Production has begun this week in Bangkok for the network’s first returnable series
SINGAPORE, JUNE 9, 2016 – HBO Asia announced today the renewal of the network’s dark action fantasy series, HALFWORLDS, with principal photography for the eight-part second season taking place in Bangkok and Batam.
This marks HALFWORLDS as HBO Asia’s very first returnable series, with season two scheduled for premiere at the end of 2016 on HBO Asia’s on-air, online and on-demand platforms.
Created by HBO Asia and helmed by Thai filmmaker Ekachai Uekrongtham (Beautiful Boxer, Skin Trade), season two of HALFWORLDS widens the universe established in the first season, shifting from the back alleys of Jakarta, to the neon streets of Bangkok, where a tenacious researcher named Juliet is trying to uncover the secret world of demons that live amongst us, while looking for an ancient artefact of great power.
Said Jonathan Spink, CEO of HBO Asia, “HALFWORLDS was created to transcend geographical boundaries, so HBO Asia is of course, delighted by the impact it’s made on audiences across the region and thrilled to be bringing it back. We’re looking forward to drawing more audiences into our fictional world of HALFWORLDS.”
Season two will feature an ensemble cast of actors from Thailand, Indonesia, The Philippines and Taiwan. Reza Rahadian (Habibie & Ainun) and Arifin Putra (The Raid 2) reprise their roles as Tony and Barata. New cast members include Peem Jaiyen (Hormones 3), Tia Tavee (Asia’s Next Top Model 2), Emma Grant (The Idol Game), Myra Molloy (Thailand’s Got Talent), Nicole Theriault (Phobia 2), Jeeja Yanin (Chocolate), David Asavanond (The Last Executioner), Charlie Ruedpokanon (Only God Forgives), Jake Macapagal (Metro Manila), and Teresa Daley (Transformers: Age of Extinction), who also starred in HBO Asia’s Grace.
Conceptualised by HBO Asia and written by Collin Chang, season two of HALFWORLDS is produced by HBO Asia with Singapore-based Infinite Studios. Thailand-based Halo Productions will provide production services in Bangkok, while Singapore-based companies Yellow Box Studios and Gravitate will be responsible for audio post-production including sound design, and colour grading services respectively. The series is produced in partnership with the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) to develop the drama production capabilities of Singapore’s media industry and talent. HBO Asia will work with these talent and Singapore-based companies, and train them to develop and produce compelling content.
Ms Angeline Poh, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Industry Group), MDA, said, “MDA is delighted to partner HBO Asia on the next season of HALFWORLDS, creating the opportunity for Singapore media professionals and companies to participate in this exciting project and hone their craft in producing compelling drama. This is the first in a pipeline of projects as part of the MDA-HBO Asia partnership aimed at raising the bar on quality original dramas produced by Singapore talent.”
About season one of HALFWORLDS
The first season of HBO Asia’s dark fantasy series premiered on HBO Asia’s on-air, online and on-demand platforms in November 29, 2015, to critical acclaim across Asia. The series recently won the Apollo Awards for Best Cinematography, Best Colour Grading – Long Form and Best Motion Graphics – Short Form.
According to The Philippine Star, season one of HALFWORLDS is “edgy, clever, violent and stylishly sexy… having True Blood like appeal… (giving) Game of Thrones white walkers a run for their money”. Philippine Daily Inquirer hailed the series as being “daring in its choice of visuals”. Manila Bulletin described HALFWORLDS as “a TV series with film-style cinematography that boasts a distinctly regional feel but could very well work across key markets globally”.
The Straits Times commended production values on HALFWORLDS for being “impressively slick”, with the escalation of tension “leaving you wanting more”. The Bangkok Post praised the first season for being “dead cool” while The Nation calls it “a cult hit waiting to happen”. To The China Post, the series “makes sure fans stay put on the sofa and forget about the remote control”. To Malaysia’s The Star, “HALFWORLDS is gorgeous to look at with its beautifully shot film noir-style atmosphere.”
About HBO ASIA
Singapore-based HBO Asia brings the best of Hollywood to Asia first through its exclusive licensing deals with major Hollywood and independent studios, including Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. and Lionsgate. HBO Asia has proprietary and award-winning HBO and HBO Asia Original programmes produced exclusively for HBO viewers. Wholly owned by HBO (a Time Warner company), HBO Asia reaches 23 territories across Asia with six 24-hour commercial-free subscription movie channels: HBO, HBO Signature, HBO Family, HBO Hits, Cinemax and Red by HBO, internet streaming platform, HBO GO, subscription video on demand service, HBO On Demand, and in China, 鼎级剧场 (ding ji ju chang). HBO Asia is also the exclusive distributor of BabyFirst and the DreamWorks channel in the region. Log on to www.hboasia.com for more information.
About the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA)
The MDA (www.mda.gov.sg) promotes the growth of globally competitive film, television, radio, publishing, games, animation and interactive digital media industries. It also regulates the media sector to safeguard the interests of consumers, and promotes a connected society. MDA is a statutory board under the Ministry of Communications and Information (www.mci.gov.sg).