Wong Fu Productions
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film production, Digital media |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Founder | Wesley Chan, Ted Fu, Philip Wang |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Wesley Chan, Ted Fu, Philip Wang, Taylor Chan (senior editor/writer and director), Benson Quach (producer/assistant director), Christopher Yang (director of photography), Jessica Lin (production coordinator), Michelle Hsieh (editor) |
| Products | Short films, feature films, web series, music videos, merchandise |
Number of employees | Not specified |
| Website | www |
Wong Fu Productions is a filmmaking collective based in the United States, established by Wesley Chan (born 1984), Ted Fu (born 1981), and Philip Wang (born 1984). The three met in 2004 while attending the University of California, San Diego and began creating music videos and short films for their website and YouTube channel. After graduation, they formed the media company Sketchbook Media. Their projects have been featured at various film festivals, including the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival and San Diego Asian Film Festival.
As of April 2021, the Wong Fu Productions' YouTube channel boasts over 3.27 million subscribers and has accumulated upwards of 584 million views. Since 2011, the group has emerged as a significant platform showcasing Asian American acting talent. Actors such as Randall Park (WandaVision), Justin H. Min (The Umbrella Academy), Anna Akana (Ant-Man), Brittany Ishibashi (Runaways), Victoria Park (The Flash), and Simu Liu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) appeared in Wong Fu films before achieving mainstream recognition in superhero franchises.
History
Wong Fu Productions originated informally in 2001 when Philip Wang was a junior at Northgate High School in Walnut Creek, California. At that time, Wang utilized his family’s digital camcorder to produce school assignments alongside classmates. During his freshman year at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Wang and his friends created a music video for Justin Timberlake’s "Señorita," which circulated widely among college students prior to YouTube’s launch.
In 2004, Wesley Chan and Ted Fu met Philip Wang at UCSD, initiating collaborative projects together. Although none initially intended to pursue filmmaking professionally—Chan was focused on animation, Fu studied electrical engineering, and Wang considered economics—they decided to develop their creative venture after graduating in 2006. They moved to Los Angeles and operated under the name Sketchbook Media.
By 2011, Wong Fu Productions had amassed one million subscribers, representing substantial growth within the digital content sector. Their tenth anniversary in 2013 was marked by a 13-minute short film featuring well-known YouTube creators such as Ryan Higa and KevJumba, strengthening their influence through collaborative efforts.
On July 23, 2013, Wong Fu expanded its digital footprint by launching a secondary channel titled "More Wong Fu," which provides supplementary content like behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive features designed to deepen audience engagement.
The team has since expanded to include vital executives and creative staff members such as Taylor Chan (senior editor/writer and director), Benson Quach (producer/assistant director), Christopher Yang (director of photography), Jessica Lin (production coordinator), and Michelle Hsieh (editor), enhancing the company’s organizational structure to support its ongoing content creation and business operations.
Noteworthy Productions
Wong Fu Productions first attracted attention through their independent music videos covering popular contemporary songs such as Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning" and Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours". Their debut significant short film, Yellow Fever (2006), humorously addressed interracial dating and found a strong following among college students across the United States.
Their inaugural feature film, A Moment with You (2006), debuted at their university and was also showcased at the San Diego Asian Film Festival. This film delved into intricate romantic dynamics and was promoted via a touring series of screenings at various high schools and universities throughout North America. Critics lauded its inclusive casting choices and sophisticated subject matter, signaling a deliberate shift in Wong Fu’s narrative style.
Plans for a follow-up film titled Sleep Shift were ultimately abandoned due to conflicts regarding the casting of an Asian male lead. Despite this setback, the company persisted in producing music videos for up-and-coming artists and short films, while simultaneously launching a merchandise line alongside their 2007 release Just a Nice Guy. Their short film The Spare was selected for the 2008 San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival, whereas At Musing's End and A Peace of Home were featured at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival Short Films Corner. In 2009, they unveiled Poser!, a mockumentary exploring the origins of the peace sign.
By November 2009, Wong Fu had completed over 130 short films and music videos. Their revenue streams include earnings from YouTube partnerships, merchandise sales, public speaking engagements at academic institutions, and producing music videos for emerging Asian American musicians.
In May 2010, Wong Fu partnered with Ryan Higa to produce the feature film Agents of Secret Stuff, which was shot within one week and released online in November 2010, starring Higa alongside Arden Cho. The following year, they directed Taiwanese pop artist Wang Leehom’s music video "Still In Love With You," marking an expansion into international markets.
International Secret Agents
Wong Fu also introduced International Secret Agents (ISA), a concert series based in California that highlights Asian American talent in urban dance and music genres. ISA showcased artists such as Far East Movement, winners from America's Best Dance Crew, Ryan Higa, Kevin Wu (KevJumba), Jay Park, David Choi, and Kina Grannis. The series utilized viral marketing tactics through social media to enhance artist exposure.
ISA concerts consistently sold out venues including the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse (2008) and the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco (2009), later extending to New York City in 2010 with backing from J.C. Penney. The Los Angeles event in 2010 featured unexpected guest appearances by celebrities like Nick Cannon. In 2013, ISA expanded its offerings by producing its first game show at YouTube Space Los Angeles, featuring well-known YouTubers and performers.
Everything Before Us
Premiering on April 23, 2015 via Vimeo, Everything Before Us represents Wong Fu’s second full-length feature film, co-directed by Philip Wang and Wesley Chan. Set in a near-future society where relationship scores influence everyday life, the film stars Aaron Yoo, Brittany Ishibashi, Brandon Soo Hoo, Victoria Park, Randall Park, and Ki Hong Lee. Funded through an Indiegogo campaign, it had its debut at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.
Single By 30
On August 24, 2016, Wong Fu introduced Single by 30, an eight-episode web series financed by YouTube Red featuring Harry Shum Jr. and Kina Grannis. Celebrated for its representation of Los Angeles' diverse population, this romantic comedy was Wong Fu’s inaugural studio-backed project, though it was not extended beyond its initial season.
Just Another Nice Guy
In August 2017, Wong Fu debuted Just Another Nice Guy (JANG), a three-part web mini-series serving as a sequel to their 2007 production Just A Nice Guy. Starring Motoki Maxted, Piper Curda, Krista Marie Yu, and Will Pacarro, JANG continued Wong Fu’s commitment to authentic storytelling with inclusive casting.
Yappie
Yappie is a five-episode YouTube series that explores contemporary Asian American professional life and common stereotypes. Featuring Philip Wang and Janine Oda in lead roles alongside Simu Liu (known for Kim's Convenience), the series supports Wong Fu’s goal of increasing Asian American visibility. Funded via Patreon under the Wong Fu Forward initiative, Yappie represents their effort to produce longer narrative content.
Impact
Wong Fu Productions has garnered millions of views on their short films and built a loyal fanbase numbering in the thousands. By 2009, their website was attracting approximately 5,000 visitors daily. Their pioneering approach to digital media has established them as frontrunners in Asian American content creation and independent production models.
Their achievements have contributed to raising the profiles of other Asian American digital creators such as Kevin Wu (KevJumba), Ryan Higa (Nigahiga), Christine Gambito (HappySlip), and David Choi. Although not overtly political, Wong Fu’s projects confront stereotypes by depicting Asian Americans as complex individuals beyond prevalent media clichés.
The founders have emerged as influential figures and role models within the Asian American entertainment sector. They have led workshops focused on sustaining independent production companies and served as keynote speakers at cultural events like the Intercollegiate Taiwanese American Students Association conference.
Globally, Wong Fu expanded their reach through tours such as the 2012 Southeast Asia Tour in Malaysia, engaging audiences of over 1,000 fans. Wesley Chan and Philip Wang have also delivered commencement addresses at UC San Diego in 2012 and 2016 respectively, exemplifying leadership that extends beyond filmmaking.
In 2018, they launched the Patreon-based Wong Fu Forward platform to garner direct support from fans aimed at funding ongoing storytelling projects and extended series development. Former actors from Wong Fu productions have progressed into prominent roles within major superhero franchises including Randall Park (WandaVision), Justin H. Min (The Umbrella Academy), Anna Akana (Ant-Man), Brittany Ishibashi (Runaways), Victoria Park (The Flash), and Simu Liu (Shang-Chi)—highlighting Wong Fu’s significant impact on global entertainment.
External links
- interview (2008)
- Philip Wang's and Wesley Chan's commencement speeches at UC San Diego]
- Articles with short description
- American Internet celebrities
- Companies based in Los Angeles County, California
- Entertainment companies established in 2006
- Film production companies of the United States
- YouTube channels
- American companies established in 2006
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- Companies of the United States by year of establishment