Chinese Studios Unveil Epic Dramas at TIFFCOM 2023

During the second day of TIFFCOM 2023, a prominent showcase for the film and television industry held in Tokyo, leading Chinese production companies unveiled an exciting slate of upcoming dramas. The presentation highlighted a strong focus on historical epics and contemporary urban romance, reflecting the ongoing popularity of these genres across Asia.

The showcase, organized by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Radio and Television, and the Shanghai Broadcasting Film & Television Producers Association, provided a platform for Chinese studios to present their latest projects to potential buyers. Among the participating companies, Linmon Media stood out as a significant player in the industry, known for its acclaimed productions such as Nothing but Thirty and A Love for Separation.

Linmon Media announced a new 28-episode modern romance drama titled Love Between Lines. Set in Shanghai, this youthful series is directed by Cattree and features actors Chen Xingxv and Lu Yvxiao. The series is expected to premiere by the end of 2023 or early 2026. Additionally, the company introduced In the Moonlight, a 40-episode historical costume drama set to release in the first quarter of 2026, starring Bao Shangen and Wang Hongyi.

In a notable shift, Linmon also shared plans for international adaptations of its hit series Nothing but Thirty. The Thai version, retitled The Thirsty Thirty, is now streaming on Disney+, and adaptations are in various stages for markets including Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Indonesia. Reports indicate that a second season for the original Chinese version is in development, along with early work on a U.K. adaptation.

Another company present at TIFFCOM was XiXi Pictures, based in Shanghai and Beijing. The producers of fantasy series The Last Immortal showcased three new projects. Among them is Shine on Me, a 36-episode urban romance drama based on popular novels by Gu Man, featuring Song Weilong and Zhao Jinmai. The series promises to capture the essence of Shanghai as both a backdrop and a central theme. Additionally, XiXi presented the urban romance Xiao Fung, an 18-episode adaptation of a book by Yi Bei, and Blade of Vengeance, a 32-episode wuxia costume drama set during the Yongle Era, which emphasizes realism over fantastical elements.

Youhug Media also showcased its ambition with two significant projects. The highlight was the 16-episode time-loop action drama Mobius, which premiered in China in September 2023. This series, based on a book by Zhang Xiaomao and directed by Lui Zhangmu, has garnered attention and is available on both iQIYI and Netflix. Youhug is actively seeking new markets to expand the reach of this sci-fi series. Alongside this, the company presented Rebirth, a lavish 40-episode historical epic that showcases high production values reminiscent of renowned director Zhang Yimou‘s classic works.

As the Chinese television landscape continues to evolve, the emphasis on historical epics and urban romance dramas remains strong. With productions that reflect both cultural heritage and contemporary themes, these series are set to draw significant interest from international audiences. TIFFCOM 2023 has proven to be a pivotal moment for Chinese studios, solidifying their status in the global entertainment market.