While Netflix and Disney+ were relatively quiet during Singapore’s recent Asia TV Forum & Market (ATF, December 1-3), local and regional streamers announced a slew of new dramas as Southeast Asia’s content gold rush continues to intensify.
iQiyi’s international division, based in Singapore, unveiled its first Thai original and five new Malaysian series; CJ ENM’s Hong Kong-based local-language production unit launched two Taiwanese series, one co-produced with Singapore; and Taipei-based Catchplay announced a boys’ love series co-produced with Japan.
Regional co-production and partnerships appear to be the way forward to compete with the deep pockets of the global streamers, with Netflix and Disney+ both investing heavily in local-language originals in Southeast Asia, India, Korea and Japan.
While it has so far focused on India and Japan, Amazon Prime Video is also planning to enter local-language production in Southeast Asia. During her fireside chat at ATF, Erika North, Amazon Prime Video director, local originals APAC, said the streamer is also seeking local-language projects in Southeast Asia to build out its slate. This means that all the major global, Chinese and regional streamers are now active in the region.
CATCHPLAY:
+- Plus & Minus (Taiwan, Japan)
Directed by: Huang I-Hsun
Executive directed by: Chiang Ping-Chen
Produced by: Anita Sung
This 12-part boys’ love series is a Taiwan-Japan co-production between Taiwan’s Screenworks Asia and Japan’s Rakuten TV Japan, SPO Entertainment Inc and Video Market Corporation, with support from TAICCA’s Taiwan International Co-funding Program (TICP). Produced by the team behind Taiwan series Be Loved In House: I Do and See You After Quarantine?, the series is currently in production and will premiere in early 2022.
Losmen Melati (Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore)
Directed by: Mike Wiluan
Executive produced by: Daphne Yang
Catchplay is also working with Singapore and Indonesia-based Infinite Studios on a 10-part Bahasa Indonesian-language horror series, set to commence filming in early 2022. Singapore-based Clover Films is on board as associate producer and will handle international sales outside of Catchplay’s key territories. Filming will take place at Infinite Studios soundstages and backlot in Batam with Mike Wiluan in the role of creative showrunner. Cast includes Alexandra Gottardo, Marthino Lio and Kiki Narendra.
CJ ENM HONG KONG:
The Amazing Grace Of Σ (Taiwan)
Written and directed by: Wu Luo Ying, Ray Jiang
Executive produced by: Michael Jung, Stanley Hsu
Co-produced by CJ ENM and Taiwan’s Rosebud Production, this 12-episode mystery crime thriller (pictured above) explores the ways in which spiritual cults manipulate people and abuse their vulnerabilities. The cast includes Wang Yu Xuan, Aaron Yan, Jack Yao, Francesca Gao, Samantha Ko and Yi Jung Wu. CJ ENM is HK handling worldwide distribution.
Venus On Mars (Taiwan, Singapore)
Written by: Huang Yu Chia (Taiwan)
Directed by: Chai Yee Wei (Singapore)
Produced by: Michelle Chang, Mocha Chai Laboratories
This 6-part sci-fi, romantic comedy is produced by Singapore’s Mocha Chai Laboratories, with support from IMDA’s Capability Partnership Programme, and has producers from CJ ENM Korea on board as script consultants. The story revolves around an undergraduate student who is accidentally transported into a parallel world where there are only men. Taiwanese actors Ivy Shao and Tsao Yu Ning head the cast, which also includes Wes Lo, Renzo Liu, Gina Lim and Wong Jing Lun. Currently shooting in Taiwan, the series is produced in collaboration with Taiwanese producer Phil Tang (Greener Grass Productions, Monomyth Films) and will move to Singapore for post-production. CJ ENM is handling worldwide distribution.
IQIYI INTERNATIONAL:
KinnPorsche (Thailand) – directed by Kongkiat Komesiri, known for films such as Khun Phan and Slice, with Sumret Muengput (Halfworlds 2) on board as action choreographer. The story revolves around the heir to a powerful mafia family and his bodyguard.
My Ofis (Malaysia) – produced in collaboration with Longhouse Films, the story of a rockstar wannabe who chooses to support his grandmother by entering corporate life.
Rampas Cintaku (Malaysia) – produced with MIG Production, the story of an undergraduate student desperate to clear his family’s financial debts who starts working in a nightclub where he encounters a seductive business woman.
Sori Naik Lori (Malaysia) – produced with Tsar Asia, the story of a housewife who becomes famous after her TikTok video goes viral, affecting her relationships and making her lorry driver husband insecure.
Love You Later (Malaysia) – produced with Juita Viden, an original romantic drama revolving around the time travel of two lovers who must hold back from falling in love with the wrong version of each other.
Restu (Malaysia) – produced with Infinitus Entertainment, about a recently widowed father who meets three marriage prospects but requires the challenging approval of his 9-year-old daughter who is still grieving her mother’s death.
VIDDSEE STUDIOS:
Home Is Where The Heart Is (Singapore) – an 8-episode drama series based on a successful Singaporean short streamed on Viddsee’s short film streaming platform. The story follows a privileged young lawyer who embarks on a journey of personal growth after meeting a cynical yet compassionate social worker. The series will be broadcast on MediaCorp Channel 5.