Asian women broke new ground in the 2019-2020 pilot season. Jude Weng and Jessica Yu have both landed directing gigs, according to Deadline, and will become the first Asian American women to helm a half-hour broadcast network pilot and a broadcast drama pilot, respectively.
Jude Weng was chosen to direct ABC’s untitled single-camera comedy pilot from writer Jessica Gao. The Taiwanese-born is believed to be the first Asian American woman ever and the first woman of color in nearly 30 years to direct a half-hour broadcast network pilot, since Debbie Allen helmed the pilot for NBC’s The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air in 1990, according to Women and Hollywood.
Jessica Yu is set to direct NBC’s drama pilot Bluff City Law, according to Commercial Appeal. She is believed to be the first Asian American woman directing a broadcast drama pilot.
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