The son of first-generation Chinese American immigrants, Nicholas grew up in Oakland, Honolulu and Hong Kong, where themes of identity and “otherness" were embedded into his psyche. By age ten, he also knew he was gay, though deeply repressed such feelings and did not come out of the closet until age twenty three-and-a-half. 

Having navigated a double life for so long, values of acceptance, morality and sacrifice became paramount to him — ultimately leading to living a life true to himself. A lively and kinetic person on set, yet mild and introspective in private, Nicholas harnesses the many facets of his upbringing to create soulful, emotional work with impact and gravitas, earning Cannes Lions YDA and MTV VMA nominations along the way. 

He has directed campaigns for Google, Samsung, Disney, P&G, Nestle, Dewars and more, and worked with artists like Nick Jonas, Blink-182, Elton John, Monsta X and Jess Glynne. These days, Nicholas lives in Los Angeles with his husband Steven, dog, two cats and (hopefully) a child in their future.