But what about behind the scenes?
EILEEN SHIM
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: How has AAPI representation in your field evolved during your career?
What kind of responsibility do you feel to influence AAPI representation in your work?
Eileen Shim, a scene from the upcoming Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon.Courtesy of Eileen Shim; Ollie Upton/HBO
I was developing a horror feature with an Asian female lead character, and naturally brought it up.
Nothing felt more empowering than the validation that my instincts weren’t wrong; his were.
What are your industry pet peeves?
Franklin jin Rho, a scene from Pachinko.Courtesy of Franklin jin Rho; Juhan Noh/Apple TV +
If I could do away with any industry term, it would be “baby writer.”
FRANKLIN JIN RHO
How has AAPI representation in your field evolved during your career?
In the past few years, this community has rapidly grown.
Julie Wong, a scene from the latest season of Grey’s Anatomy.Courtesy of Julie Wong; Byron Cohen/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Of equal importance is the increase in content being created and shepherded by AAPI writers and producers.
Having more AAPI showrunners and creators is vital in ensuring that more AAPI-centered stories make it to the screen.
At times, I find myself pushing back on feeling obligated to always represent AAPI characters and voices.
Because if we don’t push for these things, then odds are it ain’t happening.
If I’m talking too much, am I occupying too much real estate?
Fortunately, I’ve had a number of great bosses who have cultivated safe and nurturing spaces.
It probably goes without saying that being a part of thePachinkowriters room was a special experience.
My most recent room was similarly a very diverse room with more women than men.
It’s no coincidence that these rooms felt more egalitarian and empowering.
Growing up, who were your role models and why?
Spike Leeprobably had the most profound influence early on.
Just after I graduated from college, he came to speak at the local university.
I remember him conveying the sense that we could go out there, make films, and be disruptors.
Excessive confidence is too often rewarded, while humility and uncertainty is equated with weakness.
What kind of responsibility do you feel to influence AAPI representation in your work?
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by their grit and determination to reinvent and rebuild their lives.
In storytelling, it’s the strict and overbearing Asian American parent stereotype.
My dad is the person who first encouraged me to pursue TV writing!
