Koji Steven Sakai
Writer | Producer | Creator | Educator
Koji Steven Sakai is a prolific storyteller whose career is defined by versatility, moving seamlessly between high-stakes action films, hit podcasts, and the classroom. As the founder of Little Nalu Pictures LLC, Koji has built a body of work that spans nearly every major streaming platform, including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Paramount+.
Film & Television
With 12 produced feature screenplays and nine films as a producer, Koji is a mainstay in the indie and studio worlds alike. His writing credits include a diverse range of titles such as Boneyard, Damaged, The Commando, and Skeletons in the Closet. His script Romeo, Juliet, & Rosaline was notably optioned by Amazon Studios.
Koji’s filmography is a “who’s who” of industry icons, featuring collaborations with Samuel L. Jackson, Mel Gibson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Randall Park, RZA, and Mackenyu. Recently, he expanded his television footprint as a writer for the Disney+ series House of the Owl and as the producer of the acclaimed series Comedy InvAsian.
Literature & Graphic Novels
Beyond the screen, Koji is a celebrated author known for blending genre tropes with cultural depth. His books, including Romeo & Juliet Vs. Zombies and Secession, showcase his ability to subvert expectations. He also authored the graphic novel 442, a moving tribute to the Japanese American soldiers of WWII, and has contributed to high-profile anthologies alongside figures like George Takei.
Digital & Audio Storytelling
In the audio space, Koji is a chart-topping creator. His podcast Elucidity hit #1 on Apple’s fiction charts in its debut week, while his hit show The Unofficial Official Story consistently averages over 50,000 downloads per episode. His ability to engage listeners through mystery and humor has made him a leading voice in modern podcasting.
Mentorship & Education
A graduate of USC’s Masters of Professional Writing program, Koji is deeply committed to paying his success forward. A former fellow of Film Independent’s Project: Involve and the PGA’s Power of Diversity Workshop, he now serves as a judge for the Humanitas Prize and teaches at UCLA Extension. His previous appointments include USC, Chapman University, and the New York Film Academy.
Personal
Koji lives in South Pasadena, California, with his wife, their spirited teenage son, and a mischievous Shepherd mix who runs the household. When he isn’t crafting plot twists, he can be found cheering for the Lakers or coaching youth baseball. Whether he’s in the dugout or the writers’ room, Koji brings the same “all-in” fire to everything he does.
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Koji Steven Sakai 