This year’s Creative Collaborator award honors Jon M. Chu, cinematographer Alice Brooks, and editor Myron Kerstein for their joint efforts in bringing Wicked and its sequel, Wicked: For Good, to the big screen. Their enduring friendship and collective passion for filmmaking have shaped this cinematic journey, with Chu reflecting on their shared history since their early days as film students at USC.
The Evolution of Designing and Filming Wicked
Wicked explores the untold story of the witches in the land of Oz before the events of The Wizard of Oz. Its follow-up, Wicked: For Good, which premieres next month, culminates the tale by challenging the friendship between Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, and Elphaba, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo. The Middleburg Film Festival will present the Creative Collaborators Award on October 17 during its run from October 16 to 19.
The creative team’s connection runs deep, with Chu reminiscing about early production design collaborations and their shared vision for distinct, textured environments. Cinematographer Alice Brooks recalls and highlights their inventive transformations, such as turning a New York apartment into a dilapidated slum by creatively applying glued newspaper to the walls—an artistic choice that remained untouched to preserve its authentic impact.
Reflecting on their beginnings, Chu recalls being captivated by Brooks’s distinctive work on a project set in a subway, notably employing black light in a way that left a lasting impression. This initial admiration fueled his desire to collaborate with Brooks on future projects.
How Myron Kerstein Joined the Team and Built a Strong Partnership
Editor Myron Kerstein’s entry into this collaboration came through his connection with Warner Bros.’ consideration for Crazy Rich Asians. Motivated by admiration for Chu’s work, Kerstein aggressively pursued the role by expressing his dedication during a Skype interview while Chu was in Malaysia.
“I’ll put 300% into this thing. I know you don’t know who I am, but I love this script already.” – Myron Kerstein, Editor
Kerstein’s commitment led to a fruitful collaboration, with Chu recalling their time in Malaysia editing the film while embracing the challenges of new fatherhood. He fondly describes bringing his baby so she could be nearby but shielded from sound, underscoring the personal and professional intertwining that marked their editing process.
“I’m never, never letting you go. You made my life so much better, and you’re making our movies better.” – Jon M. Chu, Director
The Long Creative Journey Behind Wicked: For Good
Brooks reflects on the sustained dedication the trio has maintained over the past four and a half years, emphasizing continuous daily communication since Chu initially reached out while Kerstein was working on In the Heights. Their collaboration has been marked by mutual support and relentless interaction among the three colleagues.
Kerstein highlights the rare trust and openness they have cultivated, describing their relationship as one where honest worries can be shared without fear of offending. This environment has fostered significant personal and professional growth for all involved, particularly since they all entered their partnership at pivotal moments in their careers.
Chu articulates the importance of trust as the foundation of their teamwork. Despite skepticism from others within the studio environment, the team viewed themselves as seasoned underdogs confident in their ability to succeed. Their shared pride and passion for their craft stand in contrast to industry complacency, fueling their determination to push creative boundaries.
The Artistic and Emotional Depth of the Films’ Storytelling
Brooks describes Wicked: For Good as more expansive and emotionally weighty than the first film. While the original movie carries a lively and effervescent tone focused on choices, the sequel revolves around the consequences those choices bring, subtly reflected in the shift from daytime to nighttime settings. Together, both films offer a cohesive narrative experience that deepens the audience’s connection.
Kerstein highlights a key emotional moment in For Good, specifically the powerful musical number “For Good,” which he has watched repeatedly, still moved to tears after extensive viewings. This sequence stands out as a pivotal point in the film’s emotional arc.
Chu reveals the painstaking care in crafting the sequel, mentioning the challenge and excitement of expanding a story that the audience only partially knows. He emphasizes the actors’ profound performances, especially Cynthia Erivo’s delivery of the song “No Good Deed” as a transcendent moment within the film, describing it as unparalleled in its intensity and audience impact.
Beyond Erivo, Chu references Ariana Grande’s rendition of “Couldn’t Be Happier” and the captivating performances of Jonathan Bailey and Cynthia Erivo, which together frame the characters’ emotional growth. The sequel allows the young viewers who loved the first film to experience the characters’ evolution more deeply, with an emphasis on both cinematic spectacle and genuine emotional storytelling.
Collaborative Filmmaking and the Power of Friendship
The production schedule of Wicked: For Good reflects meticulous coordination among the creative team and craftspeople to maintain continuity, shooting sequentially so that actors’ character developments progress naturally. This thoughtful approach supports the narrative integrity and emotional resonance of the story.
Chu reflects profoundly on the core theme of friendship running through the film and their collaborative work. While saying goodbye to the project feels bittersweet, it also celebrates the resilience and beauty of their shared journey as friends who have faced challenges, occasional conflicts, and ultimately deep affection throughout the process.
