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Linmon Media is transforming the costume drama landscape
Chinese film studio Linmon Media is making waves with its expanded lineup of costume drama series, promising fresh narratives and high production values.
TIFFCOM highlights: new series and releases
During this year’s TIFFCOM film and TV rights market, coinciding with the Tokyo International Film Festival, Linmon Media provided exciting updates on four new costume drama series scheduled for release between 2025 and early 2026.
New film debut: The Unseen Sister
Executives were also in Tokyo for the international launch of The Unseen Sister, directed by Midi Z. This mystery drama made its debut at the Tokyo International Film Festival’s main competition and has already grossed $15.7 million in China within its first seven days of commercial release.
Moonlit Reunion: approaching completion
Among the series closest to completion is Moonlit Reunion, a romantic-fantasy drama set in Chang An city during the Tang Dynasty. Starring Xu Kai and Tian Xiwei, the series boasts an impressive lineup and will be available on Tencent Video in China. Linmon Media is managing international rights, with a slated premiere of 40 episodes in the second quarter of 2025. This production reflects a high degree of historical accuracy and opulent set design, ensuring an immersive viewing experience.
Spotlight on new titles
- A Dream Within a Dream: Following Moonlit Reunion, this costume comedy-romance entails a struggling actress who time-travels into the fantasy world of a screenplay. Its intriguing premise and potential for plot twists could set it apart in the genre.
- In the Moonlight: Expected to wrap up production in early 2025, this drama focuses on an impoverished princess and an aging emperor coerced into a marriage of convenience. The lack of disclosed cast and crew details enhances the anticipation surrounding this project.
- A Journey to Glow: Early 2026 will witness the release of this sequel to the popular A Journey to Love. It revolves around assassins from rival agencies and previously aired on iQiyi and Viu, solidifying its widespread appeal.
Embracing contemporary themes: Under the Skin 2
In addition to costume dramas, Linmon Media’s presentation included Under the Skin 2, a modern series combining elements of the detective genre with fantastical insights. Starring Tan Jianci and Jin Shijia, this series is poised to captivate audiences when it airs in December. The show underlines Linmon Media’s versatility and ability to appeal to diverse viewer preferences.
Expanding global reach of Chinese dramas
Linmon Media has recognized the growing international appetite for Chinese-language costume dramas, which has spurred additional sales and viewership in various territories. Their strategy involves retaining rights for regions outside China, allowing some older series to re-enter the marketplace through Linmon International.
Investment and production values
With a significant investment per episode, ranging from RMB 4-6 million ($560,000 – $840,000), Linmon Media aims to maximize on-screen production values, comparable to high-budget global productions. For instance, the Journey series draws comparisons to HBO’s Game of Thrones, although it integrates distinct Chinese cultural elements and boasts a higher number of episodes, reflecting regulatory standards set three years ago.
“We have never made so many costume drama shows as we are now doing,” a Linmon Media representative stated, emphasizing the studio’s unprecedented level of production activity.
The future of Linmon Media’s productions
Linmon Media’s dedication to producing high-quality costume dramas signifies a robust future for the genre. Their strategy of marrying substantial investments with meticulous storytelling ensures that each project holds the potential for international success. As more details about their productions emerge, enthusiasts can expect an enriching array of narratives that celebrate both historical authenticity and contemporary relevance.
Engage with these upcoming releases and stay updated with the latest from Linmon Media by following our updates.
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