Meet Kyle Lau

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle Lau.

Kyle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I fell in love with filmmaking at the age of 12. Back then, all I knew for certain was that Ja Rule made hits and that I wanted to be a writer/director. From the first time I hit record on my parents’ 8mm Handycam, I wanted to create things that could make people laugh, things that could affect change and things that could make people’s lives better. On top of that, I wanted to see more Asian asses like me on the screen because, honestly, at that time, the closest representation we had was Pikachu. So I moved down from the Bay Area to LA to attend UCLA, wrote and directed a myriad of embarrassing shorts, and after graduating, embarked on the journey to become a professional writer/director.

Naturally, that landed me at CAA, a talent agency, as an assistant. After learning the corporate ropes and witnessing a fellow assistant get cursed out for microwaving fish in the office, a mentor from UCLA reached out because there was an opening for a Production Assistant on his show, FAMILY GUY. I jumped on the opportunity and was making coffees, grabbing lunches, and picking up car keys for storyboard artists within the month. I was fortunate enough to be able to climb the ladder there and get into the writers’ room, where I was able to spend time as the Writers’ Assistant (the person that types down all the notes in the room, gets the script together, sadly sits alone on a desk to the side, etc.) And after jumping around as an assistant on different shows like 9JKL and DEAD TO ME, the Pikachu-gods-above heard my inner desires to help put more Asian asses on screen. Because then I got the chance to work on a new Comedy Central show starring Awkwafina and ABC’s FRESH OFF THE BOAT as a Staff Writer, where I currently am sitting in the former-closet-turned-office, prepping my directing projects under beautiful florescent lighting.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t think there’s a single smooth road in entertainment. No matter how far you go, I feel like you’re always one day away from ending up on the streets with some asshole throwing Cheetos at you, calling you a hack. The only semblance of a “smooth path” to becoming a TV writer seemed to be as an assistant. So as I rolled calls and set meetings, I would write and direct projects during my off time. I’d submit to writing programs that were supposed to get you into a room as a staff writer, but every time be hit with: “we had a record number of applicants this year, so we regret to inform you that you have not been selected.” (Read: Try again next year, loser!) Mind you, assistant gigs don’t pay much, so this was at a time when I would literally count the number of carrots in the bag so I could divide them up evenly in order to have enough food for the week. But sure enough, one day, I saw the Awkwafina show got picked up on Comedy Central. I had a connection with the creator so I messaged around to see what slim chance there was to work on it. By the graces of those above, there was an opportunity. I wasn’t able to come on staff as a writer, but I could come on as an assistant and they’d let me write an episode. I took that job and still to this day, it was one of the best experiences of my life.

But after that room wrapped, I was in a bind. Go out for shows as an assistant or now after having wrote an episode, try and go out for shows solely as a writer only? Of course, I tried to go out for a few shows as a writer. I was in contention for a handful but then, believe it or not, one after another, they couldn’t staff me for some specific reason. “You’re not what we’re looking for,” “Agh, it’s just that you’re a STRAIGHT guy,” “You don’t have enough experience,” etc. One show even scheduled my interview for a Friday and then e-mailed me on Wednesday saying they’re already staffed up. There was one show however that said they couldn’t offer me a writer position but could guarantee me a writers’ assistant spot with an episode to write. At this point, I only had a few options left and they weren’t looking too bright. After being an assistant for seven years already, I swallowed my pride and took the assistant position, knowing at least I’d be working on a show that changed my life when it premiered in 2015. So even if I’d still be an assistant, it would be an unreal opportunity to write an episode for that show. Then, on my first day as an assistant there, they let me know that they were able to move some money around, worked with the 20th and ABC Diversity Programs and were able to bump me up to Staff Writer. Congrats, kid, it’s official. You’re writing for FRESH OFF THE BOAT.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I direct, I write for TV, I take photos, I edit, I enjoy soup-based meals. So I guess my “business” is to create and help enhance projects in all sorts of mediums (TV, digital, film, etc.). As a “company,” my main focus would definitely be in comedy – as I strive to produce work that can both brighten someone’s day with a laugh, but also open up the conversation with a hint of social commentary. Whether it’s making fun of some ridiculous online phenomenon (like why I am oddly loyal to the OG emojis) or bringing up a more serious societal bigotry issue that needs to be called out, it is all hopefully easier to consume if there is a slight air of humor attached. Nothing better than having a bigot laugh at a joke then realize we’re talking about them, right?

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First and foremost, I wouldn’t be here without my family (specifically my parents and my little brother). Wait. WHAT? Kyle. You’re the son of two Chinese immigrants. Did you really just say that? Yes. I’m insanely lucky. My parents have never “pressured” me or “tiger parented” me into being a doctor or some other cliché Asian shit. They came to this country for a better life and the chance to pursue their dreams and, in doing so, I’ve learned how hard they work BECAUSE it was for their passion. And they wanted the same for me. Whatever I was passionate about, they knew I would work ten times harder for it, because I legitimately cared about it. If that was entertainment and writing poop jokes for a living, so be it. (JK. I don’t do poop jokes. #HighClassShitOnly) (See? That was a shit joke. Not a poop joke).

I also cannot leave without giving ultimate credit to the bosses I’ve been honored to work for throughout my assistant career: Steve Callaghan, Liz Feldman, Karey Dornetto and Teresa Hsiao. These individuals made me who I am today. I’ve learned countless lessons from them – from story and structure, to what the right thing is to say in an e-mail, to what is the appropriate amount of times you can wear a headband to work. Above all else, they are all truly just some of the most kind-hearted human beings I have ever met in life. Period. I know how fortunate I’ve been to work for only MVP’s in the game, and how fortunate I’ve been to work with countless others that shaped my career. But let’s be real, you’ve made it this far on your read, you’re about ready to move on to the next tab and find out what’s on sale for Prime Day. GET THAT SOUS-VIDE, HOMIE!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kylelau.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @kidklau

Image Credit:
Scott Dee, Brian Armstrong, Lauren Bjel, Teresa Hsiao

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