EXCLUSIVE: In another recent series of intriguing local-language projects, Sony Pictures International Productions is teaming up with Taiwan’s Activator to co-produce a paranormal comedy Society of Dead Talents. SPIP has also acquired worldwide distribution rights in addition to closing a deal for worldwide remake rights.

Directed by John Hsu (Detention), the feature is based on his short film which he also wrote (see below). The premise centers around ghosts striving to be the most successful and famous stars of the underworld through their spooky tactics and performance among the living. The end goal is to become the scariest urban legend.

The film is set to begin production in 2022 and is expected to be theatrically released in Taiwan via Sony Pictures Releasing Taiwan in 2023.

Bolin Chen (In time with you) and Sandrine Pinna (Yang-Yang) are starred. Award-winning Taiwanese filmmakers Lieh Lee, Aileen Li and Ivy Chen are the producers.

“We fell in love with this project as soon as we saw it,” said Michael Rifkin, co-director of Sony Pictures International Productions. “Society of Dead Talents is a perfect example of the high concept stories coming out of Taiwan right now. We are delighted to be able to partner with Activator again and support the growing local film industry in Taiwan, which has been one of the most resilient throughout the pandemic, and to continue our investment in the Asian market. .

Ken Yu, Managing Director of Sony Pictures Releasing Taiwan, added, “Sony Pictures International Productions is committed to working with local talent in the growing Asian film industry, and we are always on the lookout for investment projects that have the potential to go global. When we first saw the short film by Society of Dead Talents, we immediately contacted our US headquarters about the project. We are fully confident in this collaboration and sincerely hope that the limitless potential of Taiwan’s film industry can be seen and enjoyed around the world.

Producer Chen says SPIP “has shown us nothing but optimism and support, and that’s something I can’t be grateful enough for. Due to the pandemic, our filming schedule was delayed and we were concerned that it would disrupt the whole project. However, the studio has always supported us with respect and patience, and this has led to a fruitful collaboration.

Lee adds, “Over the years, we have worked with several international studios to bring local content to global markets. The generous support and investment of Sony Pictures International Productions in this film therefore represents a giant step for the development and future of the Taiwanese film industry. For Li, “Our goal with Sony Pictures International Productions is to make a great comedy movie that is touching and refreshing and that moviegoers will thoroughly enjoy.”

SPIP’s local releases in Taiwan have included box office successes i WEiRDO, do you love me like i love you, your name engraved here, man in love and the winner of the Golden Horse for Best Feature Film last year The falls.

Here’s the short take on Society of Dead Talents: