Screenworks Asia, the production subsidiary of Taiwan-based streaming platform Catchplay, has set two series to release early next year.
“Not A Murder Story” follows a wannabe actor who finally gets a chance of success. And when he wakes up with a dead woman besides him, he is determined not to let it stand in his way. He cleans up the scene and sets it up like a robbery went wrong, but unknowingly leaves traces of himself to be found.
The show is directed by Ko Chen-Nien, who previously won awards with “Close Your Eyes Before Its Dark” and “The Silent Forest.” And it stars Liu Kuan-Ting (“A Sun”), Sonia Sui (“Women Who Flirt”), and Gingle Wang (“Wave Makers”).
The production is presented by Screenworks Asia, Gala Television Corporation, MakerVille, Taipei Film Commission, Eightgeman and Keepin Joy Tech. It will screen from January 2024 on Catchplay and China’s iQiyi with additional play on GTV Channel and Catchplay Movies Channel.
Watch the trailer for “Not a Murder Story” in which everybody appears to be a suspect.
“I Can See You Shine,” a school-youth drama, will upload later in the first quarter on Catchplay and iQiyi. It stars Regina Lei (“Port of Lies”), Zhan Huai-Yun (“Wave Makers”) and Andy Huang (“Gaga”).
“We are excited to announce the release of our latest Catchplay original series along with iQiyi. ‘Not a Murder Story’ is a crime suspense with a strong ensemble cast that we look forward to bringing to the audience,” said Daphne Yang, Catchplay Group CEO.
“iQiyi is committed to investing more in Taiwanese dramas, supporting the creativity and originality from Taiwan to shine. We are delighted to work with Catchplay once again, following the successful collaboration on ‘The Making of an Ordinary Woman II’,” said Li Yuqian, iQiyi’s GM for the Taiwan market.
“It has been a long journey making ‘Not A Murder Story’ and I cannot wait for the premiere early next year. I am happy to know that it will reach a wider audience,” said Ko.
Founded in 2020, Screenworks Asia is a joint venture with the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA), backer of this week’s Taiwan Creative Content Fest (TCCF). It is intended to accelerate the production of premium movies, series, mini-series and factual entertainment across different genres.
The company’s recent projects include: family comedy “The Making of an Ordinary Woman II,” which won the special award for foreign drama at the 2021 International Drama Festival in Tokyo; “Dee’s Talk,” a talk-show with host Dee Hsu; and iconic film director Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s first executive-produced series, “Twisted Strings,” which premiered in March 2022.
