Snapchat Series to Explore Asian-American Experience

Barcroft Studios and the BIPOC-owned production company CALICO have teamed up for the new unscripted Snap original series As I Am, which will shed light on and celebrate the diverse experience of being Asian-American in 2021.

A first-person series, As I Am will follow the stories of six individuals, spotlighting a central character in each episode. They’ll share their culture and history, challenge and break down stereotypes, address ongoing discrimination, hate crimes and terrorism. The individuals include a campaigner fighting to protect senior citizens from violence, a stand-up tackling stereotypes of Asians in comedy and rapper and activist China Mac.

As I Am will premiere on Snapchat’s Discover on May 28. The series is a co-production between Barcroft Studios and CALICO. Executive producers are John Farrar for Barcroft Studios and Danny Lee for CALICO. The series is directed by Alice Gu (The Donut King) and produced by Ellie Winstanley and Alex Mucadum for Barcroft Studios.

Danny Lee of CALICO said: “As a first-generation Asian-American who grew up in the face of racism, this recent wave of hate crimes stoked by fear has turned the clock back dramatically. Thanks to our partners at Snap and Barcroft for taking the initiative in addressing the problem organically by providing a platform to show Asian Americans as multidimensional, and ultimately proving we are not your enemy.”

John Farrar, chief creative officer at Barcroft Studios, said: “We are extremely proud to be partnering with CALICO and Snap on this timely and powerful series. These are extraordinary films told by fearless individuals and we feel deeply honored to assist in amplifying this important message.”