Cora Yim and Benjamin Lin Launch S11 Partners With Financial Backing From Medialink
Cora Yim and Benjamin Lin, both established indie producers of Chinese-language content, have joined forces to launch S11 Partners. It is partially backed by Medialink Group, an IP, distribution and brand licensing mini-conglomerate that is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
The pair, who previously worked on TV series “Taiwan Crime Stories,” are launching their venture at FilMart in Hong Kong with a slate of three feature films in development. The company’s mission is “developing, financing, producing and distributing original and market-driven Chinese-language content for global audiences.”
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Medialink will hold 10% of the enlarged capital of S11 Partners. But most other details of the Medialink investment — notably its value or — were not immediately disclosed. It is understood that Yim, Lina and Medialink are the only equity holders of the new company.
Yim was previously in charge of original programming and channel management for Fox Networks Group Asia before leaving to establish several independent ventures, and has since produced a string of successful original premium series, including “The Trading Floor” and “Stained.” Before joining Fox (acquired by Disney while she was employed there), Yim worked at Media Asia and Golden Harvest.
Taiwan-based Lin, CEO of CalFilms Asia, has had roles in the film and TV biz that include screenwriter, financier, producer and co-producer. His credits include “Plurality” and “Lovesick.”
The trio of films in development are headed by “The Marriage Drive,” a sweeping Hong Kong romantic drama written and directed by Lawrence Kan (“In Broad Daylight”). The project won the IDP Award at last year’s HAF.
“Mrs. Killer” is a Hong Kong-Taiwan-Malaysia co-production with Imagine Entertainment about a retired assassin-housewife forced back into action. It is written and to be directed by Liao Ming-yi, who debuted with “I Weirdo,” and garnered six Golden Horse Award nominations in the process.
“Oppa, I Hate You” is a K-culture satirical comedy, set up as a Taiwan-South Korea co-production with Imagine Entertainment and Warner Music Group. It reunites scriptwriter Liao Min Kai and script consultant Sharon Wu from last year’s breakout hit “Marry My Dead Body.”
The financing, production schedules and distribution plans for the three films have not yet been disclosed. It is understood that Medialink may additionally become involved in the financing of individual S11 projects. Completed films are expected to be distributed by strategic partners, S11 or Medialink, according to investment and strategy.
“We are committed to delivering exceptional and high-value Chinese-language content to our audiences,” Yim and Lin said in a joint statement. “We will adopt a producer-centered approach and with our experience working with talent in the region and a deep understanding of the audiences, we are confident that S11 Partners will offer a dynamic platform for creative talents to unleash their creativity and craft compelling stories that enthrall audiences throughout Asia and beyond.”
Lovinia Chiu, chair and CEO of Medialink, said in a statement: “The group, being a dynamic leader in Asia’s media content and IP management industry, is confident that S11 will enhance the group’s capacity and capability to produce Chinese-language content for the Asian market and leverage its global distribution network.”
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