Taiwan agency, Korean producer agree to cooperate on film, TV development

The Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) has signed an agreement with South Korean producer B.A. Entertainment, saying international partnerships and pooled resources are key to bringing Taiwanese content to global markets, the agency said Wednesday.

The partnership will focus on talent development, financing, co-productions and international distribution, according to an agency statement.

TAICCA Chairperson Sue Wang (王時思) and B.A. Entertainment CEO Jang Won-seok signed the memorandum of understanding Monday during the Busan International Film Festival and its accompanying Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM).

TAICCA Chairperson Sue Wang ,left, andB.A. Entertainment CEO Jang Won-seok pose after signing the memorandum of understanding during the Busan International Film Festival on Monday.

Photo: CNA

Wang said international partnerships and pooled resources were central to expanding the global reach of Taiwanese content. Jang praised Taiwan’s creative capabilities and said he hoped the partnership would produce work that can compete internationally, the statement said.

B.A. Entertainment is known for “The Roundup” franchise and “The Gangster, the Cop, the Devil.” Participating Taiwanese companies include 1 Production Film Co., whose credits include “Detention” (返校) and “Monga” (艋舺), and Money Entertainment Investment Co., Ltd., according to TAICCA.

The statement did not disclose financial commitments, an implementation timetable or specific productions under the agreement.

After the signing, TAICCA held a “Taiwan Night” reception attended by more than 500 film industry professionals and buyers, the agency said.

Guests included representatives of South Korea’s CJ ENM and Barunson E&A, the production company behind “Parasite,” as well as film festivals, markets and distributors from Europe, the U.S. and Asia.

The reception featured footage from Taiwanese films and series and joint projects presented at the festival and market, offering opportunities for promotion and business meetings.

Taiwan’s pavilion at the ACFM showcased 235 works, with more than 100 companies and nearly 60 industry representatives taking part, TAICCA said.

Taiwanese participants also joined pitching, publishing and co-production programs and won two awards Tuesday.

“Uncle” (阿叔), a film project directed by Yen Hao- hsuan (顏皓軒) and produced by Patrick Mao Huang (黃茂昌), won the CathayPlay Award at the Asian Project Market.

Taiwanese audiovisual technology company imCore received the InnoAsia Most Promising Startup Award, according to the agency.