Netflix’s bold move in Taiwan: A new era for Chinese-language content
A new spotlight on Taiwanese storytelling
After years of quietly building its presence in Chinese-language content, Netflix is now making significant strides, particularly in Taiwan. One of the most anticipated releases is the 12-part series Born for the Spotlight, which delves into the unraveling friendship between two top actresses and an ambitious newcomer willing to do anything to succeed in show business. This series, written and directed by Yen Yi-wen and produced by Olive Ting, stars Hsieh Ying-hsieh and Cheryl Yang. It is set to premiere at the Busan International Film Festival next month and will be available on Netflix on November 7, 2024.
Taiwan: The new hub for Chinese-language productions
With mainland China off-limits to Netflix and Hong Kong primarily producing content in Cantonese, Taiwan has emerged as the central hub for the company’s Chinese-language productions. Maya Huang, Netflix’s head of Chinese-language content, emphasized the unique strengths of Taiwanese creators at the Content Asia conference in Taipei. She highlighted their deep understanding of genres and universal themes that resonate both locally and globally.
“We are pushing boundaries by investing more in local stories and encouraging creators to tell bolder stories,” Huang stated. “Our goal is to produce genres that have not been seen in Taiwan before.”
Successful adaptations and upcoming projects
Netflix has already seen success with adaptations like Copycat Killer, a Japanese-to-Taiwanese adaptation. Upcoming projects include The Resurrected and Forget You Not, which promise to bring fresh narratives to the platform.
Huang explained that the primary focus is on stories that resonate with the local Taiwanese audience, but also appeal to the broader Asia-Pacific region. “It’s not just about the language; it’s about the shared culture and history,” she added.
Investing in local talent and production quality
To deepen its roots in Taiwan, Netflix has launched the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity in collaboration with the government-backed creative industries agency TAICCA. This initiative aims to make long-term investments in local talent, both in front of and behind the camera. Each original show produced in Taiwan involves local talent to enhance storytelling quality, production standards, and on-set safety and respect.
Strengthening ties with key festivals
Netflix is also forging closer relationships with key festivals. This year, it becomes an official industry partner with the Busan International Film Festival, where it will launch the inaugural Creative Asia Forum. This one-day event is designed to nurture emerging filmmakers, creatives, and production professionals.
In addition to Born for the Spotlight, Netflix has three other films or series selected for the 2024 edition of the festival:
- Beyond Goodbye: A Japanese film exploring the enduring power of love as a woman meets the recipient of her late fiancé’s heart.
- Hellbound Season 2: The second season of the hit Korean zombie series, depicting a world where hellbound decrees and gruesome banishments are now commonplace.
- The Remarkable Life of Ibelin: A Norwegian documentary about a young man’s adventures in a virtual world amid the restrictions of his physical life, transitioning from Sundance where it won two prizes.
A personal reflection on the future of Taiwanese content
As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, it’s thrilling to see Netflix investing so heavily in Taiwanese content. The island has a rich history of storytelling, and this new wave of productions promises to bring fresh, bold narratives to a global audience. The emphasis on local talent and high production standards is particularly encouraging, as it ensures that these stories are told with authenticity and respect.
For those who love exploring new genres and narratives, the upcoming slate of Taiwanese content on Netflix is something to look forward to. Whether it’s the intense drama of Born for the Spotlight or the innovative storytelling in The Resurrected, there’s something for everyone.
Netflix’s commitment to Taiwanese content is not just about expanding its library; it’s about celebrating and elevating the unique voices and stories that Taiwan has to offer. And for viewers around the world, this means a richer, more diverse viewing experience.
For more information and to watch trailers, visit the links provided.