Back to All News40 Taiwanese Creators Complete Six-Week Netflix and TAICCA Series Writing: Writers Room Workshop
Social Impact
07 November 2024
GlobalTaiwan
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In a significant initiative supporting Taiwanese creators, 40 film and television professionals completed a six-week writers' room workshop on November 3, co-organized by Netflix and the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA). This marked Netflix's first in-person workshop in Taiwan to be funded by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity. From writers' room simulations to expert-led masterclasses, the program aimed to elevate the creative expertise of local writers, producers, and creators.
The remarkable line-up of international and local guest speakers - led by director-writer Hsu Jui-liang (The Victims Game, Taiwan Crime Stories: Dark Currents) - include:
Writer and producer Joe Peracchio (The Flash) and award-winning showrunner Trey Callaway (CSI: NY)
Acclaimed Taiwanese screenwriter Chien Li-ying (Wave Makers)
Taiwanese actors Fu Meng-po and Moon Lee
Netflix Director of Grow Creative, Chris Mack (Special, Its Bruno!)
Netflix Head of Chinese-language Content, Maya Huang (Little Big Women, End of Summer)
Through hands-on practice in character building, plot analysis, and the dynamics of writers' rooms, participants gained practical experience in story development and narrative structure. They also engaged in group discussions and feedback sessions to refine their individual projects while learning international approaches to story creation and project management.
Maya Huang, Netflix Head of Chinese-language Content, reflected, Our partnership with TAICCA has enabled us to create a forum where international and Taiwanese filmmakers can come together to exchange insights, ideas and best practices through live interaction and Q&A sessions. Throughout the six weeks, we have seen boundless creativity, talent and passion among participants, and we hope that this program has offered them fresh perspectives and inspired them to continue to create Taiwanese stories that can resonate with audiences around the world.
TAICCA Chairperson Homme Tsai noted that collaboration between TAICCA and Netflix on the Writers' Room Workshop brings in expert guidance and insights from international instructors and producers. Participants engage in hands-on practice over several weeks to enhance their professional skills, with the aim of empowering them to thrive in the industry and connect with global markets in the future.
Highlighting the collaborative nature of writers' rooms in Hollywood, Netflix Director of Grow Creative Chris Mack emphasizes, Creativity lies in breaking conventions, and great content often emerges from everyday observations, research, and inspiration. A free-flowing exchange of ideas is crucial, as breaking away from existing models is the key to unlocking genuine creativity.
Director-writer Hsu Jui-liang, the workshop's lead mentor, shared, In team collaboration, establishing a common language and system is essential. This workshop between Netflix and TAICCA provided an opportunity for Taiwanese creators to interact with experienced international film and television creators, allowing them to internalize and apply practical knowledge. I am very much looking forward to seeing the future of Taiwanese film and television.
Writer and producer Joe Peracchio discussed practical concepts of the writers room, while award-winning showrunner Trey Callaway gave a deep dive into the role of a showrunner in a writers' room. In the final session, Callaway reviewed the participants' pitches and offered meaningful insights on how to further elevate their scripts.
Participants shared their thoughts on the workshop's impact, highlighting the valuable insights and experiences gained. Cindy Tseng, associate producer of US WITHOUT SEX, shared, "This workshop reintroduced essential tools and methods, such as the writers room and Story Circle concepts. By combining theory with hands-on experience, these methods significantly enhance collaboration with different partners." Director and screenwriter Fran ois Chang reflected on the experience, noting, "I'm grateful to hear from the international experts who shared the structural and thematic elements behind series and classic works. The most valuable aspect was seeing how seasoned professionals apply these formulas to connect with their own projects. Production associate Jasmine S.C. Chou added, "The concept of a writers room is a fresh and promising approach for Taiwan's local film and TV industry. The chance to connect and find a shared creative language with participants from diverse backgrounds was the most invaluable part of this workshop."
Download event photos HERE and recap video HERE.
About The Netflix Fund for Creative Equity
The Netflix Fund for Creative Equity demonstrates Netflix's commitment to supporting and cultivating local creative communities. Through the fund, Netflix supports external organizations committed to creating a more equitable environment in the TV and film industries. With these initiatives, we hope to provide more learning opportunities for our creators, and in turn, bring even more great storytelling to the global audience.
