do and

journalists that write about and do and put it out into the spotlight for the

put it out into the spotlight for the

put it out into the spotlight for the world to see but for us we make and so

world to see but for us we make and so

world to see but for us we make and so that's why I try to stay focused

that's why I try to stay focused

that's why I try to stay focused on I mean and I think what's really

on I mean and I think what's really

on I mean and I think what's really compelling to this idea of like people

compelling to this idea of like people

compelling to this idea of like people from different spaces who can also

from different spaces who can also

from different spaces who can also contribute in in in different in some of

contribute in in in different in some of

contribute in in in different in some of the ways you're you're describing is

the ways you're you're describing is

the ways you're you're describing is that in the book you sort of make this

that in the book you sort of make this

that in the book you sort of make this parallel between your own story and the

parallel between your own story and the

parallel between your own story and the story of your parents who are not in

story of your parents who are not in

story of your parents who are not in entertainment industry and are in the

entertainment industry and are in the

entertainment industry and are in the restaurant business the hospitality

restaurant business the hospitality

restaurant business the hospitality industry and and how they sort of

industry and and how they sort of

industry and and how they sort of experience some of these same you know

experience some of these same you know

experience some of these same you know you talk about their failures and their

you talk about their failures and their

you talk about their failures and their triumphs and how it fueled them um and

triumphs and how it fueled them um and

triumphs and how it fueled them um and and I so I think you know one thing too

and I so I think you know one thing too

and I so I think you know one thing too that's also interesting about this book

that's also interesting about this book

that's also interesting about this book is the you you end your Ted Talk um

is the you you end your Ted Talk um

is the you you end your Ted Talk um notably with love is the most important

notably with love is the most important

notably with love is the most important thing we can give to this planet and um

thing we can give to this planet and um

thing we can give to this planet and um the book is is very much a love letter

the book is is very much a love letter

the book is is very much a love letter to many things to technology Silicon

to many things to technology Silicon

to many things to technology Silicon Valley Steve Jobs film making and I

Valley Steve Jobs film making and I

Valley Steve Jobs film making and I think above all your your family and and

think above all your your family and and

think above all your your family and and your your parents um and so I'm curious

your your parents um and so I'm curious

your your parents um and so I'm curious to hear a little bit from you also about

to hear a little bit from you also about

to hear a little bit from you also about how you think about love um and the way

how you think about love um and the way

how you think about love um and the way that it influences the work you do how

that it influences the work you do how

that it influences the work you do how does it f how did it factor into writing

does it f how did it factor into writing

does it f how did it factor into writing the book uh let's maybe start there

the book uh let's maybe start there

the book uh let's maybe start there yeah

yeah

yeah um I mean love is as we all know like

um I mean love is as we all know like

um I mean love is as we all know like the most powerful thing I think it's way

the most powerful thing I think it's way

the most powerful thing I think it's way more powerful than hate and we're in a

more powerful than hate and we're in a

more powerful than hate and we're in a world where there's a lot of pessimism

world where there's a lot of pessimism

world where there's a lot of pessimism and a lot of hate because that's easy

and a lot of hate because that's easy

and a lot of hate because that's easy it's easy love is harder and I again I

it's easy love is harder and I again I

it's easy love is harder and I again I feel very privileged to have grown up in

feel very privileged to have grown up in

feel very privileged to have grown up in a family with with a lot of love so I

a family with with a lot of love so I

a family with with a lot of love so I know the value of that um and so

know the value of that um and so

know the value of that um and so Hollywood is also a very cynical place

Hollywood is also a very cynical place

Hollywood is also a very cynical place um but also movies stories are are what

um but also movies stories are are what

um but also movies stories are are what set the vision are what set the Horizon

set the vision are what set the Horizon

set the vision are what set the Horizon for all of us it's what's what what

for all of us it's what's what what

for all of us it's what's what what inspired me to go into storytelling it's

inspired me to go into storytelling it's

inspired me to go into storytelling it's why we go to Disneyland frankly it

why we go to Disneyland frankly it

why we go to Disneyland frankly it reminds us of our child reminds us of a

reminds us of our child reminds us of a

reminds us of our child reminds us of a time it's it's why we drink a Coke

time it's it's why we drink a Coke

time it's it's why we drink a Coke because we had a Coke when we were in

because we had a Coke when we were in

because we had a Coke when we were in the garage with our moms or dads or

the garage with our moms or dads or

the garage with our moms or dads or whoever like I think that that that love

whoever like I think that that that love

whoever like I think that that that love is in every single story because it is

is in every single story because it is

is in every single story because it is it is the it is the conduit for which we

it is the it is the conduit for which we

it is the it is the conduit for which we connect to

connect to

connect to others and so um I think I got into the

others and so um I think I got into the

others and so um I think I got into the storytelling business because I had an

storytelling business because I had an

storytelling business because I had an abundance of Love given to me and I

abundance of Love given to me and I

abundance of Love given to me and I felt um maybe my cup runthe

and it doesn't mean that I didn't evolve

and it doesn't mean that I didn't evolve

and it doesn't mean that I didn't evolve through that but I think that was the

through that but I think that was the

through that but I think that was the most pure moment I also felt like I

most pure moment I also felt like I

most pure moment I also felt like I found the camera and the camera helped

found the camera and the camera helped

found the camera and the camera helped hide me too um because uh it's a mask

hide me too um because uh it's a mask

hide me too um because uh it's a mask you know everyone loves you when you

you know everyone loves you when you

you know everyone loves you when you have a camera in your hand everyone

have a camera in your hand everyone

have a camera in your hand everyone wants to invite you over if you uh and

wants to invite you over if you uh and

wants to invite you over if you uh and and and and get interview or whatever

and and and get interview or whatever

and and and get interview or whatever like it it it gave me a reason to talk

like it it it gave me a reason to talk

like it it it gave me a reason to talk to people and an easy way to to to to to

to people and an easy way to to to to to

to people and an easy way to to to to to get into it but I think when I look back

get into it but I think when I look back

get into it but I think when I look back at um

at um

at um where I'm at and my

where I'm at and my

where I'm at and my family I think that

family I think that

family I think that [Music]

[Music]

[Music] um I've learned a lot about how

um I've learned a lot about how

um I've learned a lot about how difficult love can be even to my family

difficult love can be even to my family

difficult love can be even to my family especially writing about my family

especially writing about my family

especially writing about my family because my family can be frustrating at

because my family can be frustrating at

because my family can be frustrating at the same time um but I think writing

the same time um but I think writing

the same time um but I think writing this book helped

this book helped

this book helped me one understand that I can't change I

me one understand that I can't change I

me one understand that I can't change I can't change my parents as many of us

can't change my parents as many of us

can't change my parents as many of us know that I've tried many times I've

know that I've tried many times I've

know that I've tried many times I've tried to clean the garage and it always

tried to clean the garage and it always

tried to clean the garage and it always gets messy again I tried to make them

gets messy again I tried to make them

gets messy again I tried to make them remember their Wi-Fi password they'll

remember their Wi-Fi password they'll

remember their Wi-Fi password they'll never remember it

never remember it

never remember it so I'll remember it for them fine fine

so I'll remember it for them fine fine

so I'll remember it for them fine fine fine but I think I have a lot of um

fine but I think I have a lot of um

fine but I think I have a lot of um learning about their Journey gave me so

learning about their Journey gave me so

learning about their Journey gave me so much love extra love for them because

much love extra love for them because

much love extra love for them because leaving a country to come over to

leaving a country to come over to

leaving a country to come over to another country for with nothing to

another country for with nothing to

another country for with nothing to start a family to give us every

start a family to give us every

start a family to give us every opportunity and to let us go run away

opportunity and to let us go run away

opportunity and to let us go run away and be storytellers like that is so

and be storytellers like that is so

and be storytellers like that is so Rockstar and so courageous I know now

Rockstar and so courageous I know now

Rockstar and so courageous I know now with kids I don't know if I could do

with kids I don't know if I could do

with kids I don't know if I could do that I could not leave everything here

that I could not leave everything here

that I could not leave everything here even if I hated this country and and

even if I hated this country and and

even if I hated this country and and walked away like I don't know I don't

walked away like I don't know I don't

walked away like I don't know I don't think I could do that so I respect them

think I could do that so I respect them

think I could do that so I respect them so deeply now especially as an adult

so deeply now especially as an adult

so deeply now especially as an adult when I look back and know how that

when I look back and know how that

when I look back and know how that Journey could go so I also have a lot

Journey could go so I also have a lot

Journey could go so I also have a lot more empathy of you know we talk about

more empathy of you know we talk about

more empathy of you know we talk about stories they've told us and they keep

stories they've told us and they keep

stories they've told us and they keep the stories keep changing I didn't know

the stories keep changing I didn't know

the stories keep changing I didn't know how to like and I would get frustrated

how to like and I would get frustrated

how to like and I would get frustrated like just tell me the truth and they're

like just tell me the truth and they're

like just tell me the truth and they're like this is the truth and dad like well

like this is the truth and dad like well

like this is the truth and dad like well it could have gone that way and you're

it could have gone that way and you're

it could have gone that way and you're like ah and that as someone who's

like ah and that as someone who's

like ah and that as someone who's growing and trying to put all my life in

growing and trying to put all my life in

growing and trying to put all my life in sort of categories it's really doesn't

sort of categories it's really doesn't

sort of categories it's really doesn't fit that for me and I think I learned to

fit that for me and I think I learned to

fit that for me and I think I learned to understand that you know we do actually

understand that you know we do actually

understand that you know we do actually have a language barrier even though I

have a language barrier even though I

have a language barrier even though I don't see that and feel that because we

don't see that and feel that because we

don't see that and feel that because we talk and that there is a language

talk and that there is a language

talk and that there is a language barrier still that um when I show them

barrier still that um when I show them

barrier still that um when I show them my movie I think they're watching my

my movie I think they're watching my

my movie I think they're watching my movie They're laughing at the right

movie They're laughing at the right

movie They're laughing at the right parts but I remember showing it PR in

parts but I remember showing it PR in

parts but I remember showing it PR in China and I brought my parents and their

China and I brought my parents and their

China and I brought my parents and their subtitles um in Chinese and my dad

subtitles um in Chinese and my dad

subtitles um in Chinese and my dad watched the movie and his eyes lit up

watched the movie and his eyes lit up

watched the movie and his eyes lit up he's like oh I love your movie I'm like

he's like oh I love your movie I'm like

he's like oh I love your movie I'm like what you've watched my movie eight times

what you've watched my movie eight times

what you've watched my movie eight times what are you talking about he's like oh

what are you talking about he's like oh

what are you talking about he's like oh no no I get all the things I'm like so

no no I get all the things I'm like so

no no I get all the things I'm like so you've been watching this movie and not

you've been watching this movie and not

you've been watching this movie and not understanding half the words or you have

understanding half the words or you have

understanding half the words or you have he's like no I get it I just so I just

he's like no I get it I just so I just

he's like no I get it I just so I just also like there's there's also like

also like there's there's also like

also like there's there's also like details that um that connect with my my

details that um that connect with my my

details that um that connect with my my parents I find that now when I have my

parents I find that now when I have my

parents I find that now when I have my kids um I look at my daughter I don't

kids um I look at my daughter I don't

kids um I look at my daughter I don't try to fix my mom but I see her wounds

try to fix my mom but I see her wounds

try to fix my mom but I see her wounds and I try to make sure that my daughter

and I try to make sure that my daughter

and I try to make sure that my daughter um has the comfort and the love that my

um has the comfort and the love that my

um has the comfort and the love that my mom gave me to heal some of those wounds

mom gave me to heal some of those wounds

mom gave me to heal some of those wounds that maybe she didn't have um so I I I

that maybe she didn't have um so I I I

that maybe she didn't have um so I I I try to focus my my attention a little

try to focus my my attention a little

try to focus my my attention a little bit forward in that but I'm still

bit forward in that but I'm still

bit forward in that but I'm still figuring out I have no idea all these so

figuring out I have no idea all these so

figuring out I have no idea all these so well that's beautiful I mean I I um I

well that's beautiful I mean I I um I

well that's beautiful I mean I I um I feel like there's so many things you can

feel like there's so many things you can

feel like there's so many things you can relate to uh when it comes to families

relate to uh when it comes to families

relate to uh when it comes to families and and the things that you experience

and and the things that you experience

and and the things that you experience in your family no matter what what your

in your family no matter what what your

in your family no matter what what your background is and um and I I openly wept

background is and um and I I openly wept

background is and um and I I openly wept at the end of your book I will say and I

at the end of your book I will say and I

at the end of your book I will say and I I think hearing your relationship with

I think hearing your relationship with

I think hearing your relationship with your your parents it's beautiful um and

your your parents it's beautiful um and

your your parents it's beautiful um and I'd love to um to move uh now to Wicked

I'd love to um to move uh now to Wicked

I'd love to um to move uh now to Wicked um and you know I think uh you get to

um and you know I think uh you get to

um and you know I think uh you get to Wicked at the very very end of you

Wicked at the very very end of you

Wicked at the very very end of you finder so in many ways uh where the book

finder so in many ways uh where the book

finder so in many ways uh where the book ends is where your life is picking up at

ends is where your life is picking up at

ends is where your life is picking up at this very moment um and it's clear that

this very moment um and it's clear that

this very moment um and it's clear that directing this film has been a lifetime

directing this film has been a lifetime

directing this film has been a lifetime in the making for you um so what is it

in the making for you um so what is it

in the making for you um so what is it what does it meant to you what does it

what does it meant to you what does it

what does it meant to you what does it mean to you to home this project well

mean to you to home this project well

mean to you to home this project well one I am I'm a fan of wicked I saw

one I am I'm a fan of wicked I saw

one I am I'm a fan of wicked I saw Wicked in San Francisco at the current

Wicked in San Francisco at the current

Wicked in San Francisco at the current theater before it ever went to Broadway

theater before it ever went to Broadway

theater before it ever went to Broadway so I was in the same room with all the

so I was in the same room with all the

so I was in the same room with all the creators on their earliest days and I

creators on their earliest days and I

creators on their earliest days and I had no idea my my mom and dad would take

had no idea my my mom and dad would take

had no idea my my mom and dad would take us to um the city every weekend to see

us to um the city every weekend to see

us to um the city every weekend to see shows when I was growing up Opera season

shows when I was growing up Opera season

shows when I was growing up Opera season ballet season or musical season and and

ballet season or musical season and and

ballet season or musical season and and um and this I was at College it was like

um and this I was at College it was like

um and this I was at College it was like my freshman year and so they're like hey

my freshman year and so they're like hey

my freshman year and so they're like hey there's a new Steven Schwarz musical you

there's a new Steven Schwarz musical you

there's a new Steven Schwarz musical you should come see it and um so I my mom

should come see it and um so I my mom

should come see it and um so I my mom and I went um so it was it was like old

and I went um so it was it was like old

and I went um so it was it was like old times again with us and we watched the

times again with us and we watched the

times again with us and we watched the musical and I was just blown away even

musical and I was just blown away even

musical and I was just blown away even in that form even in that rough form uh

in that form even in that rough form uh

in that form even in that rough form uh I think they had cut songs after that

I think they had cut songs after that

I think they had cut songs after that and stuff but but even that hor form I

and stuff but but even that hor form I

and stuff but but even that hor form I was so moved by

was so moved by

was so moved by this witch who isn't a witch at all who

this witch who isn't a witch at all who

this witch who isn't a witch at all who is seen as different because she's green

is seen as different because she's green

is seen as different because she's green who feels out of place um has a

who feels out of place um has a

who feels out of place um has a narrative set on top of her and has to

narrative set on top of her and has to

narrative set on top of her and has to like over over come that has to ascend

like over over come that has to ascend

like over over come that has to ascend above that um and taking this the most

above that um and taking this the most

above that um and taking this the most American fairy tale Wizard of Oz maybe

American fairy tale Wizard of Oz maybe

American fairy tale Wizard of Oz maybe other than Star Wars The Wizard of Oz

other than Star Wars The Wizard of Oz

other than Star Wars The Wizard of Oz and flipping it in A New Perspective to

and flipping it in A New Perspective to

and flipping it in A New Perspective to me was like so compelling as a young

me was like so compelling as a young

me was like so compelling as a young person to watch that so for 20 years I

person to watch that so for 20 years I

person to watch that so for 20 years I was like this needs to be a movie I I

was like this needs to be a movie I I

was like this needs to be a movie I I but never thought that they would ever

but never thought that they would ever

but never thought that they would ever hire me to make that movie so but 20

hire me to make that movie so but 20

hire me to make that movie so but 20 years later uh it did come and uh I'm

years later uh it did come and uh I'm

years later uh it did come and uh I'm I'm really grateful it's a it's a

I'm really grateful it's a it's a

I'm really grateful it's a it's a beautiful story and especially at this

beautiful story and especially at this

beautiful story and especially at this moment there feels like an urgency

moment there feels like an urgency

moment there feels like an urgency to tell this story in the most uh again

to tell this story in the most uh again

to tell this story in the most uh again American fairy tale at the time when

American fairy tale at the time when

American fairy tale at the time when America's going through our own identity

America's going through our own identity

America's going through our own identity crisis at the same time that uh Cinema

crisis at the same time that uh Cinema

crisis at the same time that uh Cinema itself is going through its own Survival

itself is going through its own Survival

itself is going through its own Survival uh uh crisis at the same time that

uh uh crisis at the same time that

uh uh crisis at the same time that musicals are the most

musicals are the most

musicals are the most American genre of of of of of Cinema um

American genre of of of of of Cinema um

American genre of of of of of Cinema um being sort of reinvented and refound

being sort of reinvented and refound

being sort of reinvented and refound again right now

again right now

again right now um to me uh exploring those ideas uh and

um to me uh exploring those ideas uh and

um to me uh exploring those ideas uh and identity through all of that through at

identity through all of that through at

identity through all of that through at this moment is is was is is is a moment

this moment is is was is is is a moment

this moment is is was is is is a moment I could not pass up so um and and and in

I could not pass up so um and and and in

I could not pass up so um and and and in fact you I think you've said that um

fact you I think you've said that um

fact you I think you've said that um you're glad it took you so long to get

you're glad it took you so long to get

you're glad it took you so long to get to the Emerald City so I think Beyond

to the Emerald City so I think Beyond

to the Emerald City so I think Beyond just even this moment it sounds like uh

just even this moment it sounds like uh

just even this moment it sounds like uh for cultural moment that there's

for cultural moment that there's

for cultural moment that there's something personal for you that um that

something personal for you that um that

something personal for you that um that makes this this moment better for you to

makes this this moment better for you to

makes this this moment better for you to direct this film than than any other can

direct this film than than any other can

direct this film than than any other can you share more about that yeah some

you share more about that yeah some

you share more about that yeah some people say that like oh John what's the

people say that like oh John what's the

people say that like oh John what's the movie that you always wanted to do and

movie that you always wanted to do and

movie that you always wanted to do and if that were I I would probably say

if that were I I would probably say

if that were I I would probably say Wicked you know however many years ago I

Wicked you know however many years ago I

Wicked you know however many years ago I wrote it down on a piece of paper

wrote it down on a piece of paper

wrote it down on a piece of paper however you don't get the luxury of

however you don't get the luxury of

however you don't get the luxury of choosing whatever story you want to tell

choosing whatever story you want to tell

choosing whatever story you want to tell you get to tell like I think that's a

you get to tell like I think that's a

you get to tell like I think that's a misconception that oh I want to tell

misconception that oh I want to tell

misconception that oh I want to tell this story I'm going to go tell it just

this story I'm going to go tell it just

this story I'm going to go tell it just give me a camera I'm gonna I actually

give me a camera I'm gonna I actually

give me a camera I'm gonna I actually think it's more spiritual than that I

think it's more spiritual than that I

think it's more spiritual than that I think that the author and the idea it's

think that the author and the idea it's

think that the author and the idea it's like a spiritual marriage that you can

like a spiritual marriage that you can

like a spiritual marriage that you can have an idea but if you don't give it a

have an idea but if you don't give it a

have an idea but if you don't give it a if it doesn't choose you too then it

if it doesn't choose you too then it

if it doesn't choose you too then it goes nowhere um and so there is a wooing

goes nowhere um and so there is a wooing

goes nowhere um and so there is a wooing of an idea an exploration a curiosity of

of an idea an exploration a curiosity of

of an idea an exploration a curiosity of trying to understand it more and see if

trying to understand it more and see if

trying to understand it more and see if it grows somewhere there's a dating

it grows somewhere there's a dating

it grows somewhere there's a dating period of an idea uh for Wicked that was

period of an idea uh for Wicked that was

period of an idea uh for Wicked that was like my dream girl and um I and but I

like my dream girl and um I and but I

like my dream girl and um I and but I could want it as much as I I I wanted to

could want it as much as I I I wanted to

could want it as much as I I I wanted to but if it wasn't right and it wasn't

but if it wasn't right and it wasn't

but if it wasn't right and it wasn't right time and it wasn't the right

right time and it wasn't the right

right time and it wasn't the right moment that this planet wanted us to

moment that this planet wanted us to

moment that this planet wanted us to make it then it would have never

make it then it would have never

make it then it would have never happened and so when those start to

happened and so when those start to

happened and so when those start to happen when I got the call I I and I and

happen when I got the call I I and I and

happen when I got the call I I and I and it took me I mean I think every movie

it took me I mean I think every movie

it took me I mean I think every movie that I did led up to this point of

that I did led up to this point of

that I did led up to this point of wicked I had to do through stepup movies

wicked I had to do through stepup movies

wicked I had to do through stepup movies in order to learn how to one deal with a

in order to learn how to one deal with a

in order to learn how to one deal with a fan base that was on Myspace that really

fan base that was on Myspace that really

fan base that was on Myspace that really loved the stepup movies how to uh work

loved the stepup movies how to uh work

loved the stepup movies how to uh work with dancers how to find discover all

with dancers how to find discover all

with dancers how to find discover all these other dancers young dancers with

these other dancers young dancers with

these other dancers young dancers with such beautiful different forms of poetry

such beautiful different forms of poetry

such beautiful different forms of poetry I had to learn how to shoot that how not

I had to learn how to shoot that how not

I had to learn how to shoot that how not to ruin their performances how to

to ruin their performances how to

to ruin their performances how to understand their performance I had to go

understand their performance I had to go

understand their performance I had to go be with Justin V and do a Justin Bieber

be with Justin V and do a Justin Bieber

be with Justin V and do a Justin Bieber documentary um in order to learn for

documentary um in order to learn for

documentary um in order to learn for myself how how to sometimes you don't

myself how how to sometimes you don't

myself how how to sometimes you don't have to cut around to everything

have to cut around to everything

have to cut around to everything sometimes reality and truth is without

sometimes reality and truth is without

sometimes reality and truth is without the author in the way and you just shoot

the author in the way and you just shoot

the author in the way and you just shoot and sometimes uh you get to see how a

and sometimes uh you get to see how a

and sometimes uh you get to see how a kid going through this isn't meant to do

kid going through this isn't meant to do

kid going through this isn't meant to do that and so there's certain there's

that and so there's certain there's

that and so there's certain there's certain things I had to learn GI Joe I

certain things I had to learn GI Joe I

certain things I had to learn GI Joe I had to learn visual effects and working

had to learn visual effects and working

had to learn visual effects and working with a a comic book crowd and a toy

with a a comic book crowd and a toy

with a a comic book crowd and a toy company and um and all those things

company and um and all those things

company and um and all those things leading up to to Crazy Rich Asians about

leading up to to Crazy Rich Asians about

leading up to to Crazy Rich Asians about um how to do the thing that's most scary

um how to do the thing that's most scary

um how to do the thing that's most scary to you about your culture identity and

to you about your culture identity and

to you about your culture identity and then in the Heights in the same way and

then in the Heights in the same way and

then in the Heights in the same way and do it on the streets of of Washington

do it on the streets of of Washington

do it on the streets of of Washington Heights all led to Wicked um and so yeah

Heights all led to Wicked um and so yeah

Heights all led to Wicked um and so yeah I feel like every step got to this point

I feel like every step got to this point

I feel like every step got to this point and it chose me and we I chose it um so

and it chose me and we I chose it um so

and it chose me and we I chose it um so uh I hope you get the results of that um

uh I hope you get the results of that um

uh I hope you get the results of that um because I think it's it's beautiful when

because I think it's it's beautiful when

because I think it's it's beautiful when we when it all comes together um well

we when it all comes together um well

we when it all comes together um well obviously Wicked is a deeply beloved

obviously Wicked is a deeply beloved

obviously Wicked is a deeply beloved story um the you know the play of course

story um the you know the play of course

story um the you know the play of course was a um a Smash Hit And we actually I'm

was a um a Smash Hit And we actually I'm

was a um a Smash Hit And we actually I'm going to start to bring in some

going to start to bring in some

going to start to bring in some questions from the audience because we

questions from the audience because we

questions from the audience because we have one from the author of a book

have one from the author of a book

have one from the author of a book called Finding Oz where he tells the

called Finding Oz where he tells the

called Finding Oz where he tells the story um Evan who's a a Ted member um

story um Evan who's a a Ted member um

story um Evan who's a a Ted member um tells the story of how El Frank Bal um

tells the story of how El Frank Bal um

tells the story of how El Frank Bal um created the original novel The Wonderful

created the original novel The Wonderful

created the original novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz um and he asks if your

Wizard of Oz um and he asks if your

Wizard of Oz um and he asks if your vision for the wicked films goes back to

vision for the wicked films goes back to

vision for the wicked films goes back to the bomb novel at all for inspiration

the bomb novel at all for inspiration

the bomb novel at all for inspiration either visually or in any way about the

either visually or in any way about the

either visually or in any way about the ideas behind the icons there yeah um

ideas behind the icons there yeah um

ideas behind the icons there yeah um absolutely that that is our main source

absolutely that that is our main source

absolutely that that is our main source of of inspiration other than the musical

of of inspiration other than the musical

of of inspiration other than the musical itself um that is that Al Frank bomb I

itself um that is that Al Frank bomb I

itself um that is that Al Frank bomb I mean even alphaba is named alphaba

mean even alphaba is named alphaba

mean even alphaba is named alphaba because of L frank bomb um and we have

because of L frank bomb um and we have

because of L frank bomb um and we have lots of uh we took characters from the

lots of uh we took characters from the

lots of uh we took characters from the novel from the densow drawings that are

novel from the densow drawings that are

novel from the densow drawings that are um in the you know in in this movie um

um in the you know in in this movie um

um in the you know in in this movie um that are in Emerald City or along the

that are in Emerald City or along the

that are in Emerald City or along the way you know it's hard because it is

way you know it's hard because it is

way you know it's hard because it is sort of several different Source

sort of several different Source

sort of several different Source material based off of the same thing um

material based off of the same thing um

material based off of the same thing um El Frank bomb bombs of course which by

El Frank bomb bombs of course which by

El Frank bomb bombs of course which by the way when when I um there was a

the way when when I um there was a

the way when when I um there was a certain point where uh after Ariana got

certain point where uh after Ariana got

certain point where uh after Ariana got the got the role she sent me a gift and

the got the role she sent me a gift and

the got the role she sent me a gift and it's in this little box and it's a first

it's in this little box and it's a first

it's in this little box and it's a first edition first state uh version of Wizard

edition first state uh version of Wizard

edition first state uh version of Wizard of Oz and it's always in my office I'm

of Oz and it's always in my office I'm

of Oz and it's always in my office I'm not even allowed to open it more than

not even allowed to open it more than

not even allowed to open it more than like 45 degrees but it smells like old

like 45 degrees but it smells like old

like 45 degrees but it smells like old man yeah so so yeah the fonts the style

man yeah so so yeah the fonts the style

man yeah so so yeah the fonts the style the denzo style all is a part of it and

the denzo style all is a part of it and

the denzo style all is a part of it and even like some of el Frank bomb's

even like some of el Frank bomb's

even like some of el Frank bomb's history which you know he has a

history which you know he has a

history which you know he has a complicated history um he one of his

complicated history um he one of his

complicated history um he one of his jobs one of his first jobs was to raise

jobs one of his first jobs was to raise

jobs one of his first jobs was to raise sort of fancy chickens um was to breed

sort of fancy chickens um was to breed

sort of fancy chickens um was to breed them and sell them and so we uh there's

them and sell them and so we uh there's

them and sell them and so we uh there's a there's an animal band in one of our

a there's an animal band in one of our

a there's an animal band in one of our scenes and so I wanted these fancy

scenes and so I wanted these fancy

scenes and so I wanted these fancy chickens to be part of that uh animal

chickens to be part of that uh animal

chickens to be part of that uh animal band so if you see that uh you know

band so if you see that uh you know

band so if you see that uh you know that's my little no to Frank bomb um but

that's my little no to Frank bomb um but

that's my little no to Frank bomb um but at the same time we

at the same time we

at the same time we are we are uh infiltrating his vision of

are we are uh infiltrating his vision of

are we are uh infiltrating his vision of America a little bit um we are playing

America a little bit um we are playing

America a little bit um we are playing with the idea of what um a hero looks

with the idea of what um a hero looks

with the idea of what um a hero looks like um and and how story is used um and

like um and and how story is used um and

like um and and how story is used um and uh but yeah that I think that's that

uh but yeah that I think that's that

uh but yeah that I think that's that that that's the fun part of it um well

that that's the fun part of it um well

that that's the fun part of it um well Emma um asked what was the most

Emma um asked what was the most

Emma um asked what was the most challenging aspect of adapting this for

challenging aspect of adapting this for

challenging aspect of adapting this for um for the screen the most challenging

um for the screen the most challenging

um for the screen the most challenging part um well the pure scope of it was

part um well the pure scope of it was

part um well the pure scope of it was really challenging Beyond like the

really challenging Beyond like the

really challenging Beyond like the mental strain that it takes to decide

mental strain that it takes to decide

mental strain that it takes to decide how to make a show which has some plot

how to make a show which has some plot

how to make a show which has some plot holes in it and is fairly long on

holes in it and is fairly long on

holes in it and is fairly long on Broadway and how to making the decision

Broadway and how to making the decision

Broadway and how to making the decision to split into two was very very

to split into two was very very

to split into two was very very difficult but it also was such a uh a

difficult but it also was such a uh a

difficult but it also was such a uh a very Natural Choice like we had no

very Natural Choice like we had no

very Natural Choice like we had no choice other than that because we could

choice other than that because we could

choice other than that because we could not fit it it could not fit it would be

not fit it it could not fit it would be

not fit it it could not fit it would be a overly bloated movie with too many

a overly bloated movie with too many

a overly bloated movie with too many things or or um um or we would cut it

things or or um um or we would cut it

things or or um um or we would cut it down to a point where it wouldn't be

down to a point where it wouldn't be

down to a point where it wouldn't be Wicked the musical and that's that's the

Wicked the musical and that's that's the

Wicked the musical and that's that's the reality of it um The Challenge though

reality of it um The Challenge though

reality of it um The Challenge though from there was how do you make one movie

from there was how do you make one movie

from there was how do you make one movie as emotionally and satisfying as

as emotionally and satisfying as

as emotionally and satisfying as possible so it doesn't feel like half a

possible so it doesn't feel like half a

possible so it doesn't feel like half a movie and that was uh that was actually

movie and that was uh that was actually

movie and that was uh that was actually easier than I thought because once you

easier than I thought because once you

easier than I thought because once you cut it out and then you track your

cut it out and then you track your

cut it out and then you track your characters and we know story

characters and we know story

characters and we know story architecture very well that we could

architecture very well that we could

architecture very well that we could just load it in on how to make Defying

just load it in on how to make Defying

just load it in on how to make Defying Gravity the thing you're waiting for the

Gravity the thing you're waiting for the

Gravity the thing you're waiting for the whole movie you have to start with

whole movie you have to start with

whole movie you have to start with Wizard and I to know her wants and her

Wizard and I to know her wants and her

Wizard and I to know her wants and her needs and you have to root for this

needs and you have to root for this

needs and you have to root for this character maybe you have to know more

character maybe you have to know more

character maybe you have to know more about this character in order to really

about this character in order to really

about this character in order to really want this for her you have to see her

want this for her you have to see her

want this for her you have to see her maybe have a couple wins have a couple

maybe have a couple wins have a couple

maybe have a couple wins have a couple you have to have certain things and

you have to have certain things and

you have to have certain things and turns in order to make Defying Gravity

turns in order to make Defying Gravity

turns in order to make Defying Gravity the moment you're waiting for the moment

the moment you're waiting for the moment

the moment you're waiting for the moment of Defiance the moments of surrender she

of Defiance the moments of surrender she

of Defiance the moments of surrender she doesn't have to prove herself so some of

doesn't have to prove herself so some of

doesn't have to prove herself so some of that architecture was was was was was

that architecture was was was was was

that architecture was was was was was tough but uh making that decision to

tough but uh making that decision to

tough but uh making that decision to split was was difficult but I think in

split was was difficult but I think in

split was was difficult but I think in the end of the day it was making sure

the end of the day it was making sure

the end of the day it was making sure that we I made my all made my younger

that we I made my all made my younger

that we I made my all made my younger self proud that this is both Wicked but

self proud that this is both Wicked but

self proud that this is both Wicked but the cinema version of it that's the

the cinema version of it that's the

the cinema version of it that's the crystallized Cinema version and it's not

crystallized Cinema version and it's not

crystallized Cinema version and it's not the show but it is the show it's that

the show but it is the show it's that

the show but it is the show it's that that's a difficult change we did it with

that's a difficult change we did it with

that's a difficult change we did it with crazy rich as where people were like oh

crazy rich as where people were like oh

crazy rich as where people were like oh that's like the book and you're like if

that's like the book and you're like if

that's like the book and you're like if you actually look at the plotting it's

you actually look at the plotting it's

you actually look at the plotting it's not a lot like the book but it feels

not a lot like the book but it feels

not a lot like the book but it feels like the book and that's whenever we

like the book and that's whenever we

like the book and that's whenever we interpret something that's that's what

interpret something that's that's what

interpret something that's that's what we try to get the feel of what it felt

we try to get the feel of what it felt

we try to get the feel of what it felt like to watch it and experience it and

like to watch it and experience it and

like to watch it and experience it and with all the things and protect the

with all the things and protect the

with all the things and protect the things but be a different experience so

things but be a different experience so

things but be a different experience so they can all live together you can still

they can all live together you can still

they can all live together you can still watch Wicked the show and Wicked the

watch Wicked the show and Wicked the

watch Wicked the show and Wicked the movie and feel like they're two sort of

movie and feel like they're two sort of

movie and feel like they're two sort of separate

separate

separate experiences and with the two

experiences and with the two

experiences and with the two installments being released about a year

installments being released about a year

installments being released about a year apart do you will there be um a a I

apart do you will there be um a a I

apart do you will there be um a a I guess a big distinction between the way

guess a big distinction between the way

guess a big distinction between the way the films will feel for the the audience

the films will feel for the the audience

the films will feel for the the audience as well I think so I think so I mean in

as well I think so I think so I mean in

as well I think so I think so I mean in the show the um they grow really they

the show the um they grow really they

the show the um they grow really they grow in different ways and the tone

grow in different ways and the tone

grow in different ways and the tone shifts as well um it's more it's a

shifts as well um it's more it's a

shifts as well um it's more it's a little it's it's a different type of

little it's it's a different type of

little it's it's a different type of tone it's it's it's sort of choices and

tone it's it's it's sort of choices and

tone it's it's it's sort of choices and consequences and consequences get uh get

consequences and consequences get uh get

consequences and consequences get uh get complicated um and when you think about

complicated um and when you think about

complicated um and when you think about either the the the two installments as a

either the the the two installments as a

either the the the two installments as a whole or just what's what's to come in

whole or just what's what's to come in

whole or just what's what's to come in November and what people will get out of

November and what people will get out of

November and what people will get out of this versus what they got out of the

this versus what they got out of the

this versus what they got out of the stage performance what is your your big

stage performance what is your your big

stage performance what is your your big hope there well what we always said it's

hope there well what we always said it's

hope there well what we always said it's it's about the girls

it's about the girls

it's about the girls stupid these two women uh alphaba and

stupid these two women uh alphaba and

stupid these two women uh alphaba and galinda if we don't find Cynthia Revo

galinda if we don't find Cynthia Revo

galinda if we don't find Cynthia Revo and Ariana Grande we don't have a movie

and Ariana Grande we don't have a movie

and Ariana Grande we don't have a movie and we knew

and we knew

and we knew that these

that these

that these two uh everyone had to audition so first

two uh everyone had to audition so first

two uh everyone had to audition so first of all imagine them coming into audition

of all imagine them coming into audition

of all imagine them coming into audition and having to sing for us to audition uh

and having to sing for us to audition uh

and having to sing for us to audition uh they had to act and do all the things

they had to act and do all the things

they had to act and do all the things and they jump through every hoop and

and they jump through every hoop and

and they jump through every hoop and every hoop and everyone we saw from no

every hoop and everyone we saw from no

every hoop and everyone we saw from no namers to namers that uh they were the

namers to namers that uh they were the

namers to namers that uh they were the most interesting people in the they're

most interesting people in the they're

most interesting people in the they're the ones that you felt like it wasn't

the ones that you felt like it wasn't

the ones that you felt like it wasn't there were so many great talent no doubt

there were so many great talent no doubt

there were so many great talent no doubt everyone could have done it but there's

everyone could have done it but there's

everyone could have done it but there's a there is a connection when you know

a there is a connection when you know

a there is a connection when you know this is the one for this particular

this is the one for this particular

this is the one for this particular story of this time of this moment those

story of this time of this moment those

story of this time of this moment those two those two women and I think that

two those two women and I think that

two those two women and I think that relationship is real how they bond how

relationship is real how they bond how

relationship is real how they bond how so different they are and yet how how

so different they are and yet how how

so different they are and yet how how much they share in

much they share in

much they share in [Music]

[Music]

[Music] um how much they share in their ambition

um how much they share in their ambition

um how much they share in their ambition and in their love for the planet there's

and in their love for the planet there's

and in their love for the planet there's two different ways of going at it

two different ways of going at it

two different ways of going at it and I think people will feel that I

and I think people will feel that I

and I think people will feel that I think everyone will be an alphab or

think everyone will be an alphab or

think everyone will be an alphab or galinda or some of us or all of them

galinda or some of us or all of them

galinda or some of us or all of them together so um I'm really excited about

together so um I'm really excited about

together so um I'm really excited about that to be honest it's awesome well um I

that to be honest it's awesome well um I

that to be honest it's awesome well um I know um technology and you know you've

know um technology and you know you've

know um technology and you know you've uh been a long um Ted a tendy t we a Ted

uh been a long um Ted a tendy t we a Ted

uh been a long um Ted a tendy t we a Ted speaker um we're thrilled to have you

speaker um we're thrilled to have you

speaker um we're thrilled to have you here speaking with us today um and Tech

here speaking with us today um and Tech

here speaking with us today um and Tech is such a big part of how of the type of

is such a big part of how of the type of

is such a big part of how of the type of ideas we think about in in our space and

ideas we think about in in our space and

ideas we think about in in our space and you've long celebrated the way Tech can

you've long celebrated the way Tech can

you've long celebrated the way Tech can support creativity um and enhance

support creativity um and enhance

support creativity um and enhance storytelling um especially in your

storytelling um especially in your

storytelling um especially in your industry and I'm curious when you when

industry and I'm curious when you when

industry and I'm curious when you when you see what's happening out there right

you see what's happening out there right

you see what's happening out there right now with um advancements in Tech

now with um advancements in Tech

now with um advancements in Tech specifically in AI um what do you think

specifically in AI um what do you think

specifically in AI um what do you think are the opportunities um it could

are the opportunities um it could

are the opportunities um it could present for the future of visual storym

present for the future of visual storym

present for the future of visual storym and um how you think about uh the work

and um how you think about uh the work

and um how you think about uh the work that you're you've even done just now

that you're you've even done just now

that you're you've even done just now with Wicked I think AI is a very broad

with Wicked I think AI is a very broad

with Wicked I think AI is a very broad word for many things that are changing

word for many things that are changing

word for many things that are changing our whole existence and I love I love

our whole existence and I love I love

our whole existence and I love I love technology so I've I've tried to follow

technology so I've I've tried to follow

technology so I've I've tried to follow along it's hard to keep up because it's

along it's hard to keep up because it's

along it's hard to keep up because it's changing every four days

changing every four days

changing every four days um yeah exactly every hour on the hour

um yeah exactly every hour on the hour

um yeah exactly every hour on the hour um but I'll tell you what it's what you

um but I'll tell you what it's what you

um but I'll tell you what it's what you can't do is

can't do is

can't do is ignore something like this and and and

ignore something like this and and and

ignore something like this and and and and you know creativity is yes a small

and you know creativity is yes a small

and you know creativity is yes a small section of what AI is going to change in

section of what AI is going to change in

section of what AI is going to change in this world so uh but but but but I think

this world so uh but but but but I think

this world so uh but but but but I think it's the it's the realm that we never

it's the it's the realm that we never

it's the it's the realm that we never thought computers were ever going to

thought computers were ever going to

thought computers were ever going to touch like actual conception of of ideas

touch like actual conception of of ideas

touch like actual conception of of ideas and I think it only um points a lens

and I think it only um points a lens

and I think it only um points a lens back at us to

back at us to

back at us to say uh okay what is creativity okay what

say uh okay what is creativity okay what

say uh okay what is creativity okay what is your message what is your message

is your message what is your message

is your message what is your message that's so unique it's in a weird way I

that's so unique it's in a weird way I

that's so unique it's in a weird way I feel like it's the same when Instagram

feel like it's the same when Instagram

feel like it's the same when Instagram had filters or something or when camera

had filters or something or when camera

had filters or something or when camera phones hit every every every phone that

phones hit every every every phone that

phones hit every every every phone that you're like oh wow everyone has a great

you're like oh wow everyone has a great

you're like oh wow everyone has a great camera now like the barrier isn't having

camera now like the barrier isn't having

camera now like the barrier isn't having a great camera and and actually every

a great camera and and actually every

a great camera and and actually every camera can use software to fix the

camera can use software to fix the

camera can use software to fix the lighting so it's not even about lighting

lighting so it's not even about lighting

lighting so it's not even about lighting anymore it's maybe not even about

anymore it's maybe not even about

anymore it's maybe not even about composition because you can change

composition because you can change

composition because you can change everything so what is it that that all

everything so what is it that that all

everything so what is it that that all goes together what you're what you're

goes together what you're what you're

goes together what you're what you're trying to say so like an Instagram photo

trying to say so like an Instagram photo

trying to say so like an Instagram photo is an Instagram photo but art

is an Instagram photo but art

is an Instagram photo but art photographs is something that that we

photographs is something that that we

photographs is something that that we choose of what that what is going to be

choose of what that what is going to be

choose of what that what is going to be art in that in that in that moment and

art in that in that in that moment and

art in that in that in that moment and so it changes the values of things and I

so it changes the values of things and I

so it changes the values of things and I think for AI in our creative space it's

think for AI in our creative space it's

think for AI in our creative space it's going to change the value of maybe

going to change the value of maybe

going to change the value of maybe production value like having a giant set

production value like having a giant set

production value like having a giant set may not be the thing that Wows people

may not be the thing that Wows people

may not be the thing that Wows people anymore in the same way that when you go

anymore in the same way that when you go

anymore in the same way that when you go see a Marvel movie a big giant planet

see a Marvel movie a big giant planet

see a Marvel movie a big giant planet flying through is not as compelling as

flying through is not as compelling as

flying through is not as compelling as it was when we saw it in Star Wars um

it was when we saw it in Star Wars um

it was when we saw it in Star Wars um doesn't mean it's not amazing it just

doesn't mean it's not amazing it just

doesn't mean it's not amazing it just means it just you can if you can pay for

means it just you can if you can pay for

means it just you can if you can pay for it and get done then whatever like okay

it and get done then whatever like okay

it and get done then whatever like okay so what so what so what are you saying

so what so what so what are you saying

so what so what so what are you saying and I think that that's the onus on us I

and I think that that's the onus on us I

and I think that that's the onus on us I I believe in our human capacity to

I believe in our human capacity to

I believe in our human capacity to outrun um to use creativity to break

outrun um to use creativity to break

outrun um to use creativity to break rules goals or expectations of what you

rules goals or expectations of what you

rules goals or expectations of what you think is next that's literally our job

think is next that's literally our job

think is next that's literally our job so I I believe that humans can and will

so I I believe that humans can and will

so I I believe that humans can and will do that um continuously now I also think

do that um continuously now I also think

do that um continuously now I also think there's some great tools with AI um I

there's some great tools with AI um I

there's some great tools with AI um I mean technology has always been a great

mean technology has always been a great

mean technology has always been a great tool help I I I was there for when it

tool help I I I was there for when it

tool help I I I was there for when it went from analog to digital from linear

went from analog to digital from linear

went from analog to digital from linear to nonlinear I mean we were all a lot of

to nonlinear I mean we were all a lot of

to nonlinear I mean we were all a lot of us were there to to feel that shift and

us were there to to feel that shift and

us were there to to feel that shift and it and yes it was uncomfortable at first

it and yes it was uncomfortable at first

it and yes it was uncomfortable at first but then changed everything um and CH

but then changed everything um and CH

but then changed everything um and CH and democratize the whole process so I'm

and democratize the whole process so I'm

and democratize the whole process so I'm excited to see there'll probably be a AI

excited to see there'll probably be a AI

excited to see there'll probably be a AI category some 14-year-old kid will make

category some 14-year-old kid will make

category some 14-year-old kid will make a full-on the Snow White of uh of AI

a full-on the Snow White of uh of AI

a full-on the Snow White of uh of AI movies um that won't be my category but

movies um that won't be my category but

movies um that won't be my category but I'm sure that person will do their thing

I'm sure that person will do their thing

I'm sure that person will do their thing and just like electronic music has its

and just like electronic music has its

and just like electronic music has its own category of stuff I really believe

own category of stuff I really believe

own category of stuff I really believe all of that um but I do also think like

all of that um but I do also think like

all of that um but I do also think like for me um I'm sure I'll use it in some

for me um I'm sure I'll use it in some

for me um I'm sure I'll use it in some way I I don't know exactly how yet I've

way I I don't know exactly how yet I've

way I I don't know exactly how yet I've been playing with it though to see just

been playing with it though to see just

been playing with it though to see just to know I think in order to

to know I think in order to

to know I think in order to in order to really figure out what the

in order to really figure out what the

in order to really figure out what the boundaries of it should be we have to

boundaries of it should be we have to

boundaries of it should be we have to understand it and so it's the Wild Wild

understand it and so it's the Wild Wild

understand it and so it's the Wild Wild West right now um and I think that you

West right now um and I think that you

West right now um and I think that you know legislatively we need to we need to

know legislatively we need to we need to

know legislatively we need to we need to do we should protect intellectual rights

do we should protect intellectual rights

do we should protect intellectual rights and we should do that I just don't think

and we should do that I just don't think

and we should do that I just don't think those buttons and the levers sort of

those buttons and the levers sort of

those buttons and the levers sort of work that fast anymore and I'm not sure

work that fast anymore and I'm not sure

work that fast anymore and I'm not sure we have the political leaders who

we have the political leaders who

we have the political leaders who understand technology like that anymore

understand technology like that anymore

understand technology like that anymore so again as a Creator since I'm not a

so again as a Creator since I'm not a

so again as a Creator since I'm not a politician the only thing I can do is

politician the only thing I can do is

politician the only thing I can do is understand it so I can um in make better

understand it so I can um in make better

understand it so I can um in make better decisions of how to use it or how to

decisions of how to use it or how to

decisions of how to use it or how to help inform people of where the issues

help inform people of where the issues

help inform people of where the issues are with

are with

are with this and um and you we're getting into

this and um and you we're getting into

this and um and you we're getting into this just a little bit now but I guess

this just a little bit now but I guess

this just a little bit now but I guess on the the flip like what what is it

on the the flip like what what is it

on the the flip like what what is it that scares you about it if there are

that scares you about it if there are

that scares you about it if there are things that that scare you I'm scared

things that that scare you I'm scared

things that that scare you I'm scared that um it's a lot of immense amount of

that um it's a lot of immense amount of

that um it's a lot of immense amount of power um I you know when you first get

power um I you know when you first get

power um I you know when you first get into this business and you get the

into this business and you get the

into this business and you get the microphone um there's a fantasy to that

microphone um there's a fantasy to that

microphone um there's a fantasy to that I mean same thing with Twitter I guess

I mean same thing with Twitter I guess

I mean same thing with Twitter I guess that you have the microphone you could

that you have the microphone you could

that you have the microphone you could say something and and and and you're not

say something and and and and you're not

say something and and and and you're not a kid anymore the moment you get that

a kid anymore the moment you get that

a kid anymore the moment you get that microphone the world comes after you or

microphone the world comes after you or

microphone the world comes after you or you influence the world in whatever

you influence the world in whatever

you influence the world in whatever place you're at in your life that is a

place you're at in your life that is a

place you're at in your life that is a powerful powerful tool we're putting a a

powerful powerful tool we're putting a a

powerful powerful tool we're putting a a Mac Truck in the hands of whoever and

Mac Truck in the hands of whoever and

Mac Truck in the hands of whoever and not everyone understands the grammar of

not everyone understands the grammar of

not everyone understands the grammar of audiovisual Storytelling or what you

audiovisual Storytelling or what you

audiovisual Storytelling or what you have in your hand when you're doing it

have in your hand when you're doing it

have in your hand when you're doing it so like a baby rattlesnake it usually

so like a baby rattlesnake it usually

so like a baby rattlesnake it usually puts the most poison on

puts the most poison on

puts the most poison on more than an adult Ratt thing because it

more than an adult Ratt thing because it

more than an adult Ratt thing because it just doesn't know and so I

just doesn't know and so I

just doesn't know and so I am

am

am scared for someone who gets it in their

scared for someone who gets it in their

scared for someone who gets it in their hands and doesn't know what they're

hands and doesn't know what they're

hands and doesn't know what they're doing with not necessarily their bad

doing with not necessarily their bad

doing with not necessarily their bad even bad intentions but that they spread

even bad intentions but that they spread

even bad intentions but that they spread something or do something because it

something or do something because it

something or do something because it seems kind of funny or whatever and it

seems kind of funny or whatever and it

seems kind of funny or whatever and it causes real damage to people's lives so

causes real damage to people's lives so

causes real damage to people's lives so uh that's what I'm scared about I'm not

uh that's what I'm scared about I'm not

uh that's what I'm scared about I'm not scared

scared

scared about uh I mean there's jobs that are

about uh I mean there's jobs that are

about uh I mean there's jobs that are going to be lost I feel like technology

going to be lost I feel like technology

going to be lost I feel like technology does that often and that's a cycle that

does that often and that's a cycle that

does that often and that's a cycle that we go through and I believe in people to

we go through and I believe in people to

we go through and I believe in people to figure out how to how to do that um we

figure out how to how to do that um we

figure out how to how to do that um we lost lab workers when we we didn't make

lost lab workers when we we didn't make

lost lab workers when we we didn't make film shoot film anymore but we gained

film shoot film anymore but we gained

film shoot film anymore but we gained dits and we gained uh digital you know

dits and we gained uh digital you know

dits and we gained uh digital you know edit houses and things like that and

edit houses and things like that and

edit houses and things like that and it's not an easy process but but but

it's not an easy process but but but

it's not an easy process but but but that's a there is a natural flow to

that's a there is a natural flow to

that's a there is a natural flow to those kind of things um

those kind of things um

those kind of things um so yeah I'm I'm also scared that we we

so yeah I'm I'm also scared that we we

so yeah I'm I'm also scared that we we that AI creates out of this pool of

that AI creates out of this pool of

that AI creates out of this pool of ideas that have been set in the soup

ideas that have been set in the soup

ideas that have been set in the soup already and we have so much more to add

already and we have so much more to add

already and we have so much more to add to that soup we have so much more

to that soup we have so much more

to that soup we have so much more ingredients to add and so that's why I

ingredients to add and so that's why I

ingredients to add and so that's why I think right now is like an urgent time

think right now is like an urgent time

think right now is like an urgent time to make make make make make because this

to make make make make make because this

to make make make make make because this AI is reading the soup and we've only

AI is reading the soup and we've only

AI is reading the soup and we've only had certain perspectives in that soup

had certain perspectives in that soup

had certain perspectives in that soup and for us to get in there say this is

and for us to get in there say this is

and for us to get in there say this is also beautiful this is also a hero this

also beautiful this is also a hero this

also beautiful this is also a hero this is also what you don't know this is what

is also what you don't know this is what

is also what you don't know this is what makes my parents funny not what you

makes my parents funny not what you

makes my parents funny not what you think my parents are funny talking or

think my parents are funny talking or

think my parents are funny talking or anything it's this is what makes them

anything it's this is what makes them

anything it's this is what makes them funny like we have to add more to the

funny like we have to add more to the

funny like we have to add more to the soup so I I get I get worried about we

soup so I I get I get worried about we

soup so I I get I get worried about we have a short window to flood the gates

have a short window to flood the gates

have a short window to flood the gates with as much our human um ideas and and

with as much our human um ideas and and

with as much our human um ideas and and perspectives so that when the soup is

perspectives so that when the soup is

perspectives so that when the soup is going to be used in the future that it

going to be used in the future that it

going to be used in the future that it has full

has full

has full context well we have a flood of

context well we have a flood of

context well we have a flood of questions coming in from our audience I

questions coming in from our audience I

questions coming in from our audience I want to make sure that we get to a bunch

want to make sure that we get to a bunch

want to make sure that we get to a bunch of them so um I'm going to start to

of them so um I'm going to start to

of them so um I'm going to start to integrate more of those into our

integrate more of those into our

integrate more of those into our conversation here so uh Tony um is

conversation here so uh Tony um is

conversation here so uh Tony um is curious about how you approach working

curious about how you approach working

curious about how you approach working with

with

with actors um it's it's it's I work with

actors um it's it's it's I work with

actors um it's it's it's I work with actors in the same way that I work with

actors in the same way that I work with

actors in the same way that I work with my production designer with my costume

my production designer with my costume

my production designer with my costume designer with my editor with my

designer with my editor with my

designer with my editor with my cinematographer like we are a shared

cinematographer like we are a shared

cinematographer like we are a shared creative uh authors uh and again not all

creative uh authors uh and again not all

creative uh authors uh and again not all directors maybe do this and all power to

directors maybe do this and all power to

directors maybe do this and all power to them because they make amazing movies

them because they make amazing movies

them because they make amazing movies but for me I love the process of working

but for me I love the process of working

but for me I love the process of working um together on something I of course

um together on something I of course

um together on something I of course have a vision if I were to sit down I

have a vision if I were to sit down I

have a vision if I were to sit down I could draw at every frame of my movie

could draw at every frame of my movie

could draw at every frame of my movie two seconds but that's if I can draw it

two seconds but that's if I can draw it

two seconds but that's if I can draw it out in my bedroom that's not the best

out in my bedroom that's not the best

out in my bedroom that's not the best movie that's going to be made

movie that's going to be made

movie that's going to be made so that said working with an actor um I

so that said working with an actor um I

so that said working with an actor um I sit down and and I give them I say you

sit down and and I give them I say you

sit down and and I give them I say you know okay we're gonna be partners in

know okay we're gonna be partners in

know okay we're gonna be partners in this here's what I need from you I need

this here's what I need from you I need

this here's what I need from you I need to show up on time I need you to uh uh

to show up on time I need you to uh uh

to show up on time I need you to uh uh hear the charact here's how I see the

hear the charact here's how I see the

hear the charact here's how I see the characters and I'm open to discuss what

characters and I'm open to discuss what

characters and I'm open to discuss what that is but we sort of need to be on the

that is but we sort of need to be on the

that is but we sort of need to be on the same in the same Planet same Universe um

same in the same Planet same Universe um

same in the same Planet same Universe um because if we're going to go through

because if we're going to go through

because if we're going to go through this weekend and by the way it doesn't

this weekend and by the way it doesn't

this weekend and by the way it doesn't mean we have to agree on anything

mean we have to agree on anything

mean we have to agree on anything because our relationship to be able to

because our relationship to be able to

because our relationship to be able to have real uh uh honest conversations is

have real uh uh honest conversations is

have real uh uh honest conversations is a part of this partnership so I should

a part of this partnership so I should

a part of this partnership so I should be able to call you and I will say this

be able to call you and I will say this

be able to call you and I will say this to them I said I should be able to call

to them I said I should be able to call

to them I said I should be able to call you and say hey why are you late every

you and say hey why are you late every

you and say hey why are you late every day if I can't say that to you then

day if I can't say that to you then

day if I can't say that to you then we're not going to be great partners and

we're not going to be great partners and

we're not going to be great partners and when you say that UPF front it it takes

when you say that UPF front it it takes

when you say that UPF front it it takes a lot of the stuff off the table because

a lot of the stuff off the table because

a lot of the stuff off the table because I can call them about anything I can say

I can call them about anything I can say

I can call them about anything I can say Hey you were a little distracted or like

Hey you were a little distracted or like

Hey you were a little distracted or like hey I know that um you want to do this

hey I know that um you want to do this

hey I know that um you want to do this thing tomorrow here's how I see this

thing tomorrow here's how I see this

thing tomorrow here's how I see this part of the thing I will let's let's

part of the thing I will let's let's

part of the thing I will let's let's shoot your version but can you can you

shoot your version but can you can you

shoot your version but can you can you do me a solid and let's shoot my version

do me a solid and let's shoot my version

do me a solid and let's shoot my version as well and I promise in the edit room I

as well and I promise in the edit room I

as well and I promise in the edit room I will protect us whatever's best for the

will protect us whatever's best for the

will protect us whatever's best for the movie because we don't know all the

movie because we don't know all the

movie because we don't know all the pieces we're making for the movie yet

pieces we're making for the movie yet

pieces we're making for the movie yet but we will know the context later as

but we will know the context later as

but we will know the context later as the movie comes together and it will

the movie comes together and it will

the movie comes together and it will tell us which the right answer is I have

tell us which the right answer is I have

tell us which the right answer is I have to have those conversations I'm not like

to have those conversations I'm not like

to have those conversations I'm not like oh uh Dwayne Johnson you're the best

oh uh Dwayne Johnson you're the best

oh uh Dwayne Johnson you're the best what do you want to do to I'm not like

what do you want to do to I'm not like

what do you want to do to I'm not like that and I'm not like Dwayne get over

that and I'm not like Dwayne get over

that and I'm not like Dwayne get over here and just move your head and blink

here and just move your head and blink

here and just move your head and blink your eye like they're not going to take

your eye like they're not going to take

your eye like they're not going to take that either so it's a lot more work to

that either so it's a lot more work to

that either so it's a lot more work to have a Rel relationship like that but I

have a Rel relationship like that but I

have a Rel relationship like that but I kind of find the joy of my job in in

kind of find the joy of my job in in

kind of find the joy of my job in in those kind of trying to solve that

those kind of trying to solve that

those kind of trying to solve that puzzle together I feel like that's

puzzle together I feel like that's

puzzle together I feel like that's another great leadership tip that can be

another great leadership tip that can be

another great leadership tip that can be applied anywhere right that it feels

applied anywhere right that it feels

applied anywhere right that it feels painful um yeah that's why I write in my

painful um yeah that's why I write in my

painful um yeah that's why I write in my book it's a work in process always it's

book it's a work in process always it's

book it's a work in process always it's so it's it's it's just process it's it's

so it's it's it's just process it's it's

so it's it's it's just process it's it's a creativity is not uh light bulb I

a creativity is not uh light bulb I

a creativity is not uh light bulb I think I say in the book that you don't

think I say in the book that you don't

think I say in the book that you don't you can't just switch it on it's a every

you can't just switch it on it's a every

you can't just switch it on it's a every day it's a rehearsal so you're Gathering

day it's a rehearsal so you're Gathering

day it's a rehearsal so you're Gathering ideas every day and putting it in your

ideas every day and putting it in your

ideas every day and putting it in your Dropbox folders or putting it in your

Dropbox folders or putting it in your

Dropbox folders or putting it in your journals or whatever so when I need to

journals or whatever so when I need to

journals or whatever so when I need to come up with an idea I'm not going to

come up with an idea I'm not going to

come up with an idea I'm not going to wait for like God to give me some

wait for like God to give me some

wait for like God to give me some amazing idea and like that could happen

amazing idea and like that could happen

amazing idea and like that could happen but but but I'm going to go back to my

but but but I'm going to go back to my

but but but I'm going to go back to my what I my reps what I do every day I'm

what I my reps what I do every day I'm

what I my reps what I do every day I'm going to say hey what characters do do I

going to say hey what characters do do I

going to say hey what characters do do I find interesting oh yeah does that

find interesting oh yeah does that

find interesting oh yeah does that attach to this no maybe no it doesn't

attach to this no maybe no it doesn't

attach to this no maybe no it doesn't but it Sparks something and I can go

but it Sparks something and I can go

but it Sparks something and I can go there like we are just we are we are

there like we are just we are we are

there like we are just we are we are information in our heads and trying to

information in our heads and trying to

information in our heads and trying to find a way so the more prompts we have

find a way so the more prompts we have

find a way so the more prompts we have for ourselves maybe uh get us to our

for ourselves maybe uh get us to our

for ourselves maybe uh get us to our idea quicker um well sort I sort of

idea quicker um well sort I sort of

idea quicker um well sort I sort of along these same lines um to asks how do

along these same lines um to asks how do

along these same lines um to asks how do you find inspiration and build up your

you find inspiration and build up your

you find inspiration and build up your creativity

creativity

creativity um that's a good question because when

um that's a good question because when

um that's a good question because when you're making a

you're making a

you're making a movie you're you're making something

movie you're you're making something

movie you're you're making something every day and you're being creative but

every day and you're being creative but

every day and you're being creative but you're in the very specific Lane so it's

you're in the very specific Lane so it's

you're in the very specific Lane so it's really hard to see outside your lane um

really hard to see outside your lane um

really hard to see outside your lane um and that's that's probably the most

and that's that's probably the most

and that's that's probably the most difficult thing I try to uh and the you

difficult thing I try to uh and the you

difficult thing I try to uh and the you know scrolling on Tik Tok I wouldn't say

know scrolling on Tik Tok I wouldn't say

know scrolling on Tik Tok I wouldn't say I mean sometimes that that'll spur

I mean sometimes that that'll spur

I mean sometimes that that'll spur something uh I mean there's definitely a

something uh I mean there's definitely a

something uh I mean there's definitely a lot of things you get to see really

lot of things you get to see really

lot of things you get to see really quickly um so I don't know the answer to

quickly um so I don't know the answer to

quickly um so I don't know the answer to that right now for me in my process

that right now for me in my process

that right now for me in my process um my family because I get to live

um my family because I get to live

um my family because I get to live through you know six other lives in my

through you know six other lives in my

through you know six other lives in my household um is that right I don't know

household um is that right I don't know

household um is that right I don't know yeah six um and then and and seven if

yeah six um and then and and seven if

yeah six um and then and and seven if you count the one in the in in the oven

you count the one in the in in the oven

you count the one in the in in the oven um I tried to and and and actually

um I tried to and and and actually

um I tried to and and and actually really having kids I talked to them

really having kids I talked to them

really having kids I talked to them every night and we asked them uh you

every night and we asked them uh you

every night and we asked them uh you know what's what are what kind of thing

know what's what are what kind of thing

know what's what are what kind of thing they did for somebody what was the kind

they did for somebody what was the kind

they did for somebody what was the kind of thing that was done for them um and

of thing that was done for them um and

of thing that was done for them um and we also asked them do you have any

we also asked them do you have any

we also asked them do you have any questions um for us and those moments

questions um for us and those moments

questions um for us and those moments are like fascinating because they ask

are like fascinating because they ask

are like fascinating because they ask the mo the the most interesting

the mo the the most interesting

the mo the the most interesting questions um um and uh and so I try to

questions um um and uh and so I try to

questions um um and uh and so I try to keep uh I try to keep aware I guess of

keep uh I try to keep aware I guess of

keep uh I try to keep aware I guess of of of the world that way for me right

of of the world that way for me right

of of the world that way for me right now um usually I just I do journal or

now um usually I just I do journal or

now um usually I just I do journal or not even I don't even know if I call it

not even I don't even know if I call it

not even I don't even know if I call it journaling I I put it I collect every

journaling I I put it I collect every

journaling I I put it I collect every time I see something and especially with

time I see something and especially with

time I see something and especially with a phone it's easy I take a picture of it

a phone it's easy I take a picture of it

a phone it's easy I take a picture of it I see an article I take a picture of it

I see an article I take a picture of it

I see an article I take a picture of it I screen grab it and I put it in these

I screen grab it and I put it in these

I screen grab it and I put it in these folders and I have a character folder a

folders and I have a character folder a

folders and I have a character folder a scenario folder a relation chips folder

scenario folder a relation chips folder

scenario folder a relation chips folder a you know visual inspiration folder um

a you know visual inspiration folder um

a you know visual inspiration folder um just colors um so I have all these

just colors um so I have all these

just colors um so I have all these different things I used to put it in a

different things I used to put it in a

different things I used to put it in a like a um like a spiral and I just taped

like a um like a spiral and I just taped

like a um like a spiral and I just taped them in but that I got lost that a long

them in but that I got lost that a long

them in but that I got lost that a long time ago now I have um no I have an

time ago now I have um no I have an

time ago now I have um no I have an actual like Dropbox folder that I put

actual like Dropbox folder that I put

actual like Dropbox folder that I put all the stuff

all the stuff

all the stuff in um well I call it my pantry your

in um well I call it my pantry your

in um well I call it my pantry your pantry oh as a throwback to your parents

pantry oh as a throwback to your parents

pantry oh as a throwback to your parents there right exactly

there right exactly

there right exactly exactly an O to your parents um well we

exactly an O to your parents um well we

exactly an O to your parents um well we have a lot of people who are really also

have a lot of people who are really also

have a lot of people who are really also very curious about how you stay true to

very curious about how you stay true to

very curious about how you stay true to yourself which feels really connected to

yourself which feels really connected to

yourself which feels really connected to this and thinking about your your family

this and thinking about your your family

this and thinking about your your family and how they factor into your creative

and how they factor into your creative

and how they factor into your creative process but how do you manage to um stay

process but how do you manage to um stay

process but how do you manage to um stay true to yourself in an Ever evolving

true to yourself in an Ever evolving

true to yourself in an Ever evolving space um and uh especially when it comes

space um and uh especially when it comes

space um and uh especially when it comes to creative work yeah that's a really

to creative work yeah that's a really

to creative work yeah that's a really hard question because I struggle with

hard question because I struggle with

hard question because I struggle with that all the

that all the

that all the time when you're making a

movie you have you have your like your

movie you have you have your like your

movie you have you have your like your laser vision that's how you lead

laser vision that's how you lead

laser vision that's how you lead hundreds and hundreds of

hundreds and hundreds of

hundreds and hundreds of people and yet uh you have to have room

people and yet uh you have to have room

people and yet uh you have to have room to keep discovering I mean I came up

to keep discovering I mean I came up

to keep discovering I mean I came up with a line yesterday for the movie and

with a line yesterday for the movie and

with a line yesterday for the movie and we locked our movie last Friday so I

we locked our movie last Friday so I

we locked our movie last Friday so I can't put it in and it's driving me

can't put it in and it's driving me

can't put it in and it's driving me crazy the last 24 hours because I'm like

crazy the last 24 hours because I'm like

crazy the last 24 hours because I'm like how could I could I slip it in maybe

how could I could I slip it in maybe

how could I could I slip it in maybe I'll do it in movie too I don't know

I'll do it in movie too I don't know

I'll do it in movie too I don't know um I don't know the answer to how to

um I don't know the answer to how to

um I don't know the answer to how to keep because there's a lot of stuff

keep because there's a lot of stuff

keep because there's a lot of stuff coming at you I will say

coming at you I will say

coming at you I will say though talking about process is actually

though talking about process is actually

though talking about process is actually really helpful like talking about it

really helpful like talking about it

really helpful like talking about it right now is really helpful for me I

right now is really helpful for me I

right now is really helpful for me I talk about um working every time I you

talk about um working every time I you

talk about um working every time I you know I work on the script and I work

know I work on the script and I work

know I work on the script and I work with a writer on the script and I have a

with a writer on the script and I have a

with a writer on the script and I have a vision for it and I'm trying to get the

vision for it and I'm trying to get the

vision for it and I'm trying to get the writer closer to my vision it's very

writer closer to my vision it's very

writer closer to my vision it's very frustrating but the vision but the

frustrating but the vision but the

frustrating but the vision but the writer has something to bring to it and

writer has something to bring to it and

writer has something to bring to it and when we finally get there I'm like

when we finally get there I'm like

when we finally get there I'm like exhausted and then the actor comes in

exhausted and then the actor comes in

exhausted and then the actor comes in and then the actor comes in and they

and then the actor comes in and they

and then the actor comes in and they have ideas on the script and I'm like no

have ideas on the script and I'm like no

have ideas on the script and I'm like no no no I just got this perfect and and

no no I just got this perfect and and

no no I just got this perfect and and the way they say a line isn't the way

the way they say a line isn't the way

the way they say a line isn't the way but actually it's actually okay and then

but actually it's actually okay and then

but actually it's actually okay and then and then we get that just right and we

and then we get that just right and we

and then we get that just right and we do versions and we cut all we shoot all

do versions and we cut all we shoot all

do versions and we cut all we shoot all this stuff and the editor cuts it

this stuff and the editor cuts it

this stuff and the editor cuts it together and I'm like that's not her

together and I'm like that's not her

together and I'm like that's not her movie oh my gosh I'm starting over again

movie oh my gosh I'm starting over again

movie oh my gosh I'm starting over again and then I'm like no no just move this

and then I'm like no no just move this

and then I'm like no no just move this around here and but then he does some

around here and but then he does some

around here and but then he does some things that are really great and then we

things that are really great and then we

things that are really great and then we find this thing get so and then the

find this thing get so and then the

find this thing get so and then the composer comes in and changes all this

composer comes in and changes all this

composer comes in and changes all this music and you're like no I mean it is a

music and you're like no I mean it is a

music and you're like no I mean it is a constant

constant

constant erasing and I feel like a one of those I

erasing and I feel like a one of those I

erasing and I feel like a one of those I think those monks that like have the

think those monks that like have the

think those monks that like have the sand and the art and then they blow and

sand and the art and then they blow and

sand and the art and then they blow and the wind blows it away the next day and

the wind blows it away the next day and

the wind blows it away the next day and you have to be okay with that like there

you have to be okay with that like there

you have to be okay with that like there is beauty in the temporary brilliant

is beauty in the temporary brilliant

is beauty in the temporary brilliant idea but if you do it every day then

idea but if you do it every day then

idea but if you do it every day then it's an average

it's an average

it's an average of the amount of creativity and free

of the amount of creativity and free

of the amount of creativity and free spirit that you give to each of those

spirit that you give to each of those

spirit that you give to each of those days it's sort of like you get a little

days it's sort of like you get a little

days it's sort of like you get a little inch every time and hopefully it it

inch every time and hopefully it it

inch every time and hopefully it it accumulates so I think every I think

accumulates so I think every I think

accumulates so I think every I think it's hard because I you you can't I

it's hard because I you you can't I

it's hard because I you you can't I can't distill

can't distill

can't distill it it's just about the practice of

it it's just about the practice of

it it's just about the practice of loving the process of building and

loving the process of building and

loving the process of building and destroying and building and destroying

destroying and building and destroying

destroying and building and destroying and and that's not a glamorous way to

and and that's not a glamorous way to

and and that's not a glamorous way to see it but we all know instinctively

see it but we all know instinctively

see it but we all know instinctively that's how our life is no matter how

that's how our life is no matter how

that's how our life is no matter how many people look at us and are like wow

many people look at us and are like wow

many people look at us and are like wow you host this and you host that and that

you host this and you host that and that

you host this and you host that and that you're like yeah but I had to do a lot

you're like yeah but I had to do a lot

you're like yeah but I had to do a lot of this other but I won't talk about

of this other but I won't talk about

of this other but I won't talk about that but but as creators as we are all

that but but as creators as we are all

that but but as creators as we are all creators like we know that it's just the

creators like we know that it's just the

creators like we know that it's just the average of of things that we just get

average of of things that we just get

average of of things that we just get through every day um so that's what I

through every day um so that's what I

through every day um so that's what I would try to think about it yeah um well

would try to think about it yeah um well

would try to think about it yeah um well I'm definitely going to write down

I'm definitely going to write down

I'm definitely going to write down there's Beauty in the temporary

there's Beauty in the temporary

there's Beauty in the temporary brilliant moment um when I get off of

brilliant moment um when I get off of

brilliant moment um when I get off of this call with you um so Adnan has a

this call with you um so Adnan has a

this call with you um so Adnan has a question about representation um which

question about representation um which

question about representation um which is something that we know has been

is something that we know has been

is something that we know has been really important to you and and the work

really important to you and and the work

really important to you and and the work that you do and the type of stories that

that you do and the type of stories that

that you do and the type of stories that you tell and how you tell them um and so

you tell and how you tell them um and so

you tell and how you tell them um and so how when you think about representation

how when you think about representation

how when you think about representation and and the way that um the the the wins

and and the way that um the the the wins

and and the way that um the the the wins we've had the accomplishments we we've

we've had the accomplishments we we've

we've had the accomplishments we we've made as a a society what is how do you

made as a a society what is how do you

made as a a society what is how do you know that we've arrived I guess when

know that we've arrived I guess when

know that we've arrived I guess when when do you know that the work is is

when do you know that the work is is

when do you know that the work is is done uh when is the work done I mean I

done uh when is the work done I mean I

done uh when is the work done I mean I don't know I don't know if that's

don't know I don't know if that's

don't know I don't know if that's possible be fully done with the work

possible be fully done with the work

possible be fully done with the work because if you're representing I mean

because if you're representing I mean

because if you're representing I mean the world is so big and we have so many

the world is so big and we have so many

the world is so big and we have so many things that we don't see so many blind

things that we don't see so many blind

things that we don't see so many blind spots like maybe that's that's the whole

spots like maybe that's that's the whole

spots like maybe that's that's the whole beauty of Being Human it's like it's a

beauty of Being Human it's like it's a

beauty of Being Human it's like it's a constant opening up eyes like we're

constant opening up eyes like we're

constant opening up eyes like we're always we we are born but like light is

always we we are born but like light is

always we we are born but like light is coming in every ounce until it's not and

coming in every ounce until it's not and

coming in every ounce until it's not and I and so I don't I don't know if there's

I and so I don't I don't know if there's

I and so I don't I don't know if there's an endgame other than that the more we

an endgame other than that the more we

an endgame other than that the more we we know the more we can Relish in this

we know the more we can Relish in this

we know the more we can Relish in this life and I so for for me

life and I so for for me

life and I so for for me personally um you know we're we're we're

personally um you know we're we're we're

personally um you know we're we're we're in baby steps we're in the movie

in baby steps we're in the movie

in baby steps we're in the movie business which is is it has a certain

business which is is it has a certain

business which is is it has a certain value to it because there's giant

value to it because there's giant

value to it because there's giant corporations behind a movie and they

corporations behind a movie and they

corporations behind a movie and they promote ideas they promote Beauty they

promote ideas they promote Beauty they

promote ideas they promote Beauty they promote what hero looks like they

promote what hero looks like they

promote what hero looks like they promote uh how you should live or what

promote uh how you should live or what

promote uh how you should live or what you aspire to be like so it has a it has

you aspire to be like so it has a it has

you aspire to be like so it has a it has a weight to

a weight to

a weight to it and so I play in that game because I

it and so I play in that game because I

it and so I play in that game because I was affected by the weight of movies um

was affected by the weight of movies um

was affected by the weight of movies um it spurred my creativity it gave me a

it spurred my creativity it gave me a

it spurred my creativity it gave me a purpose it gave me it gave me another

purpose it gave me it gave me another

purpose it gave me it gave me another life in my in my head and it's for some

life in my in my head and it's for some

life in my in my head and it's for some reason something that I can do I just

reason something that I can do I just

reason something that I can do I just happen to connect the dots and some of

happen to connect the dots and some of

happen to connect the dots and some of those things and so when I look at that

those things and so when I look at that

those things and so when I look at that value of of that space that movies

value of of that space that movies

value of of that space that movies provide and I look at

provide and I look at

provide and I look at um who I am and how what kind of space I

um who I am and how what kind of space I

um who I am and how what kind of space I take up in that space uh and how I want

take up in that space uh and how I want

take up in that space uh and how I want to live my life I think about now I

to live my life I think about now I

to live my life I think about now I think about a lot my children how to

think about a lot my children how to

think about a lot my children how to build the canvas for them to live in the

build the canvas for them to live in the

build the canvas for them to live in the America that I was always promised that

America that I was always promised that

America that I was always promised that I actually believed in and maybe some of

I actually believed in and maybe some of

I actually believed in and maybe some of it was there and some of it was not but

it was there and some of it was not but

it was there and some of it was not but I would love to create that the the

I would love to create that the the

I would love to create that the the canvas that is more there than than was

canvas that is more there than than was

canvas that is more there than than was before which is I think the whole idea

before which is I think the whole idea

before which is I think the whole idea of America is this promise and this idea

of America is this promise and this idea

of America is this promise and this idea that we're always going towards so I

that we're always going towards so I

that we're always going towards so I think that's part of my role as a

think that's part of my role as a

think that's part of my role as a Storyteller in the movie business is to

Storyteller in the movie business is to

Storyteller in the movie business is to sustain that now I can do it many ways I

sustain that now I can do it many ways I

sustain that now I can do it many ways I can be a pessimistic and knock on all

can be a pessimistic and knock on all

can be a pessimistic and knock on all the faults of America or I can I I feel

the faults of America or I can I I feel

the faults of America or I can I I feel like I'm best at serving as a

like I'm best at serving as a

like I'm best at serving as a celebration of the capacity of uh of of

celebration of the capacity of uh of of

celebration of the capacity of uh of of of human beings and the capacity of our

of human beings and the capacity of our

of human beings and the capacity of our love and the capacity of our

love and the capacity of our

love and the capacity of our relationships not naive but the capacity

relationships not naive but the capacity

relationships not naive but the capacity to get through and that light is light

to get through and that light is light

to get through and that light is light and it's beautiful and it feels so good

and it's beautiful and it feels so good

and it's beautiful and it feels so good and joy is real and it's deep and it's

and joy is real and it's deep and it's

and joy is real and it's deep and it's fun and will'll make you smile and will

fun and will'll make you smile and will

fun and will'll make you smile and will make you cry um and it is not

make you cry um and it is not

make you cry um and it is not homework I think like the heart of it

homework I think like the heart of it

homework I think like the heart of it all is like I don't want my I don't want

all is like I don't want my I don't want

all is like I don't want my I don't want my movie to be homework I want to be

my movie to be homework I want to be

my movie to be homework I want to be entertainment like that's that's what

entertainment like that's that's what

entertainment like that's that's what got me in I want want that but at the

got me in I want want that but at the

got me in I want want that but at the same time I can

same time I can

same time I can make I can make Beauty uh something that

make I can make Beauty uh something that

make I can make Beauty uh something that maybe Hollywood hasn't seen I can make a

maybe Hollywood hasn't seen I can make a

maybe Hollywood hasn't seen I can make a hero that Hollywood hasn't seen um and

hero that Hollywood hasn't seen um and

hero that Hollywood hasn't seen um and make it just as exciting as they did in

make it just as exciting as they did in

make it just as exciting as they did in those old musicals what Fred a stair or

those old musicals what Fred a stair or

those old musicals what Fred a stair or any of those people went through like I

any of those people went through like I

any of those people went through like I think that's valuable and I don't have

think that's valuable and I don't have

think that's valuable and I don't have to be loud about it I don't have to make

to be loud about it I don't have to make

to be loud about it I don't have to make a huge thing about it other people can

a huge thing about it other people can

a huge thing about it other people can do that and that's great and fine but

do that and that's great and fine but

do that and that's great and fine but for me like I know that's how I can

for me like I know that's how I can

for me like I know that's how I can specifically take the space and so I'm

specifically take the space and so I'm

specifically take the space and so I'm laser focused on making the most

laser focused on making the most

laser focused on making the most entertaining piece of of of of story I

entertaining piece of of of of story I

entertaining piece of of of of story I can but I am not shy in um infusing it

can but I am not shy in um infusing it

can but I am not shy in um infusing it with how I see the world because I know

with how I see the world because I know

with how I see the world because I know it's real I have a Val I do have a

it's real I have a Val I do have a

it's real I have a Val I do have a valuable Vision because I 100% know that

valuable Vision because I 100% know that

valuable Vision because I 100% know that it is real the world that we can live in

it is real the world that we can live in

it is real the world that we can live in is real I've lived in it I've seen it

is real I've lived in it I've seen it

is real I've lived in it I've seen it and I've seen the world fight back

and I've seen the world fight back

and I've seen the world fight back against what that is but I've seen it

against what that is but I've seen it

against what that is but I've seen it and it's and it's glorious and so if I

and it's and it's glorious and so if I

and it's and it's glorious and so if I can give people a little glimpse of that

can give people a little glimpse of that

can give people a little glimpse of that hopefully other people can believe that

hopefully other people can believe that

hopefully other people can believe that as well and and do their part in getting

as well and and do their part in getting

as well and and do their part in getting us there

us there

us there too um well sha is an aspiring filmmaker

too um well sha is an aspiring filmmaker

too um well sha is an aspiring filmmaker and she would love your advice um for

and she would love your advice um for

and she would love your advice um for somebody who's interested in moving

somebody who's interested in moving

somebody who's interested in moving towards this career but hasn't already

towards this career but hasn't already

towards this career but hasn't already started in that

started in that

started in that space uh someone who who isn't in this

space uh someone who who isn't in this

space uh someone who who isn't in this career but is moving into this space is

career but is moving into this space is

career but is moving into this space is that what you're saying okay it is a

that what you're saying okay it is a

that what you're saying okay it is a tough time to be in this space and by

tough time to be in this space and by

tough time to be in this space and by this space I don't know what you mean

this space I don't know what you mean

this space I don't know what you mean however I will say I will tell you where

however I will say I will tell you where

however I will say I will tell you where I what I what I think

I what I what I think

I what I what I think um as a kid I found a camera and I found

um as a kid I found a camera and I found

um as a kid I found a camera and I found editing but I ALS I was a Storyteller at

editing but I ALS I was a Storyteller at

editing but I ALS I was a Storyteller at heart those were the tools I used but

heart those were the tools I used but

heart those were the tools I used but deep down I was surrounded by

deep down I was surrounded by

deep down I was surrounded by storytellers my dad and my mom who were

storytellers my dad and my mom who were

storytellers my dad and my mom who were hosts of this thing they listened to

hosts of this thing they listened to

hosts of this thing they listened to stories and they told stories back and

stories and they told stories back and

stories and they told stories back and so I think we are when you're in love

so I think we are when you're in love

so I think we are when you're in love with creativity you are a Storyteller

with creativity you are a Storyteller

with creativity you are a Storyteller that is your craft storytelling how what

that is your craft storytelling how what

that is your craft storytelling how what what medium in which you use your craft

what medium in which you use your craft

what medium in which you use your craft uh is is your choice and maybe your

uh is is your choice and maybe your

uh is is your choice and maybe your Discovery over time so I can do movies

Discovery over time so I can do movies

Discovery over time so I can do movies just so happen to be the thing I loved

just so happen to be the thing I loved

just so happen to be the thing I loved and wanted and and happen to work for me

and wanted and and happen to work for me

and wanted and and happen to work for me but if I didn't I would be doing this in

but if I didn't I would be doing this in

but if I didn't I would be doing this in commercials or if I didn't get I would

commercials or if I didn't get I would

commercials or if I didn't get I would be doing this in wedding videos and Bar

be doing this in wedding videos and Bar

be doing this in wedding videos and Bar Mitzvah videos which I did in high

Mitzvah videos which I did in high

Mitzvah videos which I did in high school so the itch is scratched from

school so the itch is scratched from

school so the itch is scratched from different ways of Storytelling so I

different ways of Storytelling so I

different ways of Storytelling so I would be one I would say you know movies

would be one I would say you know movies

would be one I would say you know movies are one thing but it is a it is a

are one thing but it is a it is a

are one thing but it is a it is a specific very specific art independent

specific very specific art independent

specific very specific art independent movies were Studio movies are two very

movies were Studio movies are two very

movies were Studio movies are two very specific Arts streaming movies versus uh

specific Arts streaming movies versus uh

specific Arts streaming movies versus uh theatrical are two very different Arts

theatrical are two very different Arts

theatrical are two very different Arts commercials all these things so I would

commercials all these things so I would

commercials all these things so I would keep your antennas open I would work on

keep your antennas open I would work on

keep your antennas open I would work on your storytelling which is making

your storytelling which is making

your storytelling which is making yourself emotionally available getting

yourself emotionally available getting

yourself emotionally available getting to the core of what makes you tick and

to the core of what makes you tick and

to the core of what makes you tick and the and the hot takes on the world that

the and the hot takes on the world that

the and the hot takes on the world that you want out there from your own P

you want out there from your own P

you want out there from your own P personal perspective that's the only

personal perspective that's the only

personal perspective that's the only thing that's going to be that's the

thing that's going to be that's the

thing that's going to be that's the magnet that draws people to you and two

magnet that draws people to you and two

magnet that draws people to you and two I would be drawn to the things you love

I would be drawn to the things you love

I would be drawn to the things you love whether it's drawing or painting or film

whether it's drawing or painting or film

whether it's drawing or painting or film making and I would go do those things

making and I would go do those things

making and I would go do those things but I would always keep your antennas up

but I would always keep your antennas up

but I would always keep your antennas up maybe it's not directing Maybe by

maybe it's not directing Maybe by

maybe it's not directing Maybe by directing you found out oh sound is my

directing you found out oh sound is my

directing you found out oh sound is my thing and you go tell your stories in

thing and you go tell your stories in

thing and you go tell your stories in sound you know what costumes I know

sound you know what costumes I know

sound you know what costumes I know costumes and I I'm valuable and I can

costumes and I I'm valuable and I can

costumes and I I'm valuable and I can give value from that so I'm going to go

give value from that so I'm going to go

give value from that so I'm going to go do that thing you are an asset to be

do that thing you are an asset to be

do that thing you are an asset to be acquired so whatever sto if you're a

acquired so whatever sto if you're a

acquired so whatever sto if you're a great and storytelling is required in

great and storytelling is required in

great and storytelling is required in all of those to be great um and I've

all of those to be great um and I've

all of those to be great um and I've seen it in all those great people that

seen it in all those great people that

seen it in all those great people that they are storytellers first so just keep

they are storytellers first so just keep

they are storytellers first so just keep your antennas open as you're on your

your antennas open as you're on your

your antennas open as you're on your journey pick the journey and go but keep

journey pick the journey and go but keep

journey pick the journey and go but keep your antennas open don't get stuck uh

your antennas open don't get stuck uh

your antennas open don't get stuck uh because you will find your way through

because you will find your way through

because you will find your way through there well as we wind down I know

there well as we wind down I know

there well as we wind down I know everyone on the call is curious about

everyone on the call is curious about

everyone on the call is curious about what is next for you and Gordon asks us

what is next for you and Gordon asks us

what is next for you and Gordon asks us in the I think the most interesting way

in the I think the most interesting way

in the I think the most interesting way he says after making Wicked what project

he says after making Wicked what project

he says after making Wicked what project will take you the next 20 years to

fulfill uh definitely my kids definitely

fulfill uh definitely my kids definitely

fulfill uh definitely my kids definitely my kids but I feel like all the great

my kids but I feel like all the great

my kids but I feel like all the great storytellers Walt Disney and um and even

storytellers Walt Disney and um and even

storytellers Walt Disney and um and even the Pixar when Pixar was at its like

the Pixar when Pixar was at its like

the Pixar when Pixar was at its like Peak although some would argue it's

Peak although some would argue it's

Peak although some would argue it's pretty good right now um but when Pixar

pretty good right now um but when Pixar

pretty good right now um but when Pixar was at its

was at its

was at its peak with Toy Story and and and and

peak with Toy Story and and and and

peak with Toy Story and and and and fighting Nemo and all those they were

fighting Nemo and all those they were

fighting Nemo and all those they were all new parents or had young young kids

all new parents or had young young kids

all new parents or had young young kids I've seen it in other filmmakers and and

I've seen it in other filmmakers and and

I've seen it in other filmmakers and and it doesn't mean that that's required but

it doesn't mean that that's required but

it doesn't mean that that's required but I get I tell myself this because I think

I get I tell myself this because I think

I get I tell myself this because I think my best years are yet to come because

my best years are yet to come because

my best years are yet to come because I'm

I'm

I'm watching these children get the building

watching these children get the building

watching these children get the building blocks for life and I'm learning I'm

blocks for life and I'm learning I'm

blocks for life and I'm learning I'm learning so much I'm learning so much

learning so much I'm learning so much

learning so much I'm learning so much what makes a human tick and that's the

what makes a human tick and that's the

what makes a human tick and that's the secret that I've been trying to figure

secret that I've been trying to figure

secret that I've been trying to figure out my whole life as a Storyteller but I

out my whole life as a Storyteller but I

out my whole life as a Storyteller but I get to witness it now and I feel so much

get to witness it now and I feel so much

get to witness it now and I feel so much empathy towards children now I can work

empathy towards children now I can work

empathy towards children now I can work with children better now because I I

with children better now because I I

with children better now because I I feel them um but so I'm hoping and

feel them um but so I'm hoping and

feel them um but so I'm hoping and that's that's that that that through

that's that's that that that through

that's that's that that that through this I

this I

this I will uh I will discover what new

will uh I will discover what new

will uh I will discover what new temporary uh art that I will make and um

temporary uh art that I will make and um

temporary uh art that I will make and um and that I will surrender to what I

and that I will surrender to what I

and that I will surrender to what I meant to do when I meant to do it but I

meant to do when I meant to do it but I

meant to do when I meant to do it but I will work my hardest and do my best at

will work my hardest and do my best at

will work my hardest and do my best at what I have to do um every day um

what I have to do um every day um

what I have to do um every day um presently um well as a parent to two

presently um well as a parent to two

presently um well as a parent to two small children myself I really

small children myself I really

small children myself I really appreciate that um and thank you so much

appreciate that um and thank you so much

appreciate that um and thank you so much for everything you shared with us today

for everything you shared with us today

for everything you shared with us today John and taking the time to chat with us

John and taking the time to chat with us

John and taking the time to chat with us your wisdom has been so meaningful the

your wisdom has been so meaningful the

your wisdom has been so meaningful the the comments have

the comments have

the comments have um been glowing of all the things you

um been glowing of all the things you

um been glowing of all the things you you've shared and very appreciative so

you've shared and very appreciative so

you've shared and very appreciative so thank you John thanks everyone

thank you John thanks everyone

thank you John thanks everyone [Music]

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