Chinese TV Industry Showcases Epic Dramas at TIFFCOM 2023

Major Chinese film and television production companies presented a diverse slate of upcoming projects at TIFFCOM 2023, held during the Tokyo International Film Festival. The showcase highlighted the enduring popularity of historical costume dramas and modern urban romance series, particularly those set in Shanghai. As these genres remain highly favored in Asia, the industry appears poised to continue capitalizing on their success.

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, the presentation featured several prominent studios, including Linmon Media. Established in just over a decade, Linmon has gained recognition for its successful productions, such as A Love for Separation, Fighter of the Destiny, and the acclaimed Nothing but Thirty, which is now a cornerstone of its future endeavors.

During the showcase, Linmon Media unveiled a new 28-episode modern romance drama titled Love Between Lines. Set in Shanghai, this youthful series is directed by Cattree and stars Chen Xingxv and Lu Yvxiao, with a release expected at the end of 2023 or early 2026. Additionally, the company announced In the Moonlight, a 40-episode historical costume drama featuring Bao Shangen and Wang Hongyi, scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026.

Linmon also introduced a unique addition to its lineup, the fantasy action drama series Infinite 10 Days, which comprises 24 episodes and is set to begin production in late 2025 or early 2026. Notably, Linmon is expanding its efforts in local adaptations of its hit series Nothing but Thirty. The first adaptation, retitled The Thirsty Thirty, was produced in Thailand for Disney+, with additional versions in development for Vietnam, Japan (in collaboration with Fuji TV), South Korea (with JTBC), Hong Kong, and Indonesia. Sources indicate that a second season of the original Chinese version is also under development, alongside early plans for a U.K. adaptation.

Another key player at TIFFCOM was XiXi Pictures, which has been involved in producing popular series such as The Last Immortal and The Youth Memories. The company presented three new projects, including the urban romance drama Shine on Me, a 36-episode series based on popular novels by Gu Man. This series features Song Weilong and Zhao Jinmai, with Shanghai as a significant backdrop. Additionally, XiXi showcased the urban romance drama Xiao Fung, an 18-episode series based on the work of Yi Bei, and the 32-episode wuxia costume drama Blade of Vengeance. Set in the Yongle Era, this ambitious production aims to prioritize realism and logic over typical fantastical elements, focusing on authentic location shooting and intense action sequences.

Youhug Media also made waves with its presentations, introducing two projects aimed at international audiences. The highlight was Mobius, a 16-episode time-loop action drama that premiered in China in September 2023 and has since been picked up by iQIYI and Netflix. Adapted from the book by Zhang Xiaomao and directed by Lui Zhangmu, this series has garnered significant viewer interest, prompting Youhug to seek new markets for this sci-fi production. The company also showcased the lavish costume drama Rebirth, a 40-episode historical epic noted for its high production values reminiscent of films by Zhang Yimou.

As the Chinese television industry continues to innovate and expand, the presentations at TIFFCOM demonstrate a clear commitment to both traditional storytelling and fresh narratives. With strong backing from various production houses, the future of Chinese television looks promising, bolstered by a rich array of upcoming dramas that are set to captivate audiences both domestically and internationally.