Taiwan’s Calendar Studios surprises with two new projects at TCCF

Exciting new projects from Calendar Studios

Introducing ‘Call of Lobster’

Calendar Studios is expanding its repertoire with two highly anticipated productions: the cross-border action-comedy film, “Call of Lobster,” and the crime series, “The Scammers.” Both projects were unveiled at the Taiwan Creative Content Fest (TCCF), showcasing the innovative spirit of Taiwanese filmmakers.

Directed by Yin Chen-Hao, known for his work on “Man in Love,” “Call of Lobster” draws its inspiration from an extraordinary true story. The film delves into the life of a Taiwanese lobster farmer who volunteered to teach farming techniques in North Korea. The plot thickens when the protagonist becomes ensnared in a drug case, forcing an unlikely alliance with a South Korean agent.

“This story was inspired by a news article in Taiwan,” says Yin. “Chen Jia-fu, a lobster farmer from Pingtung, once wrote to Kim Jong-un, volunteering to teach lobster farming. He succeeded, and his journey back and forth fascinated me. ‘Call of Lobsters’ wraps this tale in comedy, blending espionage, suspense, and personal growth.”

Assembling the dream team

The project features an impressive creative team, including executive producers Jin Pai-Lunn and Cheng Wei-Hao. They are joined by producer Chang Ya-ting, renowned for her work on international productions alongside Martin Scorsese’s “Silence.” Calendar Studios aims to finalize the cast for the Korean roles and secure funding by early 2025, with production slated for the latter half of the year.

“Call of Lobster,” promises to be a groundbreaking international co-production, blending comedy, adventure, action, and espionage. It seeks to bring the spirit of Taiwan’s everyday heroes to the big screen, appealing to Asian audiences with its fresh commercial approach.

Delving into the world of ‘The Scammers’

A closer look at Taiwan’s fraud networks

Meanwhile, “The Scammers,” directed by Golden Horse nominee Cheng Wei-Hao of “The Soul,” dives into Taiwan’s intricate fraud networks through the eyes of everyday characters. The narrative follows Jiang, a tenacious leader orchestrating a group able to exact revenge on scammers while concealing a decades-old secret.

“The story originated from an article I once read about the systematic operations of fraud groups in Taiwan,” explains Cheng. “Through ordinary characters, viewers witness their grit and wisdom as they challenge powerful syndicates. The plot navigates the moral struggles between justice and deception, portraying ‘fighting scams with scams’ as a tactic against these criminal networks.”

Stellar production team

This gripping series brings together a distinguished team. Executive producer Jin partners with Lin Shih-ken, awarded the 2023 Golden Horse Award for Outstanding Taiwanese Filmmaker of the Year, and writer Chang Yao-sheng, whose script for “A Sun” earned a Golden Horse nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Filming for “The Scammers” is set to begin in the second half of 2025, with lead casting already in motion.

“We’ve explored various genres—romance, horror, suspense, and comedy,” notes Jin. “‘The Scammers’ intertwines elements of revenge, heist, and crime to unfold intricate fraud tactics and schemes from the perspectives of ordinary characters. Meticulously crafted plots and the exploration of human nature’s struggle add an addictive quality to the watching experience.”

The broader impact on Asian cinema

These projects signify a bold step for Calendar Studios in promoting Taiwanese cinema on a global platform. By combining unique storytelling with international collaboration, these films and series aim to captivate a broad audience.

The movie “Call of Lobster” and series “The Scammers” are set to redefine the landscape of Asian cinema, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity inherent in Taiwanese filmmaking.

Readers eager to follow these groundbreaking projects can look forward to a blend of comedy, action, espionage, and gripping crime narratives. Calendar Studios continues to push the boundaries, bringing unmissable entertainment to the forefront.

Engage with these updates and follow along for more thrilling insights into the world of cinema. Share this exciting news with your friends and immerse yourself in the innovative journey of Taiwan’s dynamic film industry.