On Film…With Kevin McCarthy Ep. 15 - Behind-The-Scenes with Wicked director Jon M. Chu on the Universal lot talking Wicked, Wicked: For Good, Cinematography, Score, Performance, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Alice Brooks
Dec 5, 2025
Join Jon M. Chu, the visionary director of the Wicked film adaptations, as he shares his filmmaking journey on the Universal lot. Discover how his first experience with Wicked ignited his passion, and hear fascinating insights into the emotional timing of reunions and the intricacies of set design. Jon delves into the vital role of sound in shaping audience reactions and the collaborative process of blending scores. With anecdotes on live singing and close-up performances, he showcases the artistry behind this cinematic spectacle.
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Earn Emotional Payoffs With Careful Pacing
- Chu explains audience collaboration: drip-feed emotion and earn big moments so viewers feel cared for.
- He times surprises to preserve trust and to carry audience to greater payoff.
Treat Sound As Half The Picture
- Do treat sound as equal to picture and sculpt effects and mix to shape tone and intention.
- Prioritize specific sounds (like a stronger hug) to preserve subtext and emotional conflict.
Music As The Film's Narrative DNA
- Chu shows how score and songs must interweave so music becomes narrative DNA, not background.
- He balanced Stephen Schwartz's songs with John Powell's score to create thematic callbacks and emotional context.
