What's Happening?
Bernie Su, a prominent figure in digital storytelling, recently detailed his career trajectory from early aspirations in television to becoming an Emmy-winning web series creator. In a nearly four-and-a-half-hour interview, Su recounted his journey, which
began with making short films in college at UC San Diego, followed by a period pursuing other avenues before returning to screenwriting studies at UCLA Extension. He transitioned into creating web series, starting with 'Compulsions,' eventually leaving his day job to focus on writing full-time. A pivotal moment was his collaboration with YouTuber Hank Green, leading to the co-creation of 'The Lizzie Bennet Diaries,' an adaptation of Jane Austen’s 'Pride and Prejudice.' Su elaborated on the adaptation process, casting decisions, funding, production schedules, and the innovative use of social media platforms to foster audience interactivity, which contributed to the series winning an Emmy. He also discussed subsequent projects like 'Emma Approved,' another Jane Austen adaptation, and 'Frankenstein, MD,' produced with PBS Digital, highlighting the challenges and successes of working with different platforms and sponsors like Maybelline for his series 'Vanity.'
Why It's Important?
Bernie Su's career exemplifies the evolving landscape of media and entertainment, particularly the shift from traditional television to digital platforms. His success with web series like 'The Lizzie Bennet Diaries' and 'Emma Approved,' both Emmy winners, underscores the growing legitimacy and creative potential of online content. This trend has significant implications for the U.S. entertainment industry, demonstrating that high-quality, engaging narratives can thrive outside conventional studio systems. It highlights new avenues for content creators, offering more accessible entry points and diverse storytelling opportunities. The integration of social media for audience engagement, as pioneered by Su, has become a standard practice, influencing how creators build communities and interact with their viewers. Furthermore, his work with brands like Maybelline illustrates the increasing importance of brand partnerships in funding digital productions, creating new economic models for content creation and distribution. Su's experiences also provide valuable insights for aspiring storytellers, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, innovation, and understanding the unique dynamics of digital platforms.
What's Next?
Bernie Su's recent projects, particularly 'Artificial,' a live, interactive series created for Twitch, indicate a continued push towards innovative and interactive storytelling. He discussed how interactivity was central to 'Artificial's' narrative, the production challenges, including those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the technical aspects of creating a live, interactive show. His use of AI-driven music in the final season of 'Artificial' and his engagement with AI in his creative work suggest a future where artificial intelligence plays an increasingly significant role in content creation. Su's response to anti-AI voices in the industry and his advice to aspiring storytellers about the future of television point towards ongoing discussions and developments in integrating advanced technologies into media production. The legacy of his Emmy-winning work and his continued exploration of new formats will likely influence future digital content strategies, encouraging more creators to experiment with live, interactive, and AI-enhanced narratives, further blurring the lines between traditional and digital entertainment.
Beyond the Headlines
Bernie Su's journey delves into the deeper implications of technological advancements on creative industries. His early adoption of web series and interactive storytelling highlights a fundamental shift in how narratives are consumed and produced, moving towards more participatory and personalized experiences. The ethical considerations surrounding AI in creative work, which Su addresses, are becoming increasingly pertinent as AI tools become more sophisticated. His success in adapting classic literature like 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Emma' for modern digital audiences also speaks to the enduring power of storytelling and the ability of new media to revitalize established narratives. The casting of Joanna Sotomura, an Asian actress, in the lead role of 'Emma Approved' subtly touches upon the broader cultural shift towards greater diversity and representation in media. Su's emphasis on kindness in the industry, despite the competitive nature of entertainment, underscores the human element amidst technological innovation, suggesting that collaboration and supportive environments remain crucial for creative success.
