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.”