Anna Akana ponders her next project.
Anna Akana is an actress and writer seen in TV and film. As an actress, Akana is currently starring in Blade of the 47 Ronin, Jupiter’s Legacy, and Let It Snow. As a writer, she has shows in development with Netflix and HBO Max. Anna Akana sat down with Forbes to talk about her acting and writing career so far.
Goldie Chan: Hello Anna, thank you for talking with Forbes. What has your career path been so far?
Anna Akana: I started out as a stand up comedian when I was 19 and eventually transitioned into writing/acting for film & TV.
Chan: Who have been your favorite person or people to work with?
Akana: Ben Daniels from Jupiter’s Legacy was just a joy to film with. Most of our scenes together were overnights, so we’d just talk about our cats & share photos of them during our caffeinated delirium.
Anna Akana gets ready for her next role.
Chan: How would you describe your personal brand?
Akana: As a writer I always aim for a balance of humor and heart. I love exploring darker, deeper topics like suicide, abortion, dysfunctional family dynamics, etc. but making them relatable and accessible.
Chan: What is the most important part of telling a great story?
Akana: My answer tends to change as my writing evolves, but right now I think the most important thing is to surprise the audience truthfully. I think we tend to get too into the structure of narrative as American storytellers. I’ve been taking a page from Korean cinema recently and trying to surprise myself in my work.
Chan: What do you look for in projects that you work on?
Akana: It’s values. It’s message. Sometimes - if it’ll just be a fun, expanding experience. For the most part, I only sign onto projects that speak to my value system and what I want to put out into the world. I’m in a very privileged part of my career now. I used to have to take demeaning or dehumanizing parts just for the credit or to pay my rent. I’m lucky to be financially stable enough not to have to compromise my personhood anymore.
Anna Akana poses for the camera.
Chan: What is a story (fictional or real) that has resonated with you?
Akana: I love everything Ted Chiang writes. I find his short story collection Exhalation to be absolutely brilliant. It’s a wonderful combination of high concept science fiction but a grounded human story - every single one of his works balances those two out so well.
Chan: What are you working on now?
Akana: As an actress, I’m promoting the October 25th release of Netflix’s Blade of the 47 Ronin, which I starred in. It’s an insanely fun rated R action/comedy. As a writer, I have a show in development with Netflix, I’m penning a book-to-film adaptation for a studio and I’m working on a few passion projects.
Chan: Any last branding or career advice for this year?
Akana: Incremental progress daily is what really helps me be prolific. When I think of everything all at once it can be too overwhelming. I try to tackle a little bit every day, then magically one day I’ll have multiple projects reach completion.
