Meet Michael Yu | Writer, Director & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Yu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Before I jump into this question, I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to read this. We all live such busy, crazy lives that it means the world to share what little I have learned with you all!

I hope to use this space to inspire those reading to pursue that which they care about most in this world. Because life is too short. And because I have had the fortune to be able to make a life out of art!

Alright. So, why any of this? Why did I become a writer, director and producer of film, television, commercials and music videos?

Pursuing this all was a commitment to the kind of life I wanted to live. There were moments where I felt really low, directionless and uncurious about the world. And the thing that always brought me out of that was to create film and television. That’s why I am here.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Need a silly, ridiculous music video about a musician serenading people in public with a head of broccoli for a microphone? (I’m referencing the music videos I directed and produced for pop artist Archie like COLOURBLIND, for context). Look no further!

Need a heartfelt, honest, dramatic portrayal of people from Hong Kong (I’m talking about my drama films OUT OF GAS and TAICHI-ING)? I am your guy!

Need a comedy about a bunch of rude Asian kids (ie; our upcoming TV pilot, A.S.S.)? I’m right here!

Need a sharp, effective commercial to boost your brand (ex; the Standard Chartered commercial I directed and produced)? Yup, right here!

I would love to tell you I make only one type of work. But the truth is, I enjoy entrenching myself in many different styles of filmmaking and writing.

But if I had to attach some words to this it would be this: comedic and/or dramatic tales of grounded and/or ridiculous characters. I know those sound like oxymorons. But I am — as a part-Chinese, part-Scottish guy from Hong Kong who sounds American — an oxymoron.

Or maybe, I’m just a moron. Who loves talking endlessly about himself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
LA is filled with fun — but you have to seek it out. It’s different to cities like New York and Hong Kong where the fun just spills out onto the bustling streets. That said, I’ve come to love this place.

Here’s a week in LA with me. Get work done during the week at awesome coffee shops and book stores like Urth Caffe in West Hollywood or Village Well in Culver City. Play some soccer and run around at beautiful neighborhood parks like Lindberg. Go for a stroll along the boardwalk in Marina Del Rey. Then, come out for a night of celebrating art at a creatives get-together in Santa Monica. Finally, kick back and relax at an awesome cinema like Vista in Los Feliz.

I swear, my weeks always look this cool. Moron alert!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I would like to thank! We can only make it far in this life with the support of others.

First and foremost, I would like to thank my family and friends. You are the backbone of my life — and sometimes, it takes being away from you all to realise that. I know I can be a bit too independent or find myself immersed in a creative project often. But I wouldn’t be where I am now without all of you. So, thank you.

Next, I would like to thank all of my wonderful collaborators and clients. To all of those who have played any role in our production company, Berkmont: thank you! We would not have taken away those six awards at the Bay Area and Los Angeles Film Festival if it wasn’t for you all. And to Archie, my dear musician friend, thank you for always trusting me to make fun, silly music videos for you! To Donna Ong, my showrunner, who hired me to produce the first season of EXPATATIONS for an internationally-renowned TV channel, ViuTV. To Desiree Ho, actress and creative extraordinaire, who hired me to direct and produce the Standard Chartered Marathon commercial.

And of course, to all the film festivals and organisations who have shown any of my work. My crazy action thriller RENTED LIFE found a home being Official Selections at the Grizzly Film Festival and the Pinewood Studios competitions. The quiet yet powerful drama OUT OF GAS found its audience as a Semi-Finalist at the Los Angeles Film Awards and the BAMPFA Film Festival. My work was able to reach a larger audience through all of you. Thank you all, too!

Website: https://themichaelyu.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelforyu

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvyu/

Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8924927/

Image Credits
Neil Hui, Chase Chang, Jason Nguyen