Go Into The Story Interview: Chris Wu

My interview with 2021 Black List writer.

Chris Wu wrote the original screenplay “Mr. Benihana” which landed on the 2021 Black List. Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Brian about his creative background, his script, the craft of screenwriting, and what making the annual Black List has meant to him.

Here are links to the entire 6-part series which has run this week.

Part 1: “During the pandemic, I wanted to write an Asian American biopic. That was my main goal. Mostly because you look out there and there aren’t any.”

Part 2: “During the pandemic, I wanted to write an Asian American biopic. That was my main goal. Mostly because you look out there and there aren’t any.”

Part 3: “I don’t like to write specific camera direction. That’s the director’s turf. But it’s still important for me to show how I’m seeing the scene.”

Part 4: “I drew a lot from my experience. I’m second-generation American. My parents were immigrants. I had conflict with my dad about identity.”

Part 5: “I’m very much an outliner. I want to know how it looks. How the whole thing, what the shape of it is, before I start jumping in.”

Part 6: “Specs are a great way to learn how to write television. It trains you to study a show, study the structure, study the characters, and emulate it.”

Chris is repped by John Zaozirny at Bellevue Productions.

Twitter: @wu_stein.

For my interviews with dozens of other Black List writers, go here.