On one hand, “controlling” images of Asian Americans (in background roles or stereotypes) have historically represented the attitude of the cultural majority. But studies have shown that the lack of ethnic diversity (as portrayed in mass media) negatively affect young Asian Americans’ perceptions of themselves and their relationships with the larger society.  

On the other hand, it's traditionally been harder to produce popular media that feature Asian American lead characters and themes. Movies especially are generally financed on the basis of who's in them. Since there's a very small number of "bankable" Asian American stars, it's a catch-22: Asian American actors need to get cast as leads to become stars, but it's difficult to get a movie financed unless the actors are already stars. Even an enormously successful filmmaker may struggle to obtain the necessary financing for a film featuring a cast of Asian American leads. 

As a hapa (half Korean), Pak has prioritized creating Asian American characters in his independent films. He has grappled with themes of Asian American identity to not only appeal the niche target of Asian American film festivals, but also address the preconceptions of mainstream audiences.

Robot Stories and More Screenplays is a groundbreaking collection of film scripts that confront the changing perceptions and roles of Asian Americans in our 21st century society.

Students will learn about the craft of writing not only screenplays, but also compelling narratives that challenge cultural stereotypes of Asian Americans. Through the use of allegory and allusion, Pak addresses what it means to be Asian, American, or “other”.

This collection shows how Pak attempts to grow in his expression as an artist. But it also demonstrates the importance of generating new Asian American characters to combat prevailing media stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.

Greg Pak is a filmmaker and comic book writer best known for directing the award-winning feature film, Robot Stories, writing the epic Planet Hulk and World War Hulk comic book storylines, and co-writing (with Fred Van Lente) the fan favorite Incredible Hercules series for Marvel Comics. He was named one of 25 Filmmakers to Watch by Filmmaker Magazine, described as "a talent with a future," by The New York Times, and named Breakout Talent of the Year, by Wizard Magazine. Pak edits AsianAmericanComics.com and AsianAmericanFilm.com. He studied political science at Yale University, history at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, and film production at the NYU graduate film program.

"Like the best artists of his generation, however, [Pak] does not feel compelled to agonize over the old issues of identity, assimilation, racism, or inter-generational conflict.  His work takes as a given that Asians are part of the American fabric, that we have been changed by mainstream culture, and in turn transformed it as well … Yet Greg’s very refusal to conform to established expectations for Asian American work makes his films deeply political … In each of his Robot Stories tales, Greg’s use of Asian American characters generates a subversive subtext, forcing us to re-examine our roles in contemporary society."—David Henry Hwang, playwright, M. Butterfly