The South Korean film studio N.E.W. announced a licensing deal for the Chinese adaptation of the period thriller “The Night Owl.”
This deal marks the highest price ever paid for the rights to remake a Korean intellectual property in China.
Despite tense diplomatic relations between South Korea and China, remakes provide a way around the restrictions on Korean content in China.
The film, directed by Ahn Tae-jin, features a narrative set in the 14th century, following a blind acupuncturist who becomes an eyewitness to a royal death.
Produced by C-JeS Entertainment, the film earned $26 million during its theatrical run, showcasing the rising value of film remake rights.
N.E.W., known for successful international remakes, is currently in negotiations for a Japanese adaptation of the Korean hit “Hide and Seek.”
The licensing of “The Night Owl” is seen as a testament to the power of combining historical drama and thriller elements in successful IP.
Danny Lee from N.E.W. is optimistic about the localization process for the Chinese adaptation of the film.
