Viewfinder

“With Viewfinder, Jon Chu has written a profoundly inspiring book that reminds the reader of the power of dreams and the importance of remaining determined and focused even when—especially when—faced with adversity. A story of identity, creativity and the spirit of an artist, this vicarious journey is moving, funny, heart-wrenching, and relatable to anyone trying to carve out their place in this world.”—J.J. Abrams

“On any given day of filming, Jon Chu finds what’s magic about the day and finds a way to capture it. He takes big swings and dreams big dreams but never loses sight of the beating heart at the center of the story he’s telling. I wish this book had been around when I was younger. I’m so grateful it’s here now.”—Lin-Manuel Miranda

“Heartfelt, candid and wise beyond words, this deeply insightful and wonderfully inspirational memoir by a true storyteller is an absolute must-read.”—Michelle Yeoh

“Jon M. Chu’s Viewfinder is a riveting chronicle of a singular filmmaker’s journey, exploring serious matters of visibility and viability while embracing all the vitality and verve of Hollywood and beyond. It’s a must-read for aspiring artists and dreamers of all kinds.”—Ava DuVernay

“Just like in one of his movies, Jon M. Chu weaves a magical spell and takes us on a wondrous journey through his childhood, his family life, and his cinematic adventures as one of the most visionary talents working in Hollywood today. Viewfinder is a fascinating and heartfelt story that will inspire every reader.”—Kevin Kwan, author of Crazy Rich Asians

“This memoir on the career of Jon Chu will be an inspiration for new aspiring filmmakers as well as a treasure map to the X that will mark the spot for finding their own careers in moviemaking!”—Steven Spielberg

“A thoughtful, candid, and affecting read for anyone with an interest in the impact of the tech industry on Hollywood and the Asian American experience.”—Booklist, starred review

“Inspirational and practical … As he recounts, Chu really came into his own with Crazy Rich Asians, the first full-length movie to allow him to explore his heritage, and In The Heights, which gave him a chance to do the kind of musical he had always longed to produce… . Entertaining insights from a unique film industry insider.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Chu and McCarter enliven the standard-issue celeb memoir beats with bits of wisdom aimed at aspiring filmmakers and welcome humor. Film fans—especially those with hopes of working in the business—will enjoy this.”—Publishers Weekly

Jon M. Chu is known for his visually stunning blockbuster films, including Wicked, In the Heights, and Crazy Rich Asians, which was nominated for numerous awards, including two Golden Globe Awards, one for Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy; a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble; a PGA Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures; and four Critics Choice Awards, winning one for Best Comedy. Born the youngest of five children in Los Altos, California, Chu continues to use the influences of his childhood (family, technology, food, music, and movement) to tell personal stories in a variety of mediums that connect with audiences from around the world. In 2025, he was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People.

Jeremy McCarter is the co-author, with Lin-Manuel Miranda, of the #1 New York Times bestseller Hamilton- The Revolution. He is the author of Young Radicals, the founder of the acclaimed audio storytelling company Make-Believe Association, and the literary executor of the novelist and playwright Thornton Wilder.

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