Why Creativity Thrives on Challenges | Jon M. Chu | TED

Introduction and Recent Experiences

• The conversation starts with a casual greeting and introduction, with the guest mentioning their four kids and another one on the way, and expressing how exciting it is to be talking to people from all around the world (9s).
• The guest has had a very exciting year, with their memoir coming out and the first installment of Wicked, and is feeling focused despite the pressure and distractions (1m3s).
• The guest is working on Wicked and feeling the pressure from fans and the business, but is trying to stay focused and deliver a movie that is relevant, entertaining, fun, and has big musical numbers (1m7s).

Memoir and Creative Journey

• The guest's memoir is discussed as a prequel to the film, and they explain that they decided to write the book during the pandemic, when they felt a shift within themselves and realized that the whole world was feeling a similar discomfort (2m7s).
• The guest started working with co-writer Jerry M. Mcarter to explore the convergence of technology, culture, identity, entertainment, and data, and to share their unique perspective on being on the front lines of this change (2m30s).
• The guest hopes that their book will serve as a manual for people chasing their biggest dreams, and provide comfort and guidance for those in the midst of their journey (3m7s).
• The content discusses a guide for nurturing creativity and navigating Hollywood, which also serves as a leadership book and a love letter to various people and places. (3m29s)
• It emphasizes that creativity thrives on obstacles and provides actionable tips from personal experiences, particularly in filmmaking, where collaboration is essential. (4m5s)
• The process of making movies involves leading and communicating with hundreds of people, using their creativity and storytelling skills to create something collectively that could not be achieved individually. (4m26s)

Leadership and Personal Background

• Personal background includes growing up in a large family and observing the leadership of parents who ran a Chinese restaurant in the Bay Area, which also involved leading a community. (5m2s)
• Leadership is portrayed as unglamorous, involving hard work and perseverance, often away from the spotlight, and dealing with various challenges and decisions. (6m3s)
• The narrative aims to provide relatable insights and stories to help others navigate their own journeys, emphasizing that success involves grit and survival rather than magic. (6m41s)

Early Career and Self-Discovery

• The journey of a creative person is unique and singular, and it's essential to acknowledge that everyone's story is their own. (6m57s)
• After getting into the business, it took several years to make a movie, and this period was challenging, with feelings of impostor syndrome and the need to learn the craft. (7m9s)
• The initial success felt like winning the lottery, but it was necessary to spend time learning the craft and proving oneself, which can be a motivating factor. (7m18s)
• After 10 years of doing seven movies, attending red carpets, and giving interviews, there was still a feeling of not being good enough, but a switch occurred while making "Now You See Me Too." (8m16s)
• This switch was like hitting the 10,000-hour mark, where there was a sense of surrender and feeling like one could hang with great people, leading to questions about what one wants to say and contribute. (8m37s)
• This realization shifted the focus from proving oneself to finding one's unique voice and message, which is a harder and more terrifying process. (9m3s)
• To really find oneself, one must put themselves through challenges, confront their fears, and be willing to be vulnerable, even publicly. (9m36s)

Reflections on Failure, Family, and Change

• The journey of self-discovery and growth is ongoing, and it's essential to embrace failure and think about survival, as discussed in the book. (10m5s)
• The thinking about failure and survival has evolved over time, and it's now possible to look back and see how one's thoughts and perspectives have changed after going through challenges. (10m23s)
• Seven years ago, there was a significant personal transformation, largely influenced by having children, which brought empathy for the past self who was taught to never complain and to work hard, a lesson instilled by immigrant parents. This mindset provided advantages by avoiding resentment and anger. (10m32s)
• Initially, without power, it was difficult to complain as it felt ineffective. However, gaining power brought the realization that it is important to not only voice complaints but also take action to create change, despite the fear and responsibility involved. (11m39s)
• There is a sense of privilege and gratitude in being able to contribute to cultural and historical change, especially in a time when everyone is seen as a creator, and there is a collective effort to redefine stories and identities. (12m17s)
• The journey involves embracing failures as part of the service of storytelling and creation, encouraging collaboration and continuous creation, while others in the community can focus on changing laws or highlighting issues. (12m55s)
• There is a parallel between personal experiences and those of parents in the hospitality industry, highlighting their failures and triumphs, which fueled their journey and contributed to the understanding of creativity and resilience. (13m44s)

The Power of Love and Storytelling

• Love is considered the most powerful thing, more powerful than hate, and it's harder to achieve in a world filled with pessimism and hate (14m40s).
• Growing up in a family with a lot of love has made it clear the value of love, and it's something that's essential in storytelling and movies, which set the vision and horizon for people (14m56s).
• Movies and stories have the power to remind people of their childhood, inspire them, and evoke feelings of love and connection (15m8s).
• Love is the conduit through which people connect with others, and it's present in every single story (15m33s).
• The abundance of love received in childhood is what led to a career in storytelling, and the camera served as a tool to help connect with people and tell their stories (15m43s).

Understanding and Appreciating Parents

• Writing a book about family helped to understand that some things, like parents, cannot be changed, and it's essential to accept and love them for who they are (16m47s).
• Learning about the journey of parents, who left their country to start a new life and give their children opportunities, has given extra love and respect for their courage and sacrifices (17m9s).
• Having kids has made it clear how difficult it must have been for parents to leave everything behind and start anew, and it's increased empathy and understanding for their experiences and stories (17m25s).
• The stories told by parents may change over time, but they are still a part of their truth, and it's essential to respect and appreciate their experiences (17m50s).
• There is a recognition of a language barrier when sharing creative work, as illustrated by an experience of showing a movie in China with subtitles, which allowed for a deeper understanding and appreciation by the viewer's father. (18m5s)
• Personal reflections on family dynamics reveal an effort to provide comfort and love to the next generation, addressing past wounds and experiences. (18m54s)

Directing "Wicked"

• The discussion transitions to the project "Wicked," highlighting its significance as a lifelong ambition and the personal connection to the musical, which was first seen in San Francisco before it went to Broadway. (19m37s)
• The narrative of "Wicked" is compelling due to its portrayal of a misunderstood character who overcomes societal narratives, offering a new perspective on the classic "Wizard of Oz" story. (20m40s)
• The opportunity to direct "Wicked" is seen as a culmination of a 20-year aspiration, with gratitude expressed for being able to bring this story to the screen. (21m11s)
• There is a sense of urgency to tell a story that reflects America's identity crisis and the challenges facing cinema, particularly the reinvention of musicals, which are considered a quintessentially American genre. (21m26s)
• The opportunity to explore themes of identity and culture through a film like "Wicked" is seen as a unique moment that could not be passed up. (22m2s)
• The process of choosing a story to tell is described as a spiritual marriage between the author and the idea, where the idea must also choose the author for it to come to fruition. (22m48s)
• The journey to directing "Wicked" involved learning from previous films, such as the "Step Up" series, which taught skills in working with dancers and understanding fan bases, and a Justin Bieber documentary, which provided insights into capturing reality and truth. (23m33s)
• Experiences with films like "GI Joe" and "Crazy Rich Asians" contributed to understanding visual effects, working with different audiences, and addressing cultural identity, all of which were essential steps leading to the opportunity to direct "Wicked." (24m19s)
• The culmination of these experiences is seen as a mutual choice between the director and the project "Wicked," with the hope that the results will be beautiful when everything comes together. (24m43s)
• The adaptation of the "Wicked" films draws significant inspiration from L. Frank Baum's original novel, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," as well as the musical itself. Elements such as character names and visual styles are influenced by Baum's work, including the Denslow illustrations. (25m23s)
• A first edition of "The Wizard of Oz" was gifted to the director by Ariana, which is kept in the office as a cherished item. (26m1s)
• The adaptation incorporates aspects of L. Frank Baum's personal history, such as his early job of breeding fancy chickens, which is reflected in a scene featuring an animal band. (26m32s)
• The film explores themes of heroism and storytelling, integrating Baum's vision of America while also presenting new interpretations. (26m54s)
• One of the most challenging aspects of adapting "Wicked" for the screen was its scope, leading to the decision to split the story into two films to avoid an overly condensed or bloated single movie. (27m26s)
• Ensuring each film is emotionally satisfying and complete was a key focus, with particular attention to character development and story architecture to make pivotal moments, like "Defying Gravity," impactful. (28m4s)
• The process of adapting "Wicked" for cinema involved making difficult decisions to ensure it remained true to the original while creating a distinct cinematic experience. This approach was similar to the adaptation of "Crazy Rich Asians," where the film captured the essence of the book despite differences in plot. (28m43s)
• The two installments of the "Wicked" film are set to be released about a year apart, and they will have distinct tones and character growth, offering a different experience from the stage performance. (29m39s)
• The casting of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda was crucial, as their auditions demonstrated a unique connection to the characters, which was essential for the film's success. (30m21s)
• The relationship between Elphaba and Glinda is central to the story, highlighting their differences and shared ambitions, which audiences are expected to connect with. (31m16s)

Technology, AI, and Creativity

• Technology, particularly advancements in AI, is seen as a significant opportunity to support creativity and storytelling in the film industry. (31m59s)
• The concept of AI is broad and rapidly evolving, impacting various aspects of existence, including creativity, which was once thought to be beyond the reach of computers. This shift prompts a reevaluation of what creativity and unique messaging mean in the digital age. (32m16s)
• Technological advancements, such as AI, are changing the value of production elements in creative fields. For instance, impressive visual effects in movies may no longer be as captivating as they once were, shifting the focus to the underlying message and creativity. (33m51s)
• There is a belief in the human capacity to use creativity to surpass expectations and adapt to technological changes. AI and technology are seen as tools that can democratize processes, similar to the transition from analog to digital. (34m20s)
• The future may see new categories in creative fields, such as AI-generated content, similar to how electronic music developed its own niche. While AI offers new possibilities, understanding its boundaries is crucial, and there is a need for legislative measures to protect intellectual rights. (34m57s)
• There is a concern about the immense power of technology and the responsibility that comes with it, especially when individuals who may not fully understand its impact have access to it. This can lead to unintended consequences that may cause real damage to people's lives. (36m17s)
• The natural cycle of technological advancement often results in job displacement, but it also creates new opportunities. For example, the transition from film to digital media led to the loss of some jobs but also created new roles in digital editing and production. (37m24s)
• There is a worry that AI is currently drawing from a limited pool of ideas and perspectives, which highlights the urgency to contribute diverse human ideas and perspectives to ensure a richer and more comprehensive context for future AI developments. (37m50s)

Collaboration and the Creative Process

• Collaboration is emphasized in the creative process, with a focus on working closely with actors, production designers, costume designers, editors, and cinematographers as shared creative authors to produce a cohesive and creative work. (39m0s)
• When working with actors, a partnership is formed where both parties need to be on the same page, but not necessarily agree on everything, allowing for honest conversations and open discussions about the character and the project (39m37s).
• This partnership enables the director to have open and honest conversations with the actor, discussing any issues that may arise, such as tardiness, and finding solutions that work for both parties (40m11s).
• By establishing this kind of relationship, the director can ask the actor to try out different versions of a scene, with the promise of protecting the best version in the editing room (40m31s).
• This approach requires more work, but it allows for a more collaborative and creative process, which is essential for finding the best solution for the movie (41m3s).
• Creativity is not a sudden inspiration, but rather a daily process of gathering ideas and rehearsing, allowing the director to draw upon these ideas when needed (41m20s).
• The director gathers ideas by writing in a book, putting notes in Dropbox folders or journals, and reflecting on these ideas to spark new creativity (41m31s).
• Finding inspiration and building creativity can be challenging, especially when working on a specific project, as it can be hard to see outside of the current scope (42m25s).
• The director finds it difficult to find inspiration when deeply involved in a project, but recognizes the importance of taking time to look outside of the current scope and gather new ideas (42m32s).
• The process of creativity involves being open to new experiences and ideas, and having a family with six children provides a unique opportunity to see the world through different perspectives and learn from their experiences (42m38s).
• To stay aware of the world and gather inspiration, journaling or collecting ideas and images in a digital folder, referred to as a "pantry," can be helpful, and this can include articles, pictures, and other forms of visual inspiration (43m34s).
• The "pantry" is a digital version of a physical notebook that was previously used, and it is organized into different folders, such as characters, scenarios, and visual inspiration (43m47s).
• Staying true to oneself in an ever-evolving creative space can be challenging, and it requires finding a balance between having a clear vision and being open to new ideas and discoveries (44m28s).
• The process of making a movie involves working with many people and having to make decisions quickly, but it's also important to leave room for discovery and new ideas, even if it's difficult to incorporate them into the final product (44m46s).
• Talking about the creative process can be helpful in clarifying one's thoughts and ideas, and it can also help to identify areas where one may be struggling to stay true to oneself (45m20s).
• Collaborating with others, such as writers and actors, can be frustrating at times, but it can also lead to new ideas and insights that can improve the final product (45m31s).
• The creative process involves a lot of iteration and revision, and it's not uncommon to feel like starting over again, but ultimately, it's about finding a balance between one's own vision and the contributions of others (46m0s).
• The creative process involves constant erasing and rebuilding, much like the temporary sand art created by monks that gets blown away by the wind, and one must be okay with this impermanence to find beauty in it (46m16s).
• Embracing the temporary nature of creative ideas allows for a daily accumulation of creativity and free spirit, leading to an average of progress over time (46m40s).
• The process of building and destroying is not glamorous, but it's an instinctively known aspect of life, and as creators, it's essential to focus on the average of things that get done every day (47m19s).
• There's beauty in the temporary, brilliant moment, and recognizing this can help in the creative process (47m34s).

Representation and the Impact of Film

• Representation is crucial, and the work towards achieving it is ongoing, with no clear endgame, as the world is vast, and there are many blind spots that need to be addressed (48m11s).
• The goal is to continue opening up eyes and learning, allowing us to relish in life, and for the speaker, personally, it's about taking baby steps in the movie business, which has a significant impact on promoting ideas, beauty, and values (48m42s).
• The speaker's involvement in the movie business is driven by the weight of movies, which has affected their creativity, purpose, and life, and they aim to use this platform to create a better canvas for their children to live in (49m37s).
• The idea of America is seen as a promise and a concept that is continually evolving, and storytelling in the movie business plays a role in sustaining this vision. (50m2s)
• Storytelling can either focus on the faults of America or celebrate the potential of human beings, love, and relationships, emphasizing that joy is real and profound. (50m17s)
• The goal is to create entertainment that is not like homework, while also introducing beauty and heroes that Hollywood has not seen before, similar to the excitement of old musicals. (50m52s)
• There is a focus on making entertaining stories while infusing them with a personal vision of the world, which is believed to be real and achievable. (51m23s)

Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

• Aspiring filmmakers are advised to embrace storytelling as their craft, regardless of the medium, and to find ways to express their creativity, whether through movies, commercials, or other forms of media. (52m45s)
• To succeed in the creative industry, it's essential to keep an open mind and be willing to explore different areas, such as storytelling, drawing, painting, or filmmaking, as these skills can be valuable in various fields (53m26s).
• Developing strong storytelling skills is crucial, as it involves making oneself emotionally available and getting to the core of what makes one tick, which can help draw people to one's work and perspective (53m37s).
• Being drawn to the things one loves, whether it's directing, sound, costumes, or another area, can help one discover their strengths and provide value in that field (53m52s).
• Storytelling is a required skill in many creative fields, and great storytellers can be found in various areas, such as film, sound, and costumes (54m18s).
• Keeping an open mind and being willing to adapt can help one find their way and discover new opportunities, even if it means trying different paths (54m25s).
• For some creatives, having children can be a significant source of inspiration and learning, as it allows them to witness and understand human development and behavior (54m51s).
• Many great storytellers, such as Walt Disney and Pixar filmmakers, have been inspired by their experiences as parents and have created works that reflect their newfound understanding of human nature (54m54s).
• Having children can also help creatives develop empathy and improve their ability to work with children, leading to new insights and artistic discoveries (55m41s).
• As a parent, one's priorities may shift, but it's essential to continue working hard and doing one's best in their creative pursuits, even if it means surrendering to new challenges and opportunities (56m1s).