Norman Yi Li, a writer and director, has skillfully bridged the worlds of science and storytelling. His participation in the Netflix-supported Pacific Screenwriting Program highlights his rising status in the industry. From crafting short films and series projects to coordinating background performers on “Midnight Mass” and “The Last of Us,” Li’s career trajectory is impressive. His unique voice, blending high-concept narratives with mind-bending ideas, first caught my attention during our university days. Now, with Hollywood representation and numerous writing projects, Li stands poised for a bright future in film and television, bringing his distinctive scientific-meets-artistic perspective to screens worldwide.
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Which neighbourhood are you in?
I live in White Rock — the sleepy little seaside town next to the US border. And just like most people who say they live in White Rock, I really mean South Surrey. It’s basically the No-Name-brand of White Rock with a lot more land and a lot less slopes. It’s gorgeous and peaceful here — perfect for retirees. The added benefit of having nothing to do means I can focus on my work. Who’d want to drive through a tunnel and a bridge just to hang out with friends? Not me! I’d rather bang my head against the keyboard and procrastinate. I guess the beach is nice, too.
What do you do?
I’m a writer — usually the film and TV variety. And by writing, I’m really just asking questions and figuring out how to live. The perk of putting fictional characters in hypothetical scenarios is that I don’t have to experience them myself. A wise meme once stated “YOLO”, which stands for “You Only Live Once”. It expresses the cautious sentiment that life is too precious, so don’t take any risks. I agree, and I can avoid such risks by writing. Considering all the action-packed thrillers I tend to write, I’d be long-dead if I tried any of that in real life. So, it’s fair to say that writing has saved my life.
I also work as a background coordinator, responsible for working with background performers on set. Not only could I contribute a small part to incredible shows such as The Last of Us, but I also get to interact with a diverse group of interesting humans on a daily basis. This job has also made me quite virtuous. That’s because patience is a virtue, and this job requires a ton of patience. Occasionally, I work as a writers’ assistant on shows such as The Night Agent. It’s basically paid grad school on writing and producing. I get a front-row seat to see how words on a page translate into practical sets, actors’ performances, and finally into episodes of a show.
In my free time, I watch films, play ultimate frisbee, and hang out with my partner and her one dog and three cats.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently developing a series titled Carrington 33. The story follows a struggling sci-fi author who takes his daughter to a book signing in a remote Alaskan town. When discovers that the town is populated by a doomsday cult inspired by his novels. He must destroy the cult from within and save its brainwashed followers. This story is in no way, shape, or form me channelling my anxiety about being a failed writer in the future.
Where can we find your work?
You can find links to my short films and pitch decks on my website. Longer form narratives to come.
