IP Companies Spin Books Into Sold-Out Plays, Series and Signature Scents at Taiwan Creative Content Fest

At the recent Taiwan Creative Content Fest (TCCF) held in Taipei, industry leaders showcased innovative approaches to transforming literary works into multifaceted intellectual properties (IPs) that span stage, screen, lifestyle products, and even travel experiences. This strategy reflects Taiwan’s growing commitment to cultivating a vibrant cultural economy by leveraging original narratives across multiple platforms.

The Taiwanese IP development model draws inspiration from South Korea’s decades-long success in cultural exports, where concerted policy efforts encouraged cross-industry collaboration involving fashion, electronics, and entertainment sectors. This framework aims to generate sustainable revenue streams while nurturing the creative ecosystem.

A notable player in this space, IPis Innovation, emphasizes utilizing books as foundational story sources due to their established readership and relatively low acquisition costs. The company tests audience engagement first through theatrical productions, which act as market indicators based on ticket sales before moving toward screen adaptations and merchandise.

One of IPis’s successful ventures is the stage play "Marital Lost Love," adapted from psychiatrist Deng Hui-wen’s book. The play’s repeated sold-out runs validated audience interest, enabling expansion into other formats including a podcast series and two signature fragrances associated with the production’s themes. This exemplifies the company’s strategy to extend IP value beyond traditional media.

Further exemplifying this approach, the series "Do You Still Love Me?" originated from a novel and notably secured five accolades at the 2025 TCCF Pitching event, including the prestigious udnFunLife IP Potential Award. Its development roadmap envisions brand collaborations, product placements, a revival of a popular reality show, and a feature film titled "99 Days to Countdown." The film’s honeymoon segment presents opportunities to create themed travel itineraries in partnership with Taiwan’s tourism sector, illustrating the breadth of cross-industry IP applications.

Cultural identity and social relevance are core pillars in IPis’s development philosophy. Projects such as the adaptation of Yang Shuang-zi’s "Siwei Street No. 1," which centers on five women sharing a house in Taichung, are complemented by food-related events inspired by a historical Taiwanese cookbook from the Japanese colonial era. This multidisciplinary approach includes planned stage adaptations, exhibitions, sensory products, and character booklets, with international interest already emerging from Japanese collaborators.

The Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA), which organizes TCCF, reinforces the importance of profitability, stability, and growth in IP ventures. CEO Erica Wang highlights the necessity of maximizing IP utility through a “one source, multiple uses” strategy to ensure commercial viability across diverse markets.

From an investment perspective, udnFunLife’s chairman Owen Lee underscores the significance of securing clear rights for adaptations and sequels to facilitate seamless IP extensions. His company prioritizes IPs with strong audience recognition and flexible narratives that can transition into exhibitions, merchandise, and immersive experiences such as virtual reality. For example, they developed an exhibition around the Taiwanese horror film "The Rope Curse 3" prior to the film’s release and are planning a mobile VR experience linked to its sequel.

Lee identifies considerable promise in Taiwan’s live-action film, television, and theatrical IPs, while acknowledging that character-driven properties and animation remain underdeveloped sectors with potential for growth.

Ultimately, the Taiwanese IP development approach places the audience at the center, encouraging creators to craft narratives that resonate emotionally while reflecting Taiwanese values and sustainability principles. This strategy not only fosters cultural pride but also positions Taiwan’s creative industries for dynamic expansion in the global market.