Neuigkeiten

Screenworks Asia, the production subsidiary of Taiwan’s Catchplay, has acquired international sales rights to the horror anthology series Urban Horror and will present the show at this week’s Filmart in Hong Kong.

Directed by Jun-Hong Li, Bao-Zhong Chen, and Dan-Chi Huang, Urban Horror comprises 34 short episodes revolving around the mysterious, the unexplained, and the disturbed in six types of modern city scenes. Synopsis reads: In each episode, the audience will see a familiar face that could be an award-winning actor, a pop star, or an internet celebrity. They will discover the ultimate fear and thrill at places such as nightclubs, office buildings, and youth hostels, where you don’t see any ghosts, monsters, or supernatural powers.

The series will feature Austin Lin (Marry My Dead Body) and Ann Hsu (The Victims’ Game) alongside Meng-Po Fu (Taiwan Crime Stories) and Esther Liu (Light the Night...

Streaming

Taiwanese streamer Catchplay has added its original series “Not a Murder Story” to its available lineup in Indonesia. The eight-part series combines a gripping criminal thriller narrative with an exploration of greed and deception.

The story revolves around Dong, an aspiring actor who finally gets an opportunity to become famous and successful, but wakes up one day next to a dead woman. Dong cannot recall the events of the previous night, cleans up and stages a crime scene as if it were a botched robbery, but he inadvertently leaves traces. As the police investigate the apartment block, it becomes clear that all the residents have hidden secrets and a motive for murder.

“Not a Murder Story” is written and directed by Ko Chen-Nien and features Taiwanese stars Liu Kuan-Ting, Gingle Wang and Sonia Sui.

It debuted on Catchplay+ last week with the first two episodes immediately available and others uploading every Wednesday.

Chinese streamer iQiyi used the Asian Television Forum & Market in Singapore to unveil a slate of productions and commissions by its international division.

Executives including chief content office Wang Xiaohui and president of movies and overseas business Yang Xianghua said that company plans to roll out more than 280 Chinese language movies, drama series, variety shows and kids programs. The company will focus on three areas: ‘oriental fantasy,’ ‘mature romance,’ and ‘sweet crush’ in order “to meet the emotional needs of our international audiences.”

Highlights include an international adaptation of “Youth With You” to be rolled out worldwide. Its international slate also includes some 30 original productions and licensed shows from Taiwan. Among them, “Not a Murder Story” is set to release in January.

Expanding its presence in Southeast Asia, iQiyi will be involved in 12 Malay-language local originals slated for release in 2024 and work with local firms Mig Productions and Infinitus. Shows...