The Chair: A Collaborative Effort

Amanda Peet's Creative Casting Strategy

Amanda Peet, the creator and showrunner of the Netflix limited series The Chair, enlisted the help of Sarah Paulson to get Sandra Oh on board for the project. Peet had Oh in mind for the role of Ji-Yoon Kim, the first female chair of the English department at a fictional university. She creatively approached the casting process by asking Paulson to pass the pilot script along to Oh. Peet's persistence paid off when Oh responded positively to the material, recognizing the humor and depth in Peet's writing.

Sandra Oh's Surprise Role

Known for her dramatic roles, Sandra Oh was intrigued by the comedic aspect of The Chair, only to discover that it had elements of drama as well. Despite the challenges of filming during the pandemic, Oh embraced the role, recognizing the value of the story and the collaboration with Peet. The cast's dedication to the project, even in the face of risks, speaks to their commitment to creating art.

Navigating New Territory

Peet and Oh navigated the unique circumstances of filming during the pandemic, facing restrictions that limited traditional bonding activities on set. However, their ability to connect and create chemistry in unconventional ways speaks to their dedication to the project. Oh's role as an executive producer allowed her to make important creative decisions, adding depth to the characters and the storytelling.

Exploring Intersectional Perspectives

Oh appreciated the opportunity to portray a complex female character and interact with another woman of color in the department.

The dynamic between the characters allowed for a nuanced exploration of different perspectives and experiences. Oh's interest in playing roles that challenge stereotypes and highlight diverse narratives shines through in her portrayal of Ji-Yoon Kim.

Creative Collaboration and Resilience

Peet and Oh's partnership on The Chair was marked by mutual respect and admiration. Oh praised Peet's poetic and bright approach to storytelling, emphasizing the joy of working with a creative partner who shares a vision. Despite the challenges faced during filming, the collaboration between Peet and Oh resulted in a compelling and engaging series that will premiere on Netflix in August.