Chinese Production Companies Unveil New Dramas at TIFFCOM 2023

Leading Chinese film and television production companies showcased a range of new dramas during the second day of TIFFCOM 2023, held in Tokyo. The emphasis on historical costume dramas and modern urban romance reflects the ongoing popularity of these genres across Asia. Organised 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 attracted eager buyers looking for the latest offerings from China’s entertainment industry.

One of the most prominent companies at the event was Linmon Media, which has rapidly established itself as a key player within the industry since its inception. The studio is best known for hit series like A Love for Separation and Nothing but Thirty, the latter being one of the biggest Chinese television dramas ever produced. At TIFFCOM, Linmon announced its upcoming project, Love Between Lines, a 28-episode modern romance set in Shanghai, directed by Cattree. The series is slated for release at the end of this year or early 2026.

In addition to urban romance, Linmon presented In the Moonlight, a 40-episode historical costume drama featuring actors Bao Shangen and Wang Hongyi, scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026. Another innovative project unveiled was Infinite 10 Days, a high-concept fantasy action drama with 24 episodes, projected for production by the end of 2025 or early 2026.

Linmon also revealed plans to expand its successful format of Nothing but Thirty into local adaptations across several countries. The first adaptation, titled The Thirsty Thirty, premiered in Thailand on Disney+, followed by versions in Vietnam, and upcoming productions in Japan with Fuji TV, South Korea with JTBC, and others in Hong Kong and Indonesia. According to a source familiar with the company, a second season of the original Chinese version is in development, alongside an adaptation for the UK market.

Another significant player at TIFFCOM was XiXi Pictures, based in Shanghai and Beijing. The production company presented several new projects, including the urban romance series Shine on Me, a 36-episode adaptation of popular novels by Gu Man. This series features actors Song Weilong and Zhao Jinmai, placing a strong emphasis on the vibrant backdrop of Shanghai.

XiXi also introduced Xiao Fung, an 18-episode urban romance based on the book by Yi Bei, and the ambitious Blade of Vengeance, a 32-episode wuxia costume drama set during the Yongle Era. This production aims to break from traditional storytelling by emphasizing realism and logic, focusing on real location shooting and intense action sequences.

Meanwhile, Youhug Media highlighted its international ambitions with two noteworthy projects. The standout among these is Mobius, a 16-episode time-loop action drama that premiered in China in September 2023 and has since garnered interest from platforms like iQIYI and Netflix. Based on a novel by Zhang Xiaomao and directed by Lui Zhangmu, this series has resonated with audiences, prompting Youhug to explore new markets for its sci-fi narrative.

Youhug also showcased Rebirth, a high-budget historical epic comprising 40 episodes, which the company claims features film-level production quality reminiscent of classic works by renowned director Zhang Yimou.

As Chinese television dramas continue to captivate audiences both domestically and internationally, the strategic focus on established genres at TIFFCOM indicates a robust market presence and growing global interest in this vibrant entertainment sector.