Karen Han is a screenwriter, cultural critic, and author living in Los Angeles.
Screenwriting:
Brian David Gilbert and I are writing partners. We recently sold two original pilots (one hour-long sci-fi horror thriller, and one half-hour dark comedy) and are currently writing for an independent video game to be released by Annapurna Interactive.
Previously, we were in the development mini-room for a Netflix animated series, and staffed on an upcoming animated series. We also create our own independent shorts and sketches.
We are currently available to staff.
MANAGER: Kendrick Tan, Lit Entertainment
📬 kendrick@litentertainmentgroup.com
AGENT (TV): Scott Perraud, UTA
📬 perrauds@unitedtalent.com
Cultural Criticism:
My writing has appeared in publications such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, Slate, VICE, and New York Magazine, and I have also appeared on TV and radio as a critic on Good Morning America, Amanpour, NPR, and WNYC.
I have introduced and moderated screenings of films at venues such as the Academy Museum, Film Society of Lincoln Center, IFC Center, the New Beverly, and the Alamo Drafthouse. Additionally, I provided the booklet essay for the Criterion release of Okja, as well as recording audio commentary for the 30th anniversary release of Sleepless in Seattle and the Kino Lorber release of Intimacy. I also served as a festival juror for SXSW in 2019 and 2021, for the Documentary Feature Competition and Narrative Shorts Competition, respectively.
I can be heard on such podcasts as Blank Check with Griffin and David, Newcomers with Nicole Byer and Lauren Lapkus, The Letterboxd Show, and BBC Radio 1’s Screen Time.
I am the author of the book Bong Joon Ho: Dissident Cinema, published in 2022 by Abrams and Little White Lies. The monograph examines the works of Director Bong Joon Ho, including critical analysis of all of his feature films thus far, as well as his short films and music videos. The book also includes interviews with his collaborators (actress Tilda Swinton, cinematographer Hong Kyung-pyo, composer Jung Jaeil, et al.), notes on his influences, and more.
