Derek Tsang, the director known for 3 Body Problem and Better Days, has shared his view on the future of Asian film co-productions. In a recent interview at the Hong Kong FilMart, Tsang explained that despite the difficulties faced by the Asian film market in recent years, there is a growing opportunity for regional collaboration. He pointed out that government grants and regional partnerships are helping filmmakers overcome challenges and expand their reach. The original interview was published on March 24, 2025, at 6:37am PT (7:07pm IST).
Asian Film Trends
Derek Tsang has been a notable figure in the Asian film industry since beginning his career as an actor in Hong Kong in 2002. His directorial debut came in 2010 with “Lover’s Discourse,” and he later achieved international attention when Better Days earned an Oscar nomination for best international feature film. The director’s career shows a deep commitment to bringing local stories to a global audience. His involvement with the Netflix adaptation of Liu Cixin’s science-fiction trilogy, 3 Body Problem, has also sparked conversation about the potential of Asian narratives in mainstream media.
The Asian film market has experienced a mix of success and struggle. Record-breaking box office performances in some regions stand in stark contrast to the declining attendance at movie theatres and fewer film productions in cities like Hong Kong. This juxtaposition underlines a transitional period in the market where filmmakers must navigate both local challenges and international opportunities.
Director Interview Details
During the interview, Derek Tsang explained that many filmmakers are exploring new methods of co-production. He noted that government initiatives, especially in Hong Kong, have introduced schemes that provide financial support and encourage international partnerships. This approach helps bridge the gap between local productions and the demands of international audiences. Tsang also mentioned that his own projects are moving toward formats that cater to both domestic and global markets.
He detailed his experience with different regions. For instance, filmmakers in Hong Kong often have access to the vast Chinese market, which has its own set of audience preferences. At the same time, there is a clear drive to tell Chinese stories in a way that resonates with viewers around the world. His discussion pointed to a future where local talent will be nurtured alongside more collaborative, cross-border film projects.
Film Co-Production Strategy
Film co-production has emerged as a viable strategy for overcoming market limitations. Tsang believes that joining forces with filmmakers from other regions allows for shared resources, wider financing options, and a broader cultural perspective. His comments emphasize that co-production is not just a financial tool but also a creative strategy that broadens the narrative scope of Asian cinema.
The approach involves:
- Government Grants: Many Asian governments are introducing grants that support international film collaborations.
- Regional Tie-Ups: Filmmakers are working with partners from neighboring regions to share resources and expertise.
- Diverse Storytelling: Co-productions help local filmmakers adapt stories to suit varied cultural tastes, which can lead to higher global appeal.
This strategy offers a pathway to make local stories more relatable to international audiences, ensuring that diverse cultural narratives are shared on a broader stage.
Market Challenges Ahead
The interview highlighted the current difficulties within the film market. Despite occasional box office successes, Hong Kong has witnessed a decline in film attendance and production volume. This issue is not unique to one city but reflects a broader trend seen in various parts of Asia. Tsang pointed out that the U.S. film industry continues to maintain its influence in Asian regions through platforms like Netflix and major studios, even though the market itself shows signs of strain.
He emphasized that the U.S. film industry has not fully exited Asia. Instead, its platforms remain influential, making it difficult to predict a sudden surge in Hollywood investments in the region. Instead of waiting for external forces to drive change, local filmmakers are taking proactive steps by developing co-production models that cater both to regional tastes and international standards.
Future Projects Outlook
Derek Tsang is not standing still amid these challenges. He is actively developing new projects in both feature films and drama series that target domestic and international audiences. During the pandemic, he and producer Jojo Hui established their own production company. Their goal is to produce premium drama series that focus on pan-Asian stories. These projects are designed to capture the imagination of local viewers while appealing to the global market.
The director’s vision includes:
- Enhanced Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships across borders.
- Innovative Storytelling: Adapting local narratives for an international audience.
- Future Readiness: Preparing the industry to meet future challenges with flexible and creative solutions.
Derek Tsang’s optimism about the future of Asian co-productions signals a potential turning point in the regional film market. His insights suggest that while current challenges persist, new models of collaboration and government support could lead to significant growth in the coming years.
Filmmakers are encouraged to consider international co-productions as a pathway to overcome local market limitations. The evolution of this strategy may offer long-term benefits for storytelling, financing, and audience reach. The story of Asian cinema continues to unfold, with industry professionals like Tsang leading the way in innovative film-making practices.
Also Read: Jeremy Renner to Return as Mike McLusky in Mayor of Kingstown Season 4 Following Paramount Renewal
SOURCE: Screen Daily
For more updates on Derek Tsang and Asian film collaborations, tune in to Vviptimes.
