Netflix expands Chinese-language content with new Taiwanese productions

Netflix has announced a significant initiative to expand its Chinese-language content, centered around its partnerships and production efforts in Taiwan. Maya Huang, the head of Chinese Language Content at Netflix, shared insights into the company’s strategy during a recent event in Taiwan, revealing details about upcoming original series and their focus on local audiences.

One of the highlights is the eagerly anticipated series “Born for the Spotlight,” which features Taiwanese actresses Hsieh Ying-xuan and Cheryl Yang sharing the screen for the first time. The 12-episode series, written and directed by Yen Yi-wen, who is known for “The Making of an Ordinary Woman” and produced by Olive Ting of “Oh No! Here Comes Trouble,” explores the competitive landscape of the entertainment industry. It follows the journey of two best friends, Hsueh Ya-chi (Hsieh) and Chou Fan (Yang), who transition from being inseparable allies to fierce rivals—one embracing the spotlight as a free-spirited leading actress, while the other shifts her focus from acting to the behind-the-scenes role of producer and manager.

“Born for the Spotlight” will premiere in the On-Screen section at the Busan International Film Festival before its official release on Netflix on 7^th November.

Huang also highlighted other upcoming titles in the Chinese-language lineup, including “The Resurrected” and “Forget You Not,” emphasizing a commitment to resonating with local Taiwanese audiences. “What we are looking for is really to have stories that will first and foremost resonate with our local audience, which is in Taiwan,” said Huang.

“When we talk about Chinese language content, we are not talking about a diaspora all over the world—we are more focused on Taiwan and then the APAC regional audience. Because it’s not just the language that we share, there’s also the cultural part, the history that we share,” said Huang underscoring the importance of local collaborations in Netflix’s content strategy, mentioning the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity initiative, established in partnership with the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA). Since launching in Taiwan in 2016, Netflix has been dedicated to nurturing local talent and productions.

“The production ecosystem here in Taiwan has its own strengths and challenges. What we are doing right now is really making long-term investments in talent, both above the line and below the line,” Huang explained. “Each time we make an original show, we are working with local talent to really bring up the quality of the storytelling, the quality of the production, and also the best practice when it comes to safety and respect on set,” she added.

Citing the success of the Netflix series “Copycat Killer,” Huang noted how Taiwanese creators adeptly adapted a Japanese novel into a narrative that resonates with local audiences while achieving significant viewership beyond Chinese-speaking regions. “Creators, producers, writers, and directors in Taiwan have a good understanding of genres and a very strong sense for universal topics that are not only relevant to our local audience, but also appeal to global audiences,” she added. “We are trying to push the boundaries by bringing in more resources, investing in local stories more, and also helping creators dare to tell bolder stories, to make genres that have not been seen in Taiwan before.”

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