Netflix orders first original from Taiwan

Netflix has ordered its first Chinese-language original series from Taiwan, a “jailbreak thriller” named Bardo.

The eight-episode series will become available to all Netflix members worldwide at the same time, but the official date has not been annoucned.

Netflix is teaming up with prodco IFA Media and writer/director Sam Quah (pictured) to produce the show.

Bardo follows the journey of Ah Quan, a good man who has descended into crime awaiting execution. Netflix describes the title as a “jailbreak thriller with a karmic dimension”.

Frank Smith, executive producer of Bardo, said: “Taiwan’s film and TV industry is full of amazing creativity and Sam’s a new Asian talent who is open to pushing the boundaries and trying new things but with a strong insight into local and regional themes.

“The combination of this range of skills from across the region and the chance to work with a global platform like Netflix that is producing amazing content we’d all love to create, made this a great partnership for IFA. The story itself is steeped in local realities and dilemmas but the approach, the script and the dramatic feel is something completely new.”

The move sees Netflix invest in further global productions after announcing new moves in Latin America and India earlier this week.