On with Kara Swisher Cord Jefferson on Making American Fiction
Feb 15, 2024
Cord Jefferson, a writer and director known for 'American Fiction,' which earned five Oscar nominations, dives into the transformative influence of satire and storytelling. He shares how Percival Everett’s novel 'Erasure' inspired his film adaptation and critiques racial stereotypes in the publishing industry. Jefferson reflects on navigating identity and representation in Hollywood while discussing the challenges of complex character development. He also teases future projects, including an erotic thriller and a contemporary Western, showcasing his creative aspirations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Discovering "Erasure"
- Cord Jefferson felt a deep connection to Percival Everett's "Erasure", feeling it was written for him.
- Everett granted Jefferson the film rights for free for six months after a phone call.
Escaping the "Race Beat"
- Cord Jefferson's journalism career was marked by frequent assignments covering racial tragedies.
- This led him to transition to film and TV, seeking creative freedom beyond the "race beat."
Hollywood's Limited Perspective
- While acknowledging progress, Jefferson believes Hollywood still largely portrays minorities through the lens of misery.
- His film's creation represents positive change, but broader industry recalibration is needed.
