Key Insights
Why did Michael Schur choose to create 'A Man on the Inside' based on a Chilean documentary?
The documentary moved him by showing how the main character, Sergio, transformed his life and the lives of those he met, creating a universal feeling of wanting to connect with loved ones. Schur aimed to recreate this positive impact with a fictionalized version starring Ted Danson.
What ethical dilemma does the series 'A Man on the Inside' explore?
The show examines whether it's ethical for the main character, Charles, to record people without their knowledge while undercover in a nursing home. The series resolves this by having Charles face the consequences of his dishonesty.
How does 'A Man on the Inside' portray assisted living facilities?
The series shows assisted living facilities as places of happiness and community, focusing on residents who enjoy being part of a supportive community. However, it also acknowledges the reality of cognitive decline among some residents.
What makes working with Ted Danson enjoyable for Michael Schur?
Ted Danson's passion for acting and his constant desire to improve and experiment with the script create a dynamic and collaborative working environment.
Why did Jimmy O. Yang feel a strong connection to the character Willis Wu in 'Interior Chinatown'?
Yang connected with Willis Wu's journey from being a background character to becoming a main character, mirroring Yang's own career struggles and roles like 'Chinese teenager number two' and 'person in line'.
How does 'Interior Chinatown' subvert Asian-American stereotypes?
The show plays with stereotypes by having the main character, Willis Wu, use his invisibility as a background character to his advantage, such as pretending to be a delivery guy to gain access to places, challenging societal expectations of Asian-Americans.
What was Jimmy O. Yang's experience like growing up in Hong Kong with Shanghainese parents?
Yang grew up speaking Shanghainese at home and Cantonese at school, experiencing cultural nuances and being teased for his parents' accent. This linguistic diversity helped ease his transition to learning English in the U.S.
How did Jimmy O. Yang's family's expectations influence his career choices?
Yang's family expected him to pursue a stable career like engineering or economics, which he initially followed. However, his passion for theater and music led him to stand-up comedy and acting.
What was the training process like for Jimmy O. Yang to prepare for the fight scenes in 'Interior Chinatown'?
Yang trained in Wing Chun two to three times a week to understand the language and culture of martial arts, allowing him to realistically portray a character who is trained but not proficient in Kung Fu.
Chapters
- The series aims to evoke the same warm and positive feelings as the documentary.
- Ted Danson plays the main character, Charles, a widowed retiree who infiltrates a nursing home.
- The show explores themes of life, death, and the importance of community.
Shownotes Transcript