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TRENDING
Sept. 11, 2024
Netflix's Chinese-Language Content Expansion
Taiwan will be central to the streaming platform’s plans in the region.
Taiwan - Netflix has unveiled ambitious
plans to expand its Chinese-language content, focusing primarily on Taiwan.
This strategic move aims to tap into the rich cultural and creative landscape
of the region, leveraging local talent and stories to appeal to both regional
and global audiences.
Maya Huang, Netflix’s head of Chinese-language
content, highlighted the company’s commitment to investing in local stories and
talent. She emphasized that Taiwan’s creators, producers, writers, and
directors possess a deep understanding of genres and universal themes that
resonate with audiences worldwide. This approach is exemplified by the success
of the Taiwanese crime thriller series Copycat Killer, which was adapted
from a Japanese novel and tailored to local sensibilities while maintaining
broad appeal.
Netflix’s strategy includes a robust slate of upcoming
titles, such as The Resurrected and Forget You Not, which are
designed to resonate with the local audience first and foremost. Huang stressed
that the focus is not just on the language but also on the shared cultural and
historical context that binds the region.
A significant part of Netflix’s plan involves
long-term investments in talent development. The company has launched the
Netflix Fund for Creative Equity in collaboration with the Taiwan Creative
Content Agency (TAICCA) to build skills among local production crews and
creators. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of storytelling and
production, ensuring that local talent can produce content that meets global
standards.
One of the flagship projects in this expansion is the
series Born for the Spotlight, which will premiere at the Busan
International Film Festival before its Netflix release on November 7, 2024.
This 12-part series, written and directed by Yen Yi-wen, explores the
complexities of friendship and ambition in the entertainment industry.
By focusing on Taiwan as a hub for Chinese-language
content, Netflix is positioning itself to capture a significant share of the
regional market while also offering stories that have universal appeal. This
strategy not only strengthens Netflix’s presence in Asia but also enriches its
global content library with diverse and culturally rich narratives.
